#ThisIsActive Q&A with Katrina Hayes, Autism Activist and Community Leader

Our #ThisIsActive Q+As are part of an ongoing series to show how plus size women live their active lives. Share your active life with us on social media by using #ThisIsActive on Instagram or send your story to social @ junoactive.com for a chance to be featured.

Katrina is an autism advocate, community leader, speaker, and actress. She’s the loving mother and sister to two beautiful souls with autism who inspire her to be her best self every single day. Katrina is also a positive change ambassador with a vision to empower as many people as possible. As a dedicated community leader, she speaks to legislators about various community issues and serves as a Coach for Girls on the Run. Formerly, she served as a Guardian Ad Litem for Abused and Neglected Children. Katrina recently even participated in a public service announcement for the volunteer organization Activate Good. During her free time (and any time), enjoys a good belly laugh. Books and fitness are her second loves, but her loved ones are and will forever be her number ones.

1. What is your favorite exercise or workout, and why?

I love Beachbody’s P90X3. I just completed my second round. It’s the workout that has pushed my mind and body to the max. I’m the mother of a child with autism, and anyone with a child with a disability can testify to that fact it’s not the disability that brings the most challenges, but advocating for services, pushing past limiting beliefs from others and the culmination of your other responsibilities. P90X3 provides that intense relief so that I stay sane, fit and funky.

2. What has your journey to living an active life been like?

I started my journey to lose weight after I had my son. I soon realized how it made me feel in tune with my body, and helped increase my energy and confidence. Of course, life happens, and there were times I fell off the wagon. Particularly when my son was diagnosed with autism, when I became a single mother, and when my son went through a major regression—see the pattern? I stopped or significantly decreased activity when life got hard. What’s different now is that in the past 2 years since I’ve been steadily on this journey, I’m honoring me and putting me first.

3. What is one myth about plus-size folks that you want to see busted?

We are beautiful, we are active, we are smart, we go skiing, we are runners, and we do honor our bodies. Other people’s inability to perceive that doesn’t change a thing!

4. What’s one thing you’re proud of yourself for that has happened in the past year?

I stood firmly in my truth. I have advocated for the dignity and respect of children with special needs, and oddly enough that wasn’t popular for some people. I wasn’t silenced and will not be.

5. Being new to JunoActive, what’s one outfit you’re dying to try?

I have been eyeing the Colorblock Aquatard. It’s super cute!

6. Do you have any tips on how to stay active as a busy mother?

Make time for it. The earlier you can get it done, the better. I’ve seen 10 minute workouts, 20 minute workouts. The world is your oyster. There are workouts you can do on your TV, laptops, tablets and even your phone. I know a mom who gets her workout done in the parking lot while her child is in therapy sessions.

Want to be featured in a #ThisIsActive interview? Send an email to social@junoactive.com—we’d love to hear from you!

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