Tosca Reno Archives - Margo Donohue

Uncategorized February 18, 2014 by Margo Donohue

What Did We Learn This Month? @OxygenMagazine with Snowboarder Elena Hight

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What Did We Learn This Month?

Oxygen

February 2014

Pro Snowboarder Elena Hight photographed by Robert Reiff

What Do We Learn This Month in Oxygen?

“Reaching New Hights”

On the cover of Oxygen we have Elena Hight who is a badass snowboarder and therefore needs a butt-kicking workout to get into her amazing shape. In the magazine you can get her workout from her coach Brad Jones, CSCS, which emphasizes “power, strength and stamina.”

Elena started competing professionally at age 14 and entered her first Olympics in Torino in 2006.

“Build a Gold Medal Body”

Some of the best female athletes who have competed in the Olympics offer their favorite exercises to get an overall top level workout. (This seesaw barbell press looks intense!)

“Look Out Below”

You ankles and calves can help you stay steady and keep your core in shape but you have to learn how to work them properly. You can increase the strength and power of your jumps (and help undo the damage of high heels) with these moves.

“Red, White and Blue for You, You and You”

Okay, the Ralph Lauren sweater looks far less tacky and busy in this magazine than it did in the press photos.

And now the rest of this issue of Oxygen:

“Your Inner Olympian” Tosca Reno (my personal hero) offers her advice for staying motivated in the winter months and gain an Olympic champion’s attitude.
“Jump Yourself Slim” For some stranger reason I have no patience for jump rope workouts but the one featured in this issue looks like it is a calorie scorcher.
“Skeleton Sprints” Looking to increase your speed? This workout from U.S. Olympic skeleton racer Noelle Pikus-Pace should do the trick.

Overall Grade:

A- This issue has plenty of workouts to keep every kind of athlete happy and challenged.

B-

You can follow Oxygen magazine at www.Oxygenmag.com

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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Uncategorized December 17, 2013 by Margo Donohue

What Did We Learn This Month? @OxygenMagazine with Erin Stern on the Cover @ErinFAST #sweatpink

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What Did We Learn This Month?

Oxygen: December 2013

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! Oxygen magazine is back and still with us (yay!) so let us dive into the December issue, shall we?

What Do We Learn This Month in Oxygen?

“Setting the Bar High”

In 2008 Erin Stern (Oxygen’s cover star) missed the Olympic high jump by a few centimeters but the plucky athlete quickly took off in the world of figure competitions finishing second at Olympia this year. Oxygen talked to Erin about her tough training program (some of which you can see below) plus her need to clear the six foot high jump.

“Winter Wants”

The editors of Oxygen offer their top picks for holiday gifts.

“Fab in Fifteen”

Quickie workouts that will fit into anyone’s busy schedule.

“Unusual Suspects”

If you are looking for yummy ways to add more protein to your daily meals—try one some of these clean eats (and let me know what you think of them!)

And now the rest of this issue of Oxygen:

“Cheers!” Tosca Reno (my personal hero) talks about staying fit and healthy during the holiday season.
“Four Minutes to Fat Loss” Using the principles of Tabata to get in a tough workout in just four minutes time.
“Train Stronger, Last Longer” How to properly use creatine to “fuel your workouts.”
“Four Rules for Flat Abs” Advice on how to tighten your abs.

Overall Grade:

A- Love you Oxygen and glad you are still around with us!

You can follow Oxygen magazine at www.Oxygenmag.com

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

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Uncategorized November 10, 2013 by Margo Donohue

What Did We Learn This Month? Oxygen Magazine is Back! @OxygenMagazine

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What Did We Learn This Month?

Oxygen: November 2013

Felicia Romero photographed by Stewart Volland

It’s back!!! One of my favorite magazines in the world is on newsstands again and I could not be happier so let’s get back to recapping!

What Do We Learn This Month in Oxygen?

“Fresh Start”

The November cover star is Felicia Romero (above) who plans to return to figure competing while also continuing her work with the “Fun Fit” workout group for kids in her native Arizona.

“Go the Distance”

So have you been watching your runner friends compete in marathons and think to youself “hmmm—maybe I should give it a go?” Well Oxygen has a 12-Week Half Marathon training plan to help you get inspired for the 2014 season.

“Bring Up the Burn”

Lori Harder’s butt-kicking workout is getting me inspired this month!

“One Workout Two Ways”

Badass trainer Rita Catolino shows how to use more muscle groups during strenuous workouts to make them even more effective in less time.

“Stair Sprints”

Try out this drill at your local track, park or stadium to get your cardio and body conditioning in while we can all still enjoy the great outdoors. (Winter is just around the corner, people!)

And now the rest of this issue of Oxygen:

“Cause for Celebration” My personal hero, Tosca Reno writes a “welcome back” essay and promises Oxygen will work hard to continue helping fit women of all ages “stay young, purposeful, inspired and driven.” Yay!
“Macro Management” If you are looking to calculate your protein, carb and fats and need help with the “right combo of nutrients” then be sure to check out this article.
“The Easiest Gluten-Free Meals Ever” Yes, please!
“The Silver Linings Playbook” Olympic rower and silver medalist Rachelle Viinberg talks about overcoming injuries plus she explains the difference between training for a sporting event and training for a photo shoot.

Overall Grade:

A So damn happy to have you back Oxygen! You have been missed!

You can follow Oxygen magazine at www.Oxygenmag.com

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

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Uncategorized April 24, 2013 by Margo Donohue

What Did We Learn This Month? @OxygenMagazine @Amandalatona on the Cover!! #fitbloggin

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What Did We Learn This Month?

Oxygen: May 2013

Amanda Latona photographed by Paul Buceta

What Do We Learn This Month in Oxygen?

“Fresh Starts”

The May cover star IIFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Latona) has come a looong way from her “pop princess” roots (she used to sing with Britney Spears!) The booty-blessed fitness star trains hard for every single competition and has won seven titles since 2010.

Included in this issue of Oxygen is Amanda’s own glutes workout that will get your high and tight y’all!

“Your Secret Weapon”

How much do I love my foam roller? Well—I certainly don’t LOVE it but damn it is a lifesaver. In case you are wondering how to use them—check out this spread.

“Master Your Breath”

I have a deviated septum which inhibits my breathing power at times so I am always looking to find ways to increase my lung power. This article is a big help!

“One Dumbbell, No Waiting!”

You can a mighty great workout in with just one heavy weight. Check out some of these moves!

“Get OMG Abs!”

I plan in stealing some of these ideas for my core class this week…

“Celebrate Your Sweet Life”

If you are looking for a healthy, sweet treat to enjoy try this recipe for Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes—yum!

And now the rest of this issue of Oxygen:

“Growing Stronger” My personal hero, Tosca Reno, talks about the early days of Oxygen and how her column got started. (You must follow Tosca on Instagram! Her handle is @toscareno.)
“Shred & Shed” Excellent workout here from trainer Tommy Europe (how much do you love that name?) and model Vanessa Pipoli.

Overall Grade:

A- There are so many great workouts in this magazine and women who have MUSCLES and look STRONG! Love this magazine!

You can follow Oxygen magazine at www.Oxygenmag.com

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

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Uncategorized April 3, 2013 by Margo Donohue

What Did We Learn This Month? @OxygenMagazine April Issue! #fitblog Jessica Plaxson

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What Did We Learn This Month?

Oxygen: April 2013

Jessica Paxson photographed by Paul Buceta

What Do We Learn This Month in Oxygen?

“Fresh Starts”

IFBB Bikini star Jessica Paxson talks to Oxygen about her struggle with depression over the last few years and how she found her way to the happy space she is now. (The 30 year-old is engaged to fellow health advocate Blair Mone who looks as if he can crush a Buick with his biceps!)

Jessica counts on her faith in God to keeping her spirits up and keeping her fridge full of clean foods to stay in such great competitive shape.

One regret she does have is not eating enough and over exercising as a teen cared in order to be “as skinny as possible.” Jessica now appreciates a lean and muscular form and most of all—works at being healthy!

“Get Strong, Lean & Mean”

This is a home “Plyo” workout that was created by J&M strength coach Molly Galbraith and looks like a real butt kicker!

“Freshen Up!”

Spring might finally be arriving which is a perfect time to consider planting your own kitchen herb garden. Oxygen offers green thumb-type advice plus yummy recipe ideas for oregano, tarragon, basil and dill.

“Slip On Your Short Shorts”

If you are looking to up your leg workouts here are some fanatic ideas to get your gams “shorts-ready.”

“Perfection—So Boring!”

A new essay from my hero Tosca Reno on the joys of owning your own quirks and getting rid of those “I have to perfect” pictures from your head. (I really need to heed her advice!)

And now the rest of this issue of Oxygen:

“Play, Explore, Connect!” As soon as the warmer weather arrives (it is coming, right?) I am going to take their advice here and run outside with the joy of a child.
“Healthy Back Tighter Tummy” Learning to properly exercise your core (back & abs) can help with preventing injury and pain there later on. So try out some of these moves to work your middle area plus, advice on moves to avoid.
“Tighten Up Anywhere” Rita Catolino (Tosca Reno’s trainer) shows some moves you can do at your local park/playground to get into shape.
“Is Your Kitchen Safe” Oxygen offers advice on how to keep your kitchen (and everything in it clean & safe.

Overall Grade:

A- Lots of inspiring ideas here for spring and I love how they use strong women with muscles as models in every issue. (Thank you Oxygen!)

You can follow Oxygen magazine at www.Oxygenmag.com

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

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Uncategorized February 12, 2013 by Margo Donohue

What Did We Learn This Month? @OxygenMagazine March Issue!

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What Did We Learn This Month?

Oxygen: March 2013

What Do We Learn This Month in Oxygen?

“Girls on Fire”

One of the things I love about this magazine is the women they feature and by that I mean healthy women with real muscles! How refreshing is that, people? On the cover of the March issue we get four “fit cover models” who offer their advice on everything from self-confidence to tips for busting a fitness rut.

Here are the four models and their favorite time to get a good sweat going:

• Midori Rutledge: Morning “It sets me up for the rest of the day.”

• Rachel Davis: “I prefer afternoons but because of work, I’m limited to late evening workouts.”

• Angelike Psoinos Norrie: “Anytime I can fit it in, but when I lift in the afternoons, it makes my mornings super-charged with perfect meal planning and I have tons of energy the rest of the day.”

• Heather Robertson: Early afternoon—“I’m not a morning person. I like to have breakfast, a cup of coffee and go through my e-mails. Then I am good to go.”

“Zap Fat Even Faster”

I really liked this article which describes how to burn calories more efficiently by making simple tweaks to your cardio (running, cycling and skipping rope.)

“Fix Your Tummy Troubles”

According to sports nutritionist and author Nancy Clark, R.D. close to 50% of athletes will experience some kind of stomach issue including bloating, heartburn and cramps. And women have ten times the GI issues that men do (wow!). Here we get advice on how to work with your belly issues (should you have any.)

“Build Your Best Body:Month Three”

Looking for some ideas on how to mix dumbbell work with cardio? Try this section with some pretty awesome exercises that you will do in intervals to get some serious muscle going.

“The Party is Over—Now What?”

My personal hero, Tosca Reno, talks about how she struggled with “what do I do now?” when her bikini competition (which she won folks!) was over. We have all been there. You aim for something, have a date in mind and then the event just comes and goes. Whether you won or lost—there is still that nagging feeling—what next?

I am a big Tosca fan. Can we get her a book signing in New York, please?

“

Release Stress!”

Got some tension in your jaw? Is your neck mothering you? How about your feet? Do they feel okay? Well if your body is showing signs of stress—this page will help you.

And now the rest of this issue of Oxygen:

• “Freeze Your Cravings” How good does mocha banana ice cream sound? Here we get a recipe for this yummy confection.

• “Time Your Meals, Get Results!” Meal plans for every workout scenario from early morning to you night owl gym rats.

• “Amplify Your Arms” Alicia Harris leads us through a super-tough workout for the “tricky triceps.”

• “Simple Sexy Workout” Oxygen’s fitness editor Rachel Crocker created this “killer circuit” based on simple old-school leg exercises that will get your lower body in top shape.

Overall Grade: A- Welcome to the Brooklyn Fit Chick monthly review group Oxygen! Now keep up the good work!

You can follow Oxygen magazine at www.Oxygenmag.com

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick (BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

Instagram: “margodono”

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