You’ll notice that OzFit Workouts call for the use of kettlebells for several sets of exercises.  It’s because we believe they can give you a much better overall workout than dumbbells.

Kettlebells are becoming more and more popular in the U.S.  Traditional dumbbells have a handle directly in line with the wrist and work on one plane of motion and rely on leverage and fixed positions, but kettlebells are unstable and consequently from the second you pick them up involve a full-body motion.

Kettlebells trigger instability as one has to balance them and use all muscle groups to perform lifts.  As a result of the full-body motion involved with lifting kettlebells, a person can get a much better aerobic workout with them than dumbbells.

Kettlebells will produce overall muscle that is dense and strong, whereas dumbbells could allow for certain muscles to become bulkier.

Many runners use what they call “active recovery” days to recover from a very long run, using it as an opportunity to recuperate from the stresses of running.  Research shows that an active recovery can soothe aches and set you up for stronger performances, and is better for you than simply doing nothing.  OzFit workouts, especially light  OzFit days will give you a low intensity workout which will clear out waste products that contribute to soreness and inflammation.  OzFit Workouts will also allow you to train your core and arms…all of which will improve your running performance.

I’ve been running and jogging my entire life and was getting really burned out on doing the same workout everyday.  I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted, either.  I started to hear about a new program called Crossfit and checked into it.  I really liked the premise, but also wanted to keep some cardio in my everyday workouts.  I started to take some concepts from CrossFit and worked in a bunch of short bursts of cardio.  Within two weeks, I started to see and feel incredible results in how I looked and felt.  I started losing fat right away!  The best part?  I absolutely loved my workouts.  I looked forward to them instead of dreading them.  Every day I did something different during my workouts and the next thing you know, I had 12 weeks of programs in my head.  I decided to share those workouts with you.  I hope you give it a try and I hope you enjoy!

If you’ve tried CrossFit workouts, you are going to love OzFit Workouts.  OzFit uses a great mix of cardio, plyometrics, and light weights to get you in the best shape of your life.  OzFit has become the favorite workout of what I like to call “former athletes” who know what it takes to be in shape and how to push through a challenging workout.  OZFit is similar to CrossFit in that you will work your overall body, but adds a good kick of cardio into the workouts.  Give OzFit a try for as little as $9.99 for two weeks of workouts!  You’ll be two weeks closer to a new, fitter you.

The next time you do an OzFit workout, think about this: You may be getting smarter. Or at the very least, stimulating the development of new cells in the learning centers of your brain.  Researchers at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, Calif., examined the newly formed brain cells in mice.  They discovered that ”voluntary exercise in a running wheel increased cell proliferation.” 

It is important to note that these mice were fully developed and yet still experienced brain cell regeneration, a function once believed to be limited to developing mammals.

But it wasn’t just the exercise that helped increase cell development. A second, related study published in the same journal reports that cell development in this part of the brain also increased when the mice were placed in interesting, varied environments with plenty of stimuli.

So what makes for a good workout – a stimulating environment and challenging exercises – is also good for the brain.  That sounds like OzFit!

There’s nothing wrong with loving your classic workout, but if you really want to boost your athleticism, reduce your chance of injury and sculpt your muscles without ever hitting a plateau, you owe it to yourself to give OzFit Workouts a try. OzFit’s “new-school” twists on time-honored moves make it possible to get in better shape, faster.  With OzFit Workouts, you’ll use muscle confusion and hard work to get your old athletic body back.  Remember, you get out of it what you put into it.

You’ll notice that all the workouts end with a short segment called Armpunch.  If you want lean, sculptured arms and great looking  shoulder caps, don’t ignore this part of the workout.  Even just two or three minutes a day with small weights will produce fantastic arms in no time.   I find that if I listen to a great song with a good beat, the time flies by and I’ve got my Armpunches done.  You will also find that these exercises will work your core as well.  Be creative and get those armpunches done!

To improve the overall fitness of your body, you need to

give it the diverse physical movement that it needs. OzFit gives you the right regimen of movements in every workout plan. 

THE ENTITLEMENT FACTOR
This is the factor at work when you think, “I worked out, therefore I deserve this treat.” If your goal is to lose weight and get fit, you won’t do it by dieting alone; that said, be honest with yourself about the intensity, duration, and frequency of your workouts . And after you jog it, log it. Record what you’re eating and how hungry you are, and maybe try for a smaller amount. e.g., Half of the muffin, or a small Frappuccino, then see how you feel. My guess is you will be satisfied with fewer bites or slurps. This is not downsizing — it is right-sizing, for you.

You’ve made the first step toward getting the body you’ve always wanted.  OzFit Workouts are exciting, diverse and dynamic exercise programs developed to produce excellent, long-lasting results.  You will see and feel your body change as the weeks pass, and you will feel stronger and more confident each day. 

Below are tips to make your workouts productive and fun.

• Be sure to adjust the running and biking speeds to your fitness and comfort level, and then push yourself to improve on those speeds as the weeks go by.

• Also adjust the amount of weight you use for the lifts to your fitness and comfort level.  Start with 5, 10 or 20 pounds and build from there.

• If you are short of time but want maximum results, either cut down on repetitions of sets, or eliminate a set altogether.  But don’t give up the workout altogether!

• You can work out four, five or six times a week and still see great results.

• As you get stronger and fitter, try to cut down on your rest periods between repetitions and sets.  Push yourself through the fatigue.

• If you do not have a particular piece of equipment called for, substitute another exercise that works the same muscles.

• Always consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program.