Richard Simmons has closed his famous Beverly Hills exercise studio, Slimmons.
The studio held its final class on Saturday morning. Though the fitness guru was not present, a statement was read aloud and later posted to Facebook.
“When I opened Slimmons in 1974, I simply couldn’t wait to tell everyone that food could be healthy AND delicious or that exercise could be fun! I worked my little striped shorts off to spread the message that you must move your body every day, that portion size matters and that while others may not always be kind to you, you must be kind to yourself.” Simmons said in the statement.
“It’s been over forty years now, and I am finally taking my own advice. I am being kind to myself, and putting myself first. I am making changes and taking time to do the things I want to do. Please know that I am in good health and I am happy. No one has ever been able to tell me what to do and the same is true today. I am still independent, determined and opinionated. I simply am making a new beginning for myself — quietly and in my very own special way.”
Simmons chose to close his remarks on an inspiring note: “While I’m not there today to share this last class, I know you will take comfort in the friends you’ve made and the lessons you learned. Truly, you don’t need me to tell you what to do anymore. You know. It’s within you. It’s in your heart and it’s been there all along. So get up and get moving! Be kind to one another, be kind to your body and be kind to yourself.”
Simmons’ longtime manager, Michael Catalano, told ET last month that the studio was closing for good — a move that was Simmons’ idea — and that “he just hasn’t taught there in over two years.”
Read the full statement below.
