If you are part of the Baby Boomer or Gen X community, fitness guru Richard Simmons is a name that is likely familiar to you. He is known for his workout videos with titles such as “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.” Simmons passed away on July 13, 2024, the day after his 76th birthday.
In writing this piece about health, I reflected on Simmons’ influence on total wellness. I remember watching his workouts on television as a kid in the ‘80s and thinking they were mildly amusing. Now, rewatching them as a middle-aged adult, I have a deep respect for him and how he revolutionized the fitness world. His positivity, charm and inclusivity is a rare sight on TV back then and even these days. He made fitness and health both fun and accessible for everyone. I found three quotes by Richard Simmons that describe my own wellness journey.
“Your health is your wealth. Invest in yourself.”
Among all the things Simmons said, this one stuck out to me the most. I celebrated my 49th birthday this summer. Based on the average lifespan, it’s likely I now have fewer birthdays ahead of me than behind me. That is a sobering thought. As a parent, it’s really sobering. However, this quote is a call to focus on health as an asset to be built up, nurtured and protected.
I pay more attention to how my body is feeling now. I no longer put off reaching out to my health care providers when I’m feeling “off.” I move more on a daily basis. I make healthier food choices to fuel my body.
But, it’s not just my physical health I’m investing in; it’s my mental and emotional health as well. Maintaining a regular therapy schedule has been one of the most significant investments I’ve made in myself.
While these investments have certainly benefited me, they have also benefited my family. I have been able to do things I likely wouldn’t have been physically or mentally able to do with my family before. The payoff includes being able to try new things with my kids, like ziplining with my youngest child. Or having the confidence to do a cartwheel on stage in front of an audience full of students, families and guests at our daughters’ dance studio recital.
“Embrace the process. Change takes time, but every step forward is progress.”
I have been on my wellness journey for over two years. What I’ve learned is that it’s a life-long process. The changes I’ve felt and seen are slow but steady. There have been months I didn’t feel like I was making much progress. Yet, when I look back at old photos or read old journal entries, I can see it.
The process has included figuring out what works and doesn’t work for me. It’s taught me to accept that change does take time. And when setbacks happen, I know I can get back up and take the next step forward.
“Fitness is not just about physical strength but mental and emotional well-being as well.”
I can’t emphasize enough how adopting this view of fitness has helped me on my wellness journey. The connection between the body and the mind is a powerful one. Simmons drew attention to that connection throughout his workouts. You can’t watch his videos and not feel happy because of the confidence, positive attitude and enthusiasm he and those on his videos show.
Doing a couple of Richard Simmons’ workouts this week definitely boosted my well-being. The pace of physical movement was slow to moderate but challenging enough that I felt like I had done something good for my body. The music and positivity made me feel happy.
As I continue to engage in regular physical activity, my body has gotten stronger and my endurance has improved. The same can be said about my mental and emotional well-being.
I noticed this most when I took a 6-week adult ballet class at my daughters’ dance studio last spring. First of all, I have a new-found respect for ballerinas — ballet is hard! The physical aspects of ballet were evident as the class progressed. Ballet required me to strengthen muscles I don’t normally use. Ballet also required focus. I needed to pay close attention to the positioning of almost every part of my body: my feet, hands, head, etc. To do ballet safely and correctly meant slowing my mind down.
Beyond the actual ballet lessons, the social aspect of being in the class with other adults trying something new was great for my mental and emotional well-being. We didn’t take ourselves too seriously and thoroughly enjoyed the class and each other’s company.
As you begin or continue your own wellness journey, don’t forget to slow down enough to celebrate not just the physical strength you gain but the impact your journey can have on your mental and emotional well-being.
Editor’s note: Christina Mushi-Brunt is a former professor turned freelance writer and public health research consultant. Christina and her husband have three kids, and they reside in Moore, where she is active in the education community.
