Denise Austin, America’s favorite fitness expert, and the Wellness Advisor sat down for a candid discussion on healthy lifestyles at any age. At the age of 49, Denise Austin has created over 40 exercise videos. She can be seen on her workout shows - `Daily Workout` and `Fit and Lite` on Lifetime TV. Her sensible, realistic and enthusiastic approach to fitness (she works out only 30 minutes a day) and eating (she never skips a meal) has won millions of fans throughout the United States.

Wellness Advisor: What challenges do women face in keeping fit as they enter mid-life?

Austin: The #1 challenge for women entering mid-life is fighting the aging process. The best way to do that is to tone up the muscles so that nothing droops or sags. The key is to add weight training to your routine at least 2 times a week, for 20 minutes each session.

Austin: Muscles work miracles on metabolism. Muscles are an active tissue that can burn calories even when sedentary, as opposed to fat tissue. Weight bearing aerobics at least 3 times a week for 20- 30 minutes can help fight osteoporosis and heart disease. Get a friend to walk or run with you. You will feel more committed and you can chat with girlfriends while shaping up.

Austin: Spreading of the waist line and fat around the middle does the worst for your heart. It is important to focus on abdominal workouts like Pilates. I recommend 3-5 minutes a day targeting the stomach. Weight training 2 times a week, for 20 minutes each session. Weight bearing cardio/aerobics 3 times a week for 20 minutes.

Austin: Stay in shape! I recommend 3 days of Cardio (20-30 minutes) and 2 days of weights, yoga, or Pilates. Drink lots of water and take your vitamins. It is very important to stay in shape during your pregnancy. Also, remember to take 400 mg of Folic Acid 3-6 months before you get pregnant to help prevent birth defects.

Austin: Keep moving! Walking is fabulous; weight bearing activity is a great way to prevent osteoporosis. Also, take 1400 mg of Calcium for further prevention. Stay flexible by stretching. Strength train with light weights will help keep muscles strong. Keeping active is the key.

Austin: I believe taking vitamins is very important because with a busy lifestyle, we don’t always eat healthy food. It is our insurance to stay fit and healthy. To increase my energy, I take Super B-Complex and Ginseng.

Austin: I feel so much better when I exercise. It is such a great filter of stress and anxiety. Take a time out for yourself and get fit because you are worth it. It will keep you happy and healthy and best of all make you look and feel great!