Richard Simmons to Teach Class at UC Riverside

RIVERSIDE - Fitness guru Richard Simmons will be leading UC Riverside students and faculty through a workout routine on Thursday.

The internationally recognized exercise expert will be teaching a class, hosting a raffle and judging a Richard Simmons look-alike contest, with an '80s theme, according to campus officials.

''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!''

The event, scheduled from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center, is being sponsored by UCR Student Wellness Partners to promote community health and fitness, event coordinator Devon Sakamoto said.

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

She said students, faculty staff and area residents will be admitted to the class free, though attendees without campus parking permits will be required to pay for parking.

Everyone who wants to participate in the workout should come wearing the appropriate gear, Sadamoto 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.