Denise Austin: Online Fitness Program Reviews
Denise Austin is arguably one of the best known fitness instructors. She has made an incredible 60 fitness videos - beginning in the 1980s, and continuing to the present day. She is on the President's Council on Fitness, and is also a columnist for Prevention magazine.
Denise Austin has built a prolific media empire; her own range of skin care products, exercise equipment (treadmills etc), books, online programs, and of course her prolific collection of videos and DVDs.
Recently Denise Austin released a complete weight management program called "Fit Forever". The on-line program comprises diet and meal plans, and a full and complete fitness program.
Free Fitness Profile
The program starts with a free fitness profile asking the basic questions (weight, gender, and goal weight). This takes me through to a page of 8 questions - asking things like; How much aerobic activity (running, biking, tennis, etc) do you do? How much weight-lifting do you do? (Lifting groceries and kids COUNTS as lifting weights) How do you like to spend your weekends?After answering the questions, I get the results of my profile. It tells me my BMI is too high, and I should try a 1,400 calorie diet. 1,400 calories is too low for me. I know this from experience - and I honestly wonder if it's a mistake of some sort. However, after reading further I see that there are 3 calorie options; 1400, 1600, and 1800 per day.
Anyway, the three components to the program are: Targeted exercises for your fat zone, Personalized diet for your body type, and Daily Motivation "to keep you feeling great". There is a picture of Denise coyly smiling at me saying "You can do it Jim" - so I'm ready to get started.
Diet and Sample Meal Plans
Denise Austin's Fit Forever program allows 3 different diet plans, 1400 calories per day, 1600, and 1800 calories. You can change your daily calorie setting at any time, and Denise points out that these are guidelines.The diet plans were developed by nutritionist Rachel Rodney (RD, LD, CFT). There isn't any mention of nutrient ratios, you're given a diet plan that looks to be low-fat, moderate protein, and moderate carbohydrate - in fact it looks to be about 50% carbs, 25% fats, 25% protein - an excellent balance for anyone undertaking exercise and resistance training.
1600 Calorie Meal Plan (sample)
BreakfastFat-Free Milk
Oatmeal
Lunch
Black Bean Soup
Ak-Mak Crackers (5)
Snack
Hot or Cold Chocolate Milk
Orange
Graham Crackers (2)
Dinner
Quick Veggie Pizza
Mixed Greens (2 cups, reduced-calorie dressing)
Treat
Pretzels (1oz.)
1400 Calorie Meal Plan (sample)
BreakfastCantaloupe
Scrambled Eggs
English Muffin (dry)
Lunch
Fat-Free Milk
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Celery Sticks and Baby Carrots
Snack
Mug of Granola (2 tbsp. granola)
Dinner
Mixed Greens (2 cups, reduced-calorie dressing)
Spaghetti
Treat
Ginger Snaps (3)
Someone To Talk To
The discussion boards are quite active, and the nutritionist is also around to answer questions - in fact Rachel (nutritionist) seems very helpful. There is some complaint about the meal plans cycling around, and people getting bored with the same foods. This doesn't bother me, as I tend to stick to the same foods as it is.Reading through many of the posts on the message boards - it seems that the Denise Austin program is working well for most people. It's a good balanced calorie-controlled diet, coupled with daily exercise - which would work for most of us.
See the Denise Austin Fit Forever Program
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159 Comments
Add Your Comment
Created / Updated: January 8, 2012
I was expecting a review of her diet; this sounds more like a testimonial or advertisement.
ReplyIf anyone's ever tried this diet please reply here with any details you can offer about its composition and who developed it. You can also contact me via email at webmaster@dietsurf.com.
See Part II - I'm writing it soon. This is just an intro.
ReplyI have tried Denise's video's and i love them but how do you know how many calories your burning? Is there a way of finding out?
ReplyDenise Austin looks great at 48 years old. saw her on the new cover of prevention. WOW!
ReplyDenise Austin has helped me loss over 45 pounds. She is a great fitness advisor. She knows just the right expercises to get you firm and in shape. I recommend that anyone who wants to loss weight and keep it off do it with Denise Austin.
ReplyI also lost weight while doing Denise Austin Daily workout. I loved it and never felt better in my life. Dropped 35lbs and had more energy then ever but now I have gained it back and cannot find her show on tv anymore. I bought her workout tapes but I dont like them and cant do it. How can I find her old shows they are not on tv anymore (at least in ny). Let me know if anyone can tell me how to find them.
ReplyThanks
Try youtube they have alot of her videos for free!
ReplyI am the same age as Denise Austin. Exercise has always been part of my life, but it wasn't until I started exercising along with her Lifetime shows two years ago that I felt really fit. I would say to anyone starting to work out with her to have willpower to keep doing it and have faith that it will work. In three months you will feel it's making a difference, in a year you will see the difference, and if you continue you will have more energy, sleep better, and look better! Go, Denise!
ReplyI agree w/ J.Jensen - I've worked out for many many years. I've been working out with Denise for 4 months now and I've never felt SO fit in my life - my abs have NEVER been this hard before! It's a fabulous feeling. I tape her shows on Lifetime everyday and get up at 4:30 am to work out. I love her sparkling personality and look forward to seeing her each morning! It really puts pep in my step for the rest of the day! I love you Denise!
Replysome of her workouts are great, some are disorganized, -- she says she works out harder so she can have that mexican platter and the margaritas, but she also gives sound nutritional advice. I lost weight and got toned a bit on her plan, but I was a bit bored by it too... she doesn't have enough energy for me. I am older than her by 5 years, and yet I need a harder, more organized workout. she is fabulous for beginners. She is fun, but for the long haul you will need to mix up a plan and not slog thru hers forever.
Replydenise has great workouts
ReplyI am trying to find more testimonial information on Denise's exercise plan that's not on her web site. Her overall diet plan sounds good, but I am over 60 and have back problems and my "personalized" exercise routine doesn't seem to take into consideration any existing physical problems. The personal profile section did not include/request any information for back problems. Any comments or suggestions?
ReplyWell, as usual, I am making my annual attempt to lose weight...about 12 years now! I am a single Mom and want to change that after 18 years! This time, I actually and seeking advice and writing about it, so maybe I mean it now!?
I have issues with exercise...I used to be active in excerise but for years now have a back problem...lower back and sometimes after standing/walking on the job all day, I can barely get out of the car! I cant bend and pickup items off the floor 90% of the time....
I need to lose 80 lbs. But knowing that I must exercise to be successful, I am depressed about it. I have a heavy middle section as well. I want to know if anyone can suggest an exercise video that will get me moving (slowly) and can be for those with back problems??? PLEASE HELP!!!
ReplyThank you
Maureen
moeatthebeach@aol.com
i would like to know why denise is not on lifetime daily workout at 7:30 am folowing her daily workout at 7am on lifetime i have been following her for at least close to 10 years doing her workouts and am very disappointed that i did not see her over a week i live in rhode island and am at cox digital cable put her back on please
ReplyHow do we complain to Lifetime, I went on their website and found no way to email them. I was working out five days a week with Denise...now it is gone. Does anyone know why?
ReplyPlease let me know why Denise Austin was pulled off lifetime, I am very upset about this.. Will she be returning???
ReplyPLEASE BRING YOUR DAILY SHOW BACK IN SACRAMENTO ON LIFETIME TELEVISION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyMAN! You guys at Lifetime really messed up my mornings by removing Denise Austin's Fit and Lite from your programming!! And I've used my tapes so much they are worn out and I can't seem to find this particular series on DVD's... what's with that?
ReplyI love the Fit and Lite series because I can actually stay up with her and I feel great about starting my day with a good workout for this senior citizen!!
BRING BACK DENISE AUSTIN ON LIFETIME!!!
Can someone reach me so I can purchase Fit & Lite VHS of what you recorded of Denise's shows from TV?
ReplyI can't find anything like it.
Why isn't she on TV anymore?
Google says you can find reruns on ESPN Classic and Altitude Sports and Entertainment. It use to be called Getting Fit with Denise Austin before Lifetime renamed it Fit and Lite. I've been lost without it for three years. I don't have those channels but I'm calling my cable guy right now to see what can be done. I have 12 episodes still recorded on my DVR but I need more!
ReplyDenise -
As a faithful participant in both your "Fit & Light" and "Daily Workout" shows over the past 10 years, I just want you to know what an inspiration and motivator you have been to me. I was very sorry to see the "Daily Workout" show discontinued; so much so that I e-mailed Lifetime (Ch. 38 in my area) and voiced my opinion about the change. They did email me back and said you would remain on the 7:00-7:30 am time slot, thank goodness.
I really do look forward to hopping out of bed, into my workout clothes, and starting my day with you each morning. I particularly have enjoyed when your sisters and daughters have appeared. I'll continue to support your show because you are the reason I do not take medications, feel wonderful, and look terrific for my age of 66 years. Keep up the good work for all of us! Kay Medwick, Dade City, FL
ReplyThere is an online petition on Lifetime that can be signed if you want Denise Austin back. I signed it and hope they bring her back on the original schedule.
ReplyHow do we find the online petition?
ReplyDid anyone find a way to contact Lifettime so we can get Fit & Lite and Daly Workout back. I am going through chemo right now and it is the reason I get up in the morning. After exercising, I feeling like I have done something good for me. Has any one else found a good TV exercise program?
ReplyKay
Where has the show gone? I used to do it faithfully.. But I fell off so to speak. I went to get back into the groove and it is gone. Can someone tell me what happend and how to fix it? Thanks Jessica
ReplyPlease bring Denise back on 7:00 am slot on lifetime....
ReplyI am a person that also works out with Denise Austin. Please bring her back. That other show is stupid! What else am I going to do at that time in the morning except workout. Please bring Denise back. Her workout routines have helped me very well over the years.
Sincerely: Steve Hough
Reply