Motivator, Exercise Guru Extraordinaire, Inspiration to countless men and women, gracious guy and a little bit wacky, Richard Simmons is a must meet in Los Angeles.

I took Richards class after a friend and her husband took it on a whim. We all know him from the countless times we’ve seen him on TV, his books, his DVDs, but what I hadn’t known was that he was merely 15 minutes from my doorstep. And once I saw the photos they took with him, I knew I had to meet the icon and see what all the sweat was about. He wears the dazzling tanks and striped shorts and arrives to a packed class full of men and women of all sizes. And it appears there’s always visiting some Parisians. Richard is global.

After just a few classes, it’s easy to see why Richard draws such an adoring crowd. He makes you laugh, he makes you sweat and then he makes you laugh some more. And while you shake your ass and kick your legs for the 500th time while singing along to Michael Jackson or an old Broadway tune he motivates you to take better care of yourself. So friends, if you haven’t visited his studio, Slimmons in Beverly Hills, it’s time to put pedal to the metal. Here’s a snippet of some private time I got with Richard.

What brought you to LA to start up the exercise craze?
I moved from New Orleans in the 70’s. I worked as a waiter at night and during the day I took lots of classes like Pilates, yoga, tap and jazz. I never saw fat people. I had originally lost my weight through dieting so this was new to me, but I felt something was missing. One day I passed this building, Wilson’s House of Suede and it was up for sale. I had $25,000 saved and decided to go for it. I put up flyers in the neighborhood and soon people were coming for classes. And 38 years later, it’s still going strong.

Did you ever think you’d reach icon status?
This is my job, my crusade. I look forward not left and right. This is my fun and my hobby. Isn’t it great that I can combine my hobby and exercise?

You have such a strong following of all kinds of people—the rich dames of Beverly Hills, heavy and slender men and women, gay and straight, all kinds in such a welcoming environment. What keeps it going?
It’s friendly, good music and before you know it an hour has passed and you see yourself in the mirror and you look better.

Why records in class?
I’ve been collecting records for over 38 years. I started going to Tower Records and several other places and I’d sit on the floor of the studio and listen to them to find the right songs for class. A good mix. I now have a huge record room. I do go to iTunes and MasterBeat as well. It’s about anything that will put a spell on people so they don’t think about their credit card bills or any worries. Old and new music that will give people energy and forget about the 500 leg lifts. You just come in here and let the disco ball spin and have fun.

What do you love about living in LA?
I live a pretty recluse life. I don’t go out much, but I do sneak out to farmer’s markets once in awhile. I have my own garden as well. I do love movies and seeing them on a TV is not the same as the big screen so about four times a year I treat myself and go out to the movies.

I love, love dogs. I used to have eight Dalmations and now I’m down to one. My 14 yr old Dalmation, Hattie. Whenever I’m in town I take Hattie for a drive and let her put her face to the wind outside the window.

And I love to cook.

You’re deserted on an island, what five things could keep you satisfied?
1. My 14 yr old Dalmation, Hattie.

2. TV. I love my Nurse Jackie, Anderson Cooper and plenty more.

3. LA Times. I’ll live on the island, but I need my newspaper delivered everyday.

4. A garden I can tend to so I can eat healthy.

5. Harmonica—No, I’m kidding. But I would need my pillows. I’ve had the same pillows for 62 years ever since my mother put them in my crib as a baby. I don’t know what’s in those pillows now, but I sleep on them every night and take them on my travels. They are flat, but this afro of mine has slept on them every night.

What are your favorite talk shows to appear on?
I love Ellen. I knew her when she was starting out. She and I are both from New Orleans; same with Hoda Kotb. I love Fox, CNN, Neil Cavuto all for different reasons. Recently my TV appearances have been about getting people to vote for their congressman and making people aware of the Fit Kids Bill. It goes in front of the Senate for a vote soon. I want exercise back in school.

I love to go on shows particularly when they let me get the audience involved in exercising and dancing. I love Letterman’s humor, he and I have had a love/hate relationship for the last 20 years.

After a sweaty hour with Richard!