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/

Best Fitness Tips from Top Trainers and Coaches

Staying on top of your health has a lot to do with what’s going on outside of the gym. Check out the best tips from leading coaches and trainers in the fitness industry.

 
The best time to start working on improving your overall health is right now! There’s always room for improvement when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, whether it has to do with trying more challenging workouts or becoming more nutrition-savvy. An important part of getting the most out of your workouts — from start to finish — has to do with your overall mentality and motivation, too. Check out some of the best tips and #fitspiration from top trainers, to shape up your overall approach to getting healthier, just in time for the holidays.

FUEL

“We all love food! But it's your relationship with food that is important. No matter where you are in your journey, you need to love food. It's what fuels your body and your mind. Food truly should make you happy. When you aren't eating enough or aren't eating the right things, your emotions will swing. Food can also change a lot of situations--it can spice up a meeting, it can improve a celebration, and it creates time to talk around the dinner table. Don't fear food. Instead, love it for what it does. Understand it and become more knowledgeable about it. A healthy relationship with food is one of the best things you can do for yourself.” - Shaun T.

MENTALITY

“The mind is more powerful than we think. We can talk ourselves into (or out of) anything. At least I’ve found that that I can. On a good day, when my head is in the right place, I can talk my laziest version of my physical self into hitting the gym hard, and talk my junk food-craving self out of devouring the bag of whatever cookies are in the cupboard. But there are those days, when those are flipped. When my head is not where it needs to be—and my body will follow suit.” - Darnell Cox of Live Young Lifestyle

STYLE

“I’m all about the laid-back look, like jeans and cute tees, but when it comes to gym gear — nothing gets me pumped up like a cool new pair of kicks. Investing in stylish, comfortable clothes and killer kicks can really amp up the enthusiasm for dragging yourself to the gym. So what if you’re there to show off your hot, new gear. You’re still working it on the elliptical, and that’s all I care about.” - Jillian Michaels

OPPORTUNITY

“My mom has always said, “Your muscles don’t know if you are in a fancy gym or in your kitchen.” Think about that. A minute here and a minute there adds up to firm up. Simple things can go far. For example, when walking up the stairs, skip a step and squeeze your booty for a butt toner. Or, say you’re in the kitchen waiting for your water to boil, why not do some standing leg lifts?” - Katie Austin

RESILIENCE

“Sometimes the toughest part of dealing with failure is not the actual event but how we think people are going to judge or criticize us over it. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who can help you through your difficult time and don’t think about what society will say. Everyone has experienced failure at some point and will again at some stage.” - Lou Ferrigno

HYDRATION

“Your body becomes dehydrated as you sleep, so it’s important to drink water when you first wake up. We like to sip an 8 oz. glass before we start our workout. (You don’t want to drink too much or you risk getting yucky stomach cramps.) If you aren’t really a fan of plain H20, add some natural flavorings like ginger, mint, lemon, lime, or even berries!” - Karena and Katrina of Tone It Up

Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/fitness-tips-from-top-trainers-coaches/