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Richard Simmons testified on Capitol Hill yesterday as an advocate for the battle against childhood obesity. This clip is long (about 5 minutes) but well worth it.
My favorite line is when he says that not everyone is a jock and not everyone can run, but everyone can be FIT. (this is around 2:48)
I’ve never been much of a fan of Richard Simmons, but I’m definitely one now! He vows to devote the rest of his life to finding a way for every child to be fit and feel self esteem and self respect.
He wants to be a head of a committee that will train teachers to teach kids about cardio, strength training, and stretching.
I will vote for him, how about you?
Written on Friday, July 25th, 2008 at 5:00 am
Filed under success stories.
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July 25th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Awww, I’ve always had a soft spot for Richard Simmons. He’s championed and encouraged women who were never jocks or have never been in shape and made them feel like they could get there, too, and I really respect that. He’s got a sense of fun that I think people really relate to. Good for him for getting in there to knock out childhood obesity–it’s a terrible problem that needs someone who will stop the hand-wringing and get kids eating healthy and moving!
Amy G’s last blog post..Now we are Six!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:45 am
He is such a character, but genuinely authentic and that is admirable! It is awesome that someone who is so well known in the media is really going to bat for kids. Who isn’t all talk but has a lifetime of experience in helping get the job done.
As my toddler gets closer to the kindergarten age and I look at schools around here more and more, it kinda sickens me that PE and recess are shorter or non-existent. 5 minutes of recess isn’t going to get the wiggles out! PE was such a fun part of school for me- I still remember my PE teacher. I know between that and recess, it helped me to focus in the classroom.
Hannah’s last blog post..Where Did I Go?
July 25th, 2008 at 8:53 am
I bought one of his DVDs after I had my first son and used it for a while. It got me to a place where I felt that I was ready to make a commitment to my Y (in other words that I would really go instead of just paying for it and sitting on my couch!). It was great meeting you!
Alex Elliot’s last blog post..Why Do You Blog
July 25th, 2008 at 9:01 am
R-Sim — Shout it out, baby!
He’s so right. When he asks, “What have we done to the kids in America?” It is such an appropriate question. We’ve taken kids ability to move during the day away from them.
I hope he’s able to help!
Felice’s last blog post..Tough tips.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:14 am
I love Richard Simmons. He seems to have a genuine concern for people and the fact that most people consider him an outcast makes him even more beloved to me. Loved the video.
charlotte’s last blog post..Prophylactic Surgery For… Eating Disorders?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:16 am
he’d get my vote, too. he may be a kook, but he means well and has dedicated his life to the cause. He has a wonderful heart…go Richard!!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Yeah, I agree with everyone else…Go Richard!
Nap Warden’s last blog post..Holy, AMAZING, Batman!!!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:34 am
amy: welcome and thanks for reading!
hannah: I so agree, 5 minutes for PE is pathetic! In my area they only have PE every SIX days!?
alex: it was great to meet you too!
charlotte: loved his personal story. made him that much more credible.
weighting game: a great heart indeed!
nap: yep, rock on RS!
July 25th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Thats really great but the question is, as always in politics, will he follow through?? I sure hope so!
Sagan’s last blog post..Dehydrating Food: Rounds Two and Three
July 25th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I agree with you all. Goofy, but his heart is in the right place. He should team up with Denise Austin and Arnold. Maybe they could get PE into the schools on a REGULAR basis!!
Rachel’s last blog post..HOP Your Way to Improved Efficiency and Strength!
July 25th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
That is the first time I haven’t seen him in his 70s’ shorts and the tank top. I might have to take him a bit more serious as well.
Mark Salinas’s last blog post..Physio Ball Exercises
July 25th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Whenever I hear him speak about childhood obesity, I am impressed. He is passionate about helping children! Physical Education needs to recognized as the critical issue that it is for our children.
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)’s last blog post..The Sampler - I Have A Three Year Old
July 25th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I LOVE Richard! You can just really tell that he cares about people and truly wants to help them. I find that very motivational!
And I wish I could have met you at BlogHer too!!
Jen’s last blog post..Check me out at BISJ!
July 25th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I just love Richard, I listen to him each Sunday on Sirius Satellite. I meant to blog about his testimony so thank you so much for the video!!
He is out there doing such wonderful, positive work for so many people, he’s a true gift to us all. 
July 25th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
With “globesity” — global obesity — being a huge problem, I love Richard for getting the word out!
btw, would you consider swapping links?
July 25th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I was never an RS fan until I finally broke down and did one of his DVDs. Then, I was seriously like, why have I never given this man a chance? He makes everything so fun, and he’s smart, and he’s sends a good message. And, he’s always entertaining, which doesn’t hurt.
Turns out, he looks good in sparkley spandex AND suits on Capitol Hill!
July 31st, 2008 at 6:19 am
He is entertaining and hearty and funny, and not quite my cup of tea, but he completely bought me on this tape. His devotion to this huge problem is sincere, and it is his life work… I say Go Richard!!
Sues last blog post..Richard Simmons Our Fitness Advocate