Meet the Man Behind the Female Fitness Movement

By Krista Clarke, LMC

Would you like to know the truth about how to get in the best shape of your life? Have you thought about competing in fitness competitions? Do you know who the man behind the female fitness movement is? Getting to know the publisher of Oxygen magazine, Robert Kennedy, will introduce you to the answer to these questions.

Robert Kennedy (in the photo to the left) and his women's fitness magazine, Oxygen is the first and primary publication for women who value serious and factual information on fitness and nutrition.

Devoted entirely to women's fitness, Oxygen informs, inspires, educates and entertains its readers. Oxygen provides women with a forum for asking questions on various topics from workout tips and competition strategies, to nutrition and other health issues. In addition, the articles provide concrete advice about nutritional supplements and all types of physical training with a focus on the different needs of the female fitness athlete. In a world where most information on this subject caters to the needs of men, it is a relief to find accurate and well researched information for women.

Meeting Kennedy
Prior to the release of Oxygen, I was and continue to be an avid practitioner of health and fitness. I didn't know much about Mr. Kennedy; however, I eventually experienced his sincerity and genuineness first hand. With little knowledge of how to become a fitness model in December of 1997, I sent out a photo and note to magazine-related publishers asking for advice. In January of 1998, the phone rang and to my surprise, Robert Kennedy himself was calling me.

Mr. Kennedy provided me with a breakdown on exactly what I needed to do to launch a fitness career in competition and modeling. Totally impressed and empowered, I didn't waste a beat and began moving toward my goals. A few months later I received three copies of the premier issue of Oxygen-compliments of Robert Kennedy. Long over due, this magazine was truly inspirational and proved to be the blue print for my follow through.

As time went by I continued to purchase my copies of Oxygen and found myself featured on a few occasions. Still in awe of how Mr. Kennedy's down to earth approach and personality inspired me, I felt it beneficial to share this unique and special man and his publication with those who come in contact with our business, Wellness Galaxy and our Wellness Weight-Loss� clients.

Fortunately, Mr. Kennedy agreed to an interview and again, I was appreciative and stunned. Please understand this man is not only the publisher, executive editor and creative art director for Oxygen, Mr. Kennedy continues to publish two additional magazines [Muscle Magazine International and American Health and Fitness], and works as a professional photographer. Nevertheless, like three years earlier and with a busier schedule than ever, Mr. Kennedy made available the time to share with me once again.

The Man, The Master
Robert Kennedy is definitely a master of many trades. Being in the fitness industry for over 30 years and working with some of the most beautiful and fit women in the world, he definitely knows what works. With my being able to speak directly with the man who helped to launch such careers for models and World Wrestling Entertainment superstars, Trish Stratus and Torrie Wilson, actress, Vicky Pratt and fitness celebrity, Monica Brant, I had to ask him, "If there was one exercise that you would recommend for women, what would it be?" Kennedy's answer was, "Lunges."

Though it hasn't been all fun to Kennedy, it has been a true learning experience and one that he would not alter in the least. Nearly 30 years ago when he published his first bodybuilding magazine, Muscle Mag International, Kennedy was introduced to some challenging times. "It was a struggle to get going, with an endless stream of financial problems, but somehow we survived. After all, it was a labor of love," states Kennedy.

The devoted father of a boy and girl, Kennedy's future goal is to stay above ground! Always smiling and willing to help those in need, this former bodybuilder maintains a philosophy of doing what he says, and saying what he does. His loving approach to life is definitely one radiating responsibility and fun.

The Truth
Most women want to find their "Perfect Body" by looking at pictures in those cosmetic types of magazines, and then question Oxygen for providing the straight forward and hard truth. In our business I have to help my weight-loss clients stay in touch with reality and Oxygen helps to make that possible. Robert Kennedy's Oxygen magazine is for those of you out there that realize you need to actually WORK for your figure. It is for those of us that realize that the answer does not lie in a bottle or in a 15-minute work out.

The perfect body comes from serious sweat and nutrition. Robert Kennedy is absolutely convinced that any woman in normal health can maximize her potential to the point where she has a killer physique.

In agreement with Oxygen's philosophy, it is imperative that you combine progressive resistance exercise (weight training) with cardio exercise (step machine, walking, jogging, etc.) and keep to a low fat, low sugar diet. Naturally, adequate sleep and hydration is also important.

Humility
Robert Kennedy will be the first to tell you that Oxygen is not him alone. With the help of such notables and contributing editors as Amy Fadhli's, Mia Finnegan and Dr. Christine Lydon, Oxygen continues to reach a broad audience, providing a personal touch for all readers to benefit. To boot, Oxygen maintains a strong staff headed by Chief Editor, Pamela Cottrell. "Pam is dedicated to her own fitness and has a genuine love for the sport of fitness. And she has the interest of Oxygen readers at heart, not to mention her academic qualifications," states Mr. Kennedy.

Competition
For those interested in competition, Oxygen provides details about the various forms of fitness competition including information about how to get involved, what the various competitions include and how best to prepare oneself. Oxygen is geared towards the woman who makes or wants to make fitness and health a part of her everyday life. Robert Kennedy's Oxygen is without-a-doubt a true woman's health, fitness and weight training magazine.

Featured Articles
You can pick up any issue of Oxygen and you will be introduced to articles of sample gym and home workouts, healthy recipes developed by chefs and fitness athletes, tips for those interested in entering fitness competitions, questions answered by fitness competitors, inspiring photographs, and general health and nutrition suggestions.

Conclusion
It has been my goal to introduce you to what I believe to be a true pioneer, not only to bodybuilding, but female fitness. I have shared with you briefly my personal encounter with who I believe to be the man behind the female fitness explosion. As an expert in the field of creating health through the balance of spiritual, emotional, mental, social and physical well-being, it is my strong recommendation that you take a hard look at Robert Kennedy's Oxygen magazine or visit him on line (www.oxygenmag.com).

Thank you Mr. Kennedy for sharing your words and encouragement to our visitors, clients and me.