Denise Austin

Widely recognized as "America's favorite fitness expert," Denise Austin has worked to promote good health and fitness for 25 years. From television to books to workout videos, Denise has gained legions of fans with her enthusiasm and positive approach to healthy living. Bob talks to Denise about her latest book, her personal fitness philosophy and how she stays fit.

Denise has authored nine books on fitness. Her latest, Tone Your Tummy Type: Flatten Your Belly and Shrink Your Waist in 4 Weeks, shows readers how to identify their body type and provides a targeted diet and exercise program to help eliminate stubborn belly fat.

Denise says she wrote the book especially for individuals trying to zero in on stomach fat because research has shown that people who have excess fat deposited in the abdominal region are at higher risk for certain types of diseases, such as heart disease. The good news is that with the right diet and exercises, anyone can shed pounds around the abdomen and strengthen their abdominal muscles, Denise says.

Denise says her own fitness regimen includes at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. She and her husband work out together in the mornings before their kids go to school. Long walks with girlfriends on the weekends, stretching and weight training are also ways Denise says she likes to stay fit.

To keep her metabolism going strong and to maintain energy, Denise says she never skips a meal. She and her family try to sit down for dinner together every night and eat salmon at least twice a week. When she's on the go, Denise says she tries to choose healthy foods like yogurt for a snack or chicken sandwiches from restaurants. A multivitamin, vitamin C, calcium supplement and fish oil round out her balanced diet.

No matter how busy your schedule, Denise says it's important to just move more—even 10 minutes a day will lead to positive results, she says. Whether you're sitting at your desk, talking on the phone or even cooking, Denise says you can work those tummy muscles by simply sucking in and tightening your abs. "It doesn't take that much to get in shape if you just start!" she says.