It's hard to talk about fitness without mentioning Denise Austin.
In addition to her decades of VHS and DVD workouts, Austin also served two terms on
what is now known as the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and helped
launch the food pyramid guidance system in America.
While her name may not be heard as much these days, that doesn't mean this fitness expert
isn't working.
In fact, Austin continues to expand her brand year after year.
So what has she been up to in recent years?
Let's take a closer look at Austin and her success over time.
Still moving
At 61 years old, Austin looks and feels as great as ever, and wants to share all of her
tips and tricks.
Just as modern-day media shifted from VHS workout tapes to the web, so has Austin.
She has different package options on her website to help her audience look and feel great themselves.
For Austin, it's not just the physical workouts that are important for staying in shape and
living a healthy life; it also comes down to the attitude.
"I give you motivation videos.
I tell you, 'Come on it's Monday, let's get fit together.'"
Good advice
One of Austin's biggest passion projects focuses on childhood obesity.
She's traveled to 32 states in order to help kids stay active, and regularly shares tips
for parents on how to make sure their kids are getting enough exercise.
Austin's advice ranges from checking your children's P.E. class schedule and attendance
to having them participate in after-school events, like dance programs or joining community
sports.
Solid eating
She might not be in the spotlight as much as before, but Austin's still very careful
with her dieting decisions.
She told AARP:
"I try not to have junk food in my kitchen at all, or I will see it and eat it.
My favorite is ice cream, so when I really want it, we walk to the ice cream shop and
get either a scoop of coffee ice cream, gelato or frozen yogurt.
That way it's perfectly portioned."
Even so, she still allows herself to eat "cheat meals" about 20 percent of the time to keep
a healthy balance.
Like mother, like daughter
"The apple doesn't fall from the tree" is definitely a true statement when it comes
to Austin's daughter, Katie.
She has pursued the same field of fitness as her mom, creating her own workout guides
called Get Fit With Katie.
"She's always been my inspiration for everything and to learn from someone so close to you
like your mom, who's such a fitness legend, it's truly amazing."
She also shares workouts and tips on her Instagram account, and the mother-daughter duo have
now teamed up for workouts together as well.
Earning love
Since marrying her husband Jeff Austin in 1983, she has kept her marriage going strong.
And after three decades of marriage, the couple shared the secret of their success with the
New York Times, with Denise saying:
"Pick the right guy!
It's also important to be positive and optimistic, not to be grouchy or naggy."
Jeff jumped in as well, saying:
"And don't take anyone for granted or get complacent.
You need to earn your love."
With over three decades of marriage and two daughters, this couple certainly seems to
have earned that love.
Moving on
After Austin's daughters moved to Los Angeles, she and her husband made the decision to downsize
from their big house in Virginia to a condo in Manhattan beach so that they could spend
some time on the west coast.
To do so, the pair opened their home as a giant estate sale in 2014, with everything
but personal mementos up for grabs.
From workout equipment to clothing, the proceeds from the sale were earmarked for the medical
expenses of Austin's ailing niece.
As Austin shared with the Washington Post prior to the sale:
"This has been a great place to raise kids, but it's too much house to deal with."
The sale proved to be successful, and some shoppers even reported feeling inspired and
energized by the chance to own something that'd belonged to the fitness legend.
Age is just a number
In 2016, Austin was announced as the new AARP Wellness Ambassador.
With her continued success in the field, even as she reaches senior territory, it was no
surprise that Austin took on this role.
And Austin was ready for the challenge of modernizing the way fitness is targeted to
her generation.
"I'm so excited I am the new ambassador for AARP and I'm happy to tell everybody that you can
be fit at any age."
With an attitude like that, it's no wonder she's been someone worth looking up to for
generations of people.
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