The Emmy-winning choreographer, 40, is fronting Barilla Protein+ Training Timers — a collection of quick, feel-good micro-workouts designed to fit perfectly into the 8-10 minutes it takes to cook Barilla’s popular Protein+ line. Launched in mid-January 2026, the campaign coincides with the debut of a brand-new pasta shape: Protein+ Stars, a fun, star-shaped cut boasting 17g of protein and 10g of fiber per serving.

Entertainment news outlets, including IMDB, have highlighted the partnership as a savvy expansion of Hough’s multifaceted career — moving beyond the ballroom and into everyday lifestyle territory. ‘Derek Hough is making multitasking look effortless,’ one headline proclaimed, and it’s easy to see why. The man who recently welcomed his first child with wife Hayley Erbert is proving that you really can have it all — a killer workout, a nutritious meal, and a dash of star power — without needing extra time in your day.

Hough himself couldn’t be more enthusiastic. In an exclusive chat with People magazine, he quipped: ‘No pun intended, but I’ve got a lot on my plate right now.’ Fresh off the birth of daughter Everley Capri Hough on December 29, 2025, the new dad is juggling fatherhood, his DWTS judging duties, hosting gigs on Extra, and now this high-energy Barilla collab. ‘People always say, “I don’t have enough time to work out or go to the gym,”‘ he explained. ‘This is the perfect remedy. Put your pasta on the stove, you’ve got 8-10 minutes — boom, let’s do a quick workout. No equipment needed, just body weight. It’s accessible for anyone.’

The Training Timers series, available on Barilla’s YouTube channel, features Hough leading viewers through four distinct routines, each playfully inspired by a Protein+ pasta shape:

• Protein+ Stars: A high-intensity cardio blast complete with Star Jacks and explosive movements to channel that ‘star power’ energy.
• Penne: Lower-body focus with Penne Plié Squats and lunges that mimic the pasta’s angled cut.
• Rotini: Core-centric twists like Rotini Spiral Planks to build that dancer’s midsection strength.
• Spaghetti: Upper-body waves and arm circles — Spaghetti Arm Waves — for a full-body finisher.

Each video opens with Hough in a bright, homey kitchen, boiling water bubbling in the background as he grins at the camera: ‘While your pasta cooks, let’s move!’ He demonstrates flawless form, cracks jokes, and encourages viewers to tag friends and share their progress. The tone is upbeat, approachable, and quintessentially Derek — motivational without being intimidating, fun without skimping on results.

Building on Barilla’s wildly successful viral cooking playlists (Spotify playlists timed exactly to al dente perfection for different pasta shapes), the Training Timers take the concept one step further. ‘Just as Protein+ delivers great taste and protein in one,’ a Barilla spokesperson said in the launch press release, ‘these timers turn everyday cooking time into a simple moment of movement.’ It’s genius marketing: solve the “no time to exercise” excuse while promoting a healthier pasta option that’s already a hit with carb-conscious consumers.

Hough’s personal connection to the project runs deep. A lifelong dancer who maintains peak physical condition for performances and judging, he relies on balanced nutrition to fuel his high-octane lifestyle. ‘Pasta has always been a great source of energy for me — for dancing, performing, everything,’ he shared in an EatingWell interview. ‘With Barilla Protein+, I get the carbs I need plus that extra protein boost. I’ve filmed these micro-workouts you can do right while the pasta’s on the stove. Get the fitness in, then enjoy your meal. It’s the perfect combo of eating healthy, having fun, and staying fit.’

He even opened up about his go-to high-protein meals: Barilla Protein+ with hearty bolognese sauce, loaded with veggies like broccoli, spinach, carrots, and asparagus. ‘I love vegetables — all of it,’ he enthused. For breakfast? His genius high-protein oatmeal hack (topped with nuts, seeds, and perhaps a sneaky scoop of protein powder) keeps him going through long days.

The timing couldn’t be better. With New Year’s resolutions still fresh in January 2026, millions are searching for sustainable ways to stay active without overhauling their routines. Hough’s approach — micro-movements, no gym required — resonates perfectly. Social media is already lighting up with fans posting their own “pasta and plank” sessions, tagging @derekhough and @barillaus with clips of them sweating through Star Jacks while pots bubble.

‘This is so smart,’ one Instagram commenter wrote under Hough’s promo reel. ‘I’m always starving after work but feel guilty skipping the gym. Now I can do both!’ Another added: ‘Derek making pasta time productive? Iconic. Signing up for spaghetti arm waves tonight.’

Of course, the collaboration spotlights Hough’s evolution from Strictly ballroom pro to multifaceted lifestyle influencer. Since retiring from competitive dancing in 2016, he’s built an empire: judging DWTS (and winning Mirrorball trophies as a pro six times), launching his own dance company, touring with shows like Symphony of Dance, hosting podcasts, and now diving into wellness and nutrition partnerships.

Fatherhood has added a new layer. Just weeks before the Barilla launch, Hough and wife Hayley — a former DWTS pro who suffered a serious medical scare in 2023 — welcomed baby Everley. The couple has shared sweet glimpses of family life, with Hough joking about sleepless nights and the joy of tiny dance partners. ‘I’ve got a lot on my plate’ takes on double meaning now — literal pasta and metaphorical life demands.

Yet he makes it look seamless. In one Training Timer video, he pauses mid-plank to check the pasta timer, flashing that megawatt smile: ‘Almost done! Keep going — you’re crushing it!’ It’s relatable, encouraging, and oh-so-Derek.

Barilla couldn’t have picked a better ambassador. Hough’s credibility in fitness is unquestionable — his body is a testament to disciplined training and smart fueling. Pairing that with a brand known for quality Italian pasta creates a win-win: healthier consumers, happier taste buds, and a campaign that’s as entertaining as it is effective.

As the series rolls out more videos and fans flock to try the routines, one thing is clear: Derek Hough isn’t just judging dances anymore. He’s choreographing healthier lifestyles, one boiling pot and bodyweight squat at a time.

In an age where time is the ultimate luxury, Hough and Barilla have found a way to give people back those precious minutes — turning “waiting for dinner” into “working on wellness.” It’s a partnership that’s equal parts clever, wholesome, and downright fun.

So next time you’re craving pasta, grab a box of Protein+ (Stars if you’re feeling extra), hit play on a Derek Hough Training Timer, and get ready to sweat, smile, and savor. Because in 2026, the hottest new series isn’t on Netflix — it’s simmering on your stove.