For Immediate Release: January 6, 2009

Contact: Brian Reardon (217) 544-6464, ext. 44306

St. John’s offering public the opportunity to exercise with Richard Simmons

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- As part of the 2009 American Heart Month celebrations, St. John’s Hospital will be selecting participants to exercise with Richard Simmons in Springfield on February 21. Prairie Heart Institute at St. John’s Hospital is bringing America’s most revered fitness guru, back to Central Illinois to lead a 1,000 person exercise class at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield.

Those interested in taking part in the free program need to register for a chance to exercise with Richard by visiting www.prairieheart.com and taking a free seven minute heart risk assessment. Springfield area residents will also be able to register in person during a heart fair being sponsored by St. John’s at Prairie Heart Institute (619 E. Mason, Springfield) on Saturday, February, 7 at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

All Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals in central Illinois are participating in this year’s exercise session with Richard. St. Anthony’s in Effingham, St. Mary’s in Decatur, St. Francis in Litchfield and St. Mary’s in Streator will bus local residents from their communities to join Simmons for a fun-filled and informative day in Springfield. Following the 45 minute workout, Richard will speak to the group about the importance of physical fitness.

All who complete the assessment and enter their information will then have a chance to be chosen to join the exercise session. Those with one or more risk factors will have their name entered twice in the drawing, ensuring that while everyone has a chance, those who need extra motivation to reduce their risk factors for heart disease have better odds of being chosen.

“As we start 2009 I want us to have stronger minds and smaller behinds,” said Simmons. “I’m looking forward to returning to Central Illinois and am excited to once again have the opportunity to reach people.”

After more than 35 years in the fitness industry, Richard is still going strong. Using his unique wit, passion and enthusiasm, Richard continues his crusade to reach out to the masses and motivate them to live healthier.  Delivering a serious message with his trademark humor, Richard has helped millions of overweight men and women lose close to three million pounds by adopting sensible balanced eating programs and exercise regimes that are energetic, fun and motivating.

“In honor of American Heart Month, St. John’s Hospital is pleased to have the opportunity to once again host Richard Simmons and organize this exercise event,” said Linda Murphy, director for the Center for Living at St. John’s. “We recognize that prevention is vital for a healthy life and we want to give people in the Springfield area the tools they need to improve their cardiac and overall health.”