Sweatin' to the Oldies Created By Richard Simmons - A Good-Hearted Fitness Program

When Richard Simmons first created Sweatin' to the Oldies in the late eighties, it occurred to me that it would be fun to buy the VHS tape.  My children were little then, though, and I was not lacking in exercise opportunities (although I had a serious shortage of free time).  As a result, I never bought the program.   The kids grew.  I had more time for "structured" exercise, and I leaned more toward walking than anything else.  It was, I guess, in the late 90's when I mentioned to my sister that I had always kind of wanted to get the Sweatin' to the Oldies program; and I was so disappointed when she said, "I wish I'd known.  We had the program at work, because someone thought it would be good to have.  Nobody was using it, so I gave it away."  And so, in the back of my mind remained the idea that one day I'd remember to buy the program.

In the last few years I've had more interest in "formal" fitness programs, and I've run into the Richard Simmons program a few times online.  Finally, last year, I bought the 20th Anniversary Edition of Sweatin' to the Oldies (now on DVD, of course).  The songs on the particular DVD aren't really among my favorites, but - hey - it's an exercise DVD.  I have Turbo Jam.  I work out to "urban" music.  No workout DVD is going to have my particular preferences in music.  My tastes in music are more likely to be found on a blood-pressure-lowering sound machine.

In any case, after first becoming aware of the Sweatin' to the Oldies program I finally purchased it 20 years later.   When I got the DVD and played it, it was something of a disappointment.

On the one hand, as is in keeping with Richard Simmons' compassionate attitude toward people needing to work out, the DVD brought to mind the thought that the program is a "kind-hearted" one.  That, alone, is enough to make me like the intentions of the DVD.  Simmons has aimed to add color to the program by creating what is said to be a "prom setting" (although it's nothing like the "Lilacs-in-the-Snow" themed prom I attended at nearby country club).  The Sweatin' to the Oldies "prom" is in more of a school-gym setting, although there's a stage (so maybe it's a school-cafeteria setting).  Complete with Friday-night-school-dance lighting, the program features a good sized group of "regular" (mostly heavy, in some cases extremely heavy, and in no cases looking like the "perfect specimens" who show up in most fitness DVD's) people, enjoying moving to the music.  It's a "happy" DVD. (How could it not be with Richard Simmons' running the program?)  Again, as I watched it, it seemed to keep reminding me of what a good-hearted program it is.   This shouldn't take away from the fact that any program that gets people up and moving (particularly people who may not be able to quite so successfully follow other fitness programs) is an excellent program.

Having said that (and after having worked out to many different fitness DVD's in the last few years), I have to say that Sweatin' to the Oldies gave me the impression there's something a little too "not-ready-for-prime-time" about the program.  I'm no Olympic athlete, gymnast, or fitness guru.  I tend to say I'm "the average, middle-years, woman", although I think, maybe, I'm a little more fit and flexible than many women (or men) my age are.  Still, I know that there are plenty in my age range who are far more athletic and active than I am.  In any case, I'm someone who can keep up with "standard" fitness programs without much trouble.  Because of that, I have to say that I haven't returned to the Sweatin' to the Oldies DVD more than a couple of times.  To be candid, the motocycle that comes driving into the "prom" and a lot of the "extras" intended to make the program fun just aren't anything I want to see in my fitness program.

In fairness to Sweatin' to the Oldies, this is - without a doubt - a program anyone (who doesn't have some serious medical condition) could follow.    There are no "fancy" kickboxing or Latin dance moves in Simmons' "prom".  There's just getting moving, and there's no doubt it's fun to follow the program.  I guess I just found the "extras" a little too distracting.  Also, the flavor of the program made me feel a little too much like it's aimed at people who are far more challenged in exercising than I am.  I like a more "no-nonsense" approach to fitness.

Still, Simmons must be doing something right to have so many people find success through his program(s).  I have to say I have solid respect for the intentions of the Sweatin' to the Oldies program, as well as respect for Simmons' aim to help even the "exercise-challenged" enjoy getting moving.  It's a good, easy-to-follow, fun, program; and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something less than demanding that some workout programs offer.  Keep in mind, though, that you may have to overlook some of those "extras" aimed at creating the "prom" environment.