Fit Mom's Blog

Highly recognized, very well respected fitness icon for over 20 years, spoke to me today. She’s the author of 10 books, numerous DVD’s, 22 years on television, and member of the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports, actually wanted to reach out to the younger generation (thirty-something and younger crowd) and create a new avenue for loyal fans! Interestingly, she still eats ice cream. How does this super fit mama get to eat ice cream and look like that?

What I learned from Denise Austin

She has two daughters and her number one priority is to watch every single Lacrosse game of theirs.

Because of her passion for fitness, she has made a goal for herself to visit every state and talk to kids about the importance of physical fitness. As a former Physical Education teacher myself, I find this awesome!! In the city that I was employed, very few kids could run a mile, much less perform a push-up, or complete sixty sit-ups. Denise said she loves doing this! She gets out there and does push-ups with the kids.

What is your personal fitness routine?

There are three components to a personal fitness routine: cardiovascular, strength training, and stretching. Each week, I plan on working out for thirty minutes each day. Three days per week I do some form of cardiovascular work- such as walking or running. Two days per week, I work on strength training. I’ll use stretch bands or weights and do a complete body toning routine. Finally, on that off day, I do yoga. Stretching is equally important in an overall fitness routine.

For the new mommies wanting to lose those last ten pounds, what do you recommend?

My biggest rule on losing weight is to put a lock on the kitchen! Never, never eat after 8pm. “The kitchen is closed.”

My second rule is to schedule my workouts on my calender. I make a date with my fitness oriented friends to go walking, running and I keep it like it was an appointment. On Sundays, I make my plans for the week- as far as cooking, and my workouts. If it’s on the calender, it is less likely to get dumped or postponed.

How do you gage your own fitness level? After watching your DVD’s and seeing how strong you are, I was just wondering if you have little assessments for yourself?

First of all I use my clothes as an indication of my fitness level. If they’re too tight, I know, I’ve got to cut back on the ice cream. Second, is my energy level. If I am really fit, I have TONS of energy. Third, I use the scale. If my weight creeps up five pounds, then it’s time to cut back. Finally, I test my endurance level- if I can run 3 miles in under 30 minutes, I feel pretty good about my fitness level.

What’s your favorite desert? Do you have any special recipes or tricks you use to “treat yourself” for a sweet and savory snack after dinner?

My family does enjoy ice cream! We also eat fruit bars, sorbets, and apples. Another little trick I do is to peel bananas, sprinkle with brown sugar, and broil for a few minutes- these are really tasty deserts. I use the freezer also to make Popsicles out of bananas. Freezing green grapes make great snacks that my kids love as well.

When your teaching group fitness classes where it’s likely that you will have hard core, highly fit people in the same class with a rookie, what are some ways in which you modify the lesson for everyone?

I teach different levels of the same exercise.  I show the advanced part first and get them going and then I demonstrate the low-impact, modified level.  I’m always teaching at least two levels of intensity in each class.

Lasting Impressions

Denise Austin is someone to respect. This is her life work- to inspire women and kids to get fit and eat right! Read her website, it’s packed with tons of good information! She is an inspiration to me and I will be checking out her books and other DVD’s in the very near future. In addition, she has a great “Morning Stretch” email newsletter that I’ve been enjoying! Just click here and start getting inspired. GO GET FIT!!