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Denise Austin shared a video demonstrating a “movement and stretching session.”
The routine is perfect for “staying energized and feeling good,” Austin explained.
The 68-year-old demonstrated the quick, equipment-free five-move workout.
Denise Austin’s thoughtful workouts for women over 50 help people of all fitness levels improve their strength. A part of her recipe for feeling your best? Reaping the many benefits of stretching to stay healthy and flexible. Recently, Austin demonstrated a simple stretching routine that she loves for “staying energized.”
“I just landed in beautiful Nantucket for my best friend’s daughter’s wedding (can’t wait to DANCE at the reception), but first…I had to get in some stretching and movement before a long travel day!” Austin captioned the instructional video.
Austin shared her “travel-day must-haves” in her caption, which included a water bottle, a “movement and stretching session” (like the one she demonstrates in the video), and her “comfy and cute” Easy Spirit EasyWalk EMOVE Walking Shoe, which she says “slip-on and are perfect for busy travel days!”
She added: “When you’re on the go, it’s all about staying energized and feeling GOOD. Let’s start the weekend STRONG and SMILING!!!”
Below, we’re breaking down Austin’s five-move stretching routine.
Assisted squat. The first dynamic stretch Austin performs is an assisted squat. She begins by placing her hands on a kitchen counter with her feet slightly wider than shoulder-width distance apart. Then, she lowers down into a squat, bringing her thighs parallel to the floor, using the counter for balance.
Squat to lateral leg raise. She begins in the same position as the previous move, except when she stands up from the squat, she places one hand on her hip and raises the corresponding leg, with the outer thigh facing the ceiling. After placing the leg back down, she repeats the movement.
Alternating lateral leg raises. The next move is similar to the previous move, but without the squat. She begins with one hand on the counter and the other on her hip, swinging the leg on that side up and out, like a pendulum.
Assisted march. Next, Austin places her hands shoulder-width apart on a counter, feet together, about two feet from the counter, creating a slant with her body. Keeping her chest up, she alternates bringing each knee up toward her chest.
Lower back stretch. Finally, Austin finishes the routine with a static stretch. She begins this move with her hands on the kitchen counter and feet stacked directly below her hips. She then leans forward, bringing her hips back and upper body down until it is parallel to the floor while keeping her legs mostly straight except for a slight bend, engaging the muscles in the backs of the legs.
After finishing the stretching routine, Austin celebrates with a few dance moves to have some fun and get her heart rate up!
We love that Austin constantly inspires women of all ages to stay fit and live a healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking for even more of Austin’s simple and effective workout moves, check out some of our favorites below.
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