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“I love tennis! I think it’s one of the best activities to stay in shape that combines fitness with fun.”
It’s hard to believe that one woman could have the energy, motivation and self-discipline to build an entire fitness empire around herself. But
Denise Austin has done just that and then some.
She has sold nearly 20 million exercise videos and DVDs, written nine fitness books, offers her own skin care line, and airs two daily morning workout shows on Lifetime TV, one of which, “Denise Austin’s Daily Workout”, has been airing for 18 years, making it the longest-running fitness show on television. On Feb. 13, Denise will unveil her latest pride and joy: An apparel line for active women offered exclusively at Sears that includes yoga pants, tennis skirts, tops and casual lifestyle items.
Denise also clears time in her busy schedule for the occasional jaunt on the tennis courts. And as the new spokesperson for Cardio Tennis--a high intensity cardio workout that focuses on tennis drills--she's playing more than ever.
Now Denise is ready to combine her tennis and fitness knowledge to dish out advice on how you can start 2006 with a bang. She offers tips that will help you improve your game, your waistline and maybe even your motivation to make this your most active, healthy year yet.
Family First
In some form or another, fitness has always been a part of Denise’s life. She started gymnastics at age 12 and went to the University of Arizona on an athletic scholarship. After obtaining a degree in physical education with a specialty in exercise physiology, she began doing what she still does best, teaching exercise classes.
From there, her career took off and has resulted in recognition on a national level. In 2002, President Bush asked Denise to be a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS), an organization that motivates Americans of all ages to become physically active and participate in sports. Since then, she’s had the unique opportunity to lead exercise workouts at the White House and to travel around the country to schools, teaching children the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Despite all her professional accomplishments, the 48-year-old always carves out time for her husband of 23 years, Jeff, and her two children, Kelly, 15, and Katie, 12. Denise is proof that women can have successful careers, as well as a marriage and children. “The thing I’m most proud of is having two happy, healthy, athletic girls. I’m a mom first,” she gushed.
Jeff, a sports attorney and brother of former world No. 1 tennis champion Tracy Austin, came from a tennis family and quickly got his athletic wife into the sport. Now after playing tennis for 20 years, Denise insists that she’s, well, not that good. But that hasn’t kept her from trying!
Hitting the court about once a week, Denise plays with Jeff during the summer on their private court, and during the winter she plays indoors with friends when her East Coast court is closed. “Tennis is a great way for my girlfriends and me to have a social affair while also getting a great workout,” she said.
By now you’re probably wondering, does Denise ever play with her famous sister-in-law? “The Austins are such a fun, welcoming family and have the patience to hit with me. I have hit around with Tracy, but we don’t really play together,” Denise admitted.
The Face of Cardio Tennis
Okay, so she’s no Steffi Graf. But given her background, it made sense when friend Jim Baugh, Tennis Industry Association president and director at large for the USTA, approached Denise to be the spokesperson for the new Cardio Tennis initiative.
If you don’t know much about Cardio Tennis, it’s a group activity featuring tennis drills—think shuffling side to side, overhand hitting and volleys—to give players of all abilities a high-energy workout. Cardio Tennis is offered at sports facilities across the U.S., and includes a warm-up, cardio workout and cool down, all led by an instructor.
Once Denise learned what the new program was all about, she was hooked. “I love tennis! I think it’s one of the best activities to stay in shape that combines fitness with fun,” she said. “I was really excited to get involved with Cardio Tennis, and when I tried it last spring, I just loved it. It really is so much fun.”
Denise then had the opportunity to introduce Cardio Tennis to other tennis players at the 2005 US Open. “We held an exhibition and demonstrated a typical Cardio Tennis workout. What was so great was that people looking on also loved it,” she said.
| A Few Benefits of Cardio Tennis... | 1. Your heart rate will consistently be elevated into your aerobic training zone for fast results.
2. You can burn more calories than playing singles or doubles tennis.
3. You get short cycles of high intensity workout and periods of rest, almost like interval training.
4. It is a fun, group activity where players of all abilities enjoy tennis together, and you'll find newfound motivation to hit the court more often.
5. While you are playing tennis, the focus is primarily on getting a great workout.
6. You will also improve your tennis skills due to the high intensity drills, and because you'll hit so many balls and repeat various shots. | |
The new workout is also on par with the stick-with-it techniques Denise has been preaching for years. “THE biggest key to staying in shape is switching up your workout routine to keep yourself interested, boost your metabolism and work fresh muscles,” she explained.
Considering the percentage of Americans who are either overweight or obese has grown from 47 to 65 percent in the last 20 years and that heart disease is the biggest killer of Americans today, it’s more important than ever that people find a variety of workouts they truly enjoy.
Cardio Tennis is a fantastic workout that will add depth to any weekly program, and it is great for both experienced and novice players alike. “Cardio Tennis burns fat, increases your endurance and helps fight heart disease,” Denise stated. “I think it’s a great way for people who like tennis and maybe aren’t as involved with it as they’d like to be, to get back into the sport. If you do play tennis consistently, this is something you can add to your routine that will help keep you fit and improve your game.”
Even people who don’t know much about tennis need not be shy about joining a Cardio Tennis class. “Get out there, and give it a shot,” Denise urged. “Find out where it is in your area, and try it.”
If You Rest, You Rust
This is just one of Denise’s many catch phrases that she uses to motivate people to get moving on a regular basis. Although Denise looks like she works out all day long, she swears that she only does 30 minutes of cardio three times a week, usually biking, running, walking or Cardio Tennis. “About once a month, I change up what I’m doing so I don’t burn out or get bored,” she said.
Anyone who has seen Denise’s workout videos may think the energetic blonde has never struggled to find the drive to work out, but this is simply not true. “Sometimes exercise can be drudgery for me just like it can be for anyone else, and I just get through those workouts. And sometimes I love it. I know how much better I feel when I’ve exercised, so that keeps me motivated. It gives me a lot of energy and puts a smile on my face.”
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| Denise with walrus |
Denise also encourages people to work muscle toning and building activities into their workouts. “The more muscle you have, the more calories you’re going to be burning, even when you’re asleep. You can start lifting weights, or do Pilates, yoga or a hybrid of those activities. Cardio Tennis is also great since there are a lot of lunge movements built into the program, which really helps build muscles,” she said.
Denise advises, “For the best workout program, I suggest doing cardio three times a week and toning exercises twice a week.” This doesn’t sound too bad, unless you’re one of the many people who get caught up in the office, with kids or are just busy with life. For the time-pressed, Denise suggests starting with 10 minutes of cardio a day. “Even a few minutes a day will jump start your metabolism, and you’ll feel younger and improve your mood.”
For those of you already playing tennis regularly and looking for a workout to keep you court-ready on your off days, Denise recommends any activity that works your core. “Having a strong core and abs is the best complement to tennis. Things like Pilates and yoga are also great activities that counterbalance the aerobic activity of tennis.”
When it comes to eating, Denise is not immune to the enticing powers of junk food. When asked what people may not know about her, she quickly responded, “That I love food!” So what is Denise eating in the kitchen at midnight? “Sometimes I crave potato chips, guacamole or coffee ice cream. Sometimes I make chocolate malt milkshakes with real malt,” she confessed. Whew, so she’s human after all.
To combat cravings like these, she indulges in moderation. “I eat well 80 percent of the time and indulge 20 percent of the time,” she said. “I also exercise so that I can eat the way I want. I’m from a big family, and what we were eating for dinner was always important. Food is a social thing, and you don’t have to give that up to be in good shape and at a good weight. Just work more healthy foods into your diet.”
By not depriving herself of foods she loves and relying on a realistic approach to staying in shape, Denise is proof that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be a chore. “I’ve stayed so motivated over the years simply because I love what I do.”
*Please note that any advice given out in this forum should in no way be confused with actual medical advice. Before starting any new exercise regimen or altering your existing one, we strongly urge you to consult with your regular physician.
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