Thursday, October 30, 2014

Denise Austin's Halloween Costume (2014)

60's go-go outfit doing a disco pose from the late 70's? Not real sure what Denise was going for here.


I love Halloween and it's sooo fun to dress up. Are you ready?


Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 3:56pm

https://www.facebook.com/DeniseAustin/photos/10152478319203379



Fitness Can Certainly Be Some Scary Business! (Halloween 2013)

Teri Chadwick October 31, 2013

First off, I apologize to those of  you who cherish the 80s fitness era — loud workout tights, high-hipped leotards, legwarmers, Reebok Freestyles, puffy headbands, side ponytails and/or BIG hair, and blue eye shadow — but that was some scary stuff, y’all!

Case in point:
Denise Austin takin’ us through an old-school stretch routine. Gotta love this goofy gal!  (click here for a good laugh)

Read more: http://fitgirlreport.com/2013/10/31/fitness-can-certainly-be-some-scary-business-halloween-2013/

Work It Out



Denise Austin Old Pictures

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Denise Austin: Sculpt & Burn Body Blitz- Full Length Workout

Published on Oct 29, 2014 by BeFiT

Denise Austin: Sculpt & Burn Body Blitz- Full Length Workout: Forget the blah and bring on the blitz with Denise Austin’s extreme cardio cross-training workout, SCULPT & BURN BODY BLITZ! Kick those calories and banish fat with four, fun kick-butt workouts that feature the very best training methods to sculpt lean muscle in all the right areas: Mixed Martial Arts, Athletic Conditioning, Kettlebell-Inspired, and Cardio Sculpt. Each high-intensity workout combines powerful moves so you can dramatically reshape the body in just 30 days! Warm-Up (5 min): Ignite your metabolism and condition your muscles from every angle with athletic moves that get your body ready to burn. Mixed Martial Arts (10 min): Jab the flab and chisel a champion physique with explosive kick boxing moves, power jacks, ab-blasting twists, and more. Athletic Conditioning (10 min): Train like an athlete and score big with classic sport drills and new interval training tricks that shed serious fat and sculpt strong muscles. Kettlebell-Inspired (10 min): Swing, chop and twist your way to a trim and toned body using a single weight and controlled momentum for amazing results. Cardio Sculpt (10 min): Double your burn with dynamic combo moves that integrate cardio and strength training to blast several muscle groups at once for a total-body blitz. Cool Down (5 min): Release muscle tension and slowly lower your heart rate with critical stretches that calm the mind and reward the body. [Hand weights recommended.] This workout can be modified to fit any skill level by adjusting weight and reps. Get ready to transform your body and look and feel your best with America’s favorite Trainer, Denise Austin, only on BeFiT! Click here for more FREE Denise Austin Workouts: http://bit.ly/1cuYPSw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNfepYjOclo

Monday, October 27, 2014

Sexy Legs Pilates Tone-Up Workout #3: Denise Austin- BeFiT #throwbackthursday


Published on Oct 23, 2014 by BeFit

Sexy Legs Pilates Tone-Up Workout #3 with Denise Austin from BeFiT #throwbackthursday is a Pilates-inspired, lower body-sculpting workout routine that uses a unique series of target-toning exercise moves to shape the hips, hamstrings, thighs, shins, legs, back, butt, abs, and obliques for a shapley backside and a slim and sexy beach body. Banish cellulite and tighten jiggley thighs for good with America’s Favorite Fitness Expert, Denise Austin in this retro level 3 workout segment from her Popular “Hit the Spot Thighs” Video Fitness Series. Strengthen the joints, stabilize the back, release neck tension and challenge all of the muscles of the abs, booty, legs and inner & outer thighs from every angle with result-driven moves like squat slides, aerobic warm-up moves, reverse lunges, hamstring curls, thigh squeezes, reverse leg lifts, hamstring stretches and other stretching variations. Engage the core, zip up those abdominals and improve posture with Denise as she keeps you motivated all of the way to the end with her inspiring, upbeat attitude. Boost your metabolism, burn fat, and tighten your body from head to toe with one of the most respected and successful trainers in the business right from your own home. Take a walk down memory lane with this high energy segment that was shot on location at a beach in Puerto Rico as you enjoy a sunny setting, upbeat fitness music, retro clothing and a laid back vibe that will leave you looking and feeling your best. You will need a Yoga mat, a towel, and a bottle of water to complete this 10-minute routine that can be modified to fit any skill level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZPZQNwz7sQ

Denise Austin "Squeeze Play" (Rough Cut)

Monday, October 20, 2014

Denise Austin: Total Body Makeover Mix- Complete Workout

Denise Austin: Total Body Makeover Mix- Complete Workout - YouTube

Published on Oct 20, 2014 by BeFit

Denise Austin: Total Body Makeover Mix- Complete Workout is a full 45 minute total body workout routine that will burn fat and tone your body from head to toe. Ditch your old fitness routine and shake things up with DENISE AUSTIN’s BODY MAKEOVER MIX! Designed to dramatically slim and sculpt your body, all three toning workouts combine today’s most effective exercise methods to quickly firm your upper body, lean and lengthen your lower body, and tighten your tummy. Fresh and fun, this workout system blends the very best for a better body in just one month! UPPER-BODY SCULPT (15 min.): Tone your arms, chest, back, and shoulders with unique moves that target muscles from every angle to sculpt beautiful definition. LOWER BODY SCULPT (15 min.): Lift and shape your buns, thighs and hips with Pilates and ballet-inspired barre exercises proven to sculpt long, lean muscle with concentrated movements and firming fusion. AB & CORE CONDITIONING (15 min.): Tighten your tummy with core exercises that combine standing moves with mat Pilates for a complete midsection meltdown. You will need a light set of hand weights, a Yoga Mat, a towel and a bottle of water to complete this 45 segment from the Top-Selling “Body Makeover Mix” Fitness DVD featuring America’s Favorite Fitness Expert, Denise Austin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0vSt-WUI8Q

Friday, October 10, 2014

Denise Austin on Foods & Exercises during Chemotherapy

Denise Austin on Foods & Exercises during Chemotherapy - YouTube

Uploaded on Oct 8, 2014 by Denise Austin

Chemotherapy may be tough but eating and exercising right can make a big difference. Green juice, almonds and plenty of flavored water helped Denise Austin’s niece Annie on her road to recovery.

Learn more by watching this video and visiting http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/conditions-diseases/denise-austin-niece-breast-cancer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpgbi-QX-K0

Denise Austin Helps Her Niece Fight Breast Cancer in Woman’s Day Magazine

Denise Austin: Forever Fit - Wellbella Magazine



Denise Austin: Forever Fit

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Portrait by Hilmar Meyer-Boss

This fitness icon has been on the move, physically and professionally, for more than 30 years. Here, she dishes on her latest projects, plus the secrets behind her famous physique.

It’s been nearly three decades since Denise Austin burst onto the VHS scene sporting yellow sneakers and a midriff-exposing, cut-out purple leotard. But the high-octane star of the ’80s-workout world is still turning heads—and cartwheels (!)—at age 57. “I still have great energy,” says the best-selling-video queen and wellness author, whose latest DVD, “Denise Austin: Yoga Booty Lift,” hit stores in September. “I can still do handstands and cartwheels. It comes from staying fit for years. It does pay off!”

Keeping up with her two college-age daughters seems like a snap, but time is still of the essence, as the media maven runs a growing business empire that now includes a line of workout equipment called Denise Austin: Forever Fit!. Even so, Austin is quick to add that exercise and healthy eating can be squeezed into a busy schedule. “I’m a big believer in 30 minutes,” she says. “Most people don’t have an hour. If you could get your heart rate up for 30 minutes doing some form of cardio—such as walking or spinning—you will burn fat. You will see a huge difference.” And if you have only 20 minutes? “Yoga Booty Lift” to the rescue! “So many women were writing to me, saying, ‘I just want to start yoga, but all these programs seem so hard.’ So I created a beginner’s yoga DVD with two different 20-minute workouts. I swear you feel so good once you’re done.”

When it comes to nutritious, home-cooked meals, Austin has a recipe for success here as well. “I can cook a healthy meal in 20 minutes,” she says with gusto. Some of these dishes she shared in her 2013 book, “Side Effect: Skinny.” Others she will serve up on camera, starting this December, for a video- and tip-filled relaunch of her official website, DeniseAustin.com. “I’m excited to teach people ways to whip up their favorite smoothies and enjoy different workouts. I’m all about trying to help people be happy and fit.”

wb | What’s the key takeaway from “Side Effect: Skinny”?
da | The key is that there are certain foods that give you good side effects—including getting a little trimmer and a little thinner and feeling energized and confident. Everyone talks about terrible side effects when it comes to drugs, but there are so many positive side effects when you’re eating the right foods. For instance, carrots help keep your eyes healthy, and the lutein in tomatoes is so good for your heart. And there are some great recipes in the book, such as chicken lettuce wraps and flatbread pizza.

wb | Why is it important to rethink skinny in a healthy light?
da |
I never liked the word “skinny,” because I would think, Oh, God, that implies someone starving themselves. And I’m a true believer, of course, in eating healthy while keeping up your cardio and strength training. So this [take on skinny] is a vision to help someone feel better and more confident. But I’m not talking about being a skinny minny.

wb | What are some simple ways to stock a healthy kitchen?
da |
When you open up the refrigerator, the things at eye level are what your eye is going to see first—and that’s probably what you’re going to reach for. Usually, you hide the fresh vegetables. But I pull them out [of the crispers] and put them in clear containers so I can see them and the other healthiest foods first. But how you shop is important, too. It’s safest to shop the perimeter of the grocery store—the fruits and veggies, the dairy, the meats. I now buy grass-fed meat.

wb | You recently tweeted, “Cook once, eat twice.” In what ways does this approach help you?
da |
I’m a mom and I love to make my kids great meals. And I love food. So I try to prepare things on Sundays so the week goes smoothly and I avoid eating junk. I chop a lot of veggies. I also boil eggs to have throughout the week and chop them up with some tuna for a quick, on-the-go snack. I barbeque a bunch of chicken, then slice and store it in containers for use in different meals. It’s quick and easy. And I use a lot of beans now—they’re a great source of fiber. I like to put them in salads and chili.

wb | What’s your family’s favorite 20-minute healthy meal?
da |
Chicken with sage and rosemary. I bake it in the oven with a little crumbled goat cheese. Then I’ll serve it with a salad and roasted asparagus, drizzled with olive oil and topped with minced garlic and red pepper strips. The kids love that. The sage and rosemary smell so good in the house, too.

wb | What are some quick toning exercises that target “droopy” areas?
da |
Two areas that most people underuse as they age are the butt and the back of the arms. Two of the best exercises, then, are the butt tap and the triceps chair dip. For the butt tap, you stand with your arms reaching forward at chest level, and then you sit back as if you’re touching—or butt-tapping—[the seat] of your chair. Then you push up [using your legs]. It really works! With the triceps chair dip, you’re using your body weight, but you don’t have to dip too far. Some people go too far and they hurt their shoulders, so just go down a little. The pressing up is what’s really going to firm your triceps. You can do these while watching TV, in the office, at the park—anywhere.

wb | Any other easy solutions for those feeling confined by their environment?
da |
Simple isometric exercises work, too. Pulling in and tightening up your tummy for five seconds is equal to one situp. You can do it in the car. And squeezing and tightening your butt for five seconds gets your circulation going, especially if you’re sitting for long periods of time. Because of our [sedentary] lifestyles, we need to find ways to maintain good posture at work. You are your own architect, so the way you sit and stand will shape your body and your look, as well as your health.

wb | Which compound exercises help melt fat fast?
da |
Working all the major muscle groups, as many as you can at once, can make a big difference in a small amount of time. In six minutes you can do six different intervals, which really jump-starts your metabolism. I love split lunges. You’re jumping up and down, using your legs and getting your heart rate up. And if you do them with your arms, thrusting with some dumbbells, you’re also working your upper body. My other favorite is a torso twist [combined with] a lunge: As you lunge forward, you twist to the opposite side. You’re doing double the workout in half the time.

wb | What three fitness aids are essential for beginners?
da |
A set of 3- or 5-lb dumbbells are like gold. They help you create more tone and strength. A pedometer is a very inexpensive way to stay motivated. And I love a mat because when I see it, I think, I’ve got no excuse but to get down and exercise.

Denise’s Healthy Favorites

Snacks: Dried fruit with different types of nuts, so you get a variety of nutrients, such as the omega-3s in walnuts. Supplements: Every single day I take a multi, omega-3s and a probiotic. I’m also a big believer in vitamin C, and I take vitamin D3 for my bones and my entire body. Outdoor exercises: I hike with girlfriends and go on bike rides. I like fresh-air exercise. It feels good. Yoga pose: The warrior. If you sit for long periods of time, your hips get very tight, and this pose opens them up. Halloween treat: I make really good pumpkin bread with a can of real pumpkin. Mantra: My whole career I’ve always said, “You can do it. You deserve to look and feel your best.”

http://www.wellbella.com/healthy-celebs/denise-austin-forever-fit/

Wellbella - October 2014 - Front Cover - Front Cover - iMirus Online Digital Reader
Wellbella - October 2014 - Page 22 - Front Cover - iMirus Online Digital Reader

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Denise Austin Helps Her Niece Fight Breast Cancer in Woman’s Day Magazine

Denise Austin Helps Her Niece Fight Breast Cancer in Woman’s Day Magazine - YouTube
Published on Oct 9, 2014 by Denise Austin

Read this month’s Woman’s Day magazine to learn about how Denise Austin helped her niece, who suffered from breast cancer, feel better through eating right and exercise.

Learn more by watching this video and visiting http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/conditions-diseases/denise-austin-niece-breast-cancer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBBNtpE7Isc



Denise Austin Helps Her Niece Fight Breast Cancer

Faced with the life-threatening disease, Annie Arensdorf turned to her aunt for support—and found a whole new way to get through

By Julia Savacool



When Denise Austin's phone rang on July 11, 2013, and she saw that it was her niece, Annie, her stomach tightened. Trying to remain cool, she answered.

"It's breast cancer," Annie said calmly, still in a state of shock and disbelief. They'd been worried about this outcome ever since Annie found a pea-size lump in her breast 12 days earlier. The biopsy had revealed stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma.

Denise, in her usual upbeat manner, told Annie she was sure it would be OK and that there were so many great new treatments available. But after Denise hung up the phone, she broke down. "I just cried and cried. I kept thinking, 'Annie is too young for this.'"

At 32, Annie Arensdorf is proof that breast cancer does not discriminate. The mother of two little girls has no family history of the disease, doesn't smoke and follows a healthy lifestyle. She has been close to her aunt since she was young, even serving as the flower girl in Denise's wedding. "I went to Annie's school recitals and we'd all have family dinners together," says Denise, who has three sisters and one brother (Annie's father). "Annie is like a daughter to me," she says.

So, as Annie's parents put their lives on hold to take their daughter to consultations, Denise pitched in to do what she could to ensure that her niece received the best care. Fast action was crucial because Annie's aggressive type of cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, and survival hinged on quickly making an overwhelming number of decisions about treatments.

Denise immediately flew from California to Virginia, where Annie lives, and started researching facilities and doctors in the area. "I made calls to hospitals, I asked friends who had gone through it for advice—I just wanted to be sure that Annie was in good hands," says Denise.

After Annie's husband, Ryan, shaved her head, she shaved his.

A New Normal

Less than two weeks after her diagnosis, Annie had a double mastectomy. Then she began 20 weeks of chemotherapy. During that time, Denise visited often and took her to appointments or babysat Rylee, 6, and Brooklyn, 5, so Annie's husband, Ryan, could go with her. "It's inspiring to see how strong she is for her kids' sake," says Denise. "Even when she's worn out, she is positive around the girls."

Annie admits it isn't always easy. "All I've ever wanted was to be a mom," she says. "Imagining I might not be there to watch my girls get older really chokes me up." She also worried about losing her hair and how her daughters might react. "I tried to keep life as normal as possible for them. It's funny: You think, being a woman, losing my breasts would have been harder, but what got me really emotional was my hair, because I wanted to protect my girls," says Annie.

Denise realized she couldn't take away the cancer, but she could help Annie keep her look—in the form of a wig made from real hair, which Annie wasn't in a position to buy herself. So, before she lost it all, Annie, Denise and her sister Anne took a road trip to one of the best wig shops in northern Virginia. "Annie was trying on this wig and that wig, and we were just goofing around," says Denise. It was a welcome relief after so much stress.

But the somber moment came when Annie put on a skin-colored cap to simulate baldness for wig selection. "It took my breath away," says Denise. "Reality hit me hard—everything she was going through, everything she was giving up to fight this disease." They eventually settled on a long brunette wig that closely resembled Annie's hair.

Finding Fitness

Beyond appearance, Annie found that maintaining her strength during treatment was a struggle. Chemo sucked away her energy and left her nauseated. Once again, Denise reached out to see if she could help. "Exercise gets the blood flowing after surgery, and psychologically, it makes you feel stronger because you're helping your body heal," says Denise.

During one of Denise's visits, the two women sprawled out on the living room floor and crafted a plan to help Annie fight chemo's side effects. Three or four days a week, Annie would walk for 20 minutes outside. (If Denise was in town, they strolled together.) On days when she felt exhausted, she'd pop in Denise's Latin dance workout DVD—a mix of easy, low-impact moves set to upbeat music.

A month into this new routine, Annie got the green light from her doctor to do light resistance training. So Denise created a 10-minute workout, which Annie started doing three times a week. "You lose so much muscle strength after major surgery," says Denise. "You need to get it back not only for your looks, but for injury prevention: If your core is weak, you're more vulnerable to getting hurt."

Staying Strong

After Annie finished chemo in the winter, she was ready to put cancer behind her, but her doctor informed her she wasn't in the clear just yet. "I needed 30 sessions of radiation—every weekday for six weeks straight," says Annie. "I was devastated—I'd really hoped to avoid doing radiation. I knew it would be painful and leave burns on my chest and underarms."

Annie reminded herself that she'd made a promise to never give in to self-pity. Instead, she focused on her family and fitness to get through the trying time, waking early to do 10 minutes of stretching and strength moves, and walking her girls to school every day.

"I realized that when I feel good physically, I feel good emotionally," she says. "Staying on top of my fitness makes me feel powerful, like I can conquer any obstacle."

Annie is currently in remission, taking a daily dose of tamoxifen to lower the chances of recurrence and visiting her doctor every few months for tests. Meanwhile, Denise just gave her a new set of exercises—and remains one of Annie's biggest cheerleaders. "You can't cure cancer through exercise, but you can give your body a huge head start in fighting back," says Denise.

Top photo by Ericka McConnell; Hair & makeup by Geoffrey Rodriguez; Second photo courtesy of LCE Photography

http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/conditions-diseases/denise-austin-niece-breast-cancer