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/

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/

Incorporating an Exercise Ball Into Your Routine Is Life-Changing

Start using an exercise ball — STAT. Here’s why.
Are you looking to spice up your workout routine and improve your health? Exercise balls are a great place to start. They’re in practically every gym, but working out with an exercise ball is one of the best inexpensive, yet effective alternatives that you can take advantage of right at home.

In 1963, Italian plastics manufacturer, Aquilino Cosani, invented the exercise (“Pezzi”) ball — they’ve drastically increased in popularity over the years. From physical therapy in clinical settings to athletic training in fitness facilities, exercise balls are used in a variety of different ways. They’re used for prenatal support and yoga sessions, and it’s even become popular to use stability balls instead of traditional office chairs.

Read on to check out the benefits of using an exercise ball. Plus, get ready to master our step-by-step instructions for top stability ball exercises!

 

BENEFITS OF USING AN EXERCISE BALL

 

Exercise balls are popular and trendy among fitness enthusiasts. Here’s why:
Engages more muscles. When pushing off of an exercise ball, instead of a flat surface, more muscles are used to keep the body balanced.
Decreases back pain. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research concluded that the use of a stability ball could improve posture and might benefit individuals who sit often or are prone to back pain.1
Strengthens the core. The muscles in the core are used to hold your body in an upright position when you simply sit on your exercise ball. Over time, your core muscles will become much stronger. Plus, you can use your stability ball to intensify exercises that are specifically designed to strengthen abdominal muscles.
Increases Circulation. While using your exercise ball, all of the muscles in your body will be working to help keep you stable — this increases blood flow.

TOP STABILITY BALL EXERCISES

An exercise ball can be used in a variety of ways. Here is a full body stability ball workout routine that can be performed with or without weights:

EXERCISE BALL CHEST EXERCISES

Stability Ball Pushups

• Start with either hands on the ball and feet on the floor or with your feet on the ball and your hands on the floor
• Push yourself up by extending your arms and then slowly lower yourself
• Inhale while lowering your body and exhale while pushing your body up
• Perform two sets of 10-20 reps

STABILITY BALL BACK EXERCISES

Stability Ball Back Extension

• Lie face down on your stability ball with your hands behind your head. The ball should be under the center of your mid-section
• Squeeze your glutes and lift your torso up until your body forms a straight line. Repeat
• Perform two sets 10-15 reps

Stability Ball Reverse Hyperextension

• Lie face down on the exercise ball with your legs down and extended
• Keep your legs extended and slowly raise both legs as you exhale
• Lower your legs slowly as you inhale
• Perform two sets of 10-15 reps

EXERCISE BALL SHOULDER EXERCISES

Use your DynaPro resistance bands with these workouts!

Rear Deltoid Raise

• Lie face down on your exercise ball with your back and legs extended
• Keep your arms bent at the elbow with your fist pointing towards the ground
• Rotate your arms upward until your forearms are parallel to the floor
• Inhale as you bring your arms up and exhale when lowering them
• Perform two sets 10-15 reps

Side Deltoid Raise

• Place your left side on the exercise ball
• Use your left arm to hold onto the ball for stability as you extended your legs outward
• Extend your right arm upward and exhale
• Slowly lower your arm toward the ground and inhale. Repeat
• Perform two sets of 10-15 reps

STABILITY BALL CORE EXERCISES

 

Stability Ball V-Pass

• Lie face up on the floor with your arms extended and hold your exercise ball with both hands
• Extend your legs in the air, place the ball between your feet, and then lower your legs toward the ground
• Raise your legs and grab the ball with your arms extended. Then lower the ball with your arms. Repeat
• Perform 15-30 reps

Stability Ball Knee Tuck

 

• Start in the pushup position with your legs resting on stability ball
• Inhale, tighten your abs, and bring your knees closer to your chest by pulling your legs forward
• Exhale and hold for two seconds
• Extend legs to their original position. Repeat
• Perform 10-20 reps

STABILITY BALL LEG EXERCISES

 

 Stability Ball Wall Squats

• Place the ball between the wall and your lower back
• Place your feet shoulder width apart
• Inhale and slowly lower your body toward the floor in a squat position as you continuously push back into the ball. Repeat
• Perform two sets of 10-15 reps

Lying Hamstring Curl

• Lay flat on your back and place your exercise ball under your feet
• Dig heels into the ball and extend arms into floor for support
• Inhale and use your feet to roll the ball towards your body slowly and keep your hips as still as possible
• Exhale and slowly extend legs back to the straight position. Repeat
• Perform two sets of 10-15 reps

There are so many different ways to incorporate an exercise ball in your lifestyle. Using these techniques will help strengthen your back and core and stabilize your muscles. Plus, exercise balls are easy to store, portable, and affordable. To maintain your exercise ball, just wipe it clean with soap and water and keep an air pump on hand!

Get your Exercise Balls Here  SHOP NOW!
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The Perfect Way to Wind Down With Exercise

You can use exercise as a tool to relax and relieve any built up tension — physical or emotional. Here’s how.

Exercise works magic on the human body, often in ways we don’t realize. Think back to the time in your life when you first started exercising. You probably thought of exercise as something that would make you healthier, stronger, or improve your appearance. All of those things are simple in nature, but true. It normally isn’t until later on that it becomes apparent that exercise impacts the human body far beyond those initial associations.

Consider this: Some of the strongest, fastest, and talented athletes will admit to finding exercise and gym time therapeutic. Many exercise enthusiasts will even go as far as saying some of the most intense mental work they’ve ever done has been within the walls of a gym. Not only can exercise pump you up and energize you, but it can also calm you down — a lot. If you’re ready to shed some tension and clear your mind next time you work out, here’s a solid plan to follow:

1. Mental Check:

   If you know that you’re ready to focus your next workout session on winding down and clearing your heart and mind, there’s probably something already bothering you. Whether it’s general stress, specific sadness, frustration, or just a build up of little stressors from your daily routine, it’s an important step to claim and identify the source(s) of tension in your life before beginning your workout.

2. Therapy Element:

   Incorporate something into your workout routine that screams, “self care!” Bring a therapy element into your workout, whether that means something as simple as wearing your favorite gym clothes, lighting a candle or incense, dimming the lights, or putting your headphones on and listening to some cathartic music you haven’t heard in a long time. You’ll benefit tremendously by setting the mood for healing and carving out the little extra time to manifest an environment that speaks to you and calms your nerves. Plus, once you get deep into your exercise routine, your therapy element will remind you that this session is a transformative one — beyond the physical — and you’ll be less likely to let your mentality slip.

3. Breathe:

   Practice some rhythmic breathing prior to your workout. Rhythmic breathing has an underestimated, incredible effect on the human body. A simple practice is laying on the floor and breathing in as your belly rises. Then, as you exhale, feel your belly lowering. Repeat this until any feelings of nagging tension are gone — no matter how tedious the breathing may feel at first.

4. Stretch:

   Give a little more time to stretching during this workout. Instead of simply warming up the body to prevent injury during a workout, make an art out of your stretching routine and move beyond your arms and legs. Start with the tips of your toes and stretch the different muscle groups of your body until you reach the crown of your head. Don’t forget about your feet, spine, neck, and wrists during this session.

5. Mental Check:

   Before intensifying your workout routine, focus on the balanced feeling you’ve just created for your body and think back to the problems you identified in your first mental check. Do the issues feel any lighter? If the issues are more trivial, they will likely will feel less significant, and it’s important to focus on those issues becoming even smaller as you enter the next phase of the workout.
   If you’re dealing with greater emotional stress, you might feel more at peace with the situation after breathing and stretching. Before moving into your cardio session, identify the pain points — the sources of sadness or stress — and then get ready to work through those feelings and recenter yourself during your routine.

6. Cardio:

   Get your blood flowing. The breathing and stretching helped warm up your body, but cardio will take it to the next level. Let your mind be still, or let it wander — but never let go of the intention(s) you set during your mental check before you started raising your heart rate. During your cardio session, you’ll simultaneously release feel-good endorphins, raise your body temperature, decrease anxiety levels, and give your self confidence a boost. Push yourself with cardio until you’ve met your goal. During this workout, it’s important to not give up until your personal goal has been met, so make sure you create a realistic cardio goal for yourself!

7. Lower Body:

   After you’ve completed your cardio, get ready to work out your lower body. Work every muscle group you know how to work, and incorporate resistance bands into your fitness session. Resistance bands will maximize your results, in terms of relieving tension, since incorporating them will work your muscles in a different way, while simultaneously stabilizing them. Ever have a stress ball hanging around at your desk? Think of it like this: Resistance bands are the “stress balls” of exercise! Let that tension go!

8. Upper Body:

   Move on to your upper body exercises, and focus on your abdominals, arms, and upper back. Again, work every muscle group you can and use your resistance bands! An exercise ball is also a powerful tool to use during a stress-relieving workout to help stabilize and balance muscles — this will help work off extra tension.

9. Stretch:

   When you’ve completed your workout, keep your blood flowing by giving yourself a light stretch session, focusing on rhythmic breathing. This time, as you breathe, visualize any remaining points of tension, frustration, or stress leaving your body with each exhale. Continue stretching and breathing in tandem until you feel the clarity that felt so out of reach before you started your wind-down exercise session.

10. Mental Check:

    Check in with your mind again and focus on how much lighter you feel. Mentally shake off any remaining stressors, come to terms with your situation(s), and fix your mind on continuing to show up for life, placing an importance on enjoying each step along the way. You got this!

Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/10-ways-to-wind-down-and-relax/

Exercise Ball to Maintain Physical Stability

Do you need a stability factor to improve your physical as well as mental fitness? DynaPro brought to you PVC material designed anti-burst guaranteed Exercise Balls also known as Stability Balls to build and improve your physical as well as mental fitness.

Balancing on Exercise Ball

Fitness Ball features:

• Available in 4 different colors : Grey, Black, Blue, Pink
• Three different sizes : 55cm, 65cm, 75cm
• Anti-Burst TESTED at 2000lbs able to stand up to the most rigorous workout conditions
• Gym Grade fitness ball and pump- highest quality PVC material
• GUARANTEED to be the highest quality material on the market today. 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

These anti-slip balls are designed with heavy duty material to practice stability and balanced workouts – Perfect for Physical Therapy, Home Workouts, Pilates, Yoga, and Personal Training.

Stability Ball will help you :

• Force proper spine alignment.
• Learn proper postures for different positions.
• Increase lower back mobility.
• Increase abdominal and back muscle strength.
• Increase balance and stability.
• Feel more energetic

You can explore for more colors and sizes at DynaProDirect.com. These anti-burst exercise balls are available at $19.99 only.

Tone Up Anytime, Anywhere with DynaPro Direct Effective Workouts!

Whether you are a beginner or a fitness enthusiast, and looking for an inexpensive, convenient strengthening workout that you can perform almost anywhere, consider incorporating resistance band exercises into your routine. DynaPro Direct has compiled some effective resistance band workouts to tighten, tone and burn unwanted calories anywhere. Check out these moves to do with your resistance band.

Wide Grip Bicep Curls

 1. Stand on resistance band with leg width appropriate so tension will start with elbows close to your side and hands positioned out to the side more than the regular curl. See illustration. Holding handles palms up, curl as you would dumbbells. This will be your starting position

2. Now, keeping the upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the weights while contracting your biceps. Continue to raise the weights until your biceps are fully contracted and the handles are at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps

3. Then, inhale and slowly begin to lower the handles back to the starting position

4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions

Upright Row

1. Grasp a handle in each hand grip that is slightly less than shoulder width. The handles should be resting on top of your thighs. Your arms should be extended with a slight bend at the elbows and your back should be straight. This will be your starting position

2. Use your side shoulders to lift the handles as you exhale. The handles should be close to the body as you move it up and the elbows should drive the motion. Continue to lift them until they nearly touch your chin. Tip: Your elbows should drive the motion. As you lift the handles, your elbows should always be higher than your forearms. Also, keep your torso stationary and pause for a second at the top of the movement

3. Lower the handles back down slowly to the starting position. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement 4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions

Overhead Press

1. Hold the resistance bands in each hand. Make sure to rotate your wrists so that the palms of your hands are facing forward. This is your starting position

2. Now, exhale and push the handles dumbbells upward until you reach the lockout position

3. Then, after a brief pause at the top contracted position, slowly lower the handles back down to the starting position while inhaling 4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions

Tricep Push-Down

1. Attach the band to a high door anchor and grab the handles with an overhand grip (palms facing down) at shoulder width

2. Standing upright with the torso straight and a very small inclination forward, bring the upper arms close to your body and perpendicular to the floor. This is your starting position

3. Using the triceps, bring the bar down until it touches the front of your thighs and the arms are fully extended perpendicular to the floor. The upper arms should always remain stationary next to your torso and only the forearms should move. Exhale as you perform this movement

4. After a second hold at the contracted position, bring the bar slowly up to the starting point. Breathe in as you perform this step

Straight Arm Pull-Down

1. Attach the band to a high door anchor. Stand or kneel a couple feet back from the door. Lean forward from the hip, keeping your back straight; with your arms extended up in front of you grab the handles at medium tension. This will be your starting position

2. Keeping your arms straight, extend the shoulder to pull the handles down to your thighs
3. Pause at the bottom of the motion, squeezing your lats

4. Return to the starting position


Read more here and find out how resistance band exercises can help you build strength, muscular endurance and tone your body anywhere.

Exercise Ball: Make the Smart Choice to Stay Fit at Work!

You may have heard of people replacing their classic desk chair with an exercise ball, but doesn’t it seem a bit odd to replace a sleek, leather-covered, padded, rolling chair with a big ball full of air? What, exactly, is all the hype about?

There is much more to an exercise ball than first meets the eye. While sitting on an exercise ball, the body is constantly making small adjustments to remain balanced. Though these adjustments are usually unrecognizable, they are repeatedly working various muscle groups in the core and back. Using these muscles strengthens the core muscles and increases balance through improved posture.

A classic office chair is often considered a major source of back and neck pain. Most office equipment is built in a way that promotes poor posture, rather than good posture. This improper sitting can decrease productivity by reducing oxygen intake, and, in turn, energy. Slouching, or poor posture, has various short-term and long-term effects, so it should be ended sooner rather than later. Luckily, the option of using an exercise ball in place of a traditional office chair is now becoming commonplace.

Short-term, improved posture will help you to walk a little taller and sit comfortably for longer time periods, but those are not the only benefits. Improvements to your posture will take tension away from your entire body. Blood flow and breathing are quickly improved. Improvements in posture have also been shown to improve brain function and memory, along with mood increases and stress reduction. Beyond just that, improving your posture can eradicate back pain or put a stop to it before it even happens.

Sneak some exercise into the work-day. You can easily toss in some hip exercises by rolling backward or forward. You can also work your quads simply by sustaining a slow bounce. Beyond that, there are various exercises that you should probably hold off on until your lunch break, and these exercises will leave you feeling fresh for the second half of your day.

When beginning with an exercise ball in the office, you may want to use the ball for short periods of time until you become used to sitting on the ball. You will be surprised at how quickly your muscles grow tired at first, but your core and back muscles will soon adapt and strengthen with increased endurance. While on the ball, your thighs should maintain a position parallel to the floor, with upper arms remaining parallel to the spine. Keep in mind that your face should be pointed toward the middle of your computer screen rather than looking up or down to the screen.

Using an exercise ball in place of a desk chair has very clear benefits that will help you not only now, but years into the future. Your health, energy and posture can quickly be improved by making this small transition. It is time to make the smart choice to roll your desk chair out of the door and roll an exercise ball in.

Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/blogs/articles/118095619-exercise-ball-make-the-smart-choice-to-stay-fit-at-work