By snoadmin
Celebrity guest fitness expert and Cal State Long Beach alumna Denise Austin spoke at the official grand opening of the new $61 million Student Recreation and Wellness Center on Monday, Sept. 20.
Austin was very energetic as she greeted the crowd and said, “I am so happy to be here on an important day at the grand opening of the Student Recreation Center. After I graduated, I wanted to teach aerobics because it was the best way to keep people moving and active.”
Austin was joined by CSULB President F. King Alexander and Associated Students, Inc. President James Ahumada. Austin flew in from Istanbul to Long Beach.
Austin graduated from CSULB in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education with an emphasis in exercise physiology.
Austin has promoted health and fitness for almost 30 years, according to Alexander.
“Exercise is the best way to feel better,” Austin said. “You can have all the money in the world, but if you don’t have good health, you have nothing.”
Austin takes huge pride in the new recreation center.
“I want students to come here every day and have a great workout,” Austin said. “Students should take care of their bodies — not just to look good, but to feel good physically, mentally and emotionally.”
Austin co-hosted “The Jack Lalanne Show” in 1981 with the 94-year-old fitness legend himself, Austin said.
Austin has 85 workout videos and DVDs that have sold more than 20 million copies. Her show, “Getting Fit with Denise Austin,” is the longest running fitness program in the history of television, according to her official website.
Austin helped launch the new food guidance system of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She is serving her second term on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports — a position she was first appointed to by George W. Bush in 2002, according to her website.
Austin will have a new show on Lifetime network next year, two books and two DVDs coming out later this year.
Austin’s positive energy and attitude on life leaves an everlasting impression on her fans.
“I remember meeting her for the first time and she greeted me and said, ‘Feel my abs,'” Cal State Long Beach journalism professor and 17-year exercise instructor Gary Metzker said. “Her rock hard abdominals are her trademark.”
Austin has achieved a lot in her lifetime and is continuing to work hard.
“I hope to be like Jack Lalanne when I reach his age, God-willing,” Austin said.
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