Fit and Fabulous After 40: A 5-Part Program for Turning Back the Clock

by Denise Austin

Fitness celebrity and former gymnast Denise Austin always took care of her body. "In my 20s, however, I was more concerned with looking good in a bikini," she admits. "These days I'm focused on feeling good and staying healthy--and if I can still get away with wearing a bikini, that's a bonus!" Writing at age 43, she reminds us that 40 certainly isn't the end of the road--in fact, we probably have another 40 years or more to look forward to.

In Fit and Fabulous After 40, Austin shows us how to "turn back the clock" with exercise (aerobic, stretching, balance, and strength training), diet, health, beauty, and a positive outlook. She challenges us to set a weekly goal in each area for four weeks and provides sample programs in all areas. Photographs illustrate a good selection of strength-training, yoga, and Pilates-inspired exercises, and she provides a workout log to keep you on track.

Her dietary suggestions emphasize a balance of 50 to 55 percent complex carbohydrates, 20 to 25 percent protein, and 25 percent fat, keeping portions moderate and including lots of fruits and vegetables. She describes 10 "nutritional powerhouses" that have been shown to have anti-aging benefits, such as soy, blueberries, oatmeal, and flaxseed, with tips for including more of these in your diet. She also describes 10 "age accelerators" that you'd be wise to avoid, such as breakfast "desserts," fatty meats, creamy salad dressings, and stick margarine. She includes dozens of helpful (and sometimes entertaining) tips, such as "Don't go [to a fast-food restaurant] when you're hungry--you'll order fries." A meal plan with sample recipes makes her suggestions easy to follow.

Her health tips include 6 "body-sense strategies," 10 "must-have medical tests," breathing exercises, and instructions for how to do Kegels (exercises for the pelvic-floor muscles that help prevent incontinence and improve sexual response). She also offers skin, hair, and nail tips. If you think of Denise Austin as just a perky exercise leader, you'll be thoroughly impressed by the amount of helpful, sensible information in Fit and Fabulous. --Joan Price

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2002

About the author

A native of San Pedro, California, Denise started gymnastics at the age of 12 and earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Arizona, graduating in 1979 with an exercise physiology degree. She began her career teaching aerobic exercise classes in the Los Angeles area and went on to cohost the The Jack LaLanne Show, in 1981. (Denise considers Jack LaLanne one of her role models, and she is delighted to still speak regularly with the 94-year-old fitness legend.)

During more than 25 years promoting health and fitness, Denise has created 82 workout videos or DVDs. Her enormous number of sales led to her 2003 induction into the Video Hall of Fame.

Denise has been married for 25 years to Jeff Austin, a sports attorney and brother of tennis champ Tracy Austin. They share a home with their two teenage daughters, Kelly and Katie.

Connect with her on:
Facebook

Follow:
@DeniseAustin_ on Twitter

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only it were as easy as Denise makes it sound. Oh well. Baby steps!

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are fortunate that Denise is continuing her fitness instructor role as she ages along with us and remains freshingly frank. It would be so discouraging to have no choice but perfectly prime, perpetually 25 y.o. trainers!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of encouragement and positive takes on life style,food, and exercise. Good demo pics of exercise. Denise makes you BELIEVE!

[Gwendolyn B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, Austin provides a splendid manual for Women's Self-Care 101. Some of her advise I had not considered but found helpful, such as how to squeeze daily exercise into the tightest schedules. Much of if, however, is often so commonsense that it's baffling how many of us overlook it and need the reminders.

I do wish that she would frame the subject as one of *self-care* rather than *anti-aging.* Our culture is unique in how it expresses its deeply seated fear of death by loathing all-things-aging. In most world cultures, aging is viewed as an honor, where the elderly are given front seats on the bus and integrated into daily life rather than sequestered in over-55 communities and assisted living homes. Aging itself can actually be something to celebrate. Fortunately, taking Austin's advice can help us age *well* and enjoy the highest quality of life as we approach and live out our golden years.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed Austin's Anti-gravity exercises as she offers 3 exercises for each of the areas that start to sag namely boobs, back of upper arms, waistline, buns. She also suggests Facial Fidgetcize exercises to help tone your face and neck and suggests these can be done in the car, in line in store, at your desk.
Not so sure I want to do the Lion Pose in public as it includes inhaling deeply then while holding your breath stick out your tongue as far as possible (try to touch your chin) while opening your eyes as wide as you can, then exhaling and making an "ahhh" sound.

[Delores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Denise Austin bases her book of living a balanced life after 40 on a pyramid theory that includes five key aspects: exercise, diet, health, beauty, and attitude. She provides a lot of solid information although some is now a bit dated but the basics still hold true. D.A. offers positive, realistic encouragement and recommends setting small weekly goals to achieve a level of optimum health that women in their 40s can and should attain. Overall this book was an enjoyable, informative read.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish everyone of my friends over 40 would read this book and start adopting new & better food and exercise practices for a overall healthier and maybe longer happy life. I don't even really like Denise Austin - she's kind of over sugary for me (ironically) - but she did inspire me and I am making changing.

[Gaylynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Denice offers her advice for staying young, healthy, and happy. She breaks her plan into 5 parts: exercise, nutrition, health, beauty, and attitude. I like Denice's DVDs and books because she is so bubbly and outgoing and happy and wanting to share her happiness with others. No crazy dieting or exercise advise in here - just very sensible suggestions.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still have several years before I hit 40, but it's nice to prepare and try to get ahead of the game.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Denise offers realistic suggestions for staying in shape and feeling good after 40. It's not just about exercising. It's about eating right and attitude too.