Before I was even born, my mother took prenatal vitamins. Then, growing up, I took children’s chewables; always, some sort of vitamin has been a part of my daily routine.

Today, as an ex-athlete, a personal trainer, a husband, and a 45-year-old father of three, I still take vitamins to help me maintain a high level of fitness. Vitamins have been helping me attack those long grueling hours on my feet – day in and day out – for years. They’re a part of my daily routine; they’re an essential part of any daily routine, no matter age or health or physical ability.

After eating a healthy breakfast, with a tall glass of water, I take a variety of supplements designed to help me meet two major goals – first, to support my fitness regimen, and second, to boost my immunity.

First and foremost, there’s Vitamin C, which I consider the most important vitamin I take. I rely on it to help my immune system, and to help fight off the common cold (remember, as a personal trainer, I face germs – and other people’s perspiration! – all day long). If I get sick, then I can’t work – and then I’m not helping others who need my guidance. NFL coach Bill Parcells would always tell players, “You can’t and won’t make the team in the tub,” meaning, if you’re sick and injured in the trainer’s room, you’re out of luck.

Next, I take L-Glutamine  and L-Arginine, both of which are powerful amino acids that help with energy, metabolism, stress and immunity. I’m certain that this duo is responsible for the great fitness goals I’ve achieved over the course of my life. I recommend them to any of my clients who are truly serious about their fitness and wellness. (Key word: Serious!!)

Now, last but not least, I take a Vitamin D supplement. Why? It’s hard to justify not taking Vitamin D; it’s been found to be beneficial in everything from cancer prevention to cardiovascular health – but it’s also a key player in immunity as well. Getting sick is the last thing I want, ever!

About an hour after taking my morning supplements, I have a whey protein shake – over the years, I’ve found that a simple protein shake everyday, combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet, helps me with weight maintenance and general recovery.

This is the formula I have adopted for myself over the years – and it has worked extremely well for me. I’m up at 4:30 a.m. every day training clients, juggling kids and homework duty (along with taxiing them back and forth from one activity to the next,) I’m spent by the time I get to rack at 9:30 p.m. … and then I have to be on point for my training sessions in a mere six hours! This routine, combined with a dose of circuit training and road running helps me not only function, but dominate.  It helps me “be me”!