In the late eighties, I used to put on what Tom called my "bee suit" and sweat to the oldies with Richard Simmons. My bee suit was a yellow leotard with black tights. There are several Sweatin' to the Oldies albums, but the only one I ever liked was the very first one, because it had a live band and played tunes that I could sing: "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to . . ." I also liked it because it was an exactly 40 minute workout. I have never been interested in working out one second longer than that.
Anyhow, this first album was on VHS and over the years, I wore that thing out. Later, I tried to buy it again, hoping that it came in a DVD format, but it never did.
Since I've moved from downtown, I have missed the swimming pool. Swimming is by far my favorite form of exercise, but packing up and going to a gym to do it seems counterintuitive. I took the time to find a lap pool in the new upscale Herriman Sorenson Community Center, but I haven't once gotten in my car to do the deed.
Then yesterday, feeling the need to DO SOMETHING, I googled Sweatin' to the Oldies and there it was FREE on my laptop. I set it on the kitchen counter and, people, I hadn't forgotten any of it. It was all still in my body. And there were those same people, not having aged a bit--my workout friends, including the ever enthusiastic Richard Simmons. I danced, I sang, I broke out into a sweat. I remembered being much younger, but I could still do it. I could still do it!
Thank you, Google gods. Thank you, universe. Thank you, Richard Simmons, for always being yourself. Sing it!
Now go find that leo and tights.
ReplyDeleteWe did Sweatin' to the Oldies in my junior high gym class. It was one of the few times, being a non athlete, that I actually enjoyed P.E. Also, later, in my late twenties, I worked for a fitness company and they were trying to do a deal with Richard Simmons. He came through my department and there I was at my cubicle with Richard Simmons shaking my hand. Actually, he gave me a kiss on the cheek. I think he is the biggest celebrity I have ever met.
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