Quick Read
- Denise Austin, age 68, still fits into her iconic ’80s leotards.
- Her daily fitness routine includes 30 minutes of morning exercise and frequent mini-movements.
- Austin emphasizes balanced, whole-food eating and encourages starting small for lasting results.
In the ever-evolving world of health and fitness, Denise Austin remains a name synonymous with energy, endurance, and inspiration. At 68, she’s not just maintaining her figure — she’s still able to slip into the same iconic leotards and swimsuits she wore on her ’80s workout shows, a feat that feels almost cinematic in its nostalgia and testament to lasting commitment.
But Austin is quick to clarify: her social media posts showing “then-and-now” photos aren’t meant to boast. Instead, they serve as a daily reminder for her followers — and herself — that long-term results come from showing up every day, not from fleeting trends or extreme diets. In an era of viral fitness fads and overnight transformations, her message is refreshingly honest: “It’s all about keeping it up. If you start exercising, it does matter. You’ll feel good, and it’s all about feeling good for me,” Austin told Fox News Digital.
Daily Habits That Stand the Test of Time
So, what’s the secret behind Denise Austin’s enduring health? It’s not magic, and it’s certainly not deprivation. Austin’s routine is built around simple, sustainable habits. Every morning, she dedicates 30 minutes to exercise — a window she rarely negotiates. “I prioritize working out in the morning to get it done,” she says, noting the energy boost it gives for the day ahead.
Yet her commitment doesn’t stop with a single session. Throughout the day, Austin squeezes in mini-exercises: tightening her abdominals for five seconds (“that’s equal to one sit-up”), or squeezing her glute muscles while standing in line at the store. “If you don’t squeeze it, no one else will,” she jokes, underscoring her playful, practical approach.
The Power of Walking: Fitness for Every Age
Of all her routines, walking remains Austin’s non-negotiable. “Walking works,” she stresses. “You can walk off your weight.” Her advice? Start with 20 minutes, then gradually add more. A 30-minute walk, three times a week, is scientifically backed to support heart health and fat burning.
For Austin, walking isn’t just about physical health. It’s a mental reset, a chance to connect with her daughters, and an antidote to the pressures of aging. “When I walk with my daughters, they talk more, they share more. You just feel free when you’re out walking.”
Balanced Eating and Real-Life Wellness
Exercise, Austin insists, is only one part of the equation. Nutrition matters — and she’s a champion of clean, whole foods. Her meals feature plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and fiber, with an emphasis on preparing food at home. “Food is medicine — the right foods,” she says. Grocery shopping is strategic: she sticks to the perimeter for fresh produce and healthy meats, reading labels and avoiding anything unpronounceable.
She’s not dogmatic, though. Austin enjoys sharing dishes with her husband on date nights and doesn’t shy away from a glass of wine. “Balance” is her guiding principle, not restriction. Even her preparation for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway at age 65 — a moment she calls “the thrill of my life” — involved only a short, focused stint of calorie-watching, after which she returned to her usual, joyful approach to food.
Motivation, Consistency, and Starting Small
Austin’s philosophy is clear: consistency trumps intensity. “If you haven’t exercised in a long time, and let’s just say you’re 68, like me, the best thing that I would tell everybody is to start small but start now.” Whether it’s joining her online program, heading to the gym, or simply going for a walk, she emphasizes making a plan and sticking to it — no matter your age or starting point.
Her advice echoes a truth often lost in the noise of quick fixes: lasting health comes from incremental change. “This is where your health can go either way,” she cautions, urging readers to take that first step, however modest.
Why Denise Austin’s Approach Resonates in 2025
In a time when fitness influencers and celebrity routines crowd our feeds, Denise Austin’s story stands out for its authenticity and relatability. She doesn’t offer secret potions or unrealistic promises; instead, she models the kind of daily resilience that quietly reshapes lives.
Her journey — from hosting the No. 1 exercise show on television for 24 years to selling over 25 million workout tapes and DVDs — isn’t just about personal success. It’s a living archive of what works: regular movement, mindful eating, and the courage to show up, day after day.
- Denise Austin, 68, still wears her ’80s leotards thanks to daily exercise and balanced eating (Fox News).
- She advocates simple habits: morning workouts, walking, and squeezing in mini-exercises throughout the day.
- Nutrition matters, but she focuses on balance and whole foods — not extreme diets.
Denise Austin’s story is more than nostalgia; it’s a blueprint for sustainable health in a world obsessed with shortcuts. Her success isn’t found in rare genetics or exclusive routines, but in the discipline of daily effort and the joy of movement. For anyone searching for motivation in 2025, her message is clear: Start small, stay consistent, and let the results speak for themselves.