The Reach Out: Denise Austin
The renowned fitness expert says, "I am motivated to feel good, stay healthy, and keep my energy high."
Denise Austin is a preeminent fitness expert, author, and columnist who celebrated forty years in the industry in 2021. With her devoted online fitness community, and her own magazine, Fit Over 50, Austin continues to help women of all ages to reach their fitness goals.
Austin has sold over 25 million exercise videos, published 12 books, and hosted the number one fitness show for 24 years (Getting Fit with Denise Austin).
Austin’s EvenBetter program focuses on helping women to create a lifestyle that fits their goals: “Exercise, moving every day, proper nutrient balance for daily nourishment, and community support are the keys to overall well-being.”
I spoke with Denise Austin about why keeping active is still so important to her.
Your enthusiasm for exercise and fitness is well established. Has the pandemic changed your routine at all?
I’m doing pretty much the same routine that I’ve done for 40 years. I’ve never really gone to a gym because I work out in my house. What has been different during COVID is how many more people I’m reaching. During the first four months of the shutdown, I was doing a lot of live workouts, so I was able to really connect with people on social media, which was exciting. It was rewarding to feel like I was helping to lift people’s spirits during a really challenging time.
I also did live workouts with my daughter, Katie Austin, who is following in my fitness footsteps. I learned a lot from her, and it was a lot of fun for me.
I also did a whole video series for workers, which allowed me another opportunity to help people. I find fitness to be so positive and fun, and since I love what I do, I like to see other people feel their own sense of accomplishment.
You mentioned that more people are working out at home, with many turning to online workouts. I feel like you were the original home workout creator.
It was eye-opening to me that so many people had never worked out at home before COVID because my entire fitness career has been based on home workouts. I started out with my VHS home workouts, and then my TV show, and that’s still how I work out. I love it because it's convenient.
Are you a morning workout person?
I've always been a morning fitness girl. Always. It gives me a chance to get my day on the right track. I have a lot more energy. I have a cup of coffee and I'm ready to go. I also like to work out in the morning because if I leave it until later, there is a chance I may not do it. My husband is the same way. It’s just part of our lifestyle.
When my two daughters were little, I would work out in the morning, even before they woke up. It’s a wonderful feeling when you can do your workout without having to drive anywhere or join anything!
On Sundays, I find out who wants to walk, and who wants to do a harder fast walk. Some of the girlfriends that I walk with in the morning also like to do intervals, like a couple blocks of running. I also walk with my sisters, my daughters, and my husband.
Do you use an app to track your steps?
Yes, I use my phone to monitor how many steps I do in a day, and how many stair climbs, and I actually compare mine to my husband’s.
I think the FitBit and other tracking apps are fantastic motivators. I am a big believer in them and I think they really do help people. If I haven’t gotten my 10,000 steps in, I will walk the dog or do anything to get my steps in before I wind down for the night. Years ago we only had pedometers — we didn't really want to wear those.
Is there something that motivates you to exercise?
I am motivated to feel good, stay healthy, and keep my energy level high. I love to have positive energy. I don't love it every day, of course — the first five minutes are sometimes hard — but my fitness goals are to be healthy, to feel good, and to fight the aging process. I’m a true believer that exercise works. I’ve been working out all these years and I love it. I know how good I feel afterwards. I only work out for 30 minutes, so I’m not a die-hard. I don't run marathons. I'm very moderate, but consistent.
Do you watch the news or listen to podcasts or music while you exercise?
I don't listen to music or podcasts when I’m walking with friends or family because that's my socializing time — when we get to talk and connect.
When I do my lightweight workout, I blast music. When I do my cardio in my house, I also listen to music.
Is there a sport or a fitness trend that you would like to try?
I have tried everything! From yoga and Pilates, both of which I still do, to kickboxing. I even tried aerial yoga and cardio tennis! I've done it all. But because I'm a moderate workout person, I always return to the tried and true: lightweights, walking, regular calisthenics, regular aerobics, and dance aerobics.
How do you think we can encourage young people to be more active?
The best thing that I did as a mom — which worked well because both of my daughters got athletic scholarships — was to encourage them to do activities that their friends were doing. All of their friends’ moms signed them up for lacrosse when they were six years old, and most of them ended up with scholarships! If kids show even a slight passion for a sport or activity, encourage them. My husband and I were big believers in getting our kids involved in sports because it kept them focused as teenagers.
Denise Austin might just be one of the most positive people I’ve ever spoken with. She is as passionate about fitness today as ever, and she has a loyal following because her workouts are energizing and fun.
Thank you @DeniseAustin
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