Richard Simmons To Lead Free Workout At UC Riverside

RIVERSIDE (CBS) — UC Riverside's newest instructor will likely be wearing shorter shorts than anyone on the campus is accustomed to.

Fitness guru Richard Simmons will lead students and faculty through a workout routine Thursday at the Riverside campus, to promote community health and fitness.

"I am so excited to teach a class for the students at UC Riverside," Simmons said. "I have been making appearances at campuses around the country, and it has been so much fun. Come ready to sweat, to laugh, to learn a little and have a blast!"

Besides the class, Simmons will also host a raffle and judge a Richards Simmons look-alike contest, with an '80s theme," event coordinator Devon Sakamoto said.

The event will be from 5-7:30 p.m. at UCR's Student Recreation Center.

"Richard's message of physical and mental health is one that everyone should have the opportunity to hear," Sakamoto said.

Students, faculty and area residents will be admitted to the class free, however those without campus parking permits will have to pay for parking.

Everyone who wants to join the workout should come wearing the appropriate clothes, Sakamoto said.

Simmons, 63, has been making television appearances since the late 1970s promoting weight loss programs. He runs Simmons Studio in Beverly Hills, where he still teaches motivational courses.

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