Slimmons

Once again it appears that I have fallen off the blogwagon, but alas...life has just been a whirlwind of busy, work, travel and fun. I just got back from a week in Los Angeles to see Angela and it was an amazing trip.
Today we can thank a sick child and a snow storm for the odd chance that I am home to actually blog!!

So..let's talk about meeting one of my fitness idols.

You know who I'm talking about...THIS GUY!!

Sparkly.
Spunky.
Sweaty.

Seriously...what's trip to Beverly Hills without a quick stop to hang out with the King of Fitness himself, Richard Simmons.
Yes, THE Richard Simmons.

Angela and I were going to go to a "HardCore" class at Barry's Bootcamp Thursday evening however, a quick walk with the dog would change our plans...on our Abbey walk, we stop by neighbor/friend, Sara's house where we learned that Richard Simmons was in his studio in Beverly Hills that night.

Instant. Change. Of. Plans.

We rushed back to Angela's to get ready for class.

Pink--check

Sparkles--check

Positive Attitude--check

I have been a long time fan of Richard Simmons and meeting him in person just amplified that fandom! He is still so full of energy and is just as sweet & kind as I expected him to be.

The rules are NO PHONES and NO CAMERAS in the studio during class but after he will hang out and take pics. Ok, cool. I can follow the rules...

Angela and I wait around while tons of people start filling up his studio-a traditional "dance" studio with wood floors and a mirrored wall. There are all walks of life here--young, old, fit, not-as-fit, male, female--you name it. I was actually surprised that there were so many YOUNG ladies too!! There was a Zumba convention in town and several young gals were there to check Richard out.  I doubt they even recall the days of Richard Simmons in the 80's.

1980's Richard

Remember Deal A Meal?? (I DO!!)

and this is Richard now. Pretty sure his energy level is the same!!

High energy. The dude is a PERFORMER!! His energy was amazing and I found myself sweating and smiling ear to ear!

Here is a video clip from Richard's YouTube channel and this is exactly how the class was-- High energy, fun and he is definitely a performer! I even recognize a couple faces in this video as his "regulars".
The music was fun (and yes, he still uses records and doesn't miss a beat either!)

Before I knew it, my face hurt from smiling and I was dripping in sweat! It was a 90 minute class and the time flew by...the majority of the class was dance style stuff which was so fun and then we hit up a segment of weight training and then a core set and then a cooldown.

I am so happy that we went to Richard's Slimmons studio vs. Barry's Bootcamp.

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Richard and his mission to help people. I have always believed that his heart was genuine. I was so  happy to see that this was 100% accurate and he is even nicer in person than I could have imagined...and Cute as a BUTTON!!

Next time you are in Beverly Hills, this is a MUST STOP.
It was a huge highlight of my trip!!

Not gonna lie, I did squeal like a school girl when he tweeted me today!!