Fitness Pioneer Stresses America Needs To Shape Up

AVENTURA (CBS4) -- It's never too late to get in shape. Just ask exercise expert Denise Austin who is famous for how she helps people get moving and get in shape.

At five foot four, fitness pioneer Denise Austin is a pintsized powerhouse. The 52-year mother of two is one of the most recognized faces in fitness television. For more than 25 years, her upbeat energy and unique ability to cheer people on while pushing them on has earned her millions of fans worldwide.

"There's an energy that comes into the room when you enter the room. What is it?" asked CBS4's Lisa Petrillo.

"Thank you," replied Austin. "I think it's a positive attitude that's so important. Honestly, I believe if you wake up happy you will feel great, you can do it."

If anyone can do it, Denise can. In 1979 she graduated with a degree in exercise physiology and soon met her mentor Jack LaLanne

"I met jack in 1981. He gave me my first start on TV," said Denise. Since then, Denise has created 85 workout videos and sold more than 20 million copies

"Now I have a new DVD called 'Quick Burn Energy' and then I have another one called 'Shrink Your Fat Zones'," said Denise.

Her newest book 'Get Energy, Empower your Body, Love your Life' is flying off store shelves. Each weekday morning from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. Denise can be found on The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television.

"For 15 minutes I put you through the paces to tone up. On different days I work on different body spots like your abs, or your legs and your rear end," she explained. "You want to look great from behind and have a nice tight tushy!"

Denise was promoting her books, DVD and television at Equinox at the Aventura Mall on Tuesday where she put Lisa Petrillo through a workout designed to firm abs, tone the arms, and tighten the tosh.

"If you don't squeeze it no one else will," yelled Denise during the workout.

She's a woman who lives what she teaches, a lifestyle and job she does not take for granted.

"My job is not over, said Denise. "I have a lot to do. We have to get Americans in shape and we've got to do it now."

For more information, go to http://www.thebalancingact.com/deniseaustin