if you are going through a healing crisis like candida and are just trying to get your immune system to function- do you think it is reasonable to start this type of program?

Ive been doing your example workouts for about a month now and following a higher protein diet due to my body type and am a bit frustrated.  I am certainly building muscle but feel like my lower abdomen looks exactly the same (sticks out a little).  I try to keep my proteins at about 16/day, carbs at 5/day and fats at 4/day along with working out 3-5 days/week.  I stopped running and am doing your sprint workout once/week.  The scale seems to be the same and it’s bugging me.  Any suggestions?  (female, 42years, 145lbs)

I’m sure your program works just fine for 20-30-somethings. When I was younger I could give up Pepsi and candy bars and lose weight in no time too, but now that I’m a 54 year old woman, losing weight and keeping it off is virtually impossible, no matter how much I diet and exercise. It’s very hard to stay motivated when it’s so hard to lose even a pound or two and one false move and it comes right back to stay.

hey Kathy,

What makes you think that I wouldn’t specialize in baby boomers?  Actually, you’re about the age of my average client, believe it or not.  The human body is made to change with this sort of stimulus – don’t worry.

It’s more a matter of trying to understand that it takes a bit more to overcome a lifetime of other habits – your body is great at adapting, whether it’s in the right direction or wrong.  Be patient, and stay tuned.  More great info coming your way!

Sure!  I’ve got a ton of suggestions…. but it would help to know your current bodyfat, where you’ve come from, etc. 

With enough comments up here today, I’ll be sure to elaborate in full detail tomorrow.  Stay tuned!  You’re going to love this week

Actually, it’s great to build your immune system, but intensity is relative.  Usually, you want to do SSHR (steady-state heart rate training) when you’re working on re-building your body.  The goal shouldn’t be fat loss, right away…. It’s all about catering to the point in your body that needs you the most… We’ll talk more about this – great question!

Actually, it’s great to build your immune system, but intensity is relative.  Usually, you want to do SSHR (steady-state heart rate training) when you’re working on re-building your body.  The goal shouldn’t be fat loss, right away…. It’s all about catering to the point in your body that needs you the most… We’ll talk more about this – great question!

I just started the ab strength guide, and im def not in shape at this time.  I find that when doing the exercises, some, such as the squat with medicine ball pickup and forward lunch with a chop I can do for 50 seconds.  Others, such as Burpee, I can barely make 30 seconds.  Do I just go as hard as I can and stop when I can’t do anymore?  Any suggestions?

I just started the ab strength guide, and im def not in shape at this time.  I find that when doing the exercises, some, such as the squat with medicine ball pickup and forward lunch with a chop I can do for 50 seconds.  Others, such as Burpee, I can barely make 30 seconds.  Do I just go as hard as I can and stop when I can’t do anymore?  Any suggestions?

I so hear you Kathy, and thanks for posting this, it lets me know that Im not the only one struggling out there, I thought I was loosing my mind!!!
Im almost 53 I follow a Specific Carbohydrate diet for bowel issues..not a bad thing goes in my mouth!!  almond flour, good fats avocado, coconut oil…i spend so much time in the kitchen chopping chopping chopping!!!  it hardly leaves time for working out but I manage to run 3-4 times a week, I try and do 5k but I also work in Policing which requires 12hr shifts four days on four days off…it seems like I spend my life trying to keep the weight down and it drops 2 then goes up 3! and it fluctuates daily…errrrr!  I wish I could be fat and happy

I so hear you Kathy, and thanks for posting this, it lets me know that Im not the only one struggling out there, I thought I was loosing my mind!!!
Im almost 53 I follow a Specific Carbohydrate diet for bowel issues..not a bad thing goes in my mouth!!  almond flour, good fats avocado, coconut oil…i spend so much time in the kitchen chopping chopping chopping!!!  it hardly leaves time for working out but I manage to run 3-4 times a week, I try and do 5k but I also work in Policing which requires 12hr shifts four days on four days off…it seems like I spend my life trying to keep the weight down and it drops 2 then goes up 3! and it fluctuates daily…errrrr!  I wish I could be fat and happy

Ha! We have the same stats. I too am 42, 145 lbs. Just lost 20 pounds, and I have to say that as the fat came off, my tummy felt even fatter! The thing is that the fat comes off in layers, so as it is coming off the rest of my abs, the lower tummy (which has the highest concentration of fat) started to feel even saggier and appeared to stick out more. It was just an illusion as my upper tummy was leaning out (hopefully that makes sense!) The more fat I lost, the smaller the “donut” around my belly button became. Also, you will never be able to judge results on the scale, especially if you are building muscle. Take pictures, and take them every 2-3 weeks. Start comparing them and you will notice changes you weren’t aware of. We are too hard on ourselves and expect instant gratification! Keep going!!

You got it, Dave!

and then rest for a few seconds and see if you can get another rep – that’s what ASG is all about – you’re doing great!  Keep up the awesome work!

I am a 64 year old, non-smoker and have worked out most of my life. I am going through the Shapeshifter Rapid Redesign, 10 day program. I am having difficulty getting all of the required sets in before my muscles and wind give out. In your experience, is there an average build-up time before the endurance moves up to where it should be?

Usually at least 3 weeks, Dan.  But programs like that are made to knock the wind out of you

You’re doing great – working out is a matter of doing slightly better every day.  You’ll see results soon if you just stay at it!

Keep the comments coming!  I’ll be checking each and every one, even when I don’t reply.

With enough great comments, I’ll be presenting the solution tomorrow – you’re off to a great start. 

Let’s see if we can get to 500, at least. 

This is YOUR community – let’s make it AWESOME.

Great blog!! I enjoy all your information and use lots daily!!  I thank you for sharing your knowledge and can’t agree more with being able to modify all workouts to fit the individual. I have so much more to learn…..

Thanks Reedricsr!  You just made my day

Hey Dr. K! – Your stuff is great! I love it. The way you talk about the alternating structure of the workouts is already a good step for helping me customize. For me, I’d like to see a kind of diagram that has all the variables and then a discussion of how to approach them in developing a workout. So something like a mindmap that you use as a overall guide with the detail to put all the pieces together.

I am on medication for Chronic Migraines and I believe this is making it harder for me to lose weight. What do I do? I am lowering the dosage with doctors help but I am still over weight and a lot of the evercises I can’t do at all, in fact some give me a headache!! And thats the last thing I want. I have had a headache everyday for the last 14 years…NO MORE!!! 
What do you suggest?  I already eat a balanced diet, I have bowel issues also. 

hi i’m a 52 year old mother of four. i’ve been a mum since the age of 19. my youngest son is only 8 years old. i put on a lot of weight 8 years ago and it just kept creeping up. the more i dieted the more i gained.
then i listened to Dr K and some others like him and though it was hard at first i persevered and four months later i had lost 10 kilos. taken a break for the summer holidays but now i’m back in there to lose another 10kgs in the next four months.  it takes time and motivation but it IS possible.
good luck

please provide transcripts, i cant watch the video’s at work

I’m doing the Final Fat Loss System, any suggestions for getting more weight loss.  After the workout, I’m spent, but wondering if doing at least doing some cardio, HIIT training would help 2-3 times per week?

stick with it! it took me about 6 weeks to see a difference; swapping muscle for fat, the scale stays the same.
good luck

Hi Dr Kareem,  I really love all your exercises and have tried some of them.
I’m a 63 year old lady.
How much squats and lunges can I do? At times I do hear creaking sounds.
Will I have kneecap problems if I were to do
a lot of squats and lunges at this age?
 

One comment, I get all the e-mails from you Dr. K, Roman and Arnel, did anyone think of combining all your knowledge and have one area to access all this information?  Just a thought!

I am in a wheelchair how can I modify your program to apply to me.

Dr. K…  I’m 58 year old female – work out everyday at the gym and try to keep my workouts different.  However, I cannot seem to shift the extra 20 pounds no matter how hard I try.  My muscles are toned and I’m strong, but the fat is just not budging.  Is there a survey or questionnaire that can be completed to help determine a person’s metabolism and body type so that a better program can be developed to held shed those pounds?  Maybe I’m wasting my gym time with the wrong exercise routine???

Nice to read all these comments.  I’m just 61, and have put on 20 pounds in the last few years  – possibly due to many life changes that translate into “stress” (even good changes cause stress).    I’m doing ASG, also doing the 5 day accelerator program (doing it for the second week, as I only did 4 days last week.)  The concepts make sense, but I get lost in trying to apply them.  So if my body is neuro-impaired and won’t lose fat, what do I do to get it straightened out?  So I do the 5 day accelerator and then what?  How can I tell if I’m slow or fast twitch and then what do I do to balance that?  Etc. I’m overwhelmed with all the info and kind of need a step-by-step guide. I liked the email earlier this week that suggested prioritizing areas in your life (and next Dr. K will tell us how to set goals in each area?) 
Sounds like maybe that’s what this week will be about? 

Myself also, 54 years old and was in shape long time ago.  I look at myself in the mirror and now see the fat on my stomach, thighs, and upper arms.  I always get comments that I look great….in my clothes.  I have a neck problem that steroids were injected and menopause has been my biggest herald.  My weight of 160 lbs to when I use to be 135 lbs (20-40 years old).  My motivation has been in the toilet.

do i need to work harder

Is it possible to just have the info in a readable form? 

Hi, Dr Kareem  I have been saving your e-mails but have not had time to actually get to do the exercises you recommend.  Work rather a long day and must make time …  Am 59 years old and have gained 5kg in the last 6 months (was on cortisone for +-6 months but have been off it for 3 but still cannot lose the weight I gained).  Thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge with us.

Hi Kathy I’m a 46 year old Personal Trainer from the UK.  I’d say around 60% of my clients are over the age of 50 (many of them act like there in their 20′s!).  Programs can be adapted to how their bodies move taking into account conditions and/or restrictions.  We use equipment such as steps, stability balls, resistance balls and bands and old fashioned bodyweight exercises.  I also advocate them finding things that they enjoy doing, that perhaps get them a little out of breath, dancing is a favourite one, whether it be during a night out with a group of friends or on the Wii Fit!  The Wii Fit is also great for aerobic, strength and balance work, go at your own pace, you’ll soon become addicted.  Remember you can also include swimming, senior classes, brisk walking, gardening, house work and car washing etc etc.  This means your including both low impact weight and non weight bearing activity that is good for your heart and lungs, muscles, bones, connective tissues, and hopefully self confidence too!  So have a little think and put your best foot forward!  Regards from Amanda in the UK.

At 61 I am not looking for 6 pack abs as much as fitness to enjoy my active life style which includes keeping my medical certificate so I can fly.  I like the short, but intense morning workout right after I get up (which seems to be the only time I have time to do it)  I have used DEFL exercises to keep the routine varied, and I include stretching 1-2 days a week to help with flexibility  (think golf swing).  I am struggling to lose the last 5-8 pounds to feel I have reached my goal (read having too much fun).  I am motivated to continue this the rest of my life as for the last year + since beginning with Isadore eating healthy I and exercising (which I have done all my life, even though I did it the wrong way)  I feel so much better.  I love your guidance in making the process fun and meaningful.

Hi, Dr. K – I am a 70-year-old woman who is on chemotherapy for metatastic breast cancer.  My oncologist doesn’t want me to seriously try to lose a lot of weight, because the cancer will probably do that for me.  However, I want to remain as fit as possible.  What kind of exercise can I use to krrp fit without aiming for rapid fat loss? 

Libby

YOU ARE SO PROFESSIONALLY INTERESTING. I HAVE EVEN HAD MY 78-YR-OLD HUSBAND  ENJOY LISTENING TO YOUR ADVICE. I AM A JUST-TURNED-65-YR-OLD WHO DEFIES AGING; THEREFORE, YOUR ADVICE IS A “KEEPER” TO ME. I AM 5’11 AND, BASICALLY, IN SHAPE. I LOVE SHOPPING FOR CLOTHES AND AM THANKFUL TO BE THIN ! I HOPE YOU’RE NOT THINKING I’M JUST THAT LITTLE ‘OL LADY WHO SITS AROUND ALL DAY ON THE PHONE OR KNITTING BOOTIES FOR THE GRANDKIDS. ACTUALLY, I WOULD LOVE TO BE PARASAILING; YOU’RE IN  THE AREA FOR THAT. I’M WONDERING IF YOU, YOUR WIFE, AND THE GROUP YOU ARE WITH ARE, PERHAPS, IN CABO SAN LUCAS. OUR SON AND WIFE JUST SPENT A WEEK THERE AND LOVED IT.

I DO NOT WANT TO BORE YOU!! I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I HAVE SHARED PARTS OF YOUR ADVICE WITH MY HUSBAND’S PHYSICAL THERAPIST. MY HUSBAND HAS NOT BEEN HOME SINCE MARCH3 OF THIS YEAR. HE IS RECOVERING FROM THE MEDICAL DRAMA OF A BLOOD CLOT IS HIS LEFT LEFT LEG. I CAN TELL YOU WITH CERTAINTY THAT GOD PERFORMED A MIRACLE ON MY HUSBAND. WE ARE SO THANKFUL THAT THE LEG IS HEALING……..THERE HAVE BEEN MANY LAPSES IN THE PROCESS……INCLUDING POSSIBLE AMPUTATION. HE WILL RECOVER, AND WILL NOT BE SEDENTARY……AS HE WAS, PRIOR TO THAT DREADFUL DAY…….HEARING FROM THE SURGEON IN SAN ANTONIO…THAT THERE WAS MUCH DAMAGE DONE.

WE LIVE IN SEGUIN, TEXAS……..35MILES EAST OF SAN ANTONIO. MY HUSBAND, FRANK, IS CURRENTLY IN (and soon to be released from) A REHAB FACILITY THAT IS NEW AND STATE-OF-ART HERE IN SEGUIN. I APOLOGIZE FOR WRITING SO MUCH. NATURALLY, I’M NOT REALLY EVEN SURE YOU WOULD GET THIS;…………..OBVIOUSLY YOU DID. 

AGAIN, I THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY…..and your precious dog….AND CHERISH YOUR MANY BLESSINGS!
Yvonne Guenther
1225 Jakes Colony Rd
Seguin, TX 78155
EMAIL: yvogue44@gmail.com

can i eat 75% right and get good result.

Try this:
Eliminate ALL simple carbohydrates (honey, corn syrup, sugar).
Eat only single ingredient organic raw food (I had pecans, carrots, and raw cheese for lunch).
Complex non natural chemicals and additives will make it impossible to lose the last 10 lbs of fat.

Thank you so much for all the incredibly informative emails that you so generously send out. I’ve been on the fence about purchasing your program, I feel that there is so much information that it will just be overwhelming for me and I won’t stick with it. My fear is that once I have access I’ll be lost and not be able to implement a plan of attack. I’d love to have some sort of a training partner sort of thing, were you could maybe link up with someone in your area perhaps that has also purchased the program. Just something that came to mind, again THANK YOU for you generosity!
Regards,
Sara

I am taking in everyting you say and it all makes sense.  I couldn’t repeat it all to someone, but it makes sense.  So Is Full Throttle Fat Loss custom enough?

Hi Dr. K,

I am a 59 year old female with fibromyalgia and occasional seizures.  I am having trouble maintaining
my physical balance which is making it REALLY hard to do even the basic exercises.  I have lost 30 lbs with Beyond Diet and have 30 more to lose.  My goal is to get fit and strong enough to be able to be physically active without injury and maintain that condition through my senior years.  Is there a way to adapt your programs to my needs?  I bought FTF, Mission Unbreakable and FTFL’s Posture Solution looking for help. Any suggestions would be really appreciated!   

Dr. K mentioned having difficulty keeping your knees back during lunges as a mobility issue, thats certainly one challenge for me in doing lunges/squats.  I think that when I attempt to pick up speed in these types of movements it becomes even more difficult.  Years of doing them incorrectly has probably resulted in the muscles imbalanced and a strong habit pattern.  I suspect the knee pain I experience is very much related.  Also it was surprising to me to learn that you can and should use your glutes in these exercises – so that is where I am concentrating and I can really tell how weak my glutes are compared to my quads.  but here again it seems I need to perform the movments very slowly in order to get anywhere near correct form and muscle activation.  So aside from working slowly and carefully on these movements until I can perform them correctly is there a better way to proceed? 

I am following your week-by-week program; I have purchased the “10 minutes per day” workouts; and I received the “5-minute per day spiker” workout. Oh yeah, then there is the kettlebell workout. It’s like drinking water from a fire hydrant. Which is the most important?

Mike

Wow, am I confused!  So many internet pages, so many videos!  This is what I have done:
1) Paid $67 for this exercise program
2) printed off week 1 exercises
3) did them to the best of my ability to avoid injury every other day:  have done the exercises 3 times….the A group.  Oh boy, I am not very good! 
My plan,,,,,,,to keep doing week 1 until I can accomplish it…that will be awhile. 
I am 55,  five one and one-half inches tall……105  pounds.  I have walked briskly 30 minutes a day 3-4 times a week for years….I go to the gym and work on the machines 2-3 time a week.

I have been reading how bad the isolated exercises are so decided I needed to do something different.
My challenge:  I have joint pain…..mostly knees, sometime elbows.  I exercise, and I have joint pain for several hours after.  I feel better the next day,,,,,,then the next day is exercise again,,and it starts all over.    Maybe I need to try swimming??????????????????????  Help!!!!!
Karen Bee

I’m a 45-year-old healthy woman (according to recent blood test results & an eval by my physical therapist).  For the past 2 years, I’ve been on a journey toward  building healthy habits, organic eating, & consistent exercise.  Recently, I’ve realized that I need to vary my workouts & eating plan about every 6 weeks, in order to keep my body & mind guessing.  MY WEIGHT HAS NOT ONLY STAYED THE SAME DURING THESE 2 YEARS, BUT IT’S NOW CREEPING UP!  I keep getting advised to just be patient, quit focusing on the weight, & continue the healthy lifestyle.  I’d appreciate anybody’s thoughts or ideas…  

I am a 56 yr old woman with MS and awaiting knee replacement surgery. Therefore I cannot do much involving my left leg and my balance is almost non-existent. I tire easily but find the mornings are better for me. I have been “boxing”, doing partial push-ups, hand squeezes and stomach crunches. My eating habits are healthy but I remain 60 lbs overweight. What more can I do?

Hi Dr K, I was adviced by a dr in a wellness centre to reduce strenuous exercise(eg running, heavy weights) as it is causing cortisol stress response in me, my CRP was high. Hence the reason I am not losing weight but rather gaining belly fat. I was advised to take up yoga or pilates which I don’t enjoy to put it mildly, I’d rather go hard out with weights or run which I hv been doing for some time now.
In fact over the years I hv been eating less, exercising harder but not losing weight. I was also told I possibly had gut inflammation which is preventing nutrient absorption thus no weight loss. I am confused, tried yoga a month, went lactose free but no change. What should I do? Is it true about the cortisol thing and strenuous exercise? I trust you and love yr workouts. I need yr honest opinion.

Why don’t you respond to the questions that are asked?  The answers apply to more than the person making the comment….

Dr. K,

I like your comments and use your advice as it suits my routines.  My trainer is also a DPT, a former lecturer in Physical Therapy at the University of Kiev, served as the trainer for two Prime Ministers in Jerusalem, for starters, and has “retired” to become the trainer for the local Municipal Country Club.  He’s Old School Russian, and, even draws his own exercise diagrams.  That means he often stops to “give advice” when I try your stuff, so . . .  there are times when you have to do what he says.

Otherwise, you have awesome material that helps me, even when I have to use on the sly.

Hi Dr Kareem – my problem is BELLY FAT! I have lost 40 lbs in the last 2 years, and have about 30 more to go- but it is all around my middle. I am a 55 year old woman. I was walking for miles every day and now my legs are skinny, my butt is non-existant, and my arms are skinny, but I have a big, hard belly and back fat. Misery. Can you please advise what to do. I eat a healthy organic diet re Mike’s recommendations, don’t drink, get enough sleep, etc. Thanks.

I liked reading the comments below and just like the previous comment, I too would like to see your responses to the questions so I can see the customization of loosing weight.  It also makes the blog more interactive.

Dr. Kareem.  I used to walk 4 miles a day.  Loved it!  Weight was not an issue then.  Tore my meniscus and had surgery; also had lower back surgery (lamanotomy) 10 years ago.  Everything seems to be weak on the right side.  I’ve gone to PT with limited results.  If I don’t go up a hill now and just walk, my knees don’t hurt as badly.  I didn’t expect this much pain at 56.  Because of fear of pain and hurting myself, I’ve become a slacker and put on 15 pounds.  Menopause was not a friend either!  So I need something where I can strengthen myself so I can be excited about getting out there again.  It is best if I can be outdoors.  I do not do well doing a movement in the same spot and seeing the same thing.  Where would you begin with a problem child like me?  Also, our winters are cold.  I have retired and plan on going to the Y in the winter.  They have lots to do there and maybe a Yoga class would be good????  Ideas?

N.H. in Minnesota

Hi, Karen
I am 52 and also purchased Dr. K program.
I feel that it is the best workout program and schedule I have ever been through.
My advice is to really follow his workout plan. Workout 1A  followed by workout 1b have a light or rest day and repeat. Move on to the following weeks as laid out. You will be surprised at how strong quickly you get. Not only strength comes from his program but the fat melts. As I started I felt like it was hard but I just kept going. The core strength and muscle tone I have gotten is great.  I got my mobility back and can move and do life so much easier now. I was in a static point desiring to get back into movement after I suffered from a bulging disk in my lower back. I could not even think about going to rehab for three months with the pain level I was going through. After rehab for a couple of months I ran into Dr. K program. What a blessing in my life!  I have to say I am fit and encouraged by what he has done for me.

Purchase the program. I can’t imagine anyone being confused by Dr K program . A workout partner is a great plan if you need accountability. If you go to a gym just ask someone to workout with you. Set a good time for each of you and go for it. If not get a friend to come over and do the program. If you want results this program is for you.

Hi Dr K, I have severe respiratory disease which causes my saturations to drop on exertion and I use portable oxygen for exercising. I am limited in my exercise choices, the only ‘cardio’ I can do is the bike.  I am doing squats, lunges (sort of) and bench work but when I try to stack the exercises my oxygen levels drop quickly so I can’t get the intensity I need. I really want to lose my belly fat and be as fit as possible for a lung transplant in the future. I really like your stuff, but wondered if you could suggest some exercises for my situation. Many thanks

Hi Dr Kareem! yesterday I started doing your 5 Day Fat Loss Accellerator Program and I am trying to do the heart rate spiked mini set. These are wonderful series, and I thank you very much for developing them. I had no idea I was so weak!! I can feel the effect of the muscles kicking in by them selves when I am doing ordinary stuff. Amazing effect. I have the highest hopes to you therapy, because it works after I have done the movements themselves. I am a disciple of Isabel.

Eat healthy+ exercise=magic happens.

hey Vera,

It’s great to see you taking action!  …and hearing about your experience so far.  One of the biggest indicators of success is public acknowledgment of your efforts.  We’ll all grow to love you up here – keep it up!

have a great day,

-k

Oh no! Don’t give up.
 Eat healthy, no packaged foods or Mc Ds.
Get on Dr. K program and stick with it. If you want I can help by having you check in with me each day. I use to be overweight and struggling so I know it can be hard to stay motivated. I never want to see anyone give up on good health. It has changed my life so much. A future looks and feels great to me now. I want that for everyone.

hey Annie,

Of course, this is a much better question for your doctor or physical therapist in your area, as they can monitor your levels while you try stuff… that said, cumulative exercise has 90-95% the benefit of doing it all at once. 

Plus, EPOC, or the afterburn effect, takes place when you lack oxygen and build lactic acid.  For you, it sounds like this happens quickly.

The next consideration is getting enough oxygen to your muscles, so you may benefit the most from alternating an exercise and then sedentary diaphragmatic breathing.  In doing so, I’d imagine your endurance goes up.

Hope this helps!

hey there,

I respond all the time – just went out for a couple hours and they pour in quickly.  Don’t worry – you’re in the right place

hey Nell,

You’ve already started – admitting that you need more motivation is step 1.  Step 2 is getting involved in a community like this.  If you don’t love doing exercise that requires you stay in one place, compromise on 5 minutes, just 2x per day.  See how you respond to that.

As for walking, plan it into your day as your top priority.  If you love this, use it as a reward for your hard work or other efforts.  When exercise becomes the reward, it gets easy.

you haven’t bored me at all – so  great to meet you, Yvonne!  And I’m wishing your husband a speedy recovery.  Keep up the great work!

Hey Elizabeth,

So sorry to hear about your breast cancer.  I’m wishing you comfort, love, and joy.

The same types of exercises, but you don’t have to spike your heart rate as much.  However, it’ll really help to go over everything with a Physical Therapist in your area at some point, as exercising with cancer has certain precautions, like bone density and other things.  You’ll just want to make sure you’re safe, ok?

To add on to Dii503
Make sure your thyroid is working properly.
Eat to nourish your adrenal glands which in turn affects  your  thyroid.
Womentowomen.com is a great site to learn about this kind of eating. 

Hi Dr. K, I used to be a very fit person, I was a sprinter 100m,200m I used to find and other distances hard. After giving birth to my children I am finding it hard to lose weight and I have grown a belly flap/overlap below my belly button after taking a year without exercising. I have gone back to play fieldhockey and found that I cannot do quick turns e.g if I was running forward and the ball is passed behind me, and I could get it if I can break and head back. I always feel that my brain tells me to do it but my body doesnot respond to it. I have lost speed due to the weight am carrying. Also any exercises to do to strength my leg ( The opponent worked my calcaneum area)

Hi Kareem, I have a crazy problem. I am 54 yrs old  - female – and overweight, but with mostly abdominal fat and I seriously need to lose it – for many reasons. I am in basically good health. 
The problem is this – lack of motivation for the ridiculous reason that I don’t want to lose fat on my face and look ten years older with saggy face skin and neck. Yes – the idea of being fitter and stronger for all the right reasons is appealing, but less appealing than looking like I am carrying a “face-sack” when I have lost the about 10-15kgs that needs to go. 
What do you think of this??? 
How does your programme address this issue – I am surely not the first. 
Thanks, Zan

You know I have asked you for help about three times now. Below is my comment from musicmom48. 
I have also been to the abguidesupport and asked for help there also. You seem to busy to help me. 
I hope others on your program are getting what they need from you because I sure am not.

Hi Kareem.
The day after I decided to purchase Full Throttle Fat Loss I turned my ankle walking through the desert of where I am deployed on my way into work. Needless to say, I havn’t been able to walk normally much less think about doing any excercise program other than getting to and from work in one piece and making sure I do not damage my ligaments further. I am back to walking and wore my boots today for the first time since Last Thursday morning, but I have lost strength and flexibility and I know I am still compensating, which makes all sorts of other muscles that I forgot I even had sore and I have been very fatigued. So much for being even on both sides of my body! LOL. I guess I am just frustrated. I was so excited about starting something new and then to have a roadblock placed in the way is sort of devistating. I haven’t even looked at the weekly excercises in the program as I didn’t want to see what I was missing out on. Now I do not know how to get re-motivated, and I definitely do not want to re-injure. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Thanks,
Karen

yes,  everything you say makes sense.  I’m not sure how you can make an assessment remotely…maybe skype?? 

I know I must need something unique as I exercise ALOT and do use all the advise on the diet issues and still have all my fat around the middle.  the rest of the body is good. 

I would love a customized plan

That was a phenomenal little video, I just turned 40 at the beginning of this month, I am currently training every day and I am really good shape, I  do Yoga  4-5 times, play basketball 2-3 times a week, do resistance trainning 3-4 times a week for about 30 minutes really intense back to back excercises and I eat really well, I  want to get to 6-8% body fat. I really enjoyed the factual information that you give about lactic acid build up, the mobility and flexibility importance. I have a small discomfort on my lower back and I have been noticing that my hip flexor(Right side) it’s always hurting me and now even the lower abs on my right side as well. what could you recommend to heal it.
and number two, do you think  I should have the same approach of a male that is 10 yrs younger than me, I really feel in phenomenal shape. I am at 14% body fat and as I said I want to go to 6-8%  and the last one, what percentage body fat do you think is healthy and low enough to show your abs?
I am 6’1″  and weight about 214 lbs
I would like to find out my percentage and ratio of slow twitch and fast twitch muscles, how do I go about that?

Best Regards 
Diamond in the Rough 

How can some of your pushup exercises be modified for someone with thumb/wrist arthritis.  I had basilar joint arthroplasty 7 months ago and I have a difficult time doing any sort of heavy weight bearing exerdise directly on my wrist.  Any suggestions for modifications?  So far I’ve used the wall, standing approximately 2 feet away from the wall.  Thanks very much for everything.  I LOVE your program!

I have started the five day fat loss program and it is going well!  I thank you for the science behind these workouts, it really helps me to visualize what is happening when I workout!  My question is:  How can I strengthen and protect my knees?  My left one is really tight and causes me pain when I bend it and now my right knee is starting to hurt!  I really try to make sure my form is good on squats and lunges too, but is there anything else I can do to help this problem?  Thanks so much!

 Love the 5 mini exercise routing, feels like it’s making a difference already!   About the video it says 3x a week.   In video it says everyday….which is best?  

I have started the 14 Day program.  Yesterday I finally succeeded with the push ups on the floor!  I appreciate the videos and tips to modify exercises.  I was able to work up to the floor exercise by doing pushups against the wall and then a lower surface.  I am concentrating on learning the proper form for the various exercises.  I know I need to pick up the speed also.  I ordered the muscle balancing program and flexibility program.  How do I access those modules?  Thanks

So excited to hear you’ve gotten started!  You’re very welcome

You’ve got the right idea – form first, then take it away!

Just contact support if you didn’t receive those links:

http://DrKareem.com/support

(since I saw this, I’ll ask them to contact you, but contacting support is best in the future for this type of stuff, please)

Hi Dr. K,
I really appreciate all the education.  I was doing DEFL for about two weeks then switched to FTFL and am in week 1.  I have a question about muscle balancing.  It’s the season for splitting and stacking wood around here.  I can already tell a difference in my bending and reaching but what exercises would help with shoulders, elbows, and wrists for overuse and right-handed imbalance.  Thanks.
Julia

Hey Dr. K.  You want a challenge …here you go.  I haven’t changed at all since I met you in Tampa Florida in January of 2010, despite doing Final Phase Fat Loss; DEFL (Which I adore and believe in) and host of other things, including the program that I lost the initial 50 # on through Fast Track to Fat Loss.  I know the issue is me and I am guessing it is in my nutrition somehow, but here goes.

I had my metabolic testing done in the New Leaf System;  It tells me my VO2 max is well above average (I am 58).  My Aerobic base starts at 92 and my Anaerobic Threshold is 112 (for fat burning).  My RMR is 1690 calories + exercise.  I usually burn 4000 – 4500 calories a week exercising between weightlifting (DEFL or other) and cardio ( A mix of slow to fast HIIT intervals). 

I consume between 1800 and 2200 calroies a day, mostly protein shakes, vegetables, and lean protein.  I eat very little processed foods and few sugars.  I supplement with Omega 3; Vitamin D3; CLA; Prograde Amino Acids and Athletic Greens.  Why do I remain at 22% BF?  I have been here forever no matter what I do, what I change, or what I try.  Motivation is not an issue … hard workouts in the gym 6 days a week (some weights and some cardio … I even do double cardio a couple time s a week).  I drink mostly water, have virtually cut all alcohol out of my life and haven’t had a soda (diet or regular) in 6 months.

I am in great shape for a guy my age and I feel good with a ton of energy, but I want to be below 15% body fat, shed the love handles and tighten the gut.  I don’t think I am seeking anything impossible or unrealistic.  What am I failing to do?

Hi Dr K,

I am 43, 5 ft 6 1/2 in, 183 lbs. I have been working out in a gym for the last 17 years with someone who used to be National trainer for French fencing teams for 12 years. So I’ve been in good hands and I am quite fit. However, it is really easy for me to put on weight and not so easy to loose it. I would like to loose 10 pounds or so.
So I decided to try FTFL… I have done week 1 so far, found it a good challenge but also had a small strain of the muscle inside my right thight, I think from the pivot squat so I think I will replace that with the side step squat for a while. 
I also like to work on my bench pressing records (65KG in July 2009) so I have decided to do your program Sunday (A) Monday (B, plus my biceps, triceps, pecs and benchpressing exercises), Wednesday my regular workout, modified to include some of your stuff, then Thursday (A) and Friday (B, plus my biceps, triceps, pecs and benchpressing exercises), Tuesday and Saturday are my days off. I used to workout 3 times a week and frankly, that’s enough in general with my lifestyle. (4 kids and many things going on).
Anything you can send my way to help me burn fat more effectively while not spending more time working out will be greatly appreciated…

Sonia Weyers.

It was a wonderful presentation, a lot new way to think and motivate ourselves to get involved, Please tell me how much of Yoga (Breathing and stretching) exercises help in the exercises.

Dr K,  started 14 day fat loss.  Exercises were tough and my body complained everyday but I have progressed.  I did not feel well on such low carb diet so I had to modify.   I have taken advantage of trial Platinum and am reading through all the materials in the program.  Wow!   There is so much to learn and understand but I am loving it.  I would like to know more about customization, since I am having trouble breaking through some pain I am experiencing and fat loss plateau.    I really believe this is the program I need and will continue to study the materials so that I can diagnose and help myself as much as possible.   I intend to invest in your other programs when I have digested all of FTFL since I see their value in tying all of this together.
Also, do you have a certification program? 

Thankyou   Jill

Hey Mark,
My name is Mark too.  One thing you might try is to rest a day between workouts… I was stuck for a long time too and I found that I was over training… weird thought but you might want to check it out…

when you talk about holding the stretch (tipping you toes) not being good for you, can you explain.  I have found lately that I am very stiff.

Hi Dr K, had started doing your mini spike every morning for the past 3 wks + 5 min exercises at night,and have only just added the medicine ball routine it all seems to be going well not sure if iam losing fat thow but can finally feel my stomach getting tighter.The only thing is i am having a lot of problem keeping balance doing rev lunge with spider twist i think you call it,(I have a lower back  and neck injury).I also do a workout at a gym 3 times a wk press ups, side planks, step ups with curl with dumbbells, romanian deadlifts and so on.What would you recommend to do next to take me to the next level.I DO FEEL YOUR EXERCISES ARE WORKING BETTER than others i have tried manly weight work, looking forward to your reply

For someone who has only been working out for a couple of months, wants to lose 10 lbs. What is the best routine of yours to begin with? I’m 52 and 5’1″. I weigh about 130. I don’t have a scale. I go by my waistline, what pants fit what pants don’t. Any suggestions would be appreciated! I’m already doing interval training on treadmill. Thank you so much! Keep up the good work!   Susan

I drink plenty of water and green tea everyday . I ‘m now eating breakfat every morning befoe I leave . I switched  to chili power for my seasoning instead of just plain old season I still used the season salt when I cook. I now baked all of my meat in the oven instead of frying them on the stove. I even eat greek yogurt now and I NEVER liked yogurt  at all. I also eat veagetables now like brocoill, corn and sometime green bean. I can remember the last time I ate a piece of bread I don’t even buy it anymore. Please tell me what I am doing wrong I would greatly appreciated                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                    Sincerely, Monique

Hi K, you are motivation itself.  thanks for the info.  i am doing your suggested squats, sumo walk etc in my 20 min interval training routine.  i have to tell you for someone who is plagued with shoulder and chronic knee (ACL reconstruction) i am doing GREAT.  its all about challenging your OWN body. – for me without  injuring myself.  Keep up the great work i am very inspired. how good is this a personal trainer in Mexico training an Aussie girl in the outback!  Don’t you just love that!! Cathie

I am 64 y/o female. I did the hcg diet 18 mos ago & lost some muscle & bone but have maintained my 40 # weight loss. I power walk 3 x weekly on my 3-day weekends & do core exercised with a ball. I have mostly eliminated sugar & simple starch from my diet but do give myself treats. Wine is my downfall My issue now is: my lower body is starting to return to it’s former shape–esp in the thigh area. How do I streamline my upper legs without doing the ketosis routine?  Carol 

I don’t want all these comments going to my email…….how do I stop them??????
Karen Bee

Hi I am 56 years old and have a lot of trouble losing weight. I have started walking most days and have had a look at lots of these programs, but most of them involve doing squats. I have had both my knees operated on and my right knee especially is not great. It is quite difficult for me to do squats without pain. What else can I do? As most of my weight is carried on my backside and legs, I need to do something other than walking but what can I do that doesn’t involve deep lunges and squats. 

Dr K
I am 55 years old and have always been over weight.  However, I have always physically active. My passion was road cycling until a major accident resulting in a compound fracture of my tib/fib. I now do spin classes 4-5 days a week. I was doing weight training 3 days a week until starting your program. My resting heart rate (usually over night) is around 38 bpm. My heart rate recovery is very good. No idea about bp response. I started Isabel D’s natural food program in January and went from 235 lbs to 192 lbs. While I have noticed positive changes to my physique since starting your program, I have hit a plateau and can’t get over the hump.
Bill C
PS would really like to hear responses from your support desk.

What are the differences between the latest program “Full Throttle Fat Loss” and the earlier “Double Edged Fat Loss”?

Hello Dr K

I am 46 years of age weighing around 73kgs and height is 5′ 2 . I have been gymming for the past three years and my gymming routinue includes 15 minutes of tread mill walk, 15 minutes of cross trainer, 15 minutes of stepper with dumbells in my hands and the rest 15 minutes of vascular exercises on almost 4-5 days in a week. I have yet to get rid of fat on my tummy which is taking a long time to go. I have recently started doing exercise with big ball on the floor to strengthen my ab muscles. Can you please suggest anything to fasten the fat losing process?

today I increased my reps from 10 to 15 per set thou I am still on the first set I think I workout a lot better starting on week one of lift hard play hard for the second time. I also do double edge fat loss workout twice per week and the other two workouts I do lift hard play hard also in the same week mix and match so not doing the same thing through the week. Next I have started in inner circle on the double edge fat loss yesterday as I am mixed up I started with new web page under new handle

Can you give us some ideas of exercises to do to test how Mobile/ Flexible we are.  And how to work out if we need to work on aerobic or anaerobic?? Most of what you talked about made sense. I just want to know how to test myself to work out what I need to focus on first/most. Thanks for your great advice. Still need more motivation but I’m certainly getting there.

One are that I have not seen or heard addressed in any fitness area is
the impact of environment on training. Here in Oman, the natural
environment varies from 35C to 48C and normally around 80/90% humidity.

At home in New Zealand I would be in 15C to 22C and about 50/60%humidity.

How should be adjust our programmes based on environmental factors????

Hi there I follow you closely from the U.K and I am particularly interested in nutrition as well as fitness as I know they go hand in hand. However, a lot of the advice I get from you and Mike Geary is aimed at meat eaters, I eat fish but do not eat meat including chicken can you provide me with alternatives please?  I do want to reduce my body fat %, I have a pretty good diet but its a challenge to find the best products within a budget. Thanks Anna, Birmingham, UK

Being a woman in my 40′s I’ve noticed the  common weak areas are of course stubborn belly fat, and this IS addressed by many Fitnesse Experts, along with butt and thighs. But I’ve noticed one main concern rarely addressed is the backs of the arms.  We don’t really pay attention to this area until it is at a point where it has become extremely noticeable. Do you have an exercise for this problem area ? I’ve heard that alot of women resort to surgery.  

I think it has hit the nail on the head, as I just had a  knee arthroscope and a lot of the exercises are hard which means my weight loss is slowing

cant hear the video. It is not my volume.

I think two things generally hold me back: commitment to push through pain (e.g. feeling uncomfortable when breathing heavy) and not sticking to the one program in its entirety.  So progression and sticking with a program.  Oh and not seeing results quick enough.  That’s disheartening. 

I am a 55 year old woman who has completed menopause. I have been exercising for more than 30 years. It is becoming very difficult to keep the weight off. I eat less than than 1200 good calories. When I do have something “bad”, I gain weight. By the way, “bad” can mean a glass of wine. I do carry weight in my hips, thighs and recently in my stomach. I am of average weight and I am 5’2. I wear a heart rate monitor when I workout (6 times a week) and average burning 450 calories per hour. What is my problem?

Totally awesome, why aren’t more people talking about this stuff? No wonder people have trouble losing weight and just give up! My husband has joint and pain problems and always uses this as an excuse not to exercise, my friend is 130kg and cannot do exercises on the floor as she cannot get up again, you may just be the person(s) to help them.

Hi I’m in my early 20′s have been overweight since I was about 16 and moved down south, everytume I get off track I gain whatever I lost back within a week or two. I have PCOS, which contributes to not staying motivated because weight is super hard to get off when you have that and I’m at high risk for diabetes my father died of it at 31 and all his siblings had it have it. Help!!!

I bought your program and am having trouble getting any help…the password and username you sent do not work…I;ve sent 8 emails to your support people and to your own email…I’;m very frustrated as i want to get going on this program…I have no access , and clickbank sends same old email everytime…no one must read them..i’ve paid my money and now feel completely frustrated,,,there is no phone number or other contact …’d like to talk to a human….whats up and what do i do next     Holly

Wow – you’re doing it!  I’m loving your comments and questions – please keep them coming – I’ll be answering them in future posts, since they are so good.

Also, if you are able to comment for someone else, please do.  Let’s start a community.  It’s all about interaction.  The more I see you participate, the more personal attention I intend to give you.

You’re awesome.

My situation is…as a woman I build muscle very easily. I burnout very quickly. Muscles stay pumped a loooong time. It seems I recover slow.  tried interval training w/ body weight training, start building muscle, pants get tight in thigh area, then I get confused disgusted, and quit. I love being active, but hate building bulky muscle. I want to be fit, strong lean and defined. I have been at this along time. Extremeley discouraged.

I too am considering canceling. I appreciate your expertise, however the whole program is very complicated and time consuming as far as the computer issues. HELP!

hey Karen and Holly,

I just forwarded your comments to our Support team – they’ll be in contact soon.  Sorry you had trouble getting a hold of us, and I appreciate you using the blog comments as an absolute last resort.  This is the best way:

http://DrKareem.com/support <— technical issue now resolved.

We'll be in touch.  Thanks so much for your patience, trust, and loyalty.

It's easy to get started.   Just download the quickstart guide and go to week 1 workouts once you get in.  Thanks!

hey Karen,

Did you have a chance to check out this section of FTFL yet?  I actually address this point, entirely…. but if you’re still having trouble, you’ll love the next video. 

It’s all about program customization – a few minor tweaks will fix this for you

Great video Dr. K. Thank you. My problem is not necessarily working out, my problem is what to eat? I have some severe sensitivities to foods, which one is WHEAT, and I JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT TO EAT! This is why I start a program and then quit, because either there is NO eating program or the eating program has all kinds of items in it that you can’t get at Wal Mart or Kroger or HEB or any other  regular grocery store. I need a simple eating program that doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. I do not see anywhere in your program an eating program…and I believe that is the main problem with most people. On your 14 day fat loss program we are not supposed to have any carbs at first…how do I do that? What do I eat then…nothing but meat…lol? I am a visual person who does well with menus showing me what I need to eat. I know there are a lot of others out there as well who are like this. What do you recommend? I do not presently have a job and cannot go and buy hundreds of dollars worth of stuff. I just desperately need help because I keep gaining weight and now at 213 lbs. I am miserable and have lots of pain in my back and joints..probably due to inflammation from having to eat what I am sensitive to…but right now I have no choice. I truly am not complaining about your workout programs..they are great…I am just trying to find what will actually work for me.

Hi Holly,Apologies for the inconvenience, this is Trishia from Dr K’s support, we have been replying to your emails, but it seems they are not getting through to you, and most probably the notification for the reply was sent in your SPAM/BULK folder. Please check the ticket status before creating a new one. HBC-224-30746 ANC-191-70006 MPV-260-19792 CYS-563-90976 and the most recent one I just created ARZ-904-30977Please contact us directly through our support for further questions at http://drkareem.com/support/

Hi, Kareem- you make so much sense! But I am 75, not obese (5’4”, 120 lbs) but 29% body fat. Yes, belly and thighs. Osteoarthritis is the thing; pushups and planks hurt my shoulders,wrists, and/or hands. Squats and lunges, unless I’m very careful, hurt my knees. How can I adapt your program for this grandma?

Part of my problem is I’ve had lumbar fusion and the Dr. told me to avoid bending & twisting.  Also, I have a right wrist injury that prevents me from supporting any body weight on it.  Please help me to lose this increasing waistline (I eat very healthy and walk 45 min. briskly 4 times a week also)

I am a 51 year old female and find your warm up way too intense.  Any suggestions?

I’m a 46 year old female, Have been doing your 5 Day Fat Loss Acceleration Plan. I think its working, I started at 170lbs and I’m down 167.4 this morning, Just wanted to thank you. And so glad I found you on The fat loss. =) 

Congratulations Anne!  Stoked for you – keep up the great work

(you just made my day)

Yep – thanks for the heads up – you see, “warm ups” are being used for a different purpose here, but there’s no need to exhaust yourself if you’re just trying to get through the workout. 

Here’s what you do:

Do 5-7 minutes of your warm up, then do the workout.  If you have time at the end, do as much as you can to finish the rest of your interval training from your warm up.

Make sense?
 

Hey BJ,

We’ll be talking much more about program customization soon.  Thanks for bringing this up.  Ultimately, you have to understand your body to know how to choose exercises.  Working around injuries is just part of the process… anything you can do that is pain-free, and looks remotely like the same muscle groups, is a good idea. 

Even if you have to exercise away from your injury altogether, you’re much more likely to heal quickly.  More to come, but great point.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope this helps you

hey Diane,

You’re very welcome – thanks for your kind words

Well, how about working on joint stability as something separate from your exercises?  In other words, dedicating some time each day to do the weight-bearing portion of an exercise without the aggressive movement?  Or substituting out the push up and just holding a straight-arm plank on your fists or the perfect push up devices, a dumbbell, or something else that keeps your wrist straight?

Make sense?  Now, we’re getting at something that may work… more to come on this soon, but excellent question.

Hope this helps!

have a great day,

-k
 

hey Marla,

That’s a great question!

Actually, since I’m not the expert on meals, I usually refer this out to Dave Ruel:  http://budurl.com/MetabolicCooking

I find his recipes to be practical, healthy, and awesome.  I think you’ll find a lot of useful recipes there. 

In the interest of full disclosure, the links I pass out to other programs are generally affiliate links.  This is because I can get you special discounts when you go through my link, and it’s always nice to have a little extra income if you’re going to buy it anyway.  That said, I’d never recommend something to you that I don’t fully believe in… not to mention, I get you great deals

So, just wanted to be straight up with you on that, but Dave’s recipes are outstanding.  He’s come to be a personal friend in the last couple of years, and he’s the best I’ve found in the department of fat loss cooking and having a variety of choices for otherwise boring dietary choices. 

I also really like http://budurl.com/FatMeltingKitchen, co-written by Mike Geary, but some of his ingredients are hard to find.  That said, it’s the best there is for creating a healthy kitchen that has great-tasting foods. 

Hope this helps!

have a great day,

Kareem

I followed Isaelle’s program ” The Diet Solution ” along with some simple exercises I put together from programs and achieved my 30 lbs. weight loss in 3 months. I purchased your program ” Double Edged Fat Loss ” about six weeks ago. The upper body is slowly gaining strength but the small roll left around my waist is proving very difficult to get rid off. I have maintained the weight for four months now and my core is steadily improving in strength. I manage to do a mixture of your super sets using light weights and some ball exercises. The last few inches are difficult and cash is short as is time  do you have any suggestions.

Terry ( Newfoundland, Canada )

I am highly motivated but am a 59 year old female injured in a car accident decades ago. I have 30 pound to lose, disk problems in my neck and lower spine, worn facet joints in the lower spine, arthritis in the spine, hands and knees, hammer toes on the right foot and a bunion on the left foot. I tried doing the first week workout 1, 5 days ago, and tried most exercises at least once. I thought I had been careful, doing maybe 20 % of the workout (timewise). Yet the first few days after, I had to resort to Advil to get around. What do you suggest for my next attempt? Thanks, your knowledge and caring shine through.

Hello Just a quick virtual ‘check up’ to know if there’s anything I should do/pay attention to in your programme to ensure long-term success for my particular physical condition (I’m a 32 year old woman):

- Ligament laxity:
Apart from good flexibilty, I’ve experienced a few funny episodes – About 20 years ago: I was so skinny, my doctor asked me not to chew on anything (only liquids) so my jaws wouldn’t dislocate…  About 10 years ago, I couldn’t lift my right arm passed 90 degrees, and was prescribed exercices by my then doctor who again feared dislocation… My shoulder still feels funny at times and I avoid sleeping on it… – As a kid, my physiotherapist would also argue that one of my shoulders is higher and that I have scoliosis but my orthopedist would disagree. In general, my back is on the weaker side - after a group workout, I may pay the ‘wrong moves’ later with a sudden back pain that will leave me on the floor. I’ve also sometimes noticed a ’cracking’ feeling in my shoulder joints and neck since I started some of your exercices - maybe a positive sign that something is working??  

- sickle cell trait :
I noticeably run out of oxygen faster than others who don’t work out more than I do, though it seems to get better with time.

- laziness:
I’m new to working out altogether – about 2 months now of trying out different routines. Though I enjoy the positive outcomes, I can’t do this all my life! But in the ‘What to never eat after a workout’ gift manual (page 11), it says that the more we get fit the longer we need to work out to be able to burn the same amount of carbs… Should I start working out less from now?

Not sure if I sound like a grandma or hyponchondriac now (maybe both ) but thank you for your thoughts if any on any of the above, and congradulations on your amazing approach altogether to help us…

Thank you for sharing this. I hadn’t thought about how my body is purposely weakening an area in order to protect it. I was working it hoping to strengthen it and get rid of the pain – both left hip and shoulder. As long as I exercise every day, the pain isn’t too bad. If I rest it for a day, the next day I pay for it and have to take pain med. Looking forward to more insight and ideas.

Hey you guys with pain issues!!  I was having pain  in my right shoulder and neck and also weakness in lft hip and leg after doing 14 day workouts for 8 days .    While studying all the materials I received I went into the ” Extra Tools and Resources.    EXCELLENT!! videos of live  diagnosis of  upper and lower body misalignment and pain sources.  Also discusses why some muscles grow easily and others are very hard to develop.   Perfect illustrations of turning muscles “off” and “on”.   
     Through it I really “get” that you must begin with the very foundation of your body to understand the mechanics of why you are not making progress.  Very exciting stuff!.
   Anyway, I did some of the “tests” on myself and did some of the exercises prescribed for helping the misalignment and I swear I was out of pain right after and I felt more balanced.  Like I could exercise again.   Simple exercises to turn muscles off and on and realign you.  I AM SO EXCITED by this stuff!      I want more of this.
    It helped me.  Anyone else see these vids?         Jill

HI DR. K I AM A 48 YO FEMALE THAT HAS LOTS OF HEALTH ISSUES BUT IS TIRED OF BEING SO OUT OF SHAPE. I AM HAVING SUCH A HARD TIME GETTING THRU ALL THE EXERCISES AAND EACH DAY SEAMS TO GET HARDER INSTEAD OF EASIER.  BUT I AM ONLY EATING 1000 CAL ADAY  WHICH IS NORMAL AND EXERCISING AND I AM NOT GETTING ANYWHERE. I WORK OUT ABOUT 20 MIN AND THAN MY BP IS TOO LOW THAT I PASSS OUT OR I JUST CANT DO NOMORE. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO DIFFERENT

Hi Dr K thanks for the info above it is just the sort of things I have wondered about over the last couple of weeks.  I have noticed that I have developed strongly in some movements and not in others and i’m not sure if customising my workout myself is the right thing to do.  Should I do more reps of the movements I find easy? Also i’m 33 and have had 4 children is it “normal” to wake with aching joints in the morning at my age?or is it just the weight that I still have to lose causing stress on my joints. Thanks again Michelle  

Frequently, I do not get signals from my body to stop until it is too late. It is only the next day or even 48 hours later that I have soreness–way too late to stop whatever I was doing that built up the lactic acid or even resulted in injury, large or small. What are some VERY EARLY signals that I may not be noticing to slow down/stop, to decrease repetitions?

Can you address “knees” very specifically? I have had meniscus injuries to both knees–one injury was “cleaned up” surgically, and the other knee was NOT. (In the meantime, I have also developed arthritic changes in both knees.) Are there things I should NOT EVER do?  Is it realistic to ever get to a completely pain-free state?  Is it just a matter or finding the right pain meds and taking them for the rest of my life (ugh!)?  Knee wraps/braces? Physical therapy on the side? Or??? My sport of choice is martial arts. I do fine in the do jang for an hour or two. But when it comes to simply walking the dog, I am limiting my walking quite a bit. (My dog would like you to recommend that we walk
more/longer . . . ) 

I have been doing alot of reading of all the information that I have gotten over the last couple of weeks and everybody is talking about protien drinks and how you are to drink them after a work out and how you will lose more weight faster . I am a person that has tons of allergies and are not allowed alot of the foods that I am suppose to eat . I don’t eat much to begin with but my body is not a happy one. what am I to do???

well first of all thanks a lot  and more power to you Dr. Kareem, im enjoying doing the excercises you’ve  suggestive, i hope it works for me… To tell the truth, i am not an overweight neither fat but i have this fat belly after pregnancy, so i wonder if you can show me an excercise especially to flatten my belly. 

Dr. K: I have 82 years that my Lord Jesus has kept me going. My sports activities and my military experience…in combat, too, has left me with two metal hips and metal rods in my neck. These are both fairly restrictive of what I’ve been able to do.  I’ve been trying to exercise …really more for flexibility than anything else. I was wondering if you could tailor an exercise routine for me to more gradually improve what I’m doing. I try to control what I eat, yet I’ve not yet reduced my wasistline. Can you help with some insights?

Hi,
I started doing your workouts three weeks ago, I have dropped a pants size but I actually put on a couple of pounds. My lower back is getting better. I injured it ten years ago, a chiropractor helped me a lot but I guess my core just really needs to get a lot stronger still. My right shoulder is hurting some – joint not muscle. I am amazed at the lack of endurance I have. Another cool thing is I actually ran with my dog in the yard this week! My back has hurt so much in the past few years that after a few steps I always quit running – what a joy to realize that I had gone like 40 or 50 yards!
Keep it coming!
Thanks!

Hi Dr. K,
1st I completely agree with your visualization approach, engaging the 5 senses as much as possible.  Certainly motivation is a BIG issue for me at this point and I’m finding it helpful to do these exercises and think about why its important to me to begin training at this type of high intensity.  I had an idea along this line that I’m going to try, and just want to share it here in case anyone else might be interested in doing it – I’m going to buy something to wear that could fit me in say, two months, if I stick with the program.  It doesn’t have to be expensive, but must be something I like and can look forward to wearing.  Next step, observe everything about the item, texture and smell of the fabric, sounds that the zippers or clips make, color, whatever else.  From there I bet I can make very vivid visualizations as to how it would feel when I’m wearing it and it fits perfectly, how I would feel about wearing it, etc.  I think also that the act of purchasing it and the commitment that entails could add to the power of the visualization. 

2nd one of my big concerns is DOMS which has derailed me on recent previous attempts at exercise.  I have always gotten to a certain point where as I ramp up the intensity I get to where the soreness is such that I can barely walk and if I continue to exercise gets progressively worse.  This is definitely separate from joint pain but very painful. I think my age (56) has something to do with it.  So far so good here with the FTFL program but I am taking it slowly to start.  I’m hoping that by concentrating on learning and using proper form as you are emphasizing that the DOMS will at least be mitigated (since some of it may have been coming from incorrect form I’m guessing).  You have also mentioned using muscle contractions in a way to pump the lactic acid out of the muscles.  I assume this is part of the cooldown routine, is that correct?  But I don’t think lactic acid build up is all there is to it.  So I want to ask, what all can I do to minimize DOMS?  Is sleep quantity or quality an issue here?

Hey thanks so much for your support, I feel soooo much better. you’ll laugh i don’t have time to exercise so i put the sqwats and rear lunges into practice whilst mopping out kennels lol. I can bend and stretch firming stomach muscles whilst changing water bowls. I can make everyday movements an exercise to gain maximum results without stopping to exercise. really enjoy my work now too although the dogs laugh at me. I have more energy and a more positive outlook, i now have a better understanding of the why it works. My friends cannot beleive it either. Thank you Dr Kareem

Also to add to last comment i find i can keep my stirrups better whilst riding my horse due to strenthening my muscles in my buttocks and thighs (sqwats). I find i am more central in the saddle and can keep my legs in a more secure position. I had not realise how weak i had become until i found the solution. Also with my stomach muscles stronger the breaks work better, i am able to keep my position even when Fly bolts (goes faster than i intended) lol

Hi Dr K,
in the work outs for FTFL you give workout A and workout B- call me stupid but do we do both workouts-or either one. 
Sue

Hi Dr K, 
I honestly don’t know where to start to lose weight because I always tried diets and I go to the gym every day and I still weigh the same way and I don’t like my stomach..I want to lose at least ten- fifteen but I cant even do that. Bit i also want to first start off at a reasonable goal like a five pounds in a month. Eve been going to the gym for one year straight and its bothering me because I haven’t loss anything. I go to a weight class,tae box and zumba and i sweat a lot. Maybe it is the foods that i am eating but i try to hard but sometimes it is so tempting. Plus i have health problems so its very hard also. I am just ready to try something new to help me lose the weight. 

Hi Dr K,
I am 63 year old i lost 14 kilos and go to the gym 4 times a week my waist is getting smaller but not my stomach i have a knee problem i need an op but i dont want to do it at my age what do you suggest please

I walk every day.
I watch what I eat and I still do not lose weight
I do have high blood pressure
I have tried all kinds of diets and I owe several work out videos
I have follow 1o minute trainer and slim in 6 and the weight does not come off
I would like to shed 3o pounds of fat and yet I feel hopless.
Thank you for any help or suggestions you can offer.
Darlene

I have just started the program but found out that I need to be on the road for the next three weeks and obviously cant take a fit ball with me.
What are the best exercises to do whilst away?
Cate

I’m so greatful for all the knowledge you have with our health. I recently bought your program about 2 weeks ago and still have not started any of the exercises. One reason is I feel intimidated doing it, and I might do it wrong and hurt myself. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2009, stage 3, & till today I have some side effect due to the chemo treatments, like: numbness in my fingers and toes, achy bones, and lowerback pain, (found out I have arthritis),  had a Mastectomy, and limited movement on the left side. But in all I can say the Lord is good and good all the time. I Thank God for Healing me and keeping me too. I thank the Lord for finding  your program through, Isabel - and Rob Poulos… it’s so Awesome. I do need more motivation, and courage to continue this walk especially when it comes to me. I’m a single parent with 4 chilren, 2 in Elementary and 2 in College so they come first. Me, well I just do what I have to to take care of my children. Hope I’m not wasting your time, please forgive me for talking to much… lol… I do want to look and feel better about myself, I have alot to say but for now, I hope I can “GET STARTED” and keep it up with my busy schedule. Can’t wait to hear from you, thank you again for your time and attention to this very long “comment” Take care and have a Blessed day, to you and your family, Lydia Butler – Hawai’i

I am 78 years old, have had a stroke with minimum residual damage  - balance and some memory loss.  I have years of bad posture plus damage from osteoporosis.  Recently I was told I have spondylolisthesis which doesn’t cause back pain but has caused trouble in the hamstrings in my left leg.  I do about 20 minutes of stretches etc. every morning which keep me going.  My husband and I go to a riverwalk (warmer water with a current that you can go with or against) three days as week for about 45 minutes.  Other days I walk about 30 minutes (and hope to increase that in time.)  My biggest problem in exercising is that I have no cartilage left in either shoulder.  The left shoulder has been replace but not the right one yet.  Any upper body exercise is difficult and can be painful.

Suggestions?

i wants loose some weight because my blood glucose goes high. please suggest me which would be good excercise to me . Thanks

I’ve always had a high resting heart rate – 85 – 90.  Are their some dos and don’t for someone exercising that has this high resting heart rate?  Thanks.
Nicolina

Thank you for the customization videos, very helpful.  I have had the program for about 2 wks now, enjoying implementing this into my life, even though it is somewhat overwhelming at times.  I noticed the past 2 days that I am experiencing some neck and upper back discomfort and am not sure if and what I am doing wrong w/some of my exercises.  I have noticed that I have really tight neck muscles after doing some of the plank on ball and side to side plank movements, maybe I’m doing them wrong or maybe i shoudn’t do them right now until I strenthen in this area.    Any suggestions?  Also I declare Bible scriptures over myself as my positive affirmations, have for yrs, the positive affirmations is a great thing.  Thanks for this encouragement.  Pam

Hi Dr.K Im not sure if you actually read all these comments, but I dont know how else to get hold of you. Im a trainer from South Africa, and purchased your full throttle fat loss program $1 trial version in order to assist me with my clients. Well the database was difficult to work through to say the least, and decided it wasn’t for me. I then tried to contact you or your support or whoever, but got no reply and then was billed the full $400 odd. This to me is pretty unfair seen as I did not even make use of the program. If you could contact me regarding a refund, my email is vorster.derick@gmail.com
p.s. Im not one of those shifty guyz tryna get the most of your program for $1, (you billed me anyway for not even using it) I have actaully purchased a number of Nick Nilsson’s downloadable easy-to-use workout programs and they are great.
Derick

can not loose my stubborn belly fat .i am excercing on a daily basis (cardio-aerobic )with no results; need your advice to achieve my goal of loosing my belly fat

I tried to respond – leave a comment – but no luck

Hi Derick

This is Trishia, one of Dr K’s CSR. We checked in the system and we couldn’t trace your order information with the email address you used to reply on this blog, if you could Please contact http://drkareem.com/support/ with your purchase information/receipt receive from the charge to further investigate the problem since presently Dr K has no program offered at $400 you mentioned. Again please contact http://drkareem.com/support/ for program purchased inquiries. We appreciate your patience and understanding on the matter.

I have tried to download my Extreme program also, and I am unable to do this.
I have paid for it plus the extra things too.  Can you help me with this.
Mahlentwins@hotmail.com

The reason I tried you was because I hit a brick wall with the Fat Burning Furnace. I love the concepts you put down, but my 53 year old joints ache terribly. So, I have increased my intensity and decreased my rest times. Not much success there. I beleive the only thing left is nutrition. Am frustrated.

at Derrick,
This seems like a scam to me. They ask for your credit card information, indicating the “trial” offer is only $1, then give you nothing, but since they have your credit card information they can pretty much charge whatever price they want. And, to add insult to injury, you don’t even have the program to use, just a bill for 400 bucks.

Perhaps you need to get in touch with your lawyer to settle this scam.

Im 58 year old man who has lost 5 stone over a 2 year period.at present im 18 stone and still have bellyfat which i cant shift.im fairly fit and i workout 3 or 4 times a week,both cardo 1 hour and weights half hour plus a little time in the steamroom.ive been at 18stone now for 4 months and cant seem to move more weight.

Im 58 year old man who has lost 5 stone over a 2 year period.at present im 18 stone and still have bellyfat which i cant shift.im fairly fit and i workout 3 or 4 times a week,both cardo 1 hour and weights half hour plus a little time in the steamroom.ive been at 18stone now for 4 months and cant seem to move more weight.

I love your talk.  I’ve been wanting to design my own programme for months!  I’ve never been happy at what I get from the trainers at the gym.  I know my body very well and I know what it likes and what it doesn’t like and I know what I want to train and what I need to strengthen and the list goes on and on…  I am a 38 yr old polynesian female from new zealand and dying to get in the shape of my life before I hit 40!

I`m  a female of  the endurance type, and you`re right I should develop more aerobic muscle fibers, I think. However, my main concern is this roll of fat at the lower part of my stomach…I`m only few pounds away from my ideal weight ( I lost around 60 pounds). So right now I`m doing some cardio (interval training) + following your ab strenght program. Furthermore, I`m very focused on my nutrition… Eating a lot of the good fat to loose my belly fat. Do you think, this is sufficient to reach my goal.

I`m  a female of  the endurance type, and you`re right I should develop more aerobic muscle fibers, I think. However, my main concern is this roll of fat at the lower part of my stomach…I`m only few pounds away from my ideal weight ( I lost around 60 pounds). So right now I`m doing some cardio (interval training) + following your ab strenght program. Furthermore, I`m very focused on my nutrition… Eating a lot of the good fat to loose my belly fat. Do you think, this is sufficient to reach my goal.

Dr. K, I am brand new to your program and it sounds very sound.  I am looking forward to getting about 40 excess pounds off my 54 year old body.  I must say that I definitely lack motivation. . . I keep telling myself I’ll start tomorrow, but  we all know that tomorrow is always a day away.  I need to build strength and endurance, I am pretty flexible.  But motivation to get my butt in gear is definitely an issue.
Any suggestions and mind tricks will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

I have had 2 c-sections. Is it true that once you have had the tummy cut you CAN’T get rid of
belly fat? Thanks!!!!

Hey Kareem,
I’m a Specialist Sports Physiotherapist in Australia and spend much of my professional life guiding my patient base towards health. I’m stoked to have stumbled across your site. I was trawling the net looking to see what materials were available for people on the lookout. WIth so much un-researched, unsubstantiated information out there …-Your site and approach comes as a relief. I look forward to following your blogs.

Hello Kareem,
I am a slim 63 year old woman….in decent shape.  I am 5’6″, 122 #s.   I roller skate 2x per week and I move around a lot.   My 2 problem areas are a bit of fat around my stomach  and my once muscular arms are withering!  What excercises should I do regain firm arms and flat abs?
Thanks!  

Hi I have been doing this programme now for 6 days and thank goodness no one can see me.  I have 25kgs to lose, knees that are way passed their use by date and only one fuctioning shoulder, BUT, first day it barely looked like I was moving, especially with press ups (yep even on my knees) but by Friday there was decidely more movement yeah!  I am also 58yrs old and have lost most of my flexibility, but I really want to make this work.  On listening to the video I am at a loss really to know what would work best for me.  I am motivated but can always work on this.  The only regular exercise I do do is ride my horse – and need to lose the weight to be more comfortable doing this.  So how do I figure out what is the best strategy to use.  All I know is the last time I worked out at the gym – I was obsessed, went 5 days a week after work (Live miles out in the wop wops or it would have beeen 7 days a week), literally worked my butt off – and while my aerobic fitness got better and I did get stronger, I actually lost no weight over the year.  Very depressing, then injuries took a strong hold and I had to give that up as well.  That was almost 5 years ago now.  So any help would be greatfully appreciated.  I too am from New Zealand.
Christine

Where to start…
I’ve done every diet..some have worked others have not.  I’ve been reasearching Isabella’s plan, your stuff as well as customized fat loss and implemented pieces of all of them.  ALL of it makes so much sense and really is just healthy eating..and a life style change. (even though my family and friends tell me, and I do already know, I am typically a good/healthy eater.  I’ve never been a big junk food person.  Just usually liked my carbs (crackers, breads, etc)

For the last 6 weeks, I’ve cut wheat, soy, processed foods and diet coke.  I’ve done a liver detox, and a cleanse.  I’m taking Omega, calcium, zinc, ginger, borage, and cheyenne suppliments.  I drink 70+ oz of water a day.  I have not lost a single pound!

Here is a sample of my typical day of eating:

Breakfast: protein shake OR egg and fruit
Snack: veggies
Lunch: sprouted wheat torilla, mustard and some type of meat
                fruit (strawberries, blackberries, apple, pear depending what I have at home)
                carrots / pead pods
Snack: Greek yogurt
               raw nuts (mixture of almonds, walnuts, pistacchios, cashews)
Dinner: Lettuce salad OR steamed veggies (asparagus, mixed, broccoli–depending)
                Some type of meat/fish (chicken, beef, salmon, tuna)
                Cottage Cheese
                fruit

IF I’m still hungry or hungry btwn I grab dried fruit and/or raw nuts

I may adjust some, but this is basically it.   I’ve literally only had 1 peanut m&m, 7 drinks (vodka /diet), a bite of ice cream cake, salad dressing (on the side) if I’ve eaten out, and 1 gluten free muffin this whole time.

I exercise 3-4 times per week.  Which is about all I can get in.  I work full time and have 3 BUSY children (2-teens and a preschooler).  I’m also limited on my exercise due to a severe injury.  Everything has to be low impact.  I bike 20 min – 30 min.  Then do some interval weights with my arms, sit ups/crunches (on an exercise ball), leg lifts and squats.

The good news…I feel great and haven’t craved things, but I’m BEYOND frustrated.  I’ve talked with my dr (who has tested my thyroid a bazillion times) and he’s not sure what else I can do.  I’m not obese, but overweight.  I know a Lot of it has to do with genetics. (my sisters all have the same problem..one exercises constantly and still struggles with her weight.) 

My husband, friends and mom have even commented lately about why I’m still trying all these things when I’ve always eaten healthy and exercised.  They think I just need to be happy with who I am.  They are trying to be very supportive, but I don’t think they really understand.

Any suggestions? 
Thanks

Dr. K,

I am in week two of your DEFL 2.0 program.  The GS are wonderful but I have a problem with the warm-ups…the tendon from my calf to my ankle kills me especially during the jumping jacks.  I am 38 y/o female who has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue.  It has been over a decade of trails, pills, creams, needles.  But the hardest thing has been keeping in shape and finding the right program.  I was extremely nervous to try your program fearing that it might be too much and for the most part it isn’t…except for the warmups.

About two months ago, before I stumbled across Beyond Diet and then your program, I was doing Weight Watchers, which had worked wonderfully in the past.  After a month and a half on WW, I had only lost three pounds.  Very frustrating!  Like I said, I am only in week two of your program and I have gained two pounds!  So, basically, after two months of struggling I have only lost one pound.  I am watching what I eat…even got a vitamix.  My husband on the other hand, who is doing this with me has lost ten pounds…which is absolutely great, but it only magnifies how much I am struggling.  I just got the Metabolism from ProGrade and started that today…not sure what else to do…

Understanding ore about stretching muscles for proper mobility, support, and muscle strenght.  My main problem besides over weight is due diligence and enthusiasm to get my butt off the couch and away from the computer.  Getting a mind set is another exercise I have to work on as well. 

You don’t mention an age component, Dr. K.  I’m 71 and already have arthritis in hip, knee, foot, which makes me be, perhaps “too careful”.  I’m scared to do more damage

I am a reasonably fit 71 year old.  Motivation good, postural alignment my speciality (excellent), nutrition good (Isabel!)  What accommodations should I make for my age?  

Hi Michelle my name is Kim I can relate to your frustration. Thought I would give you some personal feedback that might help you. 1st is your dr testing your thyroid just for tsh levels or all 5 test that they can run? There is a tsh, free T3, freeT4, straight T4and T3 levels? I have thyroid trouble and for years the only test done was the tsh and it would show ok but once I switched to an Endocrinologist, we tested all 5 ways and discovered that my T3&T4 levels bottom out in mid afternoon.
2nd if you are not eating higher lean proteins and balanced simple and complex carbs, you will not see the results with exercising 3-4 days a week and if you do not get at least 1200 calories you will not loose weight. I have worked very diligently for a month now of exercising 5-6 days a week and doing what I said above and have lost 6.5 pounds BUT have slimmed down by 7 1/2 inches and people are noticing and I feel great. Don’t fall in the negative talk trap. Be positive, focused and persistent and you will get the results. I also drink at least one protein shake a day and incorporate nuts in my snacks. Best of luck!!

you talk to much! you are very boring! you could have been a very good carnival barker or maybe selling snow to a Eskimo!!

I, too, am struggling. In my 60s, reasonably fit, but with arthritis (hip/knee/feet) and old meniscus injuries (both Knees).  I am suspecting that poor sleep is leading to elevated cortisol which leads to weight gain–or at least, being unable to lose the mid-section bulge.  I also crave salty foods. I try for 70-80 oz of water/day–but maybe that much water is washing away my electrolytes and leading to salt-craving. Does anybody have any insights about 1) sleep deprivation; and 2) electrolyte imbalance. Those are my 2 problems. 

I am in the martial arts. Several days/week, those are hard work-outs (cardio) and several days/week they are more balance and flexibility, and of course, power.

Chris

Dr. K,
I bought your abs work outs with the 5 workouts and other info and the trial for LHPH which costs 47 dollars. The one time price of the whole program…….all the other workoutvides and exercises………47 more? I just wanted to make sure it was an addition to what i already bought.  I did P90X but did not have any fat loss. I feel like i am seeing fat loss with what i am doing with your program. my issue is that I am going through menopause at 44 and have a lot of fatigue when working out but i work through it. afterwords i feel good but i am sure it is a part of my menopause.  I like your workouts but not sure if i can afford another 47  dollars or is it 67….cant remember……for the double edge workouts. also i only have a treadmill so that is my only exercise machine to work out on. Is this ok? 

thanks,
Heidi P

Dr. K,
I bought your abs work outs with the 5 workouts and other info and the trial for LHPH which costs 47 dollars. The one time price of the whole program…….all the other workoutvides and exercises………47 more? I just wanted to make sure it was an addition to what i already bought.  I did P90X but did not have any fat loss. I feel like i am seeing fat loss with what i am doing with your program. my issue is that I am going through menopause at 44 and have a lot of fatigue when working out but i work through it. afterwords i feel good but i am sure it is a part of my menopause.  I like your workouts but not sure if i can afford another 47  dollars or is it 67….cant remember……for the double edge workouts. also i only have a treadmill so that is my only exercise machine to work out on. Is this ok? 

thanks,
Heidi P

Wallyfech,
It appears from your comment above that you are racist (in reference to your use of the term ‘Eskimo’), lacking in knowledge, and compassion. I suggest that at this time, dealing with these issues is more important than addressing your physical ones. Wishing you only good things in your life.

I suggest having your T3 and T4 levels checked. My experience was similar and discovered, through testing, that I am hypothyroid. Medication is helping and now I know I’m not crazy.