Articles by Oz van Leeuwen

Death, Taxes and… “Sarcopenia”. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering what I’m on about, but before you ask auntie Google, let me quickly explain. Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass. And yep, if you do nothing to reverse that process it is a certainty in life. · In fact, following a 2014 study by UCLA and published in the American Journal of Medicine and subsequent studies by Sao Paulo’s Medical School in Brazil and Harvard Medical…

There are some people who question the legitimacy of self-defence training for kids. For these people the prevailing concern appears to be that training in self defense, or for that matter martial arts are an acknowledgement that violence exists and that children will in turn be taught violence. In reality, what happens is that when children learn self-defence, they are less likely to be confronted with violence. · In New Zealand schools, 1 in…

The place where a number of systems come together to ensure you the best self defence training available. Train with people who have the right backgrounds and experience to share their expertise. Whether you want to empower yourself, feel safer, grow your skill-base or simply want to try out something new and exciting, you are most welcome to join our community. · Classes cater to people from every walk of life and are designed with your needs…

That’s a very real experience for many who are dealing with addiction. Now I’m not talking about taking your phone to the bathroom, but food addiction. An issue that stems from chemicals that routinely screw with the functions in the brain. And we can break that down a bit further, because what happens in the case of food addiction, actually only happens in the “animal” or hypothalamus part of the brain. That’s the part of your grey mass that…

A few days ago, I was standing in line at the supermarket check-out with my small(ish) trolley, proudly laden with “clean” wholesome foods when not entirely unexpectedly, a fellow shopper appeared behind me. Now I’m not a particularly approachable supermarket shopper, but this lady had seen the various company fitness logos on my T-shirt and forced me to break my insular habit and started the very thing I had successfully spend years avoiding…

A recent article in the NY Times caught my attention, it described a “troubling surge in Homicides” following Covid-19 Lockdowns.[^1] I was immediately reminded of a similar article in the NZ Herald following our L4 Lockdown that was referred to as “Murderous May”.[^2] Both articles described in detail how violent crime had risen dramatically following the restrictions, and although the US is clearly facing different issues, neither article…

As I’m standing in my kitchen looking at the groove worn into the floor from my endless trips to the fridge, I’m suddenly reminded that Spring is only days away. And this is great news, because at the end of a spring day, everyone should smell like sweat … from the effects of a workout. · And there’s that feeling of anticipation, a countdown to warm welcoming days with bounties involving BBQ’s and good times with friends. And for most that…

I write this sitting in a paddock surrounded by cows. This is of course, entirely irrelevant, but I was assured by someone in the know that a catchy first line would result in greater engagement. And, following advice from someone claiming to be someone in the know seems to be the thing to do, particularly in the fitness industry. For those of us in the fitness industry who, thanks to father time, have forgotten more than most, it comes as no…

So, the other day a colleague said, “wouldn’t it be great if we were able to look at some key measures to determine quality of life. And, what if we could determine how these were affected by exercise”. And this was a very valid general query, but also a very personal one for those who have their quality of life impacted by the effects of stress. · As luck would have it, a group of scientists have done exactly that. They identified these…

Many years ago, more than I care to admit, I managed to convince my seniors in the military to allow me to do a non-trade relevant course, as a Unit Physical Training Instructor. I think in hindsight it was probably not that hard a “sell”, after all it was likely to result in me being way too tired and beaten down to be of any bother to them for the duration. · One of the first lessons I’d learned came under the title “Mindset” and was broadly…