👋 Hi! Tell us about yourself and your training
Hi, my name is Austin Dotson. I’m a father, coach, trainer, commercial actor, former professional athlete, and fitness influencer from Carson, California. I’m 28 years young and I currently reside in Carson.
I’m a trainer, mentor and actor through the day and a behavioral therapist for the developmentally disabled at night. I’m a father to a beautiful four-year-old by the name of Mia Dotson who is currently signed to LA models.
Majoring in communication studies, I’m a graduate of Sacramento State, which was a major accomplishment of mine taking into account that I am the only college graduate in my immediate family.
I started training four years ago after retiring from professional football. I was lost and didn’t know what was next and that led to my passion for fitness and health. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, reading, and meditation.
Fitness saved my life so I give my life to fitness. I was going down a downward spiral after retiring from football. Losing my job, getting into trouble with the law, and deep depression. Fitness gave me purpose, it gave me something to work toward and in turn able to help and inspire others.
⏱ Describe a typical day of training
I usually start my training with a dynamic warm up followed by 5-10 minutes of jump rope just to get a nice sweat going.
When it comes to fitness, my philosophy is pure movement. You don’t get anywhere in life sitting around so why would you take that approach with your own health?
I like to implement a variety of different styles of training which includes, bodybuilding, calisthenics, yoga, gymnastics, and CrossFit.
I train anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours, 5 days a week, it just depends on what I’m working that specific day. I generally like to take two rest days out of the week for recovery.
I use my creativity to create different programs, which prevents me from reaching a plateau. I usually train at a gym in Carson called West Coast Sports and fitness center but I like to float around to different gyms.
I’m open to training alone but I love to train with others with similar drive and goals. I’m not a big fan of pre workout as my mind is the only energy and motivation that I need to get me going.
After training, I usually supplement with pure plant-based protein powder from TRU Supplements.
I’m one of those guys that don’t need much equipment so I usually travel light. I keep a half gallon of water, jump rope, towel, and resistance bands in my bag.
I usually start my training with a dynamic warm up followed by 5-10 minutes of jump rope just to get a nice sweat going.
👊 How do you keep going and push harder?
Passion keeps me motivated to go to the gym. If you rely simply on motivation you’ll stop going. You have to find a passion, a reason for why you’re going in the first place! Just remember that next time you don’t feel like going!
I recommend having a plan when going to the gym. Try to understand what you’re working on and what you plan to achieve. This prevents you from going to the gym and standing around being clueless.
We all have the same 24 hours, it’s up to you how you choose to spend those hours. I have four jobs, with training, acting, behavioral therapy and being a father I still make time to work on myself. If you don’t love yourself how do you expect anyone else to.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced within the rocky road was finding out my passion and purpose. After football came to an end I was pretty much in the dark zone trying to figure out what was next. That “what’s next?” Question will always be the scariest but it’s something we will all face. Just be prepared to embrace it.
🏆 How are you doing today and what does the future look like?
I’m doing well today but I can always do better. We are our worst critics but it’s for a good reason, we expect greatness from ourselves. I have goals for the future, which includes expanding my brand, I want to reach, motivate, and inspire people across the world.
I wouldn’t change anything about my journey or fitness because it has shaped me into the man I am today. If we could go back and change anything 10 times out of 10, we would still get something wrong. Why? Because we aren’t perfect and we weren’t made to be!
🤕 How do you recover, rest and handle injuries?
Recovery consists of stretching, rest, and a full meal to aid in the muscle building and replenishment process.
I usually try to get around seven to eight hours of sleep a day, I understand a lot of us aren’t able to get that much but I try and reach that.
I make sure I stretch and warm up daily even when I’m not working out. I do this by incorporating a dynamic workout which consists of movements that I will be incorporating during the workout. Dynamic warm up is to increase blood flow and wake up the nervous system for activities.
Ten years of playing contact sports I’ve never been injured (knocks on wood) and that’s due to proper preparation and recovery. Proper preparation is warming up almost to a full sweat before the actual workout to prevent premature injuries.
Recovery consists of stretching, rest, and a full meal to aid in the muscle building and replenishment process. I usually take some form of BCAA and post workout protein to fuel my muscles. (I’m not sponsored so I won’t name those that I do take).
🍎 How is your diet and what supplements do you use?
Very recently I chose to cancel meat from my diet and I truly believe it was the best decision I’ve ever made as I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I chose to have a vegetarian/plant based diet, which consists of beans, lentils, quinoa and of course fruits.
I do not have any cheat days as that is an excuse to fall off track. When I’m having cravings I still eat healthy. I just alter the taste of what I’m eating.
Cravings mean you are deficient in certain nutrients, which will cause you to crave sugar, excess carbs, etc. fulfill those nutrients and you won’t have cravings. Simple.
I generally stay lean throughout the whole year. For four years, I’ve been under 10% body fat. I don’t believe in bulking as I do not compete and I do not like to eat excessively.
I look at food as fuel to operate my machine that we call a body. I do not consume things that will alter the function of my body in ways that I do not intend to.
In other words, I don’t consume alcohol, candy, and I do not smoke. We only have a lack of energy when our bodies are lacking fuel and rest.
👍 What has inspired and motivated you?
If the people that you surround yourself with don’t inspire you then you need to surround yourself with some new folks!
My passion to get better each and everyday has motivated me in my journey. Some of the best advice I’ve received was to stay patient but continue working, your time will come when it’s supposed to.
During gym sessions, I like to listen to artists like Pop Smoke, Lil Baby, Young Thug, Da Baby, etc. I mainly listen to the beat and not lyrics.
I’m inspired by a number of individuals in the fitness industry like Heba Ali the owner of evolve nation, Tony Sentiment, Diamond Cut Fitness, Omar Bolden, Ron just train boss.
If the people that you surround yourself with don’t inspire you then you need to surround yourself with some new folks!
✏️ Advice for other people who want to improve themselves?
If you are just starting out in fitness just remember to be patient. Results don’t happen overnight so you must be dedicated and willing to work for what you want. Have a plan, have goals.
I think the mistake a lot of people make whether you’re a trainer or just a person trying to get into shape is that they go without a plan. People lack creativity and a program and that’s the fastest way to plateau.
Understand your why and do your research so you can understand how to attack your goals. Leave your ego and problems at the door and let the gym do its job!
🤝 Are you taking on clients right now?
I am currently taking on a couple clients but the vast majority will come from online. I want to be able to reach, inspire, and help as many people as I can. I’m only one man so I can’t reach everyone but over the Internet, it’s a free game!
One of the most common questions I get is, “How do I get abs?”. My simple response is how are you eating? Abs are made in the kitchen but they are formed in the gym.
Everyone has abs, they are just hidden behind layers of fat. Form them, bad boys, and eat the proper foods to reveal the Greek body we all have!
Results differ from person to person. It’s all about the program, your dedication level, and consistency.
📝 Where can we learn more about you?
You can find more about me on Instagram
@adotty10
0 thoughts on “I’m a Hybrid Athlete and Influencer. This is How I Stay Fit After Football Retirement”
Its encouraging to read and feel the motivation of a person. Wishing you containing success.
Dude its really amazing to hear stories from people like u from ur downfalls to come back and be the person u are today really motivates people like me in training and day-to-day events also…i follow u on Instagram and watch ur youtube videos which really continue to help me in my train and life..I’m all the way in Fiji but u still are an inspiration to me..IG@henrywazup