Richard Simmons' Lecturecise a Success



Isaad with Simmons pre-Lecturecise at SRC

Last Wednesday the Student Recreation Center (SRC) at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) hosted the National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day to promote a healthy lifestyle for students on campus. Fitness icon Richard Simmons was invited to be a part of the day and offered up some of his signature fat burning dance moves for the CSUN community to groove to.

Simmons was the finale to the day packed with outdoor activities like tether ball, hula hooping, corn hole and other healthy ways to have fun while incorporating exercise. There were also on-site nutritionists and free Subway sandwiches that allowed students to eat right and learn about healthy eating habits to continue to do so.   

As evening approached, students began to line up outside the SRC Standing Room to catch a glimpse of Simmons prepping for his Lecturecise. The fitness guru was in high spirits, adorned with black and white angel wings, shredded leggings and a sequined tank top. Students came fully prepared with sweat bands (handed out when given a wrist band to enter the Lecturecise), neon workout clothing, sunglasses and other attire reminiscent of the ‘80s. 

Simmons fully excited the awaiting crowd when he asked them to come inside for a personal picture with him. Students came rushing at the invite and were elated when the fitness icon took on hilarious poses with his fans.

“I appreciated the he approached us while we were waiting in line so that we could take a picture,” said CSUN student Virginia Isaad about Simmons' surprise invitation to take pictures before the event (pictured below). 

Simmons worked out the crowd when they were introduced to his signature Slimmons Studio inspired dance exercise. Click here to read more about Slimmons Studio in Beverly Hills.  

“It was unforgettable. I did not expect to sweat as much as I did,” said Isaad in response to how she felt about her experience at the Lecturecise. 

The Lecturecise came to a close with a bit of personal information about Simmons. He concluded his fat burning routine with a brief recount of his own struggles with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The mission was completed by the SRC in promoting healthy lifestyles with fun, fitness, and of course, Simmons’ signature dance moves.    



‘80s flashback with health, fitness, fun and Richard Simmons

National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day is this Wednesday, February 22. California State University, Northridge is hosting an ‘80s inspired day of activities for students, staff and faculty to partake in, as well as a "Lecturecise" with fitness guru Richard Simmons at the new Student Recreation Center (SRC).

"We knew wellness would be a goal" of the University Student Union's (USU) events team when planning activities around the SRC, said Shanell Tyus, USU events manager. Each activity for the day and Simmons' infusion of lecture and exercise has been carefully thought out by Tyus and her team. 

"If we're bringing in Richard Simmons why don't we bring it back to the 80's," said Tyus in response to how the activities reflect a 1980’s theme and are reminiscent of side pony tails, sweat bands, and leg warmers. 

Those wishing to attend the event should be prepared for a full immersion into the 80's era and come dressed in their greatest fitness attire reflecting the genre. There will be a contest for the best outfit and the winner will be awarded with five free personal training sessions at the SRC.

Other activities include hop scotch, hula hoop, potato sack races, tether ball, and other outdoor activities for individuals to compete in starting at 11 a.m. at the Plaza del Sol, USU and the OST Lawn. Make sure you pick up a "report card" when you get there because if you receive at least two "grades" from participating in an activity, then you are eligible for a free Subway sandwich.

If you are looking to attend Simmons' "Lecturecise" make sure you head to the SRC at 3 p.m. that day to get a wristband for the 6 p.m . start time. The class will be held in the SRC Standing Room that can hold around 450 individuals, so make sure you are one of them if you are interested in hearing the fitness icon's story, as well as getting a workout. A meet-and-greet will directly follow from 7 to 8 p.m. and pictures are welcome.

The National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day is something that engages the campus community in fun, healthy activity, along with bringing awareness to the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. When asked about having the SRC host the event in the future, Tyus responded with, "Absolutely, this is one of those days we hope to continue to have on the calendar." Click here for more information.