I never thought I would be writing this page and am thrilled that my incredible six-year journey—my “impossible dream”—has become a reality. I would like to thank so many people, starting with my literary agent, Eileen Cope of Trident Media, who believed in me without hesitation, and the spectacular writer Karen Moline, who helped me put into words all of my excitement and passion for this program. Thanks to my publisher, HarperOne, especially Mark Tauber and my dearest editor Nancy Hancock. Nancy has been so supportive, and has made terrific suggestions all along the way. I have been lucky to work with such a superb and phenomenal team at HarperOne.
This book would never have been possible without the help of all my clients, who have taught me so much about the brain and the body. In particular, I want to thank Amy Gross, who has helped me with wise advice, direction, and encouragement; Ellen, Dick, and Jill Seelig for their constant guidance; and Lori Oshansky for her intense involvement. In addition, greatly appreciated are my best clients, including Amiee Telsey, Richard Friesner, Marty Fleischer, Andrea Bierstein, Susan and Tucker York, Wendy Belzberg, Gaylord Nelly, Indran Purusothaman, Agnes Czarnik, and Ilaria Bulgari.
A very special thanks to the readers of O, The Oprah Magazine for sending me hundreds of emails and letters encouraging me to write this book.
Special thanks to neurobiologist John Martin, Ph.D., who encouraged me to take my program to the next level and offered me invaluable information about how the brain relates to movement. Neurologist Lice Ghilardi, M.D., spent several hours explaining to me how the brain and the body interact and the importance of specific physical movements. Gregory Lombardo, M.D., taught me invaluable lessons about the human mind. I am so grateful to you all for helping to make my program a better one.
My sincere thanks to the entire panel of experts I consulted and interviewed for this book especially John Martin, Ph.D.; Lice Ghilardi. M.D.; Michael Liebowitz. M.D.; Charles Hillman, Ph.D.; Alvaro Fernandez; Wendy Suzuki, Ph.D.; Bradley Radwaner, M.D.; Professor Luca Bonfanti. Ph.D.; Bente Klarlund Pedersen, M.D.; Terrance Capistrant, M.D.; Nelly Szlachter, M.D.; Patrick Cohn, Ph.D.; and Arthur Krammer, Ph.D.
Special thanks go to Sharon Salzberg and Rebecca Victor-Hobert for their help.
Also, special thanks to a remarkable nutritionist, Olinka Podany, M.S., R.D., who contributed to the nutrition section. Thanks also to Recipe Consultants for preparing the unique recipes that I’ve included, especially Anthony Marzuillo for his guidance.
I am truly indebted to my close friends for their generosity of spirit and their listening ears throughout this journey. I am so thankful to Jessica Williams, Elias Plagianos, Rick Aguilar, Gaby Baltis, Maria Dorfner, Chee Gates, Sonsoles , Miguel Angel Medina, Ben Golburg, Laura Corby, Rachel Crump, Carlos Saavedra, Ana Prieto, Santiago Mora, Ivona kak, the Clauson family, and many more.
I am deeply grateful to the governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty, and the mayor of St. Paul, Christopher Coleman, who awarded me the Fitness Excellence Award and encouraged me to write this book.
Thanks especially to a public school in the Bronx, PS 277, especially Principal Cheryl Tyler and gym teacher Euridice Johnson. And thanks to Englewood Hospital for their interest.
I have had the great fortune to study at and work with Ramiro de Maeztu High School, the Estudiantes basketball team in Madrid, Autónoma University, the New York Sports Club, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Thank you to the students, professors, teammates, and professionals I have met for the invaluable lessons you’ve taught me.
Thanks to all my Facebook fans and friends, who have been extremely enthusiastic about my program.
I’ve saved these last lines for my absolute pillar, and my secret weapon: my family. I am sure that I would never have made it so far without their constant support and encouragement. My special thanks to my parents, Pedro and Lee, and my siblings, John and Diana, who listened to endless conversations during this book’s journey. I know they were a little nervous when I made the leap from investment banking to fitness, but like they’ve taught me, find your inner passion and make it your most valuable asset. Thanks to my dear godfather, Miguel, and Julia Sanchez for their constant encouragement. And many more and you know you are out there.