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/

5 Killer Keys to Shedding Weight in 2017

Sometimes all it takes is a fresh start to get your head in the game and change your life.

Do you feel burnt out and uninspired to keep working toward your fitness goals? You’re not alone! Leave your unhealthy habits and negative mentality in 2016 and turn it around in the new year. Live by these keys to shed weight, feel more energized, and gain a positive mindset in 2017. Plus, read on to learn tips from DynaPro Direct experts!

1. Amp Up Your Cardio:

   In the new year, you’ll want to get your blood flowing and increase your metabolism. Grab a DynaPro jump rope so you can focus on cardio when you’re not at the gym or in the mood for a long run. Plus, build up your coordination skills and endurance by practicing new tricks and increasing your speed.

2. Have a Strong Mentality:

   If your mind is on your side, it’s all yours. Take a cue from DynaPro Direct fitness and anti-aging expert, Darnell Cox: "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."

3. Balance Your Muscles:

   Instead of bulking up with free weights, incorporate resistance bands into your workout routine to help stabilize and balance your muscles as you build them. Try experimenting with regular resistance bands, mini precision loop bands, or power resistance bands.

4. Make Your Workout Routine Fun:

   Follow a fun and effective plan, like the Katie Austin Workout Package, to stay on track and add energy to your routine! Austin is a millennial fitness leader who inspires and teaches thousands on social media to strive for and reach healthy goals. Now, there’s a box that brings our DynaPro products and her inspiration right to your doorstep.

5. Plan Your Meals:

   Prevent caving in and reaching for the stuff that’s not so good for you by planning your meals. Check out these tips from DynaPro Direct nutrition expert, Danielle Pashko: "Planning your food will save you from making bad choices when your blood sugar gets low and you're feeling hungry and impatient. Have your fridge or freezer stocked with some lean protein options like organic chicken, tuna, turkey, and eggs. Then you can always easily pair it with some mixed greens or tomato and cucumber salad. This type of meal only takes five minutes - when you have more time, then it’s easier to get more creative with side dishes or salad stuffings!"

Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/2017-weight-loss-tips/

10 Hacks to Make the Holidays Healthier

On a holiday morning, your first thought probably isn’t to pull out your resistance bands and get ready for a workout. When you start thinking ahead to dinner, you may want to consider what workout you can fit in your day, and how it will make your festive meal even better. Yes, just because you’re not thinking about fitness on a day of celebration, you probably won’t be able to stop remembering your indulgence the next day. This year, let yourself off the hook. Indulge with these tips in mind to enjoy your holiday to the fullest:

1. Forget the fast.

   We know the usual plan, skip big meals throughout the day so that you’re really hungry for dinner. Stop right there! Not only does skipping meals make you less hungry, it’s a bad habit for both your mind and body to learn this habit. Small meals throughout the day will keep you on a regular schedule, and prepare you for a full dinner.

2. Drink water throughout the day.

   Dehydration often shows itself with a lack of hunger. You know the feeling, when you haven’t eaten much all day and can’t understand why you’re not hungry. Prepare for a holiday meal by staying hydrated throughout the day, and you’ll avoid snacking before your favorite meal.

3. Work Out

   Don’t assume because it’s a holiday there isn’t enough time for a workout. Grab a few resistance bands and an exercise ball and create a 20-minute circuit you can do right at home. Perform squats, bicep curls, rows, and shoulder lifts with resistance bands, and make time for an ab workout with your exercise ball.
   A morning workout will get you ready and energized for those long family holidays, and remind you to stay motivated about your goals. You’ll even be more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day.

4. Plate setup.

   Yes, we have a strategy to our plate servings. Start out with the protein and veggies you’re going to eat. After you’ve filled up on nutrient-dense foods, serve yourself carbohydrates like stuffing, mashed potatoes, or even a biscuit. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods, without becoming stuffed on carbs alone.

5. Bring an appetizer.

   Bring a cheese and crackers alternative by offering to bring an appetizer you won’t feel as guilty about. Try homemade hummus or a veggie platter with yogurt dressing. With more options to choose from, you’ll save yourself and other guests calories throughout the holiday feast!

6. Lend a helping hand.

   Want to avoid the appetizers altogether? Offer to help the hostess. Keeping busy will prevent you from casual snacking so you can save room for the main course. It will also keep you on your feet and moving throughout the day! You’ll see your Fitbit steps increasing rather than reminding you to move! You might not realize just how much work you’ll be doing moving around the pot filled with five pounds of potatoes.

7. Become your own bartender.

   Play bartender for yourself to cut out unnecessary calories, if you’re not skipping out on alcohol altogether. Choose seltzer and create flavors with fresh fruits and spices. Not sure what will be available? Bring your own signature cocktail to share so you can avoid added sugars and sodas, while giving everyone something to enjoy. If you give the host control over your liquid intake, you might end up consuming way more calories than you would have liked to.

8. Hold the toppings.

   Chances are you won’t skip dessert, and we don’t blame you. What you can do, though, is skip out on the extra whipped cream topping to your pie. Enjoy your favorite pie, and skip the additions as a small way to cut out heavy calories to your day. This applies to creamy dressings, sauces, and gravy too!

9. Plan ahead.

   Guilt is a common feeling after the holidays as we indulge more than usual. Plan and schedule your next day’s workout ahead of time, whether it is hitting the gym or an at home resistance band workout.
   Knowing you already have a plan of action will help you stay committed to it and avoid those unhealthy guilty feelings associated with food.

10. Enjoy!

    Yes, indulge and enjoy it! Holidays come once a year — if you have a slice of pie, take your time and slowly enjoy it rather than trying to see how much you can eat. (Think quality over quantity.) Eating slower will not only help you eat less, but will allow you to enjoy what you’re eating. By enjoying your favorite holiday treats in moderation you can create healthy eating habits.

Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/10-healthy-holiday-hacks/

10 Hacks to Make Holiday Eating Healthier On Thanksgiving

On a holiday morning, your first thought probably isn’t to pull out your resistance bands and get ready for a workout.

When you start thinking ahead to dinner, you may want to consider what workout you can fit in your day, and how it will make your festive meal even better. Yes, just because you’re not thinking about fitness on a day of celebration, you probably won’t be able to stop remembering your indulgence the next day. This year, let yourself off the hook. Indulge with these tips in mind to enjoy your holiday to the fullest:  

1. Forget the fast.

   We know the usual plan, skip big meals throughout the day so that you’re really hungry for dinner. Stop right there! Not only does skipping meals make you less hungry, it’s a bad habit for both your mind and body to learn this habit. Small meals throughout the day will keep you on a regular schedule, and prepare you for a full dinner.

2. Drink water throughout the day.

   Dehydration often shows itself with a lack of hunger. You know the feeling, when you haven’t eaten much all day and can’t understand why you’re not hungry. Prepare for a holiday meal by staying hydrated throughout the day, and you’ll avoid snacking before your favorite meal.
3. 

   Work Out.

   Don’t assume because it’s a holiday there isn’t enough time for a workout. Grab a few resistance bands and an exercise ball and create a 20-minute circuit you can do right at home. Perform squats, bicep curls, rows, and shoulder lifts with resistance bands, and make time for an ab workout with your exercise ball. A workout this simple can be done while you’re watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade! A morning workout will get you ready and energized for those long family holidays, and remind you to stay motivated about your goals. You’ll even be more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day.

4. Plate setup.

   Yes, we have a strategy to our plate servings. Start out with the protein and veggies you’re going to eat. After you’ve filled up on nutrient-dense foods, serve yourself carbohydrates like stuffing, mashed potatoes, or even a biscuit. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods, without becoming stuffed on carbs alone.

5. Bring an appetizer.

   Bring a cheese and crackers alternative by offering to bring an appetizer you won’t feel as guilty about. Try homemade hummus or a veggie platter with yogurt dressing. With more options to choose from, you’ll save yourself and other guests calories throughout Turkey day!

6. Lend a helping hand.

   Want to avoid the appetizers altogether? Offer to help the hostess. Keeping busy will prevent you from casual snacking so you can save room for the main course. It will also keep you on your feet and moving throughout the day! You’ll see your Fitbit steps increasing rather than reminding you to move! You might not realize just how much work you’ll be doing moving around the pot filled with five pounds of potatoes.

7. Become your own bartender.

   Play bartender for yourself to cut out unnecessary calories, if you’re not skipping out on alcohol altogether. Choose seltzer and create flavors with fresh fruits and spices. Not sure what will be available? Bring your own signature cocktail to share so you can avoid added sugars and sodas, while giving everyone something to enjoy. If you give the host control over your liquid intake, you might end up consuming way more calories than you would have liked to.

8. Hold the toppings.

   Chances are you won’t skip dessert, and we don’t blame you. What you can do, though, is skip out on the extra whipped cream topping to your pie. Enjoy your favorite pie, and skip the additions as a small way to cut out heavy calories to your day. Did you ever also consider what gravy is made from? The grease drippings from your turkey! If your gravy is homemade, you may want to especially enjoy it in moderation to avoid an added serving of fat to your day.
9. 

   Plan ahead.

   Guilt is a common feeling after the holidays as we indulge more than usual. Plan and schedule your next day’s workout ahead of time, whether it is hitting the gym or an at home resistance band workout. Knowing you already have a plan of action will help you stay committed to it and avoid those unhealthy guilty feelings associated with food.

10. Enjoy!

    Yes, indulge and enjoy it! Holidays come once a year — if you have a slice of pie, take your time and slowly enjoy it rather than trying to see how much you can eat. (Think quality over quantity.) Eating slower will not only help you eat less, but will allow you to enjoy what you’re eating. By enjoying your favorite holiday treats in moderation you can create healthy eating habits.

Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/10-healthy-thanksgiving-hacks/