Workout queen Denise Austin has barely changed in the last 37 years, and she’s got the leotard to prove it.
The fitness icon, 68, who rose to fame thanks to her line of exercise tapes and DVDs that got millions of Americans exercising, went on to become a force in the movement for activity and even served as a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Now known for her Fit Over 50 magazine and app, the dynamo is still going strong.
In a new Instagram post, Austin shared a photo of herself wearing one of her old white leotards in 1988. Flash forward to 2026, and Austin still has the same leotard and wears it with style.
“Here I am in 1988 ..The ‘then’ photo is from one of my first VHS cover photoshoots!! And the ‘now’ is from my recent Fit Over 50: Vitality for Life Magazine cover shoot!! So fun!” Austin captioned the photo set. “I have sooo many wonderful memories throughout ALL these years being in the fitness industry!!!! and I feel such a deep sense of gratification because I truly LOVE what I do!! and I want to thank all of you for ALL these years of support! It’s because of YOU I keep going!!Let’s celebrate LONGEVITY together!!!
Love you all!!! Xoxoxo.”
She Recently Recruited Her Daughter, Katie, for Side-by-Side Photos
In a recent side-by-side Instagram post, Denise shared a photo of herself from back in the ’90s wearing her trademark blue leotard and a bright yellow jacket. In the present-day photo, her daughter Katie Austin wears the same outfit. Clearly, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree!
Why She Keeps Those Legendary Leotards
Since many people wonder why Austin has held onto her treasure trove of ’80s leotards, the workout queen recently shared that they’re important keepsakes from her past.
“I saved all of my leotards from back in the day, from the ‘80s and ‘90s, which I used to wear on my videos and on my TV show,” she told Fox News. “I’m so happy I kept them all because [my daughter] Katie loves to wear them. My other daughter, Kelly, loves to wear them too.”
The pieces are also reminders to keep moving on a daily basis.
“It’s a testament to me being 68 now and keeping it up,” said Austin. “That’s all it takes, keeping it up, keeping up with your workouts. And to me, I think it’s a really cool thing. It’s nostalgic for me, and it shows me that if you do start exercising, it does matter and you’ll feel good. And it’s all about feeling good for me.”
Related: Fitness Legend Denise Austin, 68, Recreates Leotard Photo 30 Years Later With Her Daughter
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.