Catch Some Inspo: Fitness Guru Katie Austin Is Obsessed With Fun Workouts

Spice up your workout routine to get better results, faster. Here’s how!

On a daily basis, Katie Austin motivates thousands of followers to have fun while working out through her social media platforms, like Instagram and YouTube. In an exclusive interview with DynaPro Direct, Austin shares her secrets to a perfect workout routine, tells us what her diet consists of, and shows us how to have a blast getting fit. Plus, she shows us what some of her favorite fitness moves are!

DynaPro Direct: At what point in your life did you decide you wanted to turn your love for fitness into a career?

Katie Austin: I've always been into fitness and health ever since I can remember, as my mom, Denise Austin, was in the industry. She had her own TV show, books, and DVDs. But, it wasn't until my junior year of college, right after I stopped playing division one athletics at University of Southern California, that I realized what I wanted to pursue. Because I studied TV production, I started a segment on USC's college station, where every Wednesday I would give a fit tip or show a workout. Both my love for fitness and TV came together, and from there it became my passion.

DD: What's the importance of having fun during workout sessions?

KA: UMM, ALL THE IMPORTANCE! In my opinion, if you're having fun during a workout, you forget you're even working out! When a workout is fun, it's more sustainable because it isn't as dreadful. That's also why I love working out with a buddy so much, because friends help keep you entertained!

DD: What's your go-to recipe?

KA: All my go-to recipes are super simple! If it's not simple, OR tasty, it won't be realistic. My go-to meal would be quinoa, chicken, a veggie, and an avocado. And honestly, it all depends what I have in the fridge! I love making trays of different veggies and protein. For example, I’ll set my oven to around 350 degrees, lay out a cookie tray of veggies and chicken, sprinkle with garlic, salt and pepper, and bake until it’s ready! It always turns out delicious!

DD: Can you talk a little bit about your Katie Austin Box with DynaPro Direct? What was your favorite part about creating or launching the workouts and box?

KA: My collab equipment box with DynaPro was SO awesome for me in many ways. I love giving my girls something they can physically use in their homes, on the go, and just about anywhere. It makes a workout more convenient and easy, as there is not just one piece of equipment in the box, but FOUR. AKA, there are endless workouts you can do with all these pieces.

DD: What's your favorite move with a jump rope?

KA: My favorite move is a one-leg jump rope! You really feel the burn because you're just focusing on one leg at a time. It also burns the calves!

DD: What's your favorite way to use resistance bands and mini resistance bands?

KA: ANYTHING booty related. Using the bands makes butt and leg workouts so much more challenging, and you can definitely see results quicker.

DD: What's your favorite way to work out with an exercise ball?

KA:A pike, for sure. Best ab move.

DD: What's one of your favorite quotes, or something you say during your workout classes to help motivate everyone?

KA: "It'll all be worth it, you will thank yourself later." During the workout, you can get very discouraged. Sometimes a workout can be so hard you may feel like giving up. I've even said to myself many times, "Ugh what's five more reps? It won't matter." "Oh what's one more set going to do?" But, it’s so important to tell myself and others it will all add up and be worth it. It's inspiring to know that the workout you are completing is important for reaching your goals.

Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/katie-austin-tips-to-make-workouts-fun/

Diary of a Fit Mommy’s Sia Cooper on Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle No Matter What

The Florida-based personal trainer discusses how to stay motivated through motherhood.

 
Calling all super moms and super moms-to-be! Sia Cooper—a certified personal trainer who specializes in nutrition and women’s fitness, and the face of Diary of a Fit Mommy—dishes on why it’s important to embrace a healthy lifestyle and how to regain gym motivation.

We get it, mom-life is tiring, but Sia, a mom of two, knows exactly how to fight the fatigue and make healthy happen. After eating poorly, gaining weight and constantly being sick in college, she knew it was time for a change. She turned to clean eating and started a blog to keep herself accountable and share with others what worked in her new lifestyle. She dropped the extra weight and continued blogging throughout her first and second pregnancy. Today, Sia continues to inspire others daily with her workout tips and guides. But she isn’t doing it alone—she has two adorable workout buddies to kickstart her routine!

DynaPro Direct: Why should new moms prioritize fitness and working out? Why is it so important to you?

Sia Cooper: New moms should make fitness a habit for their own sanity. Before they can take care of their kids, they have got to remember to take care of themselves. This is the only way that I can function since a happy mommy equals a happy family!

DD: How do you make time for your fitness routines?

SC: The main time that I workout daily is when my daughter naps. As soon as she falls asleep, I get my workouts done. You’ve got to learn to use your free time wisely.

DD: How do you involve your kids in your workouts?

SC: Lots of ways! I like wearing my daughter in her baby carrier, and my son will copy what I do or I’ll have him hang onto my back.

DynaProWhat do you think is the biggest reason new moms lose their motivation to work out? How can they overcome that?

SC: The biggest reason for losing motivation is the obstacles that come with having a new baby, but they can overcome these obstacles by nixing the excuses and making their babies the reason to workout and stay healthy.

DD: Exercise balls, jump ropes and resistance bands are all portable pieces of exercise equipment that new moms can use right at home. Do you use any of these products and have any favorites?

SC: I use exercise balls and resistance bands on a regular basis. I love the bands especially since they are easy to take with me wherever I go!

DD:How important is nutrition to you? What kind of nutrition rules do you stick to?

SC: Nutrition is more than half of the battle so it is super important to me. I like to eat an 80/20 diet—80 percent clean and 20 percent indulgent—because I feel it is important to spoil yourself even just a little sometimes.

DD:How can someone who's new to the world of exercise and clean eating jump in? What’s the best way to start a new daily routine that includes this healthy lifestyle?

SC: The best way is to find a guide that best works for you. This is why I created my Strong Body Guide to help walk you through daily workout plans and meal planning. It is always best to remind yourself that it is not a race—it’s a lifestyle. You do not have to rush to get back into fitness or to get your body back. You should take your time and start slow.

Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/sia-cooper-fitness-tips-for-busy-moms/

10 Reasons Why You Need Portable Fitness Products To Workout Before The Beach Or Pool On Spring Break

The perfect gear for pumping up before hitting the pool or beach on vacation…

Before you head off on your spring break vacation, make sure you toss this fitness gear in your suitcase. You worked so hard to get in shape this vacation, why not throw a few sets in at the hotel room or on the beach before you head out. You’ll feel toned and confident to flex those muscles while you’re away soaking up the sun. Here’s why:

1. Portability Matters:

   We know you don’t even want to think about lugging around extra gear in your suitcase! Picking easy-to-pack essentials matters. Various resistance bands, jump ropes, and even an exercise balls (deflated for travel) offer a variety of workouts while taking up little room in your carry-on.



2. Stay Active on the Plane:

   Take a mini resistance band on the flight (especially long hauls) to stay active beyond just walking up and down the aisles. Keeping the upper and lower body active will reduce stress and tension from those crowded airplane seats.



3. Plan Ahead:

   If possible, think about how active you’re going to be on your trip, then pack accordingly. Plan on spending time poolside? Bring a resistance band. Only have time for a quick workout in the hotel? Pack a jump rope and get your heart rate going in just a few minutes. Have an oversized balcony to use as your hotel gym? Blow up that exercise ball and get to work.



4. Change of Pace:

   Don’t let the departure from your regular gym dampen your routine. Take this opportunity to try a new exercise or mix in something you typically don’t do. Haven’t used resistance bands before? Give ‘em a go! New to exercise balls? Go for it!






5. Make Friends:

   Chances are, you won’t be the only one trying to fit in a workout on spring break, but you may be the only one who was smart enough to pack gear! Get a jump rope group going and you’ll have new friends in no time.



6. Travel-Ready Gear:

   Durability matters. Packing things like our top-rated exercise ball means your workout gear will be intact when you arrive. The portable pump means you can inflate in the hotel room and have instant balance and core exercises.



7. Outdoor Adventuring:

   Hiking just got a lot more fun. Pack a resistance band or two in your daypack for a new twist on the trails. They’ll add a nice upper body challenge to your trek.



8. Training for a Big Event? Keep Going:

   Our portable line is the perfect way to maintain your training schedule while stepping away for vacation. Combining a couple of resistance workouts with a morning run means you won’t miss a beat.



9. Or, Be a Trainer for Someone Else:

   If you have the room, pack some extra workout gear and see where it takes you. Even just an extra set of bands could lead to new adventures on your hard-earned vacation.



10. Balance Anywhere:

    Business travel can be especially stressful. Imagine coming back to your room after a long day of meetings and presentations and having the opportunity to unwind. Our exercise ball is a great way to bring the mind and soul back to center and keep that spring break vibe front and center. Reach for the resistance bands to take the edge off, or for the jump rope to get your heart rate up.

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Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/spring-break-fitness-essentials/

Ditch the Baby Weight and Get Your Pre-Pregnancy Body Back

FitElyse spills her best secrets to toning up after delivery day!
So, it’s been a crazy nine months, and you couldn’t be happier with your brand new baby! Life has forever changed — but so has your belly. Yes, having a child is worth it, but if only you could ditch that baby weight for good, right?
I know, mamas! I've been there — twice — and it's tough. These days, new parents are sleep-deprived and exhausted. It feels like almost every waking minute is spent changing diapers, feeding your newborn, changing more diapers, soothing the baby. Did I mention changing diapers?!


There's not much time for you to take care of you, but without a healthy YOU, it's hard to have a truly healthy family. So, whether you've just been given the okay to work out after having a baby, or if you've been waiting and waiting and now that baby is a year old — the time is now. The good news is you can achieve that pre-baby body and even more right at home! And it starts in the kitchen with clean meals.

I know, I know, you don't have time. But neither do I, but prepping clean meals in advance is key. Otherwise, when the clock hits noon and Baby is finally napping, you’ll be starving and that junk food will call your name.

The crockpot is my go-to. Each week, I make a large batch of steel-cut oatmeal for a nice morning meal. Lunch is often scrambled eggs and veggies, a hummus and turkey sandwich or leftovers. For dinner, I go back to my trusty crockpot. Chili is a staple around our house: beans, beef or chicken, a little onion, and some seasonings is all it takes to create an easy, filling meal.
Between meals, be sure to keep healthy snacks around. (No, the graham cracker off the floor doesn’t count.) Nibble on fresh fruits and veggies, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, low sugar protein bars and shakes. Eating frequent, small meals will get your metabolism firing like a wood-burning stove.

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF MY FAVORITE FAST RECIPES TO GET ME THROUGH THE WEEK:

Steelcut Crockpot Oatmeal
(Makes 8 servings)

• 2 Cups of Steel-Cut Oats
• 6-7 Cups of Water
• 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Extract

Optional:

Add in 1-2 Cups of frozen berries, 1-2 Cups of sliced apples or 1 can of unsweetened pumpkin

Directions:

Add all of the ingredients in the crockpot and cook on a low setting for five to six hours. Add more water if needed. In the morning, simply heat and top with a little Greek yogurt and cinnamon!

Green Chicken Chili

(makes several servings)

• 1 LB Chicken Breast
• 1 Cup Chicken Broth
• 1 Small Sweet Onion, Diced
• 1 Can of Diced Green Chilies
• 1 Cup of Green Enchilada Sauce
• 2 Cans of Beans (Pinto, Black, Kidney, Northern, Chili)
• Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder to Taste

Directions:

Place the onion in the crockpot and pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts. Cook four to six hours, until the chicken is done. Dice the chicken and add it back into crockpot with all of the other ingredients. Cook on low for one to two additional hours. Try topping with a little cilantro and a squeeze of lime!

EASY EXERCISES WHILE BABY IS NAPPING

While baby naps or does some tummy time, let’s get to work on that tummy of yours. A combo of cardio and resistance training is the best mix.

Here’s a guide to some of my routine:

• Frequency: 4-5 times a week. (Aim for 3 days of resistance training and 2 days of cardio.)
• Length: 20-30 minutes a day (A 20-minute stroller jog will do wonders for you both.)
• Intensity: PUSH it! Work hard, get done fast
• Gear: 1 DynaPro exercise ball and 3 DynaPro mini bands

 

POSTPARTUM HOME WORKOUT

• Warm-Up: Five minutes of jump rope, jumping jacks, high knees, or running up and down stairs
• Exercise Ball Squats
• Exercise Ball Crunches
• Mini Band Outer Thigh Steps
• Push-Ups With Feet on Exercise Ball
• Mini Band Back Squeeze
• Plank With Mini Band Glute Kicks
• Frequency: Cycle through two to three sets or until the baby needs your attention!

Progress in the kitchen is key to a healthy and balanced lifestyle for you and your newborn. A handful of greens, lean meat and a bit of fiber are the first part of the mix. When you add these muscle burning moves and some cardio, you have a recipe for success!

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Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/how-to-lose-weight-after-pregnancy/

Perfect Full Body Workout with Resistance Bands

At lunch, your co-workers are talking about this fun barre class they went to over the weekend. When you meet up with your friend for coffee, they talk about this awesome new workout guide they started. And your crazy ‘go to the gym 7 days a week’ friend can’t stop talking about all the gains she’s making from lifting weights.

Whew! Everyone is doing something different and you’re probably thinking “What’s going to work best for me?”

Getting healthy and fit can be very overwhelming. The best thing you can do, is try a little bit of everything and pick which one you enjoy the most. Along your journey, what you enjoy will probably change as you discover you want to challenge yourself in new ways.

If you’re just starting your fitness journey or have hit a plateau, a great place to start is with resistance bands. You can increase your strength, mobility, stability, flexibility, and cardiovascular and muscular endurance with them! Doing exercises with resistance bands is a great intro to doing movements in a safe manner before jumping into weights. If you already lift weights, using bands will challenge your muscles differently.

I love circuit training and adding exercises with resistance bands at the end of my lifting sessions to exhaust my muscles to failure and really feel the burn. While any circuit can be done with just your body-weight, I like to add a challenge with some resistance I want to share a full body workout that will leave your limbs feeling like noodles and make you feel like you’re standing in a puddle of sweat.

 

THE WORKOUT

• There are 3 circuits of 3 exercises
• Do 12 – 15 reps of each exercise of Circuit #1 (Repeat 3x)
• NO REST between each set of that circuit
• Once you complete Circuit #1, rest for 30 seconds
• Move on to Circuit #2 and #3 doing the same thing

	Exercise #1	Exercise #2	Exercise #3
Circuit #1	Bicep Curl	Side Raise	Donkey Kick
Circuit #2	Squat Press	Triceps Extension	Standing Chest Press
Circuit #3	Squat Jump / Row	Bent Over Fly	Upright Row

 

HOW TO DO EACH EXERCISE!

 

Circuit #1

Bicep Curl

Place band under your feet and hold one handle in each hand. You can either curl one arm at a time, or both together. Your preference!

Side Raise

Place band under your feet and hold one handle in each hand. Have a slight bend in your knees and lift each arm outwards to shoulder height (do not go higher)

Donkey Kick

If you’re kicking with your right foot, hold on to the handle with your left hand. Place your right foot in the other handle and secure. Adjust and hold on to any additional slack with your left hand for the appropriate resistance. Keep left hand (and any slack) secure on the ground and kick with your right foot. SQUEEZE the glutes at the top! Switch and repeat with your other leg.

 

Circuit #2

Squat Press

Place band under your feet, hold one handle in each hand, and hold at shoulder height. Squat down (go low!), then press through your heels to come up. As you come up, do a shoulder press by pushing your hands above your head. The come all the way back down to a squat and repeat.

Triceps Extension

Place band under your feet and give a little more slack to the side you’re doing the extension. Keep left hand at your side and raise right hand above and behind your head. Keep right elbow pointing straight up, then extend arm straight up, and squeeze at the top. Switch and repeat with your other arm.


Read the complete post here and learn how resistance bands can make enormous difference in your workout routine and maximize your strength training results:
https://www.dynaprodirect.com/resistance-band-full-body-workouts/

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