Richard Simmons Says He Is Celebrating His 76th Birthday with ‘Candle on a Zucchini’ (Exclusive)

Fitness icon Richard Simmons is celebrating his 76th birthday with his signature playful humor.

The guru — who has long been out of the public eye but stays in contact with his fans on social media — said that he’ll blow out a candle or two for his birthday on Friday, July 12. 

“But the candle will probably be on a zucchini,” Simmons tells PEOPLE exclusively. “You know, I’m a vegetarian.” 

As for how he feels going into his 76th year, Simmons tells PEOPLE, “I feel good! I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day. I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”  

Simmons recently shared that he had a health scare, posting in March that he’d undergone a painful treatment for skin cancer on his face.

The experience prompted him to urge his fans to take care of their own health.

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“I know some of you reading this have had cancer or have known someone in your life who has had cancer. Promise me you will see your doctor and get a complete check up,” he urged his fans in the post.

He shared an inspirational message with his fans in March, urging them, “Tell the ones that you love that you love them. Hug those people and children who you really care for. A big hug really goes a long way.”

In the same post, he said, “Sure, once in a while, have dessert.”

He’s taking his own advice when it comes to what he’ll eat with his birthday zucchini; Simmons told PEOPLE that he may add a slight indulgence.

“Okay, fine. Maybe one Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie,” he tells PEOPLE. “But just one.”