“Strong muscles and bones defy the aging process. Margaret Richard’s Body Electric program offers you the spectacular opportunity to realize your fitness potential.”

-Miriam Nelson, Ph.D.,
Bestselling Author of Strong Women Stay Young

Margaret Richard
of Body Electric

Creator, Producer, and Instructor

Body Electric TV was the first televised fitness show to feature exercises using light resistance (weights) performed with popular music. In 1985, Shape Magazine wrote, “Many of us would like to strengthen and firm troublesome body parts, but we don’t want to spend hours lifting weights. Margaret Richard has developed the body sculpture program to take on this fitness challenge.” 

Then and now, Margaret’s message—and workouts—go beyond strength and tone. Her exercises offer a way for aging bodies to feel fit without stressing joints, an especially relevant message for the baby boomer generation. 

From Stage to Studio

Margaret’s indoctrination into fitness, dance, and show business came at the age of eight. While studying ballet at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Margaret auditioned for Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II for a part in the musical South Pacific. She was cast as Ngana, the plantation owner’s daughter, and sang Dites-moi Pourquoi. That was in 1956, and Margaret Richard hasn’t stopped moving since.

While pursuing her passion for fitness, music, and dance and starting a successful career as a fitness instructor, she was invited to produce a series of 26 shows at WFSU (Florida State University) to be uplinked to the PBS satellite. Thus, Body Electric TV was born in 1984.

In addition to producing 500 TV shows that continue to air on PBS, Margaret Richard has created 40 exercise videos and DVDs and written Body Electric, the book (McGraw-Hill; May 2008). In 1999, Margaret was invited to testify before the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging. She was also inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in 2008. 

We baby boomers like to rock, but not in a chair!

Today, Margaret Richard’s approach to fitness is more relevant than ever, especially to her fellow baby boomers who want to maintain their strength and vitality throughout their lives. It’s a fact that muscles will always respond to exercise regardless of one’s age, fitness level, or percentage of body fat. You’re never too old to create muscle tone and stronger bones. We baby boomers like to rock, but not in a chair! 

Testimonials

“I’m grateful for the streaming service. I do 2 shows at a time every other day rotating with the elliptical. I’m 62 with a total knee replacement and feel happy about the progress with BE a big part of my routine. Thank you Margaret Richard!” 

Arlene Robinson 

“Started out with you from the beginning, my kids were little, I have several of the individual tapes but really preferred working out with the daily program. The routines are instilled in my brain and I have adapted them to meet my arthritic body. Just keep moving. Thank You Margaret” 

Beverley Wallstead 

“The first time I saw your show I connected to it all- the music, the exercise, the BE dancers but especially YOU, Margaret. I loved everything you said – you were a riot- and how you presented each exercise. That was 1985. And we are still going strong. Now when I choose a show, although I am completely present, I am brought back in time which keeps a big smile on my face. Thank you so very much.” 

Michele Siegel 

“I have followed the body electric since the 1980’s. Margaret Richards you’ve had a life-long impact on my life. I humbly thank you” 

Teresa Frey 

“So thankful I tuned in from my living room in Westfield Indiana!!! I’ve forgotten so much from my life except your beautiful face and daily dedication to workout with u. 

I can not express enough how you inspired me and changed my body and mind. You saved me so many times from the darkness of depression and PTSD and much more. Ty for teaching me to make time for myself and to use that time to strengthen my mind, body and soul. You’re truly the only person who took the time to see me when I was invisible and strengthened me from the inside out. I love u Maggie and u forever hold a piece of my heart. Luv n hugs” 

Deanna K Palacios Hudson