Apr 13

Zuzka Light

Before I get to this week’s Fit Dish link up (hosted by Jill Conyers @ JillConyers.com, & Jessica Joy @ TheFitSwitch.org), I wanna share with you that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month! Please help to raise awareness!

This week’s [optional] theme is on…our Favorite Quick Workout.

I joined Fitness 19 for the year that I was home after I graduated from college. My membership was $90 for the year, and included 6 free personal training sessions, so I figured…why the hell not? I needed a gym! :O

My trainer was a nice soul, but I liked my DIY workout routines. Her usual clients had no interest in lifting heavy weights, so she wasn’t as sure on what to give me to do, and she also kinda mixed up the whole body fat percentage thing and told me I was overweight at 20% body fat (she was looking at the male body fat percentages), so I was a little iffy about the things she was tellin’ me.

But! I do give her props for doing her best to find me helpful resources so that I could get what questions I had answered. That’s how I discovered bodyrock.tv and Zuzana (Zuzka) Light!

Zuzka is no longer with bodyrock.tv because things didn’t work out between her and her ex-husband, and while I adored old-school bodyrock.tv, I basically broke up with it when Zuzka left.

zuzkalight

Image from ZuzkaLight.com.

I like Zuzka because she seems super-sweet + down-to-earth. She answers questions in her coffee talks, and I love how she exudes positivity and is incredibly honest and open with her fans. You should totally see her play guitar and sing “Smelly Cat.” <3 (Jan 21 Coffee Talk!)

I feel that she preaches the same message I’ve been trying to get across–that you can change your life for the better and lead a healthier lifestyle if you’re willing to put in the work and the dedication that it takes.

Thankfully, despite her departure from bodyrock.tv, Zuzka still shares her workouts both on her site and on YouTube. She doesn’t lift heavy weights, but let’s face it, rushing workouts with heavy weights probbbbably shouldn’t go hand in hand. It takes about that much time to rack and rerack a bunch of weights. Add in the proper rest intervals and you’ll pretty much only complete 1-2 exercises. :[

Zuzka’s workouts are mostly bodyweight (which will definitely come in handy later on this year when I’m nomading my way across the country whilst on my away rotations), and the equipment you’ll probably need would be…an exercise mat, jump rope, pair of dumbbells (minimum of 5 lbs each), yoga blocks and a kettlebell.

Even when she’s killin’ me with her workouts, I still think she’s awesome, which I think says a lot. :P

A lot of Zuzka’s workouts are pretty short…an example is this 5-minute Daily Workout! I don’t actually have a kettlebell, but I have a cat and some ankle weights, so uh…get creative! (I’m totally kidding, you guys, I’m not gonna use Princess Muffin for kitten-bell swings.)

 

And she loves food! How can I not get along with someone who loves food?! :P (She  shares her awesome-lookin’ kitchen experiments too!)

Fitness + food not your thing? (…;_; but why?) She also has a section on Fashion & Beauty and Health!

Here are her 3 rules for achieving what you want in life!

  1. You have to have the drive and the passion to make positive changes in your life.
  2. You have to be ready–know that it’s not going to be a walk in the park. You will struggle, but you have to challenge yourself to grow as a person. Accept that it may not be easy.
  3. You have to really believe that you can change. Trust that you will eventually get there. Believe that it’s possible.
Dish The Fit

Click the image to read my other Dish The Fit posts! :]

  • Favorite type of workout?
  • Do you have a favorite quick workout?
  • Any awesome YouTube workouts/workout-ers I should know about?

Permanent link to this article: https://www.fairyburger.com/zuzka-light/

78 comments

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  1. great post! Thanks for the positive vibe towards exercise! Exercise is not about LOOKING GREAT, its more about feeling great :)

    My favorite workout is……..long walks with my pup or hking, biking, kayaking, anything outdoors that does NOT involve a gym
    Yoga…….geez, I have quite a few, how can I pick just ONE!?

    Quick workout: Quick yoga routine

    You tube: for kids, cosmic kids yoga adventures !! LOVE THIS LADY!
    Diana recently posted…Weekend Update & Week AheadMy Profile

    1. Agreed! <3

      And yay for long walks with your dog! I really want to get a dog someday, and I love anything outdoors too! :]!

      I need to incorporate yoga into my life on a more regular basis! :x

  2. I stumbled into Zuzka once and yeah, it’s good stuff. Thanks for the awesome reminder! I love quick and intense workouts, you know, the ones that you’d have to be Wonder Woman to do for 45-60 minutes; they are the best!
    Erin@BeetsPerMinute recently posted…5 Moves For A Rockin’ BodMy Profile

    1. hahaha, pretty much! She has several where I struggle even with doing em’ for 5-10 minutes. I cannot (+ don’t want to imagine) 45-60! :P

  3. Love everything about this. The 3 rules are a big part of what started out as an unintentional journey. #lovelife
    jill conyers recently posted…18-Minute HIIT WorkoutMy Profile

    1. Agreed! I like that they apply to pretty much any goal in life! :]!

  4. I forgot all about bodyrock videos!! My friends and I would choose a workout for us to do during the week. I need to check them out again!! Thanks for the reminder! :)
    Melanie recently posted…Goal Checkin’ – Spring EditionMy Profile

    1. That sounds like fun! I used to do that with my friend with Blogilates! :P

  5. I remember checking out bodyrock videos a looooooong time ago. And thinking that those people were far FAR too ripped lol
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…What is Crohn’s Disease? (Living with Crohn’s Pt 2)My Profile

    1. hahaha, I like to think that I have those abs of steel under a layer of pudge! :P

  6. Erhm, not sure how to respond to the fact that your previous trainer didn’t realize she was using the male bf % scale …. glad you were smart enough to listen to your instinct ;) As for Zuzka, I have heard of bodyrock.tv but not her though it sounds like I need to check her out, thanks for sharing!!!
    Annmarie recently posted…Stay Balanced with Phenoh 7.4My Profile

    1. hahaha, I tried to be subtle about correcting her without outright going all-out, “Uh, you have it all wrong.”

      I did more of a recent re-discovery of her (mostly because she disappeared from bodyrock :O ), but I love how sweet she seems! :]

  7. I love it :) I don’t think I would be able to do the kettlebell swings, but I do want to do the yoga flow again a few times in the morning, but slow
    Stephanie De Geeter recently posted…My little hair removal mishap – Depil Pads MotionMy Profile

    1. I need to incorporate more yoga into my life!!

  8. I love love barre 3- combination between yoga, pilates and ballet. It puts me in a great mood at the start of the day and relaxes me at the end of the day. A little pricey but there’s also an online option you can subscribe to with hundreds of different workouts :)
    Lauren @ Eating with a Purpose recently posted…What I Ate This Week: April 5-11My Profile

    1. I’ve been so curious about barre workouts! I feel like I’d really like em’! :O I’ll definitely have to check that out!

  9. I have a few of her workout DVDs. They are tough!
    Nicole recently posted…Homemade Banana Nut GranolaMy Profile

    1. Awesome! :D I’ll have to go check out her DVDs! :O

  10. I haven’t heard of here but I love her philosophy you describe and these can easily be added into a workout. Thanks for sharing!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Rock Your Core-Week 3My Profile

    1. Yep! I like how easily I can incorporate them into my regular workout routine! :]

  11. A. I love that her workouts include bodyweight and B. I love that they are short! This busy Mom needs more Zuzka in my life!

    1. Yeah! It’s perfect for when you’re short on time and the gym’s closed!

  12. I love running, biking, and strength training. Those are definitely my go to workouts!
    AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted…Honey-Vanilla Plantain Biscuits {Paleo, Gluten Free, Grain Free}My Profile

    1. Yay! :D Strength training is my favorite! I only enjoy running when it’s with a friend, hahaha. :P

  13. I wondered what happened to bodyrock.tv! I followed her leisurely but never really invested much in growing close to her. Thanks for bringing her back into my life!

    PS-I’m nearly 18 and I want to do something big to celebrate! Any ideas?
    Linda @ TheFitty recently posted…The Chiptole Hiring Chronicles {#LIPlinkup #21}My Profile

    1. Oh man, I’m terrible with good ideas, because my life mostly consists of school and more school, and anything fun usually just involves working out or food (I adore potluck get-togethers with a good movie, but I guess that’s not really big). :O

      Do you have a free weekend to travel somewhere cool, and/or do you have people you want to celebrate with? :]!

  14. Five minute workouts are great for when you’re time crunched but still want to sweat a bit.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…DWTS + Disney = HappinessMy Profile

    1. Agreed! :D A short workout’s better than none at all!

  15. I have never tuned in but have seen other bloggers talk about her a lot, too. A favorite trainer out there for sure.
    Elle recently posted…Protein Filled Smoothies and ShakesMy Profile

    1. I love her positivity! :]!

  16. Nice post! I’ve never heard of her but she sounds awesome. Quick works for me involve some sort of interval training :) gets me sweatier in less time.
    Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Link Love #13 and never too old for promMy Profile

    1. Yes indeed! I love-hate doing intervals (love because they’re good for me and hate because I hate my life while doin’ em’)! :P

  17. Love your 3 rules. And also… I kinda want to see you do a a workout that incorporates your cat…
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Nektar Honey Crystals Matcha Honey OatmealMy Profile

    1. hahahaha, she’s chill enough that I just might be able to! I’ll keep you posted! :P

  18. Ohhh, I’ll have to check out those workouts – I love quick bodyweight workouts when I’m tight on time :)
    Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…When You Need a Quickie…My Profile

    1. Agreed! They’re definitely better than doing nothing!

  19. Have you tried Daily Burn? They are an online streaming service and have some excellent workouts.
    Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes: @BlogHer @TerryBikes @TapGenes @FitBottomedGirlsMy Profile

    1. Ooo, I’ve heard great things about them, but haven’t gotten around to trying it out yet! Thanks for the reminder! :]!

  20. You’re 3 rules are spot on Farrah ;)
    And Haha, I’ve never actually done any of her workouts, they make me laugh too much :)
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…5 Fun Things To Livin’ Up Your SpringMy Profile

    1. haha, they’re from one of her videos for people who were working on losing weight! I think they apply to pretty much any life goal though! :]

  21. Thanks for sharing Zuzka with us! Whatever she does, obviously works!! Have a great day Farrah!
    diane@runninrocker recently posted…Gettin’ in a QuickieMy Profile

    1. Yes indeed! I hope you have a great day too! :D

  22. Very cool, 5 minute workouts who can’t fit 5 minutes into their days!
    I really believe in #3 as the top thing to remember to achieve anything. Because anything really is possible and achievable if you believe it is! Great post!
    Kristy @runawaybridalplanner recently posted…Shark Diving for Travel TuesdayMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Kristy! :]! 5 minutes definitely is less daunting when you’ve had a freakishly long day! It makes the whole morning workout thing way more achievable! ;P I loved her third tip the most too!

  23. I used to do a bunch of Bodyrocktv workouts too – but it’s been awhile! These days if I have 30 minutes, I do a P90X3 workout – if I have less than that I alternate squats, lunges, dips, starting at 100 rep and counting down to 10 – usually do it in about 15-18 minutes. I gotta check out Zuzka though – thanks so much for the intro to her workouts, Farrah!

    1. Oh, P90X! I haven’t done one of those workouts in forever! I’m gonna have to get back into that. Their Ab Ripper X was a murderer, hahaha.

  24. I follow Zuzka too! I have done some of her workouts and they are REAL!! I also follow Christine Salus and she is like Zuzka but goes even harder because her workouts are much lengthier. They are brutal! I love these type of circuit workouts, it proves that you don’t need to be all fancy with your equipment. :)
    Elsie @ Sharing Healthiness recently posted…Are You Cooking A Recipe For Disaster?My Profile

    1. Ooo, I’m going to have to check her channel out! :D I’d love to find some longer + more intense workouts! And yes, I’m all about workouts that don’t require a whole ton of fancy-schmancy equipment. Ain’t nobody got time for that! :O

  25. I love Pilates for a quick workout! :)
    Very Erin recently posted…Currently, Vol. 3My Profile

    1. Blogilates is a wonderful place to go for that! :P I need to get back to that! I haven’t done one of her videos in forever!

  26. I have never heard of her or the TV channel I guess- but it sounds like you found something that works for you! Thanks for sharing, I always learn something new!
    Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Working and working out, the office Quickie!My Profile

    1. No problem! :D I like interspersing her workouts in when I don’t have time to get in my normal lifting/fitness classes!

  27. I will have to check her site out – love finding new fitness pros to follow and get workout ideas from! Thanks for sharing!
    Sarah (Shh Fit Happens) recently posted…Plyo Box Power WorkoutMy Profile

    1. Agreed! I haven’t found any new ones in a while, but I like her a lot! :]

  28. Oh Farrah, I NEEDED this post. I LOVE Zuzka, and sadly had forgotten about her. Bodyrocktv is awesome, but Zuzka definitely has more depth going on. And, I love those style workouts. Thank you for reminding me about her awesomeness, I am looking forward to getting to know her better. SHe sings smelly cat?! Ahahaha. If I do one of her workouts, I will let you know. Which, I WILL be doing. : ) #fitfamlove Rock the week!
    Jessica Joy @The Fit Switch recently posted…The Lightning Bolt Moment With My DietMy Profile

    1. Yay! I’m glad that you rediscovered her! <3!

      hahaha, yes she does! She's apparently been trying to learn to play the guitar, and it's been going...well. :P Hope you have an awesome week as well! :D!

  29. I first discovered her in 2008-2009 and thought I could look like her with the short yet intense workouts. Not so much because I am a lot smarter and there are a lot of factors to look like her primarily genetics. BUT that aside…..she seems like a really genuine person and has been at this for years! Love her.
    Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…Meal Mondays: Raw Vegan Chocolate MilkshakeMy Profile

    1. She is definitely genetically blessed, and I can’t look like her either with just the workouts that she does, but mehhh. Finding what works for me is part of the fun! :P I really love how genuine + down-to-earth she seems too!

  30. When I’m pressed for time I always resort to plyometric intervals interspersed with walking or running. Love me some kettlebells too!
    Marcia recently posted…What’s Up With Post-Workout Weight Gain?My Profile

    1. Intervals are my favorite for kickin’ my butt when I’m pressed for time!!

  31. i’ve never heard of her, so thanks for sharing. i do love kettlebells!!
    Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Getting Started with Google AdSenseMy Profile

    1. No problem, Courtney! I don’t use kettlebells very often, but I wanna try incorporating them into more of my workouts!

  32. My favourite workout of the moment is step class. But my favourite quick workout would have to be a 5 min ab workout I found on youtube years ago. Always works up a sweat!
    GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted…5 Adjectives to Avoid when Eating OutMy Profile

    1. Ooo, wanna share that workout? :D! My abs could always use some more work! :]

  33. And now I will be singing “Smelly Cat” for the remainder of the day!!!! I don’t know if I should thank you or curse you … :P
    Alex recently posted…I Got 99 Problems (And My Hair Without Gel Is One)My Profile

    1. hahaha, I’m gonna cast a vote for thanking me! ;P

  34. How fun! I love kettlebells!!! Funny that I’ve never heard of this girl before but I’ll certainly check her out.
    Lori Musselman recently posted…Quick Workouts for YouMy Profile

    1. I rarely use em’, but have been meaning to incorporate more of that into my workouts!

    • Rachel on April 15, 2015 at 10:50 am
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    • Reply

    thanks for sharing. I haven’t heard of zuzka before until now.

    1. She’s awesome! :]!

    • Larisa on April 15, 2015 at 3:00 pm
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    Love bodyrock! Def is some of the most motivating videos out there.

    1. I haven’t checked them out in a while, but I really liked their videos! :O

  37. Just about anything from Zuzka is a win. I’ve been a fan of this woman since college!
    Still trying to get a video chat interview with her…so far she is a busy woman but I won’t give up!

    1. Ahh, that’s so awesome! Please let me know if you do manage to score a video interview with her! I’d love to watch it! :D

  38. I never really did bodyrock.tv, but I do like Zuzka. Of course, I haven’t visited her YouTube channel in forever! I should put her back into rotation. Her workouts are killer.
    Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course recently posted…Favorite Quick WorkoutMy Profile

    1. They really are. Hopefully they’ll help whip me back into shape! :P

  39. I have never heard of Zuska or Bodyrock but it sounds like you found some great workouts with her. Short workouts are perfect for those days when you just don’t have enough time!
    Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Fresh Five. Five Brands That I Love.My Profile

    1. They definitely are! Makes me feel a little better about not being able to get a whole workout in!

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