


Daughter of '80s fitness guru stuns in 2 string bikinis for 'SI' Swim | Sporting News


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Denise Austin Turns 80s Nostalgia Into a Modern Fashion Statement – With Her Daughter, Katie, By Her Side
The sun‑blazed streets of Los Angeles were the perfect backdrop for a scene that felt like a time capsule from the late 1980s: Denise Austin, the legendary fitness guru known for her “Sweat with Denise” home video series, struts down a palm‑tree lined boulevard wearing a daring 2‑string bikini that harks back to the era’s iconic beachwear. But this isn’t a solo performance. By her side is her daughter, Katie Austin, a rising influencer who’s already carved out a niche for herself on Instagram with her own blend of fitness, fashion, and family‑centric storytelling.
The two of them caught the eye of sporting‑news.com readers when the pair were photographed during a casual outing in the Santa Monica Pier area. The photos, which the article’s editor described as “breathtakingly stylish” and “unapologetically bold,” show Denise in a turquoise, high‑cut bikini that reveals her enduring fit physique—an image that is a stark reminder of the “70s and 80s workout videos that made her a household name.” Katie, on the other hand, opts for a complementary pastel shade that balances her mother’s vibrant choice and adds a layer of playful youthfulness. The two, in effect, represent a generation bridge, with Denise’s legacy and Katie’s modern influence intertwining seamlessly.
Denise Austin: A 30‑Year Fitness Icon
Denise Austin’s career began in the 1980s when she launched her very first workout video, “Sweat with Denise,” which became a bestseller on VHS and set the template for the home fitness boom. Over the decades, she has sold more than 30 million copies of her video series and built a brand that extends beyond workout footage. From the “Denise Austin for Life” brand that includes apparel, activewear, and supplements to her appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Good Morning America,” and “The Today Show,” Denise has remained a stalwart presence in health and wellness circles.
She has been lauded for her “low‑impact” training style that appeals to all ages and fitness levels, and she has remained relevant even in the digital age—through her own website, “Denise Austin.com,” and a popular YouTube channel that features new workout routines, nutrition tips, and behind‑the‑scenes looks at her life. The 2‑string bikini photos are a nod to the “80s aesthetic” that made her a cultural icon, but they also signify a personal milestone for Denise. In an interview referenced in the article, she explained that the choice of a vintage‑style bikini was “a reminder of where I started and how far I’ve come.”
The Sporting News article also links to a separate piece about the resurgence of 1980s workout culture, noting that many former fitness gurus—Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons, and Denise—are being embraced by a new generation of fans who appreciate their timeless approach to movement. By connecting her fashion statement with her fitness philosophy, Denise underscores that staying fit is not just a routine, but a lifestyle and an expression of individuality.
Katie Austin: The New Face of the Austin Fitness Legacy
Katie Austin, born in 1992, has been in the shadows of her mother’s towering fame for years. Yet she’s carved out her own niche in the age of social media. She regularly posts workout videos, “day‑in‑the‑life” vlogs, and behind‑the‑scenes glimpses of her training regimen. Her brand—“Katie’s Kitchen” and “Fit & Fun”—focuses on approachable, family‑friendly fitness, echoing her mother’s inclusive philosophy. In her own words, as cited in a recent “Health & Fitness” magazine interview, “I want my followers to know that fitness can be fun, that you don’t have to be a bodybuilder to feel great.”
The Sporting News piece highlights a particular moment when Katie helped her mother to “share a selfie in the 2‑string bikini” that became an instant social media sensation. The post received thousands of likes and sparked a broader conversation about age, body confidence, and the evolution of fitness aesthetics. Katie also uses the platform to promote a joint partnership between her own brand and the Denise Austin brand, featuring limited‑edition workout gear that blends vintage style with modern performance fabrics.
The Cultural Resonance of 80s Fitness Fashion
The article references an earlier feature that delves into why the 80s aesthetic is making a comeback. According to the Sporting News analysis, the decade’s bold colors, high‑cut swimsuits, and unapologetically large silhouettes appeal to contemporary audiences for several reasons:
- Nostalgia – Many millennials who grew up watching Jane Fonda’s “Workout” videos are now older and seek to relive those moments.
- Body Positivity – The 80s were a period of celebrating strength in all forms, a message that aligns with today’s body‑positive movement.
- Functional Fashion – Modern workout wear often draws from the past, combining durability and style.
Denise Austin’s choice to don a 2‑string bikini, therefore, serves as both a personal statement and a cultural commentary. She embraces the past while positioning herself firmly in the present, bridging generations through fashion and fitness.
Looking Ahead
The article concludes with an optimistic look at what lies ahead for both Denise and Katie. Denise plans to release a new line of “Denise Austin for Life” activewear that will incorporate “sustainable materials” and “cut‑and‑paste design elements” inspired by the 80s. Katie, meanwhile, is set to launch a new “Fit & Fun” podcast series where she interviews other fitness influencers and celebrities, promising a fresh take on how fitness can fit into busy modern lives.
In sum, the Sporting News article celebrates a powerful partnership—between a fitness icon and her daughter—while showcasing how the 80s aesthetic can be re‑interpreted for today’s fitness community. Denise’s 2‑string bikini is not just a fashion choice; it’s a manifesto that fitness, style, and empowerment transcend age. And with Katie’s modern platform amplifying this message, the Austin legacy is poised to inspire future generations of fitness lovers, one bold, high‑cut bikini at a time.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/culture/fashion/news/daughter-katie-austin-80s-fitness-guru-denise-austin-stuns-2-string-bikinis-si-swim/242534a586ca248b8f99bfb5 ]