Denise Austin’s Top 3 Ab-Toning Moves from TikTok Explained
Targeted workouts that fit any fitness level and boost midsection stability.
Fitness icon Denise Austin has inspired millions with her upbeat approach to exercise, especially for those seeking simple, effective moves to enhance midsection strength. At 66, Austin continues to prove age is just a number, recently sharing a TikTok video detailing her three favorite ab-toning exercises. Whether your goal is a flatter stomach or a stronger core, these expert-picked moves are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Below, we break down each move, offer form tips, and provide strategies to maximize results from this quick but powerful routine.
Who Is Denise Austin?
Denise Austin is a household name in the fitness world, with over four decades of experience in exercise instruction, television hosting, and wellness books. Renowned for her energetic yet approachable style, Denise continues to motivate people—especially those over 50—to stay active and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Her social media presence, including platforms like TikTok, brings these classic routines to a new digital audience.
Overview: The Power of Simple Ab Movements
In her latest viral TikTok, Austin shares three straightforward moves designed for maximum effect and accessibility. Her choices focus on the side plank, plank crunches, and the bicycle crunch, all tailored to engage multiple abdominal zones. With just a yoga mat and a few minutes, you can try these exercises nearly anywhere—no fancy equipment necessary.
The Routine: Three Moves to Strengthen and Tone Your Core
Each move in Denise Austin’s routine targets different areas of the core, helping to flatten, tone, and build stability for everyday movement. Below you’ll find detailed instructions and expert form cues for each exercise.
1. Side Plank
The side plank zeros in on the obliques—the muscles at the waist—to sculpt and strengthen the sides of your torso. Here’s how to perform it correctly:
- Start Position: Lie on one side, stacking your feet. Prop yourself up with your lower arm, aligning your elbow directly under your shoulder.
- Movement: Lift your hips off the ground, forming a straight line from head to heels. Keep your core tight and your shoulders stacked.
- Engagement Tip: Pull your tummy in during the hold. Denise recommends activating your abdominals throughout—this cue ensures the side plank is truly productive for your midsection.
- Optional Progression: For extra challenge, add a crunch: Bring your top knee toward your face as your upper arm comes down to meet it, lightly touching knees and elbows together. Return to the extended position and repeat.
This move not only tightens the waistline but also contributes to improved balance and shoulder stability, making it one of Denise’s go-to ab shapers.
2. Plank Crunches
The next exercise combines a full-body plank with alternating crunches for comprehensive core activation.
- Start Position: Begin in a plank—hands on the ground, arms straight and lined up with shoulders, feet hip-width apart.
- Movement: Keep your body in a straight line, abs engaged, and don’t let your back sag. From this position, pull one knee toward your chest (or elbow), then return your foot to starting position and repeat with the other leg.
- Expert Cue: Denise highlights the importance of keeping “tummy in” and holding the plank nice and tight throughout each repetition. This ensures both the abs and stabilizing muscles are consistently firing.
By pulling alternating knees to the chest, you dynamically work the rectus abdominis, obliques, and even deepen muscular engagement in the lower core—a notoriously tough zone for many exercisers.
3. Bicycle Crunches
According to Denise, the bicycle crunch remains “one of the best ways to flatten that belly.” This move is a classic for targeting both upper and lower abdominal muscles as well as the obliques.
- Start Position: Lie on your back with shoulders slightly lifted off the mat, hands lightly behind your ears (not pulling on the neck), and legs bent and raised off the floor.
- Movement: Draw one knee toward your face as you twist and bring your opposite elbow to meet it, then extend that leg out while the other knee comes in, alternating in a pedaling motion.
- Form Reminder: Keep your lower back pressed gently into the mat to avoid strain and lift the shoulders to maximize ab activation.
This exercise delivers a comprehensive burn by rotating through the core, recruiting both front and side abdominal muscles, and improving rotational strength and mobility.
Why These Moves Work: The Science Behind the Routine
Denise Austin’s approach is grounded in decades of exercise science expertise. The side plank stabilizes the trunk while directly targeting oblique muscles. Plank crunches not only recruit the six-pack (rectus abdominis) but also force engagement from transverse and supporting muscles, building real-world strength. Lastly, bicycle crunches are consistently ranked in studies as one of the top activation exercises for the abdominal muscle groups, challenging both the upper and lower abs as well as improving endurance.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Denise Austin’s Ab Routine
- Consistency is Key: For results, commit to performing these exercises regularly—2 to 3 times per week, as a stand-alone ab session or as part of a larger workout.
- Form Over Speed: Denise’s video underscores the importance of performing each repetition with proper form—never rush through movements. Quality trumps quantity, especially for core work.
- Breathe Intentionally: Exhale during the effort (when crunching or lifting), and inhale when resetting your position. Proper breathing aids muscle engagement and prevents holding excess tension in the face or neck.
- Listen to Your Body: Modify as needed. Beginners can perform versions of the plank or side plank with knees down until strength builds.
- Pair With Cardio: While these moves can help sculpt abdominal muscles, revealing a toned look also requires burning body fat, which is best accomplished by combining strength moves with cardio and a well-balanced diet.
Step-by-Step Table: Denise Austin’s Three Ab-Toning Moves
| Exercise | Target Muscles | How to Perform | Modifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Plank (with optional side crunch) | Obliques, transverse abdominis, shoulders | Stack feet, elbow under shoulder, lift hips, hold; advance by bringing knee and elbow together for a crunch. | Place bottom knee on the mat to reduce intensity. |
| Plank Crunch | Rectus abdominis, obliques, shoulders, chest | Start in full plank, hands under shoulders; pull knees in alternately to chest/elbows. | Drop to knees for a modified plank. Decrease range of motion. |
| Bicycle Crunch | Upper & lower abs, obliques, hips | On back, hands by ears, feet up; cycle legs in air, bringing elbow to opposite knee with each crunch. | Keep feet higher off the floor or reduce range to make it easier. |
Equipment & Apparel Recommendations
- Yoga Mat: Protects joints and provides stability.
- Supportive Sneakers: Austin is known for wearing color-coordinated sneakers; look for well-cushioned walking or training shoes to reduce foot fatigue.
- Comfortable Workout Attire: Fitted leggings and a tank make movement easier and encourage consistency in your routine.
Community Reaction: Fans Love Denise’s Relatable Fitness Tips
Enthusiastic comments flooded Denise’s post: fans shared gratitude for her encouragement, with remarks like, “Thanks for the encouragement!” and playful puns, “What a grape workout!” Her lighthearted approach, coupled with precise instruction, keeps her audience motivated and engaged, no matter their fitness background.
Additional Fitness Inspiration: Denise Austin’s Other Popular Workouts
- Quick Moves for Toned Legs: Denise frequently shares lower-body focused sequences effective for all ages.
- Ab-Focused Routines: From two-move combos to resistance band series, her content includes a variety of core-sculpting options.
- Fat-Burning Cardio: Austin is a fan of brisk walking, interval training, and “mood-boosting” cardiovascular workouts.
- Six-Week Walking Guide: For those who prefer low-impact, reader-friendly cardio, her walking programs are highly accessible and effective.
- Back and Glute Strengthening: Denise’s programs for a strong back and glutes highlight the importance of balanced body training.
FAQs: Denise Austin’s Ab-Toning Moves and Core Fitness
How often should I do these ab exercises for best results?
For maximum effect, aim for 2–3 sessions per week, ensuring adequate rest between sessions so muscles can recover and strengthen.
Are these moves appropriate for beginners?
Yes. Each exercise can be modified—such as side planks from the knees or slower bicycle crunches—to match your current fitness level.
Is special equipment required to follow Denise Austin’s ab routine?
No, only a yoga mat and comfortable workout attire are needed. Supportive sneakers are optional but can enhance comfort during planks.
Can ab exercises alone flatten my stomach?
While these moves strengthen your core and can help sculpt the midsection, combining them with cardio, overall strength training, and healthy nutrition is essential for visible results.
Expert Advice: Staying Motivated and Injury-Free
- Warm Up: Always start with 3-5 minutes of gentle movement to prepare muscles and prevent injury.
- Focus on Good Posture: Keep the spine long during planks, relax your neck during crunches, and engage your abdominal muscles throughout.
- Progress Gradually: If the moves ever feel too challenging, start with shorter sets (e.g., 15-20 seconds per exercise), working up to longer holds over time.
- Set Reasonable Goals: Don’t expect overnight changes—enjoy the process and celebrate each improvement in strength and confidence.
- Stay Consistent: Incorporate these moves as part of a regular routine or blend them with your favorite workouts for well-rounded results.
Ready to Try Denise Austin’s Three-Move Ab Routine?
With just a few minutes and a positive attitude, you can bring this routine to life at home. Take inspiration from Denise’s playful, energetic style and remember her key secret: the best move is the one you do with perfect form, intention, and consistency.
Try These Next: More Denise Austin-Inspired Workouts
- Full-Body Resistance Band Series
- Quick Cardio for Weight Loss
- Strong Back and Healthy Posture Routine
- Six-Week Walking Transformation
Final Thoughts
Denise Austin’s streamlined, age-inclusive ab workout proves that effective core training comes down to consistency, simplicity, and a can-do spirit. By integrating these three core moves into your weekly routine—and following her advice for posture, modification, and motivation—you can expect to feel stronger and more confident, whatever your starting point.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
