Ryan Destiny, the talented actress and singer known for her roles in “Star” and “The Fire Inside,” has revealed her low-impact fitness secret for staying in shape despite her demanding schedule. Initially far from a gym enthusiast, Destiny transformed her lifestyle when she landed the role of Olympic boxer Claressa Shields in “The Fire Inside”. This role required her to undergo a significant physical transformation, gaining muscle mass and strength while adopting a new mindset towards exercise. Now, she favors low-impact workouts as a sustainable and enjoyable way to maintain her fitness.
From Reluctant Exerciser to Fitness Advocate
Before taking on the role of Claressa Shields, Ryan Destiny admitted that going to the gym “was not her lifestyle”. However, embodying an Olympic boxer necessitated a complete overhaul of her physical regimen. Destiny committed to training five times a week, dividing her time between boxing and weight training. This intense routine allowed her to build the necessary muscle and strength for the role.
Embracing Low-Impact Workouts
After gaining muscle mass for “The Fire Inside,” Destiny transitioned to a more sustainable fitness approach focused on low-impact exercises. She aimed to maintain the strength she had gained while returning to her regular size. This shift led her to discover the benefits of low-impact workouts, which she now incorporates into her daily life.
Ryan Destiny’s Low-Impact Fitness Routine
Ryan Destiny’s current fitness routine emphasizes low-impact exercises that fit seamlessly into her busy schedule. Here’s a breakdown of her go-to activities:
Walking: Her Fitness MVP
Walking stands out as Destiny’s most valuable fitness activity. It’s a simple yet effective way to stay active, burn calories, and improve overall well-being. Whether it’s a brisk walk outdoors or using a treadmill indoors, walking provides a versatile option for maintaining fitness.
Pilates: Building Strength and Flexibility
Pilates is another key component of Destiny’s low-impact routine. This exercise method focuses on controlled movements to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance posture. Pilates offers a full-body workout that is gentle on the joints, making it ideal for sustained fitness.
Yoga: Enhancing Physical and Mental Well-being
Yoga combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being. Destiny incorporates yoga into her routine to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance mindfulness. The practice helps her stay balanced and centered amidst her demanding schedule.
Dancing: A Fun and Effective Workout
Dancing offers a fun and engaging way to stay active. Whether it’s taking a dance class or simply dancing at home, this activity provides a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, coordination, and mood. Destiny finds dancing to be an enjoyable way to burn calories and stay in shape.
Orbitrek Cardio
Destiny also incorporates cardio workouts on the orbitrek (elliptical trainer). This low-impact cardio machine provides a full-body workout while minimizing stress on the joints. It’s an excellent option for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health without the high-impact nature of running or jumping.
The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
Destiny emphasizes the significant positive impact that her fitness journey has had on her mental health. She notes that transforming her lifestyle to prioritize fitness has been immensely beneficial for her overall well-being. Regular exercise helps reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-esteem, contributing to a healthier and more balanced life.
The Rigorous Training for “The Fire Inside”
For her role as Claressa Shields in “The Fire Inside,” Ryan Destiny underwent intensive boxing training, which she described as “really exhausting.” She trained for several months in 2019 and 2020 before the pandemic caused a temporary halt to the production. She resumed training for another five months when the production restarted two years later.
Boxing Training
Destiny’s boxing training was rigorous and demanding. She worked with Rob Sale, a boxing trainer who treated her like a professional fighter rather than an actor. This training involved learning the fundamentals of boxing, including footwork, punches, and defensive techniques.
Weight Training
In addition to boxing, Destiny incorporated weight training into her routine to build muscle and strength. She focused on exercises that would help her look and move like a boxer. This involved lifting weights and performing bodyweight exercises to increase her physical power and endurance.
Dietary Changes
To support her intensive training, Destiny also had to make significant changes to her diet. She focused on gaining weight and building muscle, which required her to consume a high-protein diet. She worked with nutritionists to develop a meal plan that would fuel her workouts and help her achieve her physical goals.
The Importance of Nutrition
Destiny highlights the critical role of nutrition in her fitness journey. She emphasizes that nutrition is almost more important than the exercising aspect. She discovered the importance of protein intake and found a reliable source in Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, particularly the vanilla flavor. This protein supplement became her secret weapon, helping her maintain muscle mass and recover from intense workouts.
Optimum Nutrition Partnership
Destiny has partnered with Optimum Nutrition to promote the importance of proper nutrition in fitness. She incorporates their Gold Standard 100% Whey protein into her daily routine, particularly in smoothies. She finds that the chocolate flavor blends well with various ingredients, making it an easy and enjoyable way to consume protein.
Advice for Beginners
Ryan Destiny offers valuable advice for individuals starting their fitness journey. She stresses the importance of:
Taking Your Time
Destiny advises beginners to take their time and progress at their own pace. Comparing oneself to others can be discouraging, so it’s essential to focus on personal progress and goals.
Experimenting
She recommends trying different exercises and routines to find what works best for you. Fitness is not a one-size-fits-all situation, so it’s crucial to experiment and discover activities that you enjoy and that fit your lifestyle.
Prioritizing Nutrition
Destiny emphasizes that nutrition is paramount, even more so than exercise, especially for beginners. Concentrating on a healthy diet and adequate protein intake can significantly impact fitness outcomes.
Embracing the Journey
Destiny’s fitness journey has taught her to embrace the ups and downs and to love herself through every step. She encourages others to view fitness as a personal journey rather than a destination. By focusing on self-improvement and overall well-being, individuals can create a sustainable and enjoyable fitness routine that enhances their lives.
Conclusion
Ryan Destiny’s low-impact fitness secret offers an accessible and sustainable approach to staying fit, even with a busy schedule. By prioritizing activities like walking, Pilates, yoga, and dancing, she maintains her physical and mental well-being. Her journey underscores the importance of finding a fitness routine that fits your lifestyle, listening to your body, and embracing the process.
