Where in the world is Richard Simmons? That seems to be the question on the minds of all those who were once close to the legendary fitness guru. We recently told you that there have been rumors about Simmons's health and state of mind because the once-extremely outgoing and energetic guy we all recognized has gone completely radio silent. He has stopped attending charity events, has not been to his studio in Beverly Hills in months and now even his gated home looks to have been abandoned.

According to a report by TMZ, Simmons's home is usually all decked out for the holidays, but not this year. Instead, it barely seems like anyone is living there. Several weeks ago there were reports that a combination of things have knocked Simmons down for the count. Supposedly, a beloved pet died and he has a knee injury that has scared him. Simmons is said to be completely terrified of having any kind of surgery, and he is actually putting off having a knee replacement. Without it, his physical abilities are limited, which means the fitness expert is a shadow of the man we all expect him to be, and that could easily have triggered major depression.

His representative has confirmed these variables, but former close friends of the fitness expert seem to not want to buy it. They believe there is something more serious going on that is disrupting the way Simmons chooses to live his life. They believe it would take more than a bum knee to cause him to disconnect his entire life in favor of retreating and living like a hermit.

What do you think? Is he injured and scared to go under the knife, or is Simmons suffering from a serious illness that he would rather not share with the entire world yet? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

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