14 DAY TRIAL // The other day, word got out that Richard Simmons, beloved diet and fitness guru who has been inspiring millions of people to get active and lead healthier, happier lives throughout his decades-long career, had been living in isolation for the past year.
Something was “seriously wrong” with him, sources close to him told the media. He had shut himself from the world and was struggling with severe depression, besides his health problems probably linked to a bad knee that required surgery.
It’s true, Simmons has been experiencing health issues, his manager tells ABC News. But things aren’t as bad as they were made to sound.
A bad knee is to blame for sidelining Simmons
Simmons hasn’t been seen in public since January this year, when the video below was shot: that’s the fitness guru wishing everybody a Happy New Year and dishing helpful tips on how to stay in shape and in good health.
The initial report said something about his left knee causing him so many problems that his doctors advised him to get a knee replacement. Simmons already had surgery on his right one, but he was so afraid of going under the knife he actually put it off for years.
It’s true, he has been experiencing some issues because of a bad knee, his manager Michael Catalano tells the aforementioned media outlet. He doesn’t detail the problems, but he says Simmons has been “sidelined with a knee injury” and adds that this has been going on for “the past several months.”
So his absence has been explained. Catalano doesn’t say a peep about reports that Simmons might be battling depression or that he’s become a recluse because he’s “paralyzed with fear” at the thought another surgical intervention will leave him unable to exercise, as the initial report claimed.
He does, however, have a message from Simmons to the fans.
Simmons is touched by the outpour of love and concern
“I am so touched by the outpouring of love and concern I have received today. I have had a tough time dealing with this injury, as it is keeping me from doing what I truly love to do and that is to teach classes around the world. I know I will see you all soon!” reads Simmons’ message to the fans.
It comes with assurances from Catalano that he spoke to the 66-year-old fitness legend that very same day and that he was in bright spirits. So, while Simmons’ condition is bad, it’s definitely not as bad as it was made to seem by yesterday’s report.
As for the outpour of love, any other celebrity would have been touched to have fans as loving and loyal as he has. It’s no wonder, if you think about it: the man has been working in the industry for decades, and he is still a force to be reckoned with. You don’t get this far in the industry if you don’t have fans backing you up every step of the way – and Simmons is not lacking those.
Keep an eye on this space for updates on Simmons’ condition.
