Resources

Links
  - Supplements
  - Trade Associations

  - Information Services . - Professional Services
Products
  - Exercise Equipment
  - Clothing
  - Foods & Snacks
  - Books

In The Media

Click to view a
sample of Sal's
TV appearances.

Recommended
Product

Adjustable Dumbbells
Click for more info

A)

Supplements:

1.

Willner Chemists
Willner is a nutritionally oriented pharmacy. They supply a wide array of nutritional supplements, herbs and homeopathic remedies. Products are available through their retail stores and their extensive catalog is accessible online or through mail order.

2.

The Arthritis & Glucosamine Information Center
This website is devoted to providing information on arthritis and glucosamine. Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Glucosamine sulfate is sold as a dietary/nutritional supplement. Studies have shown that some people with arthritis and joint pain who took glucosamine sulfate reported pain relief. Research indicates that the supplements might also slow cartilage damage in people with arthritis.

^ back to top

B)

Trade Associations:

1.

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Although least mentioned (among these three associations) in media circles, NSCA offers the most practical information in the realm of weight training. Offering two certifications, CSCS and NSCA-CPT, NSCA provides educational information to help enhance athleticism and fitness.

2.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
ACSM disseminates health information to the general public and educates health and fitness professionals. Several categories of certifications are offered for specific areas of the industry. Whereas NSCA is more focused on the practical aspects of strength and weight training, ACSM is more geared towards clinical applications. In this arena, ACSM is regarded as the "gold standard."

3.

American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Also a certifying fitness association, ACE offers certificates in aerobic instructions as well as fitness training. ACE is actively involved in continuous public education on the need for active lifestyles.

^ back to top

C)

Information Services:

1.

milksucks.com
An eye-opening education on the real truths concerning dairy as never discussed in school or through the media.

2.

garynull.com
A thought-provoking website which covers a variety of fascinating and, many times, controversial topics relating to health, nutrition and the environment.

^ back to top

D)

Professional Services:

1.

2.

3.

www.martha-nutritionist.com
Martha McKittrick, RD, CDE is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at the New York Presbyterian Hospital as well as in private practice in NYC. She specializes in weight management, diabetes, heart health, sports nutrition and preventative nutrition. Martha takes a realistic individualized approach with tailoring her meal plans to help you meet your goals.

"Click here to visit her blog."

Martha McKittrick, R.D., C.D.E.
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator

115 E. 57th Street, Suite 1540
New York, N.Y. 10022
ph (212) 879-5167

http://www.karolward.com

Karol Ward is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in the body-mind connection. The purpose of her work is to show people how to link their hearts and their heads when making decisions.

"Click here to learn more about Karol Ward"

Karol Ward, L.C.S.W.

Licensed Psychotherapist

Phone: 212-420-7428

http://www.elitehealthnyc.com
Dr. Andrew P. Szymanski, board certified doctor of chiropractic and co-founder of Elite Health and Sports Chiropractic.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Andrew P. Szymanski

Dr. Andrew P. Szymanski
Elite Health & Sports Chiropractic, P.C.
420 Madison Avenue, Suite 803
New York, NY 10017
Office:212-319-0485
Cell:718-514-4486

Exercise Equipment

1.

Adjustable dumbbells
Even if you don't live in a small Manhattan apartment, space limitations may be an issue for your exercise plan. With adjustable dumbbells, just one pair of dumbbells is all you need. As with exercise machines, you change weights by removing a pin and reinserting it. No need for clutter or for clumsy wrenches and wasted time. This allows for smoother transitions from one exercise to another. The 2 models I have personally worked with and recommend are a) the ProBell and b) the Powerblock.

a)

Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Single Dumbbell - attractive design, easy to adjust. The weight range is from 10 - 90 pounds, in 5 pound increments.

b)

PowerBlock SportBlock Personal Set 5 - 45 lbs - more bulky design, but more convenient in that you don't need the tray (which carries the weights) to adjust the weight load. 5 lb. increments.

c)

PowerBlock SportBlock 3 - 21 lbs - same as above, but with smaller range of weights and smaller increments. This is ideal for beginners and for weaker muscle groups (shoulders and arms).

2.

Airex exercise mats
Having worked in the fitness business since 1987, I have not exercised on mats better than these. Not only do they provide excellent support when performing floor work, they are quick to dry after washing or after an intense workout. I prefer the ones with a thickness of 5/8 inch. Although, for my body weight (165 lbs., at the time of this printing), the 3/8 inch would be satisfactory.

a)

Fitline Professional Mat - water-blue - 23 x 56 x 3/8

b)

Fitline Professional Mat - water-blue - 23 x 72 x 3/8

c)

Coronella Professional Mat - blue, green or red - 23 x 72 x 5/8

d)

Corona Professional Mat - blue, green or red - 39 x 72 x 5/8

3.

Bosu
The Bosu is an air-filled dome designed to challenge your stabilizer muscles. This tool will help you to attain what is commonly referred to in the fitness industry as functional strength - strength that is transferable to everyday life. This is a great tool for legs and core (abs and lower back) strength development. Two versions are the home model and the professional model (my preference): Note: any use of the home version in a fitness facility or personal training environment voids the warranty. However, using either the home or professional version will offer the same experience.

a)

Home model - designed to be used approximately 3-5 hours per week and has a 90-day limited warranty.

b)

Professional model - designed to be used approximately 3-5 hours per day and has a one-year limited warranty.

4.

Swiss ball (also referred to as exercise ball, fitness ball, or balance ball)
This air-filled ball serves as a means for reducing stability, thereby helping you to use a host of muscles that are required for stability. Such muscles are not recruited when you are on a flat, stable surface like the floor, a workout bench, or chair. Swiss balls are generally used for abdominal conditioning as well as for upper body strength training.

Choose a size according to your height. When seated on the ball, your thighs should be parallel to the floor, with your knees positioned at about the same height as your hips. For exercise, the ball should be firm. For sitting only, it should be softer. Here is a breakdown of what size is best for you:

a)

45cm (18"); for height up to 4'8"

b)

55cm (22"); for height 4'8" to 5'3"

c)

65 cm (26"); for height 5'3" to 6'

d)

75 cm (30"); for height 6' and up

5.

Elliptical machine
Ellipticals are somewhat of a hybrid between a stairmaster and a bicycle machine. In addition to having used a number of ellipticals at various healthclubs over the years, I also spent an entire Saturday afternoon trying 9 variations for an article that appeared in Smart Money magazine. Although I liked several models, my personal favorite was Precor EFX 5.23. www.precor.com.

6.

Wrist-ripper
Whether you're an athlete, a weekend warrior, or a housekeeper, grip strength is necessary for almost all functions in life. This exercise apparatus will help you develop the strength needed for day-to-day activities. What makes this model particularly unique is the side grip option, allowing for 3 ways to strengthen forearm and hand muscles.

a)

without weight

b)

with weight (5 lbs.)

^ back to top

Clothing

1.

Face Protector
Stay fit and keep up with your favorite outdoor activities all through winter. On extremely cold days, the low temperature and strong wind can cause discomfort for your face and throat. One way to safeguard yourself is through the use of a face cover that repels water and prevents condensation. Purchase

2.

Quick-dry Sportswear
Great for outdoor activities in that perspiration is quickly dried up.

a)

New Balance Men's Long-Sleeve Tempo Top.

b)

New Balance Women's Air Tek 2 Long-Sleeve Tee.

c)

New Balance Men's AirTek 2 Long-Sleeve Tee.

3.

Outdoor activity gloves
Lightweight material that provides both insulation and moisture management.

a)

New Balance Thermolite Base Glove (unisex).

^ back to top

Foods & Snacks

1.

Cereals
Cereals are a great source of carbs. However, many commercial brands are overloaded with sugar and refined wheat devoid of nutrients. Here is a list of healthful cereals which contain very little sugar, are high in fiber, and are organic (many of these contain superior grains - spelt, kamut, quinoa:

a)

Optimum Power Breakfast, Org., 14 oz. (flax, soy, blueberry).

b)

Optimum Zen, Cranberry-Ginger, Org., 12.5 oz.

c)

Health Valley Organic Oat Bran Flakes, 11 oz.

d)

Bran Flakes w/Raisins, Org., 16 oz.

e)

Raisin Bran, Org., 15 oz.

f)

Health Valley Organic Amaranth Flakes, 11 oz.

g)

Heritage Flakes, Org., 13.25 oz.

2.

Snack Bars
Just because a food is sold in a health food store or is labeled "health" bar doesn't necessarily make it healthful. Two brands I recommend are Clif and Odwalla bars. Clif Bars include healthful ingredients like organic rolled oats and soybeans. Most ingredients are organic; the main sweeteners are brown rice syrup and evaporated cane juice - healthier, more natural options.

a)

Crunchy Peanut Butter (12/box).

b)

Cranberry Apple Cherry (12/box).

c)

Apricot (12/box).

^ back to top

Books

2.

Diet For A New America, John B. Robbins
A shocking account of what goes on behind the scenes with our food supply. This is information you will never gain through the media. While Robbins approaches his topics from an animal-rights perspective, it also becomes clear how our health is affected by the way the animals we eat are treated. This book helps make it clear how foolish and dangerous the high-protein (myth) approach is. You will certainly become aware of the need for improvements in your approach to food preparation. Perhaps it is time for all of us to reevaluate our diets.

3.

The Good Carbohydrate Revolution, Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH
This book is a refreshing departure from the constant barrage of high-protein fad diet advocates. Dr. Shintani says it as it is, all based on endless research. Simply put, a high-protein diet will dehydrate your body thereby a) causing an unhealthy weightloss and b) placing enormous stress on your kidneys. Although some carbohydrates are unhealthy, there are many that are essential for strong, healthy living. Dr. Shintani does a wonderful job at explaining complex concepts in simple, easy-to-understand language. He also makes very clear the truths of the glycemic index, a very important--yet widely misunderstood--concept. This is a must-read for healthful eating and living.

4.

The Best Supplements for Your Health, Donald P. Goldberg, R.Ph., Arnold Gitomer, R.Ph., and Robert Abel, Jr., M.D.
Many people cling to the old view that by eating a "well-balanced" diet, there is no need for supplementation. Perhaps this was true 60 years. However, we live in an entirely different world today. With the top layers of our topsoil destroyed (along with numerous micronutrients and elements essential for good health), with the use of pesticides and herbicides and having heavy metals in our water and pollutants in our air, there is no way to consume a well-balanced diet in the way our bodies were designed to absorb food. The need for supplementation is greater today than ever before. This book is a wonderful guide for selecting the supplements that are right for you.

5.

Optimum Sports Nutrition, Dr. Michael Colgan
This is a comprehensive guide to nutrition for sports and exercise. Dr. Colgan provides many specifics that can easily be applied to your lifestyle for improved performance. What sets this book apart from some of the commercial best-selling books is the abundance of scientific evidence Colgan provides, backing up his theories and ideas.

6.

The Power of Your Plate, Neal D. Barnard, MD
Reading this book will empower you! It becomes evident that we all are in control of our health. Dr. Barnard details the reasons why many health disorders evolve - primarily from the foods we consume. We may not have a choice concerning our genes, but we certainly can change the way we eat. What a relief it is to realize that staying strong and healthy is actually a matter of choice.

^ back to top