I’m constantly amazed at how exercise raises your core body temperature, in particular running.  For instance, this morning we all walked over to the Harbour to start our Interval Run wearing hoodies, jumpers and multiple layers. I actually thought this was going to be a Kiama fitness session where we kept the jumper on for the whole session, but surprised as I was by 10 mins into the session everyone was running around in their singlets.

So, not only is exercise a great way to stay warm this Winter, but running in particular.  It’s one of the best fat burners and quickest ways to increase your fitness.  And there are many great running events you can be part of.

One of those, the largest running event in the world, is the City2Surf.  In its 40^th year, the 14km journey is held on 8^th August and is one event not to be missed.

Everyone from elite runners to joggers, walkers and mums with prams take part.  Oxygen is taking a bus to the event and I encourage everyone to get on board and register today.

If you’ve ever thought about doing it, have done it, did it years ago, whatever – click this link to register today: http://city2surf.sunherald.com.au/

Today is the deadline for the Early Bird entries, so no only do you save yourself $10 but the hassle of having to collect your bib and timing chip in Sydney.  Register today and they’ll post it to you.

In order to properly prepare for this, we are starting a Saturday Runners group to improve our distance.  Our first run starts this Saturday 12^th June at 6am.  We have 8 weeks to get prepared.

Register today and I’ll see you on Saturday.

In other news, Monday 14^th June is a public holiday and there will be no classes.

Wednesday 16^th June at 6am is our State of Origin II rematch.  To be specific it is “Town of Residence” and the people of Kiama will take on the Rest of the World in a game of Touch footy over at Black Beach. Fitness games in Kiama, gotta love it.

The Big Game - Town of Residence

So in summary, you gotta run to stay warm and we’ve got plenty of that down at Oxygen.  Come get some!

In the middle of Australia’s Healthy Weight Week we had Australia Day.  For many this represents a great chance to get together with family and friends and celebrate everything great about Australia.

Typically we are blessed with great weather for this day and this year was no different.  A beautiful sunny day meant plenty of people were outside enjoying themselves, swimming, playing games, cooking BBQ’s and having fun.

With that in mind, Oxygen Health & Fitness celebrated this great day in Kiama with an alternative session of fun and fitness games.  Our new Canadian connection of fitness professionals teamed up with some Oxygen members for the Australia v Canada Ultimate Frisbee Championship.  There were some wild throws, crazy catches and plenty of end to end action.  The Aussies, with one player short, were hammered 4 – 1.  But fear not, there was a game we knew we could challenge them with.

So next up, the Frisbee disappeared and the footy came out.  With two Cootamundra touch experts and two great wingers in Richard and Zane, the Aussies got their revenge winning 6 – 1.  Zane finished with a hattrick of tries including a diving effort in the corner right on fulltime.

Go Zane!

Two great games, two different cultures, fun and friendship. It was a great way to start Australia Day where we are proud of our multiculturalism, our outdoor lifestyle and fun loving attitude.

That’s what fitness and exercise HAS to be about.  It has to be fun.  If it’s long, boring and monotonous – it’s not something you can integrate into your lifestyle long term. If you’re not exercising long term, it’s hard to gain any of the wonderful benefits attributed to improved health and fitness.  This is even more so the case with kids fitness.

Young Zane is a great example.  He first started coming along to Oxygen because his Mum is a Member.  Now Zane is dragging Mum along to sessions because he enjoys it so much.  If kids enjoy what they’re doing they forget they’re exercising in the first place because they’re ultimately just having FUN.

Oxygen Kidz is coming soon to Kiama and with the volume of enquiries we’ve received it’s going to be a sell out!  If your kids need to get out of the house, learn some new skills, make new friends or even excel to the next level in their chosen sport, REGISTER your interest today for Oxygen Kids Fitness and put your family on the path to a lifetime of health and fitness.  It’s a skill and habit they need for life and just remember this stat:  80% overweight kids become obese adults.