Fitness guru Richard Simmons on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, D.C.; July 24, 2008 (WPVI) -- The sequined tank top and striped shorts were gone, but Richard Simmons still drew a card today.

Fitness guru Richard Simmons was shaking things up on Capitol Hill today, testifying before the House Education Committee today on childhood obesity.

And no, he didn't wear his bedazzled shirt and short-shorts! Simmons was in a suit and tie. The exercise guru is known for "Sweatin' to the Oldies" is focused on getting young people moving.

The 60-year-old Simmons says not everyone can be an athlete but everyone can be fit. And he says schools need to hire certified fitness instructors. he warned that if we don't reverse the upward trend in weight, the entire nation will suffer.

He told the hearing, "There's a statistic that says our children will not live as long as their parents. What have we done? What have we done to the kids of the United States of America? This is wrong."

Simmons says he's willing to dedicate the rest of his life to the cause, including the possibility of running for office.

After today's hearing, he shed the business suit for his tank top and shorts, and took everyone outside the Capitol for a workout. He led the crowd in aerobic dancing to "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "Dancing in the Street."

He told them, "So on this glorious day, accompanied by other people who came here to talk and have a hearing in Congress, I want to say to you thank you, thank you, thank you for coming here and sweating with me."

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