Richard Simmons To Close Beverly Hills Studio After More Than Forty Years

BEVERLY HILLS (CBSLA) — Richard Simmons is shutting down his Beverly Hills workout studio.

The 68-year-old fitness personality announced on Facebook he plans on shuttering Slimmons Studio in November.

Slimmons opened its doors in 1974 and helped propel Simmons to stardom as a weight loss icon amid the 1980s aerobic workout boom.

A statement from Simmons read in part: "It has been an amazing part of my life to teach, meet and support people from all over the world. I want to thank everyone who has come through those studio doors to laugh, cry and sweat with me! Remember to keep sweatin', keep movin' and most importantly go out and Vote!"

Simmons, who blamed dehydration for a hospital stay back in June, has shied away from the public eye after reports surfaced that he was being held captive at his home by his live-in housekeeper - rumors which Simmons later denied.