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/

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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Tough and portable, power resistance bands can make an enormous difference in your workout routine. 

It’s no wonder why resistance bands are so popular: They’re portable, easy to use, affordable, and you don’t really need to learn a new skill set to use them effectively. Now, DynaPro Direct offers power resistance bands which are designed to take your strength-training sessions to the next level. The bands can be used for squats, push-ups, and various lower and upper body workouts. The bands can also be used in place of, or in conjunction with, weight-lifting equipment — that means you don’t need to depend on a spotter anymore! Phew!

DynaPro Direct power resistance bands are offered in five different levels of color-coded resistance: Red (5-30 lbs.), black (10-60 lbs.), purple (30-80 lbs.), green (50-125 lbs.), and blue (70-170 lbs.).

 Check out 10 reasons why you should start using power resistance bands:

1. Power resistance bands are easy to use:

   You won’t need to change up your entire workout routine and learn a new method of building muscle if you want to start using the bands. Simply incorporate the bands into the fitness plan you already follow, and you’ll get addicted to the added resistance.

2. You can ditch your partner — or get one:

   Since the power bands add weighted resistance, you’ll still be able to execute an effective strength-training routine without needing to pump up with bulky weights that require a spotter. Even better? Resistance bands are fun to use with a partner.

3. The bands are portable:

   There’s nothing like packing resistance bands in your suitcase for an epic vacation. When you’re away on a trip, you want to look and feel your best – and it’s never been easier to do that. You’ll love squeezing in a quick pump session before you hit the beach or get ready for that special party.

4. Switching it up is a breeze:

   The bands come in all different colors and levels of resistance. Start slow and then switch up your resistance level as soon as you conquer that color band. It’s also best practice to work with different levels of resistance based on which workout moves you’re performing. Here are your options: Red (5-30 lbs.), black (10-60 lbs.), purple (30-80 lbs.), green (50-125 lbs.), and blue (70-170 lbs.).

5. Your muscles will thank you:

   One of the best things about power resistance bands is they help stabilize different muscle groups. Heavy lifting and intense cardio sessions often lead to muscle imbalance. By incorporating bands, you’ll be doing your body a huge favor. It’s all about the balance, Baby!

6. The bands are snap-resistant:

   DynaPro Direct bands are made with eco-friendly natural rubber that you can depend on. It’s important to use bands that are made from high quality material, because a break or snap during the middle of your fitness session is the last thing anyone pumping up ever wants.

7. It’s a fun way to stretch:

   Don’t just use power resistance bands when you’re strength training! Use the bands as you’re stretching, too. You can use a band as a tool to challenge your flexibility and push your limits.

8. At-home workouts will be more effective:

   It’s so easy to store resistance bands in the living room or the bedroom. Whether you wake up with the bands or use them to wind down after a stressful day, you’ll be thrilled to have them in arm’s reach.

9. You can use them in the office:

   Resistance bands are the perfect tools to tuck away into your desk drawer. Wrap the band around your legs for a lower body workout as you’re working, or take a break from the computer and stretch out your arms.

10. You’ll be set for life:

    DynaPro Direct power resistance bands come with a lifetime warranty. If the power resistance bands cease to perform as promised under normal use, you can return them for a full refund.


Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/10-power-bands-benefits/

The Katie Austin Package Will Change the Way You Work Out Forever

Your fitness routine should be fun, effective, and easy to do in any location. Now, there’s a box that gives you just that and more!

Breathe life back into your fitness routine by incorporating easy-to-use gear by DynaPro Direct and fun workouts created by Katie Austin. 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 products and her inspiration right to your doorstep! The package includes portable and trendy fitness gear - plus access to energetic videos, featuring Katie Austin, that show you exactly what to do with the gear. Read on to see what you can do with the package to get results you’ll love!

1. Get dressed for your workout:

   Okay, so this isn’t something you have to do, but it’s something you might really enjoy getting into the habit of doing! Push that old t-shirt to the left, and sport activewear that makes you feel good. Set an intention to collect a few pieces of clothing just for your fitness sessions. Dressing for the occasion helps get your head in the game, and it will boost your confidence too. Austin’s always showing off trendy fitness wear and she’s definitely onto something! Most importantly, don’t forget to wear your smile.

2. Learn more about your body:

   Shake up your regular gym sessions and open up the lines of communication with your body. The workouts included will get your heart pumping and blood flowing, while the resistance bands will help stabilize and stretch your muscles. You’ll learn how important it is to balance your body as you continue to build strength. That’s a key to take with you through life.

3. Become better at jumping rope:

   It is a foolish fitness-minded person who ignores the jump rope! Seriously though, jumping rope has been a staple workout for years - and for a good reason.
   
   Get excited to pick up the rope and learn how to use it the right way. Jump ropes are super portable too, so you can take your jump rope anywhere to get a quick workout in.

4. Have fun while you pump up:

   It's literally impossible to work out with Austin and not have the time of your life. She knows when to be serious, when to push you, when to break out in laughter, and when to "shake it off." Whether you’re working out to better yourself, tone your body, relieve your stress, or go on a mental vacation, your body will naturally learn the importance of feeling good when you exercise after getting through these videos. This is another key that you should take with you through life.

5. Get your blood flowing:

   Austin's workout series with DynaPro is far from boring or predictable. The millennial fitness guru is on trend, and combines several fitness styles - including cardio HIIT - to execute energetic routines that any beginner or seasoned strength-training professional would benefit from.

6. Try new exercise ball techniques:

   Learn to love your exercise ball and keep it close by! You can stretch, build strength, wind down, or pump up with it. Try using it as a chair and learn moves from Austin that you can use for a lifetime. By reaching for the exercise ball when you work out, you end up strengthening your abdominals without even realizing it.

7. Tone your muscles:

   You know what's not included in this package? Weights - and it's meant to be that way! By working out with Austin and DynaPro gear, you’re still going to see your muscles toning up and strengthening as if you were lifting weights. This will empower you to strength train even when weights are not accessible!

8. Get obsessed with mini bands:

   You’ll receive four DynaPro mini precision loop bands (at different levels of resistance) in your workout package - learn to love 'em and use 'em! Stick one in your wallet (yep!) or in the pocket of your sweatshirt on your next run.
   
   Austin will show you the ropes, but you’ll likely discover new ways to use these bands to stretch and strengthen your muscles on your own, too. They are so easy to use. #trendalert

9. Slim down:

   All of the DynaPro fitness gear will help you decrease your body fat percentage. By using them in the right way, you'll maximize your results. Austin will give you the confidence you need to learn new techniques and execute them properly. You’ll never have to second-guess or question yourself again!

10. Experience how powerful resistance bands are:

    You'll never underestimate the power of resistance bands again! Not only can resistance bands have a profound effect on your pump-up sessions, but they’ll naturally help stabilize and balance your different muscle groups, too. This is crucial to building healthy muscle mass, and it’s been so often overlooked.

Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/fitness-package-and-workout-plan/

10 Reasons Why Resistance Bands Will Literally Change Your Life

The benefits of resistance bands will blow your mind. Here’s what you need to know! It’s the latest fitness trend for a reason — resistance bands will change the way you work out, forever! There are all different kinds of resistance bands, but there are variations of band training that you should consider incorporating into your workout routine — STAT. Start with standard resistance training bands, and mini bands! There are endless perks to using these precision training tools in your workout routine. The best part? They’re super portable, so you can use them at home, on a trip, in the office, or at the gym. Our DynaPro Direct bands are high quality, since the last thing you want is a band breaking when you’re breaking a sweat. The standard and mini bands come in different levels of resistance, respectively. Even if you’re just starting out, it’s smart to grab a set so you can vary the levels of resistance you’re working with. Here are the top ten reasons why resistance band junkies will never stop:

1. You don’t have to learn new skills to use them:

   Resistance bands will do whatever you want them to do! There’s no need to go crazy trying to develop a brand new workout routine to use them. You’ll be able to incorporate the bands into the workout routine you know and feel comfortable with.

2. You can get fit while you’re at work:

   Resistance bands, specifically mini bands, are the perfect tools to keep in your desk drawer at the office. You can wrap the band around your legs to stretch or work your muscles while you’re sitting at your desk, and you can also get in a quick arm workout that will relieve the tension and stress that’s been building up the entire day.
3. 

   You can be adventurous with your bands:

   Bring your bands with you to the beach or take them with you on a hike! You can even wrap a band around a tree to stabilize the band as you push and pull. Possibilities are endless, and since they’re so portable, you can really get creative with how and where you use them. It adds a fun twist to toning up, since you wouldn’t necessarily bring heavy weights along with you when you’re working out on-the-go.

4. You’ll notice results:

   Resistance bands are simple, but the benefits the bands have on the human body are far from mundane. Your muscles will become stronger, more stable, and your range of motion will increase along with your flexibility.

5. You will feel better in the morning:

   Sometimes, it’s daunting to think about getting in a full body workout at the very beginning of the day. But since resistance bands are smaller in size, you can keep some right in the drawer of your nightstand. In the morning, you can use the bands to get in a quick pump or stretch and get that blood flowing before your day starts. You’ll get addicted to doing that.
6. 

   You’ll take them everywhere you go:

   Pack the bands in your purse or in your suitcase to get a quick pump in before hitting the beach or an important social event. You’ll appreciate the ten-minute tone-up right at your fingertips.

7. You’ll ditch your partner:

   Not in a bad way, but you won’t need a workout buddy anymore! There’s no reason to feel unsafe if you don’t have a spotter — like you would if you were lifting — though it’s extra fun and motivating to work out with a partner who shares the same fitness goals.

8. You’ll save money, lots of it:

   Hello, bank account that isn’t depleting! It’s important to change up your fitness routine in general, but you’ll find that using resistance bands is fun and effective enough to cut back on splurging for pricey classes or heavy lifting equipment. Once you know how to use the simple bands (and master the different techniques!) you’ll be able to cut back on personal training sessions, too.
9. 

   You’ll tell all of your friends about it:

   You’re going to have such a fun time working with the bands and enjoying the results, that you’ll want to blast your success on social media and encourage your friends to try it, too. There’s a huge community on Instagram that uses the bands regularly, so it’s fun to share your techniques and inspire others who love the bands, too.

10. You’ll punch muscle memory in the face:

    When working out, it’s important to not do the same workout every day, over and over again. You won’t build as much muscle that way! By incorporating resistance bands into some of your favorite moves, you’ll trick your muscles without feeling like you’re doing anything that different. That’s less work, and better results for you!

Professional Grade Multi-level Resistance Bands

Source: https://www.dynaprodirect.com/10-resistance-bands-benefits/

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.