. .became the slim and toned young woman she wanted to be.

In the 1960’s, Gilda was asked to put her dance background to use in a local charity production. Using her back patio as an impromptu exercise studio, she found herself teaching a handful of neighborhood women, combining music and dance with fitness routines.

When the charity production was over, the local women asked Gilda to keep teaching. They loved getting in shape, feeling confident and strong in their bodies. The formerly chubby little girl from Pittsburgh knew just what that felt like. And so from a back patio in Encino, a fitness revolution was born.

Gilda’s original and innovative methods for exercise, the joy and creativity she brought to her work, and the solid fitness principles upon which it was based would inspire a movement, and earn her the title of the “grande-dame” of aerobics. Eventually Gilda franchised studios teaching her method in many cities around the United States and Canada.

In 1973 Gilda married Robert Marx, son of Gummo Marx of the famous Marx Brothers, and the two built their business together, creating a hugely successful line of dance and fitness clothes, including the innovative Flexatard fabric. Gilda’s products were sold in the US and 45 countries worldwide. She was nominated for the American Fashion Award, and has served as a guest fashion critic for the Otis Parsons School of Design.

Gilda authored a book, “Body by Gilda”, an audio tape, “Walk with Gilda,” and produced several acclaimed exercise videos including the first fitness video specifically for children, “Hip Hop Animal Rock.”

Gilda has been featured in hundreds of major U.S. and international magazines and newspapers. Her achievements as a leading woman’s business owner have earned her numerous accolades and honors. She carried the torch in New York for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and received “The Distinguished Woman of the Year” award from the Boy Scouts of America. Listed in the “Who’s Who of American Women”, Gilda was also a member of the prestigious “Committee of 200”, an international non-profit organization that advances the leadership of women in Business.

Gilda was invited to address the Harvard Graduate School of Business on “ What it means to be an entrepreneur.” The Committee of 200 is the professional organization of preeminent businesswomen who exemplify and promote entrepreneurship and corporate leadership among women of this generation and the next.

Gilda’s children were also active in Gilda Marx Incorporated. Her son, Mitchell Guzik, became President, and her daughter, Laura Guzik, was Product Manager of the children’s division.

Gilda and Robert Marx currently live in Beverly Hills, California, and exercise is still a daily part of Gilda’s life, whether it’s walking, working out with free weights, stretching, toning, or taking a twirl with her husband on the dance floor.

Gilda and Robert also take an active role in the community. They have both received the “Spirit of Life” Award from the City of Hope, a national research foundation dedicated to the elimination of cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Hundreds of cancer patients have been treated by a linear accelerator donated by Gilda and Robert, while research laboratories bearing their name continue to search for permanent cures. Robert currently serves as Chairman of City of Hope’s Board of Governors.

"We have been so very fortunate in our own lives, both personally and professionally, and have a sincere responsibility to give back to the community." -- Gilda Marx

"It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow."

--Robert Goddaro