When starting an exercise or fitness program, you really have to know yourself. Are you a self starter? Someone who can consistently get to the gym with a workout plan to reach specific fitness goals. Or are you like 80 percent of the population who can use a little help in the gym. After more than 25 years of trial and error(mostly error), I discovered I need help in the gym.
In August, an old friend of mine, Russ O’Connell approached me about joining a 12 week fitness program he and his wife Kristi designed called, “O’Connell Extreme Fitness”. OXF is an exercise regimen combining martial arts, cardio and weight training. Russ is a sixth degree black belt in Taekwondo and superb coach who is very motivating and encouraging. Kristi is well educated in the principals of Exercise Physiology and Nutrition while also being an excellent instructor. The O’Connells combine to put on a powerhouse exercise program which allows the particpants to reach their fitness goals.
The 12 week exercise program changed my life in so many ways. I am definitely not a morning person but my body and mind adjusted quite well to the 5:30 am workout. The class, which is four days a week(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), runs about an hour. It’s high energy and fast paced, but the environment is very warm and inviting. Russ and Kristi cultivate a very supportive climate in which we all push eachother. After 12 weeks of exercising and eating a lot more sensibly (that is eating a lot more vegetables and fruit and staying away from sweets) I lost 35 pounds and 10 percent of my body fat. I felt good, but the real test would be a trip to the doctor.
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This post was written by rcoleman on February 25, 2009
I agree….Russ and Kristi are hands down, the 2 most motivational people I have ever met, not only by the workouts they provide, but, the personal relationship they provide with each person. It is truly is the best workout you can get, and you couldn’t find better people to get it from!
What’s Phenomenal about Russ and Kristi is that they get to know YOU on a personal level. So when you’ve hit that wall where you feel less motivated, that personal relationship comes in and helps you through it. I feel its one of the reasons that this class so much different.
What’s Phenomenal about Russ and Kristi is that they get to know YOU on a personal basis. So when you’ve hit that wall where you feel less motivated, that personal relationship comes in and helps you through it. I feel its one of the reasons that this class so much different.
I remember seeing you all on the news a while back and thinking I would love to try it out. How do I get started? Is there a website that I can go to? I have done well on my own, but I know this will help me lose thoes last few pounds. Plus I seen Rick at one the high school games and thought “wow, he is in good shape”. So this program is definetly for me.
STEPHANIE!! You can call and get info on the class 234-1935 the next 12 wk session starts 4/13….call and get info to decide if it is for you! If you do decide to start no matter what shape you are in now you will see a change overall in every aspect of every part of your life! I know I probably sound like an infomercial…but, I just feel so strong about this program I would love for everyone to have a chance at it!!
I would definitely agree!! OXF as well as the other fitness classes at United Sports and Athlete are the best that I’ve seen! Rather you are looking at getting in shape or learning a martial art (which will get you in great shape as well) USA is the place to check out. I love that it is non-profit too. Russ and Kristi are great at what they do and the friends you make in the process also help keep you motivated. The success stories are never ending!! So if your looking for your success story stop by and look at the schedule of classes as there are many others besides the 5:30 am class.