Comments about Denise Austin
First, I should remind you that this review
is, of course, only my subjective opinion. I know
that Denise has her fans, or her videos and
products and TV show wouldn't be so omnipresent.
If
Denise has inspired you to adopt a healthier
lifestyle, that's terrific.
I should also admit that my opinion of Denise Austin was formed from viewing her ESPN show, "Getting Fit with Denise Austin" rather than from doing her videos. When I first started exercising regularly, I tried valiantly to follow her show, but soon gave up. While I realize that Denise's style and her tapes target the novice exerciser who needs extra motivation, I found her hard to take even when I was a beginning exerciser. What is it about Denise that made me feel this way? Well, let's start with Denise's voice. Her voice has the same effect on me as fingernails on a chalkboard, made even worse by her patronizing tone--she makes me feel like a toddler she's trying to potty-train. Her style is to "cheerlead" you through absolutely every rep or combo. My second problem with Denise is the fact that she cannot seem to stick to the beat of the music to save her life! I am pretty coordinated and catch on very easily to aerobic routines, but hers had me baffled. The steps just don't seem to follow the musical phrasing, and she often seems to step in-between beats, making her impossible for me to follow. Let's see, what else? Her form isn't exactly exemplary, some of her moves seem outdated and of questionable safety, and her $19.99 rubber, foam and plastic fitness gizmos seem to be everywhere I turn. If you happen to like Denise, that's fine, just be aware that there are far better instructors out there. I would definitely advise people who are interested in buying her tapes to watch her show a few times first. Her style is certainly distinctive, and not everyone will like it. Wendy Niemi Kremer
At last, someone who shares my exact thoughts on the subject of Denise Austen! I too saw her years ago on ESPN and found her impossible to watch. Her voice drove me to distraction, her demeanor was ridiculously cheery (I particularly loved it when she would say something about what a great job you were doing as if she could see you), and last, but certainly not least was her inability to hear the beat in the music. I also did not find anything she had to offer of particular value (some of it on the dangerous side). I was a fitness instructor and personal trainer for 13 years (just retired) and I was very popular in my neck of the woods. What I would like to know is why she has all this money and popularity? Has the general population gone mad? I was wondering if I was one of the only people out there who saw what I saw. I would not waste one minute of my time watching her and certainly not a dime of my money (she has enough).
Denise Austin is too perky for me but she's a good instructor...except that one routine here contains what amounts to old-fashioned situps that, as we all know, don't do much for the abs and hurt the back.
Denise's "perky" personality that other people have commented on doesn't really bother me. But I don't think she is the best at cueing the next move. But I do appreciate her positive attitude and making you feel like you are right in the studio, or she is in your house with you.
I always try to say nice things about people because I'm Southern-born and bred :) but it's a real effort where Denise is concerned. Lifetime TV is carrying her new show, and their website tells us she has a college degree in exercise physiology, so I assume she knows something about how to put together a safe, effective workout. But she just doesn't come across as very credible. She's cheapened both her name and her reputation by endorsing and selling so many questionable fitness aids on late-night TV. The one I remember best was where you put on this belt with ropes attached and walked around pulling on the ropes to strengthen your arms. (I am NOT making this up!) And I could forgive her such forays into infomercial-land--as I have Kathy Smith--if she were as polished, professional, and sensible-acting as Kathy is. Alas, it's not to be. Wendy summed it up so well. I, too, ask why in heaven's name this woman gets her own TV show instead of someone like Donna Richardson or Kari Anderson or Karen Voight?
Denise now has a new early morning show on Lifetime, weekdays 7:30 - 8:00 AM. Perhaps someone's talked to her, or perhaps I was just too sleepy to notice, but she seemed somewhat less grating than usual. :-)
Denise is exactly herself; she does not need to put an act on for anyone, and I like that in her. For myself, she is very motivating and throughout her videos, she shows great confidence in her viewers. She does exactly what she claims, she hits the spot and she hits it hard! Need to say no more.
Denise Austin, in my opinion, is one of the best instructors around. Throughout her videos, Denise specifically reminds you of correct posture and is always motivating you to always give 110% of yourself. In addition, Denise goes over each exercise and explains in detail what the exercise is doing.
I've notice that most of the comments made about Denise Austin were not totally favorable. I loved the show "Getting Fit". When time permitted, I tried to workout with the show on a regular basis. It seems that for the very same reason that most of the others hate Denise, I like her. She was able to make me feel like working out. She didn't make me feel like some fat stupid slug who was too lazy to get up off the couch as some other instructors do. She didn't intimidate me but instead made me feel that she was human and not some super model out for a buck. I wish I had about three weeks of that show taped so I could do it on my own time (probably at kids nap time). Anyway, I think Denise Austin may not be for everyone but I know that she was good for me and lots more out there as well.
Denise Austin is very upbeat. She is great at getting beginners up and moving. I love working out with her for repeatitive and difficult things like abdominal exercises. I think she is very knowledgable about exercise, and most of her workouts are safe.
Denise Austin has her good and bad points. She is very upbeat and motivating, but her voice isn't very pleasant. But she is attractive and the fact that she is now 40 and still looks great is a plus. It's easy to look great when you're young. If you look great when you're a little older, that takes work.
I find Denise Austin way too perky and bubbly, she distracts and annoys me.
What can I say about Denise Austin that hasn't been said before? You either love her or you hate her. I'm one of the former. Although her cheeriness and "I'm PROUD of YOU!" comments sometimes come across a little insincere, I like having a happy atmosphere when I work out. Also, I admire her trim, but not out-of-this-world body. She looks like the soccer mom next door who keeps in shape by running after he kids and playing tennis a few times a week.
I know that some of the steps in her videos are difficult to follow, but that is what makes it challenging--trying to get your body to move in those ways. I also have not experienced any moves that you could call "dangerous" or "unsafe" in all the workouts of hers that I have done. I also use to watch her show (I no longer have cable) "Getting Fit With Denise Austin" and I thought it was great. I know that all of her workouts are not as challenging as other, but you just have to find the one that suits you and stay with it. Keep up the GREAT Work Denise! Instructor comments: I think that Denise Austin is a very good instructor. She does have a perky attitude, but that makes her videos motivational. She is my favorite. I think it is very nice to have someone with a upbeat and positive attitude to workout with.
Debbie Haussman
If I wanted a job as a secretary I would probably need to have typing skills right? If I was looking for stand-up comedy work I may want to be...oh I don't know...funny? So someone PLEASE tell me why people who have absolutely NO rhythm choose to teach aerobics...TO MUSIC? I'm sure Mrs. Austin is wonderfully nice, I don't doubt her knowledge base, I'm sure she's intellegent and has a great deal to offer us in the fitness industy BUT she can't teach her way out of a paper bag! (But hey, who am I? I'm teaching class for $11 an hour and our rhythmically challenged friend Mrs. Austin is a bazillionare!) GO FIGURE! Perhaps writing a book whould be a good idea? Can she type?
M. Hayman
I have found Denise to be very inspirational. She's very upbeat and positive. I don't understand why some people are judging her by her voice. I think her morning exercise shows are a great way to start the day. I'm no beginner and I still need someone to inspire me to get up off of my duff. For me, she does the trick. She seems to be very honest about who she is and what she does. The fact that she has had two kids, is 40ish, and can still look that hot, makes me think maybe I'll be able to do that too. I say, "Way to go, Denise! Keep up the good work!"
Becky Mutter
She makes you feel like anything is possible regardless of your size or age. I am 27 years old and all my friends always seem to agree that she is a great instructor. She walks you through all her moves and explains their purpose. As for her voice I have no complaints. Everyone has to sound and look like something. She doesn't make you feel like you have to starve or work out for 6 hours to have a great body. I give her style an A+++++. Instructor comments: I think Denise is a great instructor and the fact that she is so upbeat and perky is very motivational.
J MArtin
I have to agree with those that claim Denise is not a good instructor. Rhythm, technique, and form are all part of being a good instructor. Being an instructor myself it is very disheartening to see so many people following Denise and her videos. Although I agree 100% about her grating voice, I could take the scratchiness of her voice if I could take any other part of her as an instructor.
Ateliana Li
I looked into this particular review area because I wanted to see why everyone found Denise Austin videos so motivating. I was surprised that there were so many negative reviews, mixed with few nice comments. My preferred exercise is running, but with our cold weather and short days, it is difficult to run during non-working hours. During the winter I either workout at the local gym or try to do video workouts. Since I workout 6 or 7 days each week, the videos get boring after doing them several times, so I am always searching for newer exciting videos. I had heard how popular and motivating Denise Austin is. Since I am not new to exercise, and I have this need to sweat like I do when I run, I need a video that motivates as well as works you. I was terribly disappointed with Denise's video. I am sure her personality is who she is, and it is good to be so very happy. However, her moves did not correspond to the beat of the music, and the routine did nothing to work up a sweat. As "up" as she is, she would be a great teacher/trainer if she would create a harder workout, have better music (and the moves should go with the music).
C. Pearce
Denise Austin is good instructor. Her body isn't perfectly figured like the other video ladies, but that proves she is human woman who like most have had children. She explains it as a human who ISNT reading a que card! I like her being relaxed.
kim
Denise teaches a good lower body workout; however, would someone tell her enough already with the cha-cha-cha and all her other Spanish moves during the aerobic parts (we are, after all, in America!)...she needs to diversify! Also, 7:30am is too late to come on for those who have to be at work early. (Yes, I do have a VCR, but that's not my point) I guess the best news for her is that she currently has no competition with other shows at any time! Whatever happened to Gilad and The Fitness Pros?????
Deborah Anthony
My husband and I probably have every aerobic video ever made. Well a lot anyway. We have faithfully done aerobics in front of the TV for over ten years. Denise Austin is one of our favorites. The negative comments regarding her tapes could be applied to any tape. I guess it's personal choice but after two babes and age 40. Denise is certainly doing something right. We are in better shape because of her too. She is as good or better than any other instructor out there.
Claire
My wife and I find Denise Austin a very highy motivated person that is fun to work out with in the morning on Lifetime. She has the "spirit" to get you moving in a postive manner to start your day. All we can say is keep up the great work Denise.
R Plenderleith
Denise Austin is good instructor. Her body isn't perfectly figured like the other video ladies, but that proves she is human woman who like most have had children. She explains it as a human who ISNT reading a que card! I like her being relaxed.
kim
Denise teaches a good lower body workout; however, would someone tell her enough already with the cha-cha-cha and all her other Spanish moves during the aerobic parts (we are, after all, in America!)...she needs to diversify! Also, 7:30am is too late to come on for those who have to be at work early. (Yes, I do have a VCR, but that's not my point) I guess the best news for her is that she currently has no competition with other shows at any time! Whatever happened to Gilliad and The Fitness Pros?????
Deborah Anthony
She makes me laugh! I get a great workout and motivation! Keep up the good work!
Marlena Wilson
I have read all of the comments about Denise Austin and have a few of my own. I watch both of her shows every day while I get ready for work and I give her credit for giving me the information that has made me start working out regularly and look forward my afternoon workouts. I have also started doing YOGA to tapes each day and would have never done it if I hadn't seen her fit and lite program. She obviously practices what she preaches since she is in great shape and I honestly think she is genuinely interested in helping people live a healthy lifestyle. She does a variety of work outs on her show that keep it interesting and I don't care if she is sometimes out of tune to the music. As long as I can keep the beat, who cares. This isn't a dance contest. Her voice doesn't bother me but let's chat about vocabulary for just a moment . . . I really think that her pronounciation and vocabulary are unrefined and that surprises me since she is on television but hell, there's so much trash on tv that it is really a mute point. Still, overall, I attribute my workout success to her and I like her a LOT despite the vocabulary deficiencies. Working out at home has been convenient for me and I have several of her tapes to keep it exciting. I do so hope that each of you negative commentors look as great as she does so that you are in a position to make such ugly comments.
Vivian
I think Denise Austin is by far one of the best exercise instructers selling tapes (or on TV). She first of all has a degree in exercise physiology, so that tells me that she knows what she's doing and talking about. Secondly I like her upbeat and motivational attitude, I think it is very uplifting and inspirational. I am a rather young mom and never really been "IN SHAPE", Denise gives me the motivation I need to work-out and the energy I need to chase my 10 month old son. I have tried previosly (Before pregnacy) going to the gym and working out to various videos (I have always found Denise's to be favorites). In the past month I made a choice to live a healthier and more active lifestyle (which will help me keep up my son, and husband) and have already lost 13lbs and find myself having more energy during the day. THANK YOU Denise!
Meredith B.
For those of you who put her down I have one word for you..JEALOUS! I have never liked aerobics at all, in fact I hated excercising and only did Yoga! One day I was watching Lifetime and I saw Denise's show and I liked her. I think she is great at motivating people, she motivated me to get up off the couch and dust off my old sneakers and start to work out. I feel great now. I have lost a good 5 pounds just from excersising alone. I am much happier with my children and husband, because I am finally making a difference in my life. For those of you that are trainers and all of that...what are you doing to make a difference in YOUR lives???? Do you have an Excercising equiptment? A show? Shoes and Clothing that you styled? Maybe you are not happy with yourselves and you have to belittle the people who have made it big, to make yourselves feel better. The people who made it big worked hard to get there. Denise did this. I'd like to see some of your videos and what you look like for that matter because it helps to look GOOD! And Denise Certaintly does!!!! Remember these words that a wise woman once said to me..... People with Little minds Talk about People.. People with Medium minds Talk about Things... People with Great minds Talk about IDEAS... Think about it! :0)
Susan Fathomway
I used to find Denise kind of annoying too. But today I love her new show on Lifetime. She has had a complete makeover from her early days on ESPN. She's thin, tanned, sexy, but still has her sometimes annoying voice. You don't really know how well she is in shape until a guest comes on the show and boy does she make them look bad. I no she's no Ballerina but look at your average female. Denise probably can make 95% of the women out there look sick as well. My wife is approaching 40 now and she finds Denise's an excellant role model for her. If you haven't seen her in a while give her a chance you'll be pleasantly surprized.
J Williams
Her two morning shows have kept me in a routine for three weeks now. If I find something she does too strenuous, I modify it. You can't dive right into certain moves, your body has to adjust slowly. People who criticize her as being "Dangerous" may be too harsh. No, I don't have a degree on the subject, but I've had many instructors at different clubs over the years. Being close in age to Denise, I find her workouts just fine. We should all use common sense and know our own limitations before exercising AND see a doctor should there be any concerns. And maybe some of you critics should smile more. Instructor comments: I think Denise Austin is a great motivator and teacher. Although her bubbly personality may grate on some peoples nerves, maybe that's part of what gets people like me going in the morning. Give her a break all you negative people.
LIN
In my opinion she is one of the better exercise instructors. I own 17 of her videos; I also own a total of 13 other videos by various instructors (Richard Simmons, Petra Kolber, Cosmopolitan Tonetics, Susan Anton, The Firm Upper Body Parts, The Method series inspired by Joseph Pilates). I use videos for indoor convenience, and I also walk and ride a bicycle outside. If Mrs. Austin's critics had watched her long enough, they would know that she has been involved in gymnastics and various forms of dance since she was a child. She has a degree in exercise physiology and is a qualified trainer and instructor. She is obviously fit so you know she practices what she teaches. I like all of these things about her, plus I especially like that she is NOT 20 years old, she does NOT dress in designer spandex and thong-style bikinis, she is NOT a 6-feet-tall skinny model, and she does NOT move as if she's auditioning to be an erotic dancer. I personally am 45 years old. The last thing I'm interested in is someone young enough to be my daughter acting like she knows what's best for my body at my age (not to mention trying to keep up with her). Denise has the training, the knowledge and the personal experience to know what she's talking about. I find her cuing to be very helpful; she always gives advance notice of her upcoming moves. For those of you who are disappointed with her less-than-perfect use of the English language, that simply shows that Denise is speaking her routine as she goes, she is NOT using cue cards or any other prompter-type system. This demonstrates a high level of intimate subject knowledge on her part. While I enjoy Richard Simmons occasionally, I find him to be a bit silly most of the time. Petra Kolber is not only nearly impossible to follow, her accent makes her nearly impossible to understand. Instructors on the The Firm, Cosmo videos, and others including Susan Anton look like they've never had more than 1% body fat in their life, and I'm not sure any of them sweat. I agree that some of Denise's videos could be more challenging (although her kickboxing video will really get your blood pumping). However she is, after all, doing this for a living, just like the rest of us work to pay our bills (and there's nothing wrong with that). And the best-selling videos are always going to be beginner-to-intermediate, simply because most of us get very little exercise and have to start off slow. If you need more challenge, try repetition and/or add some weights to your workout. So why should anybody be critical of Denise because she makes a good living doing what she has trained all her life to do? Like I said in the beginning, lighten up a little. Better yet, go do some aerobics - it's great for relieving tension and stress! Marty Connerly
I'm in the pro-Denise Austin camp - for the most part. I haven't liked anything of hers from before 1995. Beginning with Hit the Spot, they're not too fast, barring the Yoga and Pilates videos - and they may simply need a second viewing. Yes, she is overly perky - but that keeps it from being boring. Yes, she makes some inane comment - but they amuse me. All in all, I've lost a pants size and 30 lbs since I started exercising to her videos 11 months ago. I've gotten rid of my back problems, have more energy, and don't get leg muscle spasms from standing too long. Mary Bertke
One reviewer commented: "If I wanted a job as a secretary I would probably need to have typing skills right? If I was looking for stand-up comedy work I may want to be...oh I don't know...funny? So someone PLEASE tell me why people who have absolutely NO rhythm choose to teach aerobics...TO MUSIC? I'm sure Mrs. Austin is wonderfully nice, I don't doubt her knowledge base, I'm sure she's intellegent and has a great deal to offer us in the fitness industy BUT she can't teach her way out of a paper bag! (But hey, who am I? I'm teaching class for $11 an hour and our rhythmically challenged friend Mrs. Austin is a bazillionare!) GO FIGURE! Perhaps writing a book whould be a good idea? Can she type?" Well SAID! Well, I'll tell you - she's married to a wealthy sports lawyer (and Tracie Austin's brother) - CONNECTIONS! Hey, this is what America is all about, eh? It's not WHAT you know, it's who you know or how you market yourself (look at that DeAngelis woman who's written all those relationship books & is on her 3rd or 5th marriage). Pamela
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