Denise Austin, 65, Shares Squat Workout Perfect for Women Over 50: ‘You Can Do It’

at 65, denise austin wants us all to know that age is just a number, especially when it comes to exercise. Of tips for menopause to reveal his secrets to super toned abs, the fitness icon is always sharing her secrets to looking and feeling your best. And now, she’s showing women over 50 the importance of a good squat routine with “#FitOver50,” a hashtag she uses on social media to show her followers how to enjoy exercise as they age.

In the fitness star’s most recent Instagram video, she appears on her yoga mat and explains that she will demonstrate how to “lift and squeeze the glutes” with three variations of the classic squat. Austin gives some amazing advice, and it’s clear that everything she’s doing is working. Take her strut in miami swim week Sports Illustrated Swimsuit clue last month as a case, period. After her runway show, she explained that it’s her “mission in life” to make other women feel good about themselves and emphasized how passionate she is about helping women over 50 achieve their fitness goals.

“Squats are one of the BEST exercises you can do! The more muscle you have, the more fat your body burns…” Austin explains in the caption. “And squats target two of the biggest muscles in your body (quadriceps and glutes)…Try these different variations!! And as you master one, move on to the next, you can do it! #FitOver50”

We’re breaking down how to do all of the glute-burning exercises she shares, so you too can be a part of the #fitover50 journey.

Squat plus leg lift

Austin says this squat variation is a “great way to reshape that lower half.” He begins the movement with his arms extended in front of her as he bends his knees and performs a classic squat. Then, as he straightens her body to stand (where the move would normally end), he kicks one leg behind her, gently moving her arms back. “Squeeze your butt cheeks,” Austin instructs. “Looks great from behind!”

side squat

For the side squat, Austin explains that you’ll want to “move to the side and out,” which will “work those legs” and “tone your butt.” He begins the movement with his hands on his hips, kicking his left leg out to the left side of the mat. He then brings his right leg up to meet his left, repeating the movement from left to right.

plie squat

The third move “works the inner and outer thighs,” explains Austin. It resembles a standard squat, but with a few key differences. Start in a wide-legged stance with your toes pointed out and your hands on your hips before lowering into a squat. “If you’re over 50 and have knee problems, go midway,” explains Austin. “Also works”. As he continues the movement, Austin points to the camera and reminds us to “squeeze those butt cheeks, if you don’t squeeze ’em, no one else will!”

We love that Austin continues to inspire women to be their best selves, week after week. Whether it’s another runway run or a new workout video, we’re excited to see what’s next for the fitness star.