Josh Salzmann (centre) with Chris and Andy from CNN

Welcome to all visitors to FI for the week of Feb 2nd 2009. As I write this update I find the contrast amazing between warm and sunny Dubai, where I have just spent the last 5 days, and the beautiful blanket of snow covering London this Monday morning.

 
I attended the Dubai Desert  Classic golf tournament last week, in my new position as CNN International  World Sport’s fitness expert. This new post will include showing fitness routines on air, a blog on their website linked to FI, and interviews dealing with current sporting topics. All of this means we at FI can reach out to a larger audience and bring more information to them as well.

I had a chance in Dubai to spend some time with my good friend and former boss Ernie Els. I worked for three and a half years with Ernie and traveled the world as his full time personal trainer. Anyone who knows golf, knows how great a golfer Ernie is, however he has also touched the lives of so many people in a positive way with his foundation for young golfers in South Africa, as well as his work for autism. There are more big wins in Ernie’s  tank and I’m sure we will see each other in the future for a workout or two.

Dubai skyline

Although Dubai has been feeling the world economic downturn it’s filled with fantastic fitness facilities and people who are second to none in terms of making one feel at home. This part of the world however has a huge number of people who suffer from lifestyle disease such as diabetes and cardiovascular ailments. There is more effort now in trying to get information to people there about how individuals can become proactive with their health through correct exercise and nutrition.
For all of you in the snow in southeast England enjoy but be careful traveling whether by foot or car. Until our next update, stay healthy in body and spirit.   
Josh Salzmann