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Jan.26, 2003
By JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS
Staff writer
Glitter-spangled fitness guru Richard Simmons brought his high-octane sweatfest to the Holland area Saturday, literally
kicking off Holland Community Hospital's 2003 Project LIFT.
"Do you want it!" Simmons screamed into the microphone as he danced on a stage to a thunderous cha-cha-cha
soundtrack in the gymnasium at Zeeland East High School.
More than 650 men, women and children gyrated wall-to-wall and up into the bleachers, and most kept it up for nearly
all of the one-hour session.
Simmons wore his trademark tank top -- purple for Saturday's event -- and matching form-fitting shorts and white running
shoes.
Simmons reminded the crowd to drink plenty of water during the exercise routines.
He noted that the human body is 65 percent water, while his was about 65 percent sequins and sassy attitude.
"I live to teach," he yelled.
On the road 300 days a year, Simmons said, "This is my happiest place .... this is my life," while gesturing
with both well-tanned arms stretched wide.
After a quick pep talk, a few jokes about his shorts and the frigid temperatures outside, Simmons cues the soundman.
"I want my music nice and loud," he shouts.
Whitney Houston and a row of huge woofers and tweeters deliver with a pulsating "I Wanna Dance With Somebody
(Who Loves Me)."
An ocean of naked arms move back and forth, and point to the rafters.
"I've never seen so many armpits in my life," Simmons hollers, evoking peels of laughter from the crowd.
With mischievous looks, Simmons selects a series of folks to join him on stage for some personal instruction, and
the glory of moving and shaking in front of hundreds of people.
"Five, six, seven -- pick it up," he prods.
Olivia Newton-John is pounding from the overhead speakers with "Xanadu," as Simmons smiles wide and pushes
the folks to further perspiration.
"Get those legs up!"
Cyndi Lauper helps kick it up a notch with "Girls Just Want To Have Fun," and a youngster in a long black
dress and pink snow boots gets caught up in the show and begins bounding up and down the bleachers.
Simmons, ever the flamboyant motivator, somehow seems to make eye contact with everybody in the room -- and the crowd
can't get enough.
"Four more ... three more ... how bad do you want it?"
The exciting session winds to a slow-burn finish of stretching movements, all to the soulful strains of the song,
"Lady in Red."
When the overhead speakers are hushed, Simmons bounds to the front edge of the stage and like a proud parent he proclaims:
"Look what you did!"
Directing the group to sit down and relax, Simmons sits cross-legged on the stage and encourages the group further,
while praising Holland hospital's unique program.
Successful weight loss is 10 percent exercise, 10 percent healthy eating habits, and 80 percent motivation, he said.
Simmons pleaded with the group not to live in the past, but to get and maintain a positive attitude.
"You can walk among the ruins of your life, or you can start moving forward," he said.
Simmons encouraged everyone to sign up for the hospital's 10-week Project LIFT program. The deadline is Jan. 31.
To register call (616) 394-3313. You can sign up in person from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at Trinity Reformed Church on
Apple Avenue in Holland.
Project LIFT (Lifestyle Improvement for our Town) aims to improve area resident's physical and emotional wellness,
particularly their exercise habits, lifestyle habits, nutrition and stress levels.
For more information visit the hospital Web site at www.hollandhospital.org.
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