Derek Hough is finding clever ways to multitask now that he’s a family man. The “Dancing with the Stars” judge recently partnered with Barilla Protein + for a fun campaign that promotes exercise with downtime during cooking.
In a YouTube video posted on Jan. 13, Hough, 50, is seen leading short workouts that can be done during the time it takes to cook pasta on the stove.
In an interview about the project, the Emmy-winning choreographer told Eating Well that he has a lot of his “plate” these days. “It’s really important for me to utilize my time as best as I possibly can,” he explained. “I’ve filmed these four micro-workouts you can do while you cook the pasta. During those minutes when it’s cooking on the stove, we can do a little workout, get that fitness in, and then you enjoy your meal afterwards. It’s the perfect partnership of eating healthy, having fun, and staying fit.”
Derek Hough Has a Lot on His Plate in 2026
In a press release, Hough further explained why he is behind “Trainer Timers,” which are routines inspired by various Barilla Protein+ pasta shapes.
“Life is busy balancing work, family, friends, and everything else going on,” he said. “That’s why I wanted to help create Training Timers—they turn the time you’re already waiting for pasta to cook into an energizing, feel-good moment, whether it’s just for you or shared with your family.”
In addition to his Barilla partnership, Hough will hit the road for the Symphony of Dance: ENCORE Tour this summer. “This tour is an encore performance for my last show called Symphony of Dance,” he told Country Living. “It was such a special show that we wanted to go back out and do it again. Although it will be different, there will be different numbers and updates in many ways. It’s a live band with all different genres, big band, rock and roll music, contemporary, hip hop, tap, ballroom, latin… it’s jam-packed. We bring a lot of energy, and it’s got a lot of heart. If you haven’t been, come!”
Derek Hough Said 2026 Is About Being Present & Following Through
GettyHough’s new partnership comes weeks after he and his wife Hayley Erbert announced the Dec. 29 birth of their daughter, Everley Capri Hough.
Speaking with People magazine, Hough explained that as a new dad he has to find time to get special moments in. He said his goal for the New Year is to “follow through with things that are going to serve me.” “And then in that way as well, if I have the energy and the vitality and then I’m able to serve and be there for others and do better at my job and do better at everything around me and be a better dad,” he added.
The six-time mirror ball champion also said his first weeks of fatherhood have been “amazing,” and he looked ahead to a busy year filled with work and family time.
“I think this year is going to be just jam-packed full of so many different opportunities and so many different projects that I’m working on and tours and shows,” the DWTS legend said. “And now I get to have this amplified and shared experience with a new family. So I’m very excited.”
