Denise Austin

“There's nothing more frustrating than pulling on your favorite jeans - only to see there's a bit of extra bulge above the waist.”

“As fiber and other nondigestible carbs pass through your intestine, they bring other nutrients - often fat - along for the ride. This prevents your intestine from breaking down and absorbing some of the fat and cholesterol from the food you eat.”

“Whenever you leave home and your daily routine, it's way too easy to abandon your regular workouts. That's why resistance bands make great travel companions.”

“I love handfuls of almonds, laced with wasabi flavor - because it is sinus clearing and satisfies that salty craving with a kick!”

“I like sit-ups and ab exercises. I always want to keep my tummy flat and tight, even as I age. It keeps your back healthy and keeps you young.”

“Walking is easy for most people to adopt into their lifestyle, regardless of their current level of fitness. Plus is convenient and fun!”

“I like intervals. I will turn a walk into a workout. For example, I walk for five minutes at an easy pace, then power-walk for two minutes and repeat. Intervals blast the fat.”

“Constant slumping increases the stress on the spine and joints, and can lead to headaches, neck and shoulder tension, and lower-back pain.”

“I love to go out with my husband and a few friends on Friday or Saturday. Being from Southern California, Mexican food is my favorite, and I normally splurge on enchiladas and margaritas.”

“To me, that's the most exciting aspect of Pilates. It doesn't matter who you are - athlete or couch potato, toned or flabby, man or woman, young or old - you can do it. Every body can benefit.”

“Some of the routines take less than 10 minutes, making Pilates the perfect form of exercise for anyone who finds there's not enough time in the day for exercise.”

“I really believe that green tea is the key for all of us women who are gaining some weight around your middle.”

“I know lots of women who have slim legs but refuse to wear skirts because of unsightly varicose or spider veins. Though heredity plays a role, your genes don't have to doom you to a life of long pants.”

“Getting healthy, getting into shape is a gradual process.”

“Fiber and other nondigestible carbs are bulky and tend to slow digestion, which, in turn, eases the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. When glucose enters the bloodstream more slowly, cells are better able to burn it for energy.”

“Need a body-confidence boost? Pick up a pair of dumbbells and let your gaze linger on the outline of your biceps as you lift the weights.”

“Working the deltoid muscles along the front and top will give you everyday lifting power and help eliminate sloping shoulders, making your waist appear thinner.”

“I've been fit my whole life. I'm not a fat-turned-fit story.”

“Pilates helps condition the body without punishing it.”

“People are awake about 16 hours a day, so to devote 30 minutes to keeping your weight down, keeping your body healthy, is not a lot of time.”