Denise Austin: Sneak in Mini Workouts to Stay Fit

This video is part of the 30-Day Couch-to-Fit Challenge designed to help you improve strength, cardio, balance and flexibility. Start the challenge here: aarp.org/CouchToFit

Form a habit that sticks by focusing on what drives you to meet your fitness goals.

Key takeaways

• Boost accountability by scheduling workouts, as Denise Austin recommends, just like any appointment.
• Maximize results with Denise Austin’s tip: Fit in quick walks or short bursts of activity daily.
• Make exercise easier by keeping sneakers handy and enlisting friends, following Denise Austin’s strategies.

Summary

Finding time to exercise regularly is the cornerstone of any successful fitness routine, and Denise Austin shares practical tips for making it happen even with a busy schedule. Scheduling workouts just like you would a doctor’s appointment or a meeting increases accountability, while small, consistent efforts — like quick 5-minute walks — add up to big results over time. Keeping sneakers handy, swapping screen time for short walks and making plans with fitness buddies are simple strategies that make staying active easier and more rewarding.

Building a habit of daily movement doesn’t require long hours at the gym — it’s about seizing opportunities throughout your day to get active. Research shows these short bursts of exercise can be just as beneficial for long-term health as a single extended workout. Prioritizing fitness, planning ahead and forming supportive connections help make exercise a lasting part of your life.

The key takeaways and summary were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Full Transcript:

[00:00:00] Hi, I am Denise Austin, and with any fitness goal, it’s important to find the time to exercise on a regular basis.

[00:00:08] Scheduling is key. Just like I schedule a doctor’s appointment or a business meeting, I schedule my walks and workouts.

[00:00:15] Every Sunday afternoon, I get out my calendar and I call all my walking buddies to make plans to walk together for the week.

[00:00:23] If something’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to keep the commitment. Find pockets of time.

[00:00:30] Any time you can sneak in a shorter workout, do it. Don’t underestimate how valuable a quick 5-minute walk can be.

[00:00:39] Those bouts of exercise, spread out throughout the day, count as a workout too.

[00:00:45] In fact, studies have found that these short exercise sessions are

[00:00:50] just as beneficial to long-term health as one longer workout. Keep sneakers handy. To sneak in a mini workout or a walk,

[00:01:00] keep your shoes handy. Try to keep one pair in your car. Maybe make sure you have a pair near work.

[00:01:06] Whatever it is, be able to take advantage of any time that opens up to walk.

[00:01:13] Otherwise, think about swapping the first half an hour you spend in front of the TV set in the evening for a short walk.

[00:01:20] Finding the time is the key to making fitness and exercise a part of your life.

[00:01:26] Try to make it a priority, and set yourself up for success. I know you can do it.