Richard Simmons has left the confines of his California estate three years after he retreated from the world.

The reason for his reemergence is severe indigestion, which has landed the workout guru in a local hospital.

'Richard Simmons was hospitalized on Monday at an undisclosed location in California,' his rep Michael Catalano told ABC News.

'After a few days of battling severe indigestion and discomfort while eating, we agreed it was best for him to seek treatment.'

Catalono added: 'He’s already feeling better and is expected to make a full recovery.'

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Rough week: Richard Simmons (above in November 2013) has been hospitalized in California since Monday

Coming out of the dark: He has been holed up in his home (above) for the 36 months since he became a recluse

This news comes just a few weeks after a report that Simmons may finally be ready to come out of hiding.

That report also came from Catalano, hot on the heels of a report stating that the fitness guru had just signed a lucrative deal with Prominent Brand + Talent.

This new deal gives Prominent the rights to represent Richard Simmons for licensing, merchandising and endorsement opportunities around the globe.

And it was set in motion by a 2016 DailyMail.com story about Simmons reclusive behavior that one year later was explored in the popular six-episode podcast 'Missing, Richard Simmons.'

'All I can say, at least for now, is it is possible,' Catalano said in an interview with The New York Times about Simmons leaving his home after holing up inside the residence for the past 38 months.

'But it is yet to be determined, I would say.'

Catalano's statement offered hope to those who followed the podcast detailing the odd game of hide-and-seek that Simmons is playing with the public.

It was the most popular podcast for two straight months leading up to the final episode, but then ended without ever managing to speak to Simmons himself or getting an explanation of what brought about his behavior.

Money however appears to talk much louder than public concern and a podcast host according to Catalano, who is not only Simmons' manager but also the co-founder of the company that has obtained the global rights to sell Simmons' products.

In that role it would seem that he, more than anyone else, would benefit financially from Simmons coming out to help sell his products.

In fact, even suggesting that he could possibly come out might help drum up interest in some vendors.

The company does manage a number of other high-profile fitness brands as well, including Madonna's Hard Candy.

'Richard Simmons is a beloved American icon and a proven retail brand,' Dan Levin, a managing member of Prominent, told License Global.

'Everything he stands for has been the gold standard in health and wellness. He has paved the way for every subsequent fitness personality in this country, yet none of them have matched the impact of Richard’s indelible imprint on America’s psyche.'

He later stated that the company 'plans to launch a global line of thoughtful motivation and inspiration-based products that will achieve the tenets Richard has always espoused - love yourself no matter what you weigh, make time to do good for others and laugh a little.'

On the mend: Simmons (above in December 2013) is expected to make a full recovery and is already feeling better

Dan Taberski, who was behind the hugely popular podcast, also spoke about his former pal Simmons' new popularity, and how he managed to somehow mastermind a perfect and massively lucrative comeback without doing a single thing .

'Telling his story was a huge part of the podcast,' said Taberski, who has never appeared to show anything other than a genuine concern for Simmons and desire to see him again.

'He changed lives, and he’s a genius businessperson. If I had even the smallest part in reminding people of that, fantastic.'

Catalano meanwhile bemoaned what he said were 'a lot of the mistruths' in the podcast, which he believes 'didn’t really uncover or reveal anything new that hasn’t been reported previously.'

He was however excited that a new younger generation is aware of his client, saying: 'At the end of the day, if it helps deliver his message to people who were unaware of it previously, fantastic. That’s what Richard’s mission has always been.'

Meanwhile, in the final episode Taberski was able to speak with Catalano, who told him: 'I can’t say Richard feels better as a result of the podcast. Perhaps you do.'