Denise's Daily Dozen: The Easy, Every Day Program to Lose up to 12 Pounds in 2 Weeks »

A native of San Pedro, California, Denise started gymnastics at the age of 12 and earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Arizona, graduating in 1979 with an exercise physiology degree. She began her career teaching aerobic exercise classes in the Los Angeles area and went on to cohost the The Jack LaLanne Show, in 1981. (Denise considers Jack LaLanne one of her role models, and she is delighted to still speak regularly with the 95-year-old fitness legend.)

During more than 25 years promoting health and fitness, Denise has created 82 workout videos or DVDs. Her enormous number of sales led to her 2003 induction into the Video Hall of Fame.

Denise has been married for 25 years to Jeff Austin, a sports attorney and brother of tennis champ Tracy Austin. They share a home with their two teenage daughters, Kelly and Katie.

From Denise Austin comes the perfect health book for anyone who wants to live better but just can't seem to find the time. Much more than just another excercise book, Denise's Daily Dozen covers a whole range of health and diet related concepts yet manages it all in a no-stress, time-conscious program of 12's. At it's core, this book contains the minimum daily requirements to keep the reader flexible, strong and trim. Organized simply into seven chapters, which equal the seven days of the week, it covers a full week in daily allotments. Each day will have it's own focus from Monday being "fat burning day" to Sunday's "recharge and rejuvenate."

Denise has created a total body program, including a 7-day balanced meal plan that includes healthy recipes, and a workout that encompasses 12 exercises done in 12 minutes each day. Everyone can take just 12 minutes, at whatever time of the day works for them, and turn it over to these simple and fun exercises. Cardio, toning, yoga and breathing exercises...they're all here but in a way the maximizes effect while minimizing time.

Beyond a dozen exercises for each day of the week this book will include many other of Denises dozens for each day.

Chicago Tribune on "Jumpstart"

"Denise Austin probably could motivate a statue. Her nonstop encouragement and exercise expertise form the perfect combination."

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction ix

Part 1 Getting Ready

The Daily Dozen Fitness Plan 3

Twelve Favorite Fidget-cisers 16

The Daily Dozen Eating Plan 22

Half a Dozen Tension Tamers 40

Frequently Asked Questions 44

Twelve Easy, Effective Ab Exercises 52

Part 2 The Plan

Monday 67

Tuesday 95

Wednesday 126

Thursday 157

Friday 188

Saturday 223

Sunday 256

Twelve Ballet-Inspired Barre Exercises 288

Twelve Meals You Can Make in About Twelve Minutes 301

Shopping Lists 316

Recipe Index 323