Many different cookbooks are also available,
which include a wide variety of recipes designed to be
eaten while on Simmons’ diet. Also available is a food
diary so that the dieter has an accurate way to record
not only how many servings of what food groups were
eaten, but which specific foods, and any other infor-
mation the dieter wants to record.Exercise
The Richard Simmons diet is designed to be done
with one of his exercise routines. He has many differ-
ent routines and is known for pairing upbeat music
with moderately strenuous exercises. Simmons designs
his exercise programs so that they are safe and effec-
tive for almost anyone to do, including the very over-
weight and seniors. Some of the titles of his exercise
videos and DVDs include ‘‘60s Blast Off,’’ ‘‘Richard
Simmons Dance Your Pants Off!,’’ and ‘‘Richard Sim-
mons Super Toning.’’ He also has specialty videos for
some groups such as ‘‘Richard Simmons and the Silver
Foxes’’ a work out routine designed for seniors that
features various celebrities who played moms and
dads on television. His DVD ‘‘Sit Tight’’ is designed
for people who, for any reason, cannot exercise stand-
ing up. It is designed to give a dieter a full workout all
from a sitting position.Motivation
Richard Simmons provides motivation to dieters
following his plan in many different forms. On his
website, http://www.richardsimmons.com, dieters can join
his clubhouse, for a fee, and get access to many helpful
tools. There are discussion boards where dieters can
share their frustrations or encourage others, and a
daily motivation message from Simmons. He also fre-
quently chats live to members and to give them even
more motivation. His exercise DVDs are filled with
up-beat music and encouraging words.
Simmons’ website provides information about
when he can be seen on any of the many television
shows on which he appears as a guest. Additionally,
there are also many opportunities for dieters to be
motivated by Simmons, in person. He travels an aver-
age of 250 days per year, according to his website, and
visits places as diverse as senior citizens centers,
schools, and shopping malls. When he is not traveling
he still regularly teaches exercise classes at his health
and fitness club ‘‘Slimmons’’. He also organizes a
cruise from New York to the Caribbean each year
that dieters can sign up for. The cruise is designed for
people following his program and includes special
meals, motivational talks by Simmons, and exercise.Function
The Richard Simmons diet is intended to help
people lose weight at a healthy, moderate pace, over
time, and to help the dieter keep the weight off after
the desired weight loss has been achieved. Simmons
intends the diet for all dieters, even those who are
disabled by theirobesity. He also believes that it can
be effective for senior citizens, or others who need a
more moderate pace of exercise.Benefits
There are many benefits to losing weight, being
more healthy, and being more fit. The benefits of
weight loss can be very significant, and are generally
considered to be the greatest for people who are
extremely obese. People who are obese are at higher
risk of type II diabetes, heart disease, and many other
diseases and disorders. The risk and severity of these
disorders is generally greater the more overweight a
person is. Weight loss, if achieved at a moderate pace
through a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce
the risk of these and other obesity-related diseases.
Increased exercise can also reduce the risk of cardio-
vascular diseases. An additional benefit of the Richard
Simmons diet is that his motivational messages are
intended to help dieters get through the trickiest
times of dieting without giving up, and can help lead
the dieter to an more positive outlook overall.Precautions
Anyone thinking of beginning a new diet or exer-
cise regimen should consult a medical practitioner.
Requirements of calories, fat, and nutrients can differ
significantly from person to person, depending on
gender, age, weight, and many other factors such as
the presence of any disease or conditions. Pregnant or
breastfeedingwomen should be especially cautious
because pregnant and breast feeding women have dif-
ferent needs ofvitaminsandminerals, and deficiencies
of can have a significant negative impact on a baby.
Exercising too strenuously or beginning a rigorous
exercise program too suddenly can have negative
effects on the body such as an increased risk of injury.Risks
With any diet or exercise plan there are some risks.
It is often difficult to get enough of some vitamins and
minerals when eating a limited diet. Anyone beginning
a diet may want to consult their physician about
whether taking a vitamin or supplement could help
them reduce this risk. Richard Simmons’ work-outs
are generally intended for everyone to be able to doRichard Simmons diet