Denise Austin’s Top Motivation Tips for Kickstarting Your Fitness Journey
Embrace easy, enjoyable routines that fit your life and keep you moving consistently.
Legendary fitness expert Denise Austin has inspired millions to stay active through her approachable wellness philosophy and proven exercise routines. Even after decades in the industry and at age 67, Denise continues to share straightforward advice for anyone—at any fitness level—struggling to get started. Her core message: ”You have to start somewhere, and just a little bit at a time really works.” If you find yourself asking, ”How do I begin working out if I haven’t exercised in years?” this guide distills Denise’s most effective motivational strategies, practical routines, and expert-backed habits for making movement a joyful, lifelong part of your day.
Table of Contents
- Why Motivation Matters for Your Workout Routine
- Denise Austin’s Top 3 Motivation Tips
- Starting Small: Overcoming Burnout and Intimidation
- Make Fitness Convenient: Practical Strategies
- Schedule Your Workouts for Success
- The Power of Accountability: Workout Buddies and Support
- Bonus Hacks and Sources of Inspiration
- Effectiveness of Short Workouts: Science-Backed Benefits
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Motivation Matters for Your Workout Routine
Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning after a fitness hiatus, the hardest part is often just getting started. Establishing a regular exercise habit can feel overwhelming amidst daily responsibilities, conflicting information about ideal workouts, and nagging self-doubt. Denise Austin emphasizes that motivation isn’t about grand gestures, but rather about small, consistent steps integrated into your routine. Once you start, even if only for a few minutes, the physical and psychological benefits kick in rapidly, making the next workout easier to begin.
Denise Austin’s Top 3 Motivation Tips
In her most recent guidance, Denise sums up her philosophy with three actionable steps for sustainable motivation:
- Start Small: “Even a quick eight-to-10-minute workout is GREAT.” Start with manageable goals—progress will follow.
- Make It Convenient: “The best workout for you is the one you will do.” Remove barriers and adapt your exercise to your environment.
- Schedule It: “If it’s on your calendar you are more likely to stick to it.” Treat workouts like appointments.
Let’s break down each tip and add more depth from Denise’s extended recommendations.
Starting Small: Overcoming Burnout and Intimidation
The biggest barrier to entry is often the mistaken belief that exercise requires an hour or more, expensive gym memberships, or strenuous routines. Denise recommends:
- Begin with short sessions: Even less than 30 minutes of daily exercise has notable health benefits, including improved heart health and mood boost. Start with 5–10 minutes daily; small actions create lasting habits.
- Choose accessible movements: March in place, do a set of squats, stretch, or go for a brisk walk. If you’re not used to movement, the aim is consistency rather than intensity.
- Celebrate progress: Every completed workout, regardless of length or perceived intensity, supports momentum. Reward yourself for each milestone.
- Remember: the first few minutes are always hard, even for Denise. Push through the initial discomfort, knowing you’ll begin to feel good soon after you start.
Make Fitness Convenient: Practical Strategies
As Denise stresses, ”the best workout for you is the one you’ll do.” Convenience removes friction that leads to skipped workouts:
- Prepare in advance: Lay out your workout clothes the night before or keep your gear in the car. Visual cues boost readiness.
- Find exercise you enjoy: Movement should never feel like punishment. Dancing, walking, gentle stretching—anything counts.
- Use technology: Download workouts or play music that energizes. Austin notes that reserving favorite songs or podcasts for workouts adds motivation.
- Exercise at home or outdoors: Eliminate travel time and expense; follow short routines in your living room or during a walk in the park.
Denise’s “Instant Motivation” Checklist
- Blast music you love
- Set out workout clothes or gear for quick access
- Pick activities requiring little or no equipment
- Do short, fast workouts when pressed for time
- Reward yourself with a favorite activity after exercising
Schedule Your Workouts for Success
If you treat workouts like flexible, negotiable items on your to-do list, they’re the first to be skipped. Denise’s solution:
- Block workout sessions on your calendar. Treat them as non-negotiable appointments.
- Hang a visible calendar. Mark every day you move, and take pride in the visual streak.
- Stick to a regular time. Whether morning, lunch, or evening—consistency supports habit-building.
- Email your workout log to a close friend. Accountability is key for sticking with your schedule.
Planning ahead is like an oath to yourself, making skipped workouts less likely. Without structure, other demands quickly take priority.
The Power of Accountability: Workout Budies and Support
Denise recommends involving a workout buddy—a friend, family member, or coworker. Here’s how accountability boosts commitment:
- Coordinate regular exercise dates with friends. Social support makes fitness fun and you’ll look forward to catching up.
- Text, call, or check-in with your buddy. Reporting your progress keeps you honest and driven.
- Join online fitness communities for advice, sharing victories, and mutual encouragement.
- Find partners with similar goals (weight loss, mobility, stress relief) for relatable encouragement.
Bonus Hacks and Sources of Inspiration
- Music: Make exclusive workout playlists. Only allow yourself to listen while moving.
- Healthy Rewards: After a week of regular movement, treat yourself to flowers, a book, or a relaxing bath.
- Visual Reminders: Place motivational quotes or photos where you’ll see them—mirror, refrigerator, or phone lock-screen.
- TV Motivation: Watch inspirational athletes or use commercial breaks for quick squats, stretches, or crunches.
- Slip into workout clothes first thing. Don’t remove them until you squeeze in movement. This triggers action and reduces mental friction.
Effectiveness of Short Workouts: Science-Backed Benefits
Denise’s ”just a little at a time” mantra aligns with recent research on physical activity:
| Workout Length | Key Benefit |
|---|---|
| 5–10 minutes | Immediate mood boost, reduced anxiety |
| 10–15 minutes | Improved cognitive performance, decreased fatigue |
| 20–30 minutes | Lowered disease risk, boosted metabolism |
Studies confirm that even sub-30 minute sessions performed regularly can significantly improve heart health, muscle strength, weight management, and mental clarity.
For busy individuals or those just returning to exercise, this means every minute counts—short bursts are not only effective, but often easier to maintain for the long haul.
Yoga and Stretching: Denise’s Favorite Practical Workouts
In addition to motivational tactics, Denise recommends yoga and stretching routines as accessible ways to build strength, improve mobility, and center yourself mentally.
- Yoga fosters balance, stretches muscles, improves bone density, and sharpens focus.
- Anybody can practice yoga, from complete beginners to older adults—no equipment required.
- Try squat variations, leg raises, and lower back stretches for energizing mornings or evening wind-downs.
Denise touts these routines as ideal ways to set a positive tone for your week, energize your body, and cultivate a ”mind-body connection.” Experts agree that even a few minutes daily can help reduce chronic pain, improve mental health, and support a healthy weight.
Making the Most of Low-Impact and At-Home Workouts
If you’re not ready for high-intensity exercise, Denise recommends low-impact workouts and standing core movements that are gentle, effective, and easy to try at home. Examples include:
- Standing ab exercises
- Short circuit routines for older adults
- Walking or assisted marches
- Squat and lunge variations
Mix and match quick routines throughout your day to build endurance, strengthen muscles, and keep motivation high. The more convenient and enjoyable the exercise, the more likely you are to stick with it.
Sample Denise Austin-Inspired Quick Workout Routines
| Movement | Duration | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| March in place | 2 minutes | Boosts circulation |
| Squat variations | 3 minutes | Strengthens lower body |
| Standing ab twists | 2 minutes | Tones core, improves rotation |
| Leg raises | 2 minutes | Improves mobility |
| Lower back stretch | 1 minute | Relieves tension |
Try this sequence when you’re pressed for time, or break it up during meal prep, phone calls, or commercial breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I start exercising if I haven’t worked out in years?
A: Don’t wait for the ”perfect” time or program. Begin with short, simple routines (just 5–10 minutes) and celebrate every workout. The feeling of accomplishment builds quickly and encourages future commitment.
Q: Is it true that I need 30 minutes or more of exercise for it to ”count”?
A: No. Research supports that even less than 30 minutes has significant health benefits. Consistency matters more than duration.
Q: What are tips for staying accountable with my workout plan?
A: Find a workout buddy, keep a visible calendar, schedule sessions in advance, and treat workouts like essential appointments.
Q: What types of exercise does Denise Austin recommend for beginners?
A: Denise suggests starting with accessible movements like yoga, stretching, walking, standing ab routines, and low-impact circuits. These are gentle but effective.
Q: How do I make workouts more enjoyable?
A: Use music and podcasts exclusively during workouts, try new activities, reward progress with healthy treats, and involve friends or family for fun.
For more inspiration, visit Denise Austin’s resources and follow her latest video tutorials for fresh ideas and ongoing support.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/a60007065/denise-austin-workout-tips-motivation-instagram-video/
- https://www.prevention.com/fitness/workouts/a65564052/denise-austin-favorite-workout-for-balance-and-mobility-instagram-post/
- https://www.deniseaustin.com/blog/tips-for-staying-motivated-to-eat-right-exercise
- https://web.deniseaustin.com/lifestyle/3-simple-ways-to-motivate-to-exercise-2/
- https://www.deniseaustin.com/blog/fall-workout-motivation
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Osfrmj2CAYk
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
