First and foremost, it’s important that you understand muscle balancing. Let’s get into why this is so important. Most training programs completely ignore it, although I’ve been working tirelessly to change this for the entire industry.
7 years ago, I was a mess… but it started long before that. I was a sophomore in high school when this began.
I had no idea how unbalanced I was; in fact, I played sports through so many injuries that I guess I figured ‘pain’ is ‘power’ and showed my dedication to succeed. Unfortunately, I was way off base.
After hurting my right shoulder and tearing my labrum, I continued to play water polo. At one point, it got so bad that I had to learn how to play left-handed or I was told I’d never be able to use my right arm for any physical activity again. So, I played the entire season left-handed, and I did what I felt to be the impossible.
I learned how to become ambidextrous, after an entire lifetime of being horribly uncoordinated on the left side of my body. I figured out how to shoot hard, and score. Not long after, I tore my left labrum.
Now what?
You guessed it… I kept playing. In fact, I started playing college water polo, and I made things way worse. When I was elected captain of the Penn State University Water Polo Team as a freshman, I thought this was my ticket to they Olympics. (for the record, I declined this position, and coached the team behind the scenes to empower the hard-working and talented seniors who had put their time in.)
I always had a vision, but I never knew that I was destroying my own goals. By continuing to play, and repeat the same movements that had caused so much damage, instead of resting those injuries and balancing out my body, I was ruining my water polo career.
By my senior year at Penn State, I couldn’t even play anymore, so I sat the season out, and I gained my first 15 pounds. This was the beginning of the end for me… or so I thought!
2 years later, I was in my first year at University of Miami for my doctorate in physical therapy, and that’s when things got out of control. I began studying until I fell asleep each night, barely keeping up at first. I prioritized my academics, in respect to all of you… as I knew that every bit of information I soaked up would someday help those in need. I made sure you couldn’t stump me in a physical therapy discussion, or I hit the books again.
All the while, I continued to gain weight. 19 more pounds, and I was in serious pain. I’d rate the pain to be 8 out of 10 pain in most joints of my body. My neck started to really bother me, my elbows and wrists were totally sore, my back ached from the extra weight I had put on, and my hips were a mess from what I thought was treading water.
Can you imagine? I was 23 years old when I tipped 200 pounds. I can still see it… 204 pounds!
I was once an Olympic potential, and I played against the US Olympic Water Polo Team in practice, often battling their practice team on a regular basis at the US Naval Academy during after hours.
Now, I couldn’t even swim without writhing in pain and “toughing it out.” What a miserable feeling. I was slow, fat, and upset.
When I visited my doctor to see what could be done about this, he told me nothing. Because of my congenital ligament laxity (loose joints by birth), I was inoperable. He told me to quit my career as a Physical Therapist and stop working out. This was a family friend, so I knew he was legit in his recommendations.
I returned to the University of Miami and I explained this to the faculty. They understood, but they believed I had more to give. They offered to build me a rehab program based upon ‘muscle balancing,’ under the promise that I’d fulfill it independently once it was designed.
Long story short, it worked. Once my body was in balance, I was fine. My weight came right off, and my joints felt amazing. I was back!
I tried to play water polo for the UM club team, but my schedule wouldn’t allow; however, I never stopped doing my workouts, and I continued to improve my fitness level. Within about 6 months, I took a job at the UM Wellness Center, and I started teaching these techniques to law students, physical therapy students, and any other student that wanted me to train her/him.
The neatest part about this is that they started to see ridiculous results. Most of them didn’t have any pain, but I saw the way my body responded when I was balanced, so I asked them to trust me and we started working on the various small muscles that affect spine, shoulder, hip, and neck position.
Sure enough, they got six pack abs. Sure enough, they saw amazing results. Sure enough, they told me they used to wake up with minor aches and pains, but the pain was gone.
It was incredible.
Soon after, I started my own personal training business in a downtown gym. My wife (girlfriend at the time) was well connected, so I ended up having the opportunity to start this business in the icon building of downtown Miami, in a 15th floor gym with an ocean view!
Business grew, and people felt great. I started to get all sorts of referrals of clients who had joint pain, but they wanted to lose weight. Since I wasn’t yet licensed, I could only exercise their body-parts that were not injured, so I balanced them out and added in some new and innovative fat loss exercises I was learning from the trainers at the gym.
Unreal. In my opinion, and the opinion of my clients at the time, no one had ever seen results like these. Faster, longer lasting, and they felt better.
All because of beginning a program with muscle balancing.
That’s why I’ve included a ‘Movement Screening Evaluation’ in the Dr. Kareem Coaching Program. I’ll teach you how to screen yourself for different areas of tightness and imbalances, and then I’ll provide you with recommendations based upon the areas you have found to be imbalanced.
Let’s end this, once and for all.
To this day, if you look at my shoulders under MRI, they look like they shouldn’t be able to do what they do. But, they do…
And I truly believe your body can do things you don’t expect. I was the first person in my family to ever have a 6-pack. No one believed it was possible with “our genes,” but I proved them wrong.
I’d like to prove your family wrong too.
There is a bit more time to join the Dr. Kareem Coaching Program, and I want you in it. Make a responsible decision here, one way or another. But, if you need my help, this is a chump of change in the grand scheme of the rest of your life.
I’m eternally grateful for the University of Miami faculty helping me, and I intend to help as many of you as I possibly can. That said, I can only take so many people before my schedule fills up.
Would you like to join me?
Click Here To Learn About The Dr. Kareem Coaching Program
And See If We Are A Good Fit For One Another
(closing down very soon!)
Do you have a story like mine? Or some other struggle you’d like to conquer?
I’d like to help, but first you have to comment. Please share your story below.
15 Comments
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Hi Dr. K,
I just turned 50 and I am coping with chronic joint, back, knee, & neck pain. I got hurt in work in June 2006 and have been unable to work since, find it hard to concentrate, or do any type of activity. Diet and exercise has enabled be to drop down from 235 lbs to 203, but have not been successful dropping anymore weight. I can only stay on my feet for a few hours at best then I have to lie down to take pressure off my back. I have no income or insurance and I am watching my life savings bleed away while I barely deal with my pain. I applied for SSN but there is a 18 – 24 mo. back log before I get to my appeal. I’ve been active my whole life and working since I was 12 yo. I hunted, fished, skied, golfed, practiced martial arts, hockey, and softball none of which I can do now. What interested me in your program is I found yoga and dance helps but with limited results and some days I can’t even get out of bed. Like you I’ve been tested for everything you have and am currently in the care of a chronic pain Dr. which is only managing the pain with narcotics, yuk. I don’t do drugs and I haven’t drank in over 27 yrs. I am trying everything I can but I will soon find myself out in the street if I am unable to improve my health. I started your program but again I find that pain dictates my day. All in all even if your plan works I won’t be able to afford to stay on it. I only hope I can walk away with enough information to help myself . . . so I thank you for sharing your knowledge. Bye for now-
Mark,
Have you tried an anti-inflammatory diet? No sugar, dairy, wheat, animal products, caffeine, alcohol…add in omega 3 fatty acids and a good probiotic. You might be surprised! Jeanne
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Hi Dr.K
Like Mark here I to had a work accident. I had a back injury. Now have Chronic back pain, I gained a lot of weight. i was 163 lbs and went up to 203lbs and didn’t look me. So I finally said enough is enough, I started looking for something that would help me get back to who I was. I came across ~ BODY FOR LIFE~ I started doing it, I did one challenge and seen some results and came down to 170 lbs . And now I’m starting to like me again, I then came across you on the internet, and I like what I’m hearing from you. I just don’t like spending money and not getting the results I want out of it. So I’m going to try your 5 step course to start, I’ve been out of work now for 2 years and WCB just don’t pay me a lot of money. I to am currently in care of a chronic pain Dr, Which is just managing the pain for now. So Dr K, I’m hoping that your finding , and Knowledge is the true one that everyone can benefit out of it. Thank you for your Knowledge and finding of this. =) I sure would you like to join you in this.
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Hi,
I am 20 and was diagnosed with rotational scoliosis at the age of 15. It is pretty mild but it still affects me day-to-day. I have chronic lower back tightness on my left side and am always tight behind my right shoulder blade. The scoliosis has changed the positioning of my ribs in such a way that 1)my ribs on my left side stick way out and 2) hamper my breathing, making it difficult to take full breaths comfortably. Also it causes me to have an unbalanced stature and makes it noticeably more difficult to do things on one side over another (for example: when I do a shoulder press my right arm always lags behind at heavier weights even though I am right handed). Being a fitness enthusiast and a singer these are both problems for me. I have tried some physical therapy and I have two chiropractors in the family but no one really believes that there is anything more I can do other than try to keep it from getting worse. And maybe there isn’t but I am always on the look out for ways to improve and heal myself. If there is anything you think I can do that will help me I would be excited to give it a try. Thanks -
Yes, my story is one that involves injuries to my lower back at age 13, with continued problems I kept on doing the same work I have been in most of my adult life,
for awhile morning and evening Yoga excerises relieved some of the pain and stiffness, but today at age 66, and still working in helping people with their limited mobility and age related problems, I am stiff from morning to morning. I have autoimmune alergeries to many pain medications and thus do not rely on them, I use hands on therapy, reflexology, ice, heat, low impact stretches and Yoga. These all have helped but my balance and flexibility are failing and having done the excerises you share online, my body says I am not balanced with a weak back, stiff knees, aching shoulders, and a pot belley that continues to grow as my skeleton shortens. Do I appreciate your online program, YES INDEED!
I need to drop approximately 40 lbs. of excess body weight I have added to my aching joints in the past 18 months. My metabolic system has slowed down considerably and I have problems with tachycardia along with my digestive allergeries and chronic stress fatigue.I feel better in general doing the program excerises and believe my back is somewhat less painfull, but my knees and shoulders have shown less improvement and there has been no weight loss, my stress levels do drop when I am excerising as I have always used excerise as a form of relaxation. My knees are having the bigger problem with the squats that involve twisting my knees in the squatting postions.
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I am a 56 yr old woman who has been extremely active and fit most of my life until I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at the age of 42. I have come a long way since then. At the beginning I was so bad that they were testing me for things like Lupis and MS. At that time, I couldn’t even hold my arms up high enough to blow dry my hair….it was even painful to brush my teeth. I contribute my extensive recovery to the fact that I have been fortunate enough to have a husband of 36 years who has enabled me to spend the biggest part of my life being a stay-at-home Mom and housewife. I have also been under the care of a truly wonderful Chiropractor since being diagnosed, which helps substantially. I truly believe that recovery from Fibro depends on the ability to rest whenever you feel the need. Most people do not have that luxury. I am not in nearly as much pain, (mainly because I take a very low dose (30 mgs.) of Cymbalta, an anti-depressant). It is the only prescription medication I take, but I would love to be free of ANY type of medicine. I used to be an avid exerciser all my life and the most I ever weighed was 104 lbs. (Now due to menopause and the lack of exercise, I weigh 130 lbs.) Extremely heavy for me and my 5 ft stature! I have tried numerous exercise programs, but really struggle to work hard enough to build up a sweat and burn calories. I also had a lumbar fusion approximately 7 years ago. I had a condition called Spondylolisthesis, which causes the vertebrae to slide on top of each other and pinches the spinal chord. I have had an amazing recovery, but continue to wake up with extremely stiff joints. Most mornings I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. I would love to be able to wake up feeling fresh and free, or nearly free, from pain. Unlike most people, I do not believe that there is no cure for Fibromyalgia. There has to be something out there, some underlying condition, which is causing this, and something to be done for it.
I have noticed a considerable flare-up of fibro pain since the loss of my Mother and best friend(age 77) three months ago from Pancreatic/Liver cancer. I truly believe that it’s your stress level which affects Fibro alot. They gave her 2-6 months, and she held on for 9 1/2 months. During that time, she had exactly ONE good day, and that was Thanksgiving of last November. My sister and I cared for her the last two months she was alive. (we stayed day and night) She died at home, but she died a horrific death. She left my Dad (also age 77), 4 children, 5 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren behind and we all miss her terribly. They say that you should be screened for Pancreatic/Liver cancer if someone in your family died from it, but nobody seems to be able to tell me how they screen for it, or anyone who does it. My worst fear is dying from the same illness. I pray you nor your loved ones ever have to witness anything like it.
My husband is now retired and we are on a fixed income, which does not allow me the luxury of buying many extras, like exercise programs. I have two grandsons now, who are the “loves of my life”, but find it difficult to carry them around much because of the fibro pain in my neck and shoulders. Therefore, I decline to babysit very much, because my body suffers a couple days after. I would love to have the stamina and strength to watch them more than I do. I would also love to have that light, carefree feeling of being thin and comfortable in my own skin again.
I would love to be able to see me again in that mirror I pass by, instead of seeing someone old and out of shape.
I’m so sorry this was so long and drawn-out!
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Dori, I just finished reading two amazing books by Dr. David Brownstein. The books are: “Iodine, Why You Need It” and “Overcoming Thyroid Disorders”. Both books refer to fibromyalgia issues and other issues as well. Dr. B is an expert in this country regarding the thyroid and iodine which when those two are deficient, many, many health issues occur. Dr. B. gives many example of how people with fibromyalgia have been helped when their thyroid and iodine have been tested and then steps have been taken to remedy the deficiency. Fabulous results have occurred when iodine is taken and if necessary, thyroid supplements. I’ve talked to many Drs. and many don’t have the knowledge about the tests for iodine so I suggest you go to Dr. Brownstein’s website: http://www.drbrownstein.com to learn more. My heart goes out to those who suffer from fibromyalgia. However there is hope and relief.
I have thyroid issues and will be tested for iodine deficiency this next week and am SO excited because I know many of my health issues can be improved by iodine supplementation that will work along side with my thyroid supplements..
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Pain is a way of life! i would love to dedicate myself to your program but I can barely make ends meet as is so i will continue to glean what info I can from what i can read. It is good to know that it is possible to be what I want to be though I may never realize that goal. Thanks for being out there.
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It was 1997 when I had a car accident and torn the ligaments on my neck. After that, I started to have all sorts of problems. My back, neck, headaches. Even after physio, my body is not the same. I just realized though that the accident may have caused muscle imbalances and now that I think about it, that was when I started gaining weight. Hmm this is sooo interesting!! What can I do to fix these imbalances?? I’m 39 yo, 5’2″ and 170 lbs! The heaviest I have been. I used to be about 130 pounds max before the accident, but I never made the connection ntil taziw5z8 now. I started doing the excersices of the ftfl and people are starting to see changes in me. I just have to ask though, I do get some neck pain after excersicing. Is this normal???
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So my story starts at age 18 in a car accident in Rota, Spain. Had a concussion. Then about 10 years later I was carrying two bags of groceries and fell on the ice. My feet went flying up and my head cracked on the ground behind me. Another concussion. I started going to chiropractors when I was 40 (I am now 62). The first two were great, but moved to another state. The third so-so. Since I was 19 I started swimming 3x weekly. I love the water. I found that if I tried running, or walking long walks I would start having pain in my muscles and it would take several days to recuperate. Since I turned about 46, I have developed lots of pain in my muscles throughout my body. Doctors don’t seem to know the answers. Then menopause started. Lots of fatigue, lack of energy to exert a good workout, even swimming. Now, I have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder. Started medication this past March. So it’s been about 6 months. However, the dosage was not maximized until June. So technically, I have been on the 150 mg. dosage for about 4 months. Have I seen an improvement? Barely. Yes, I firmly believe in iodine along with the medication. However, the doctor tells me not to waste my money. Alternatively, I take 1 teaspoon of a “sole” of the Original Himalayan Crystal Salt which I discovered several years ago. Noticed a slight increase in energy level. Sleeping is not always the best. Wake up about 2-3x nightly to visit the bathroom. And, oh yes, not the leas,t lots of weight gain. like about 75 lbs and I am 5’2″. I have been working on stretching, mini body weight exercises, etc. I do feel my muscles getting stronger. But they do not seem to strengthen past a certain point. Probably because I am not able at this point to be consistent daily without pain.
Now, for me personally, I have always believed in healthy eating, exercise, etc., but what I know now is that with all these health issues developing in the past 16 years, my spiritual strength is vital. I am a believer in Jesus and His miracle working power. And I know that He heals. He has healed me of lots of flu/colds/pain episodes instantly when I stay focussed on His healing promises in the Bible. I have an extremely close relationship with Jesus and have had since a child. I hear this voice and we talk. So, as He instructs me to take vitamins, herbs, etc. I obey. So, for me it’s a matter of seeing the manifestation of my whole healing, which I know was purchased for me on The Cross over 2000 years ago.
Now, as far as muscle balancing goes. I definitely feel the imbalances in my body. Being right handed and on the computer for years has me favoring that side a lot. Sleeping on the right, etc. Well, before I started receiving Dr. K’s e-mails and following his philosophy, I knew these muscle imbalances were significant and needed to be addresssed. But, I had no idea that my weight gain could be a part of the fact that no matter what I do, the fat doesn’t budge. Being on social security and my husband’s retirement, we have a budget needless to say. As soon as I can, I do want to take the “movement screening evaluation” or the equivalent at home. The spinal cord and hip area and shoulders all are crying out for not just alignment, but a continuous supporting method to stay aligned. My legs feel the heaviest and get sore and fatigued quickly and easily. I have a pear shape (my Italian dad’s shape).
I have always loved to be active and move around a lot. So, I pray that soon I will be able to do just that without any pain, soreness and feeling exhausted. I covet everyone’s prayers for me and I will pray for you. We are meant to be healthy, vibrant and active without pain. God Bless everyone who has commented. Sorry this was so long, but felt that all I’ve said needed to be said. Thanks for your patience.
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I did’t get the link to this article to wrork yesterday. I like the article a lot – Dr. Kareem, you prove that you are able to help people from both the academic and personal side. You both “Can” and “Want”. I am a trained dentist from Norway (residing/married in Ohio). I had my career “changed” 🙂 due to pelvic relaxation syndrme w/ symphyseolysis durng my preganancies. I reeducated in Administrative Data Processing and took the foundation exam in Physchology (Univ. of Oslo) and worked in the administration of the School of Dentistry in Oslo as student advisor. Then I was hit by a 20 ton petrol tanker on my way home from work. Head and neck injuries. Now, 20 years later, I have 10 years of trumpet teaching to kinds behind me, I am in my second and very happy marriage here in the States, I am #3 in activity on Isabel De Los Rios website beyonddiet.com and do photography work as a freelancer. Your free fullthrottlefatloss exercises help my dizziness and insomnia. I don’t need to lose much weight, but I am interested in your physical therapy exercises. They are ingeniously put together, Thank you!
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I am so impressed with your article. I used to dance a lot and was therefore very fit, I also used to work out regularly, at the very least an hour long walk. Childbirth – two kids two years apart, followed by a spate of ill health lasting 5 years last took its toll, and then just when I started recovering, began regular exercise again, lost 8 kg, I developed an umbilical hernia, which made me terribly nervous about doing abs related exercises, coz it seemed to bulge more even despite wearing the belt post exercise. I now live in the mountains, have a sedentary job, but its a tough 25 climb from work to home, so I get a compulsory dose of exercise every day. Intermitttently I do yoga, dancing, and aerobic exercise, incporating stuff I have learned from Mike Geary, and Kim Lyons. But I am so far from a coordinated, dedicated fitness program and the fear of damaging my hernia still remains. Any suggestions?
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hi im a physiotherapist, and agree very much that movement is so important. I’d like to learn how to identify and assess movements to help patients at a more holistic level.
Also personally i’ve always struggled to lose the last 10pounds. The difficulty for me is time management, im up at 630 and get home only at 1030, need something efficient, fuss free and not requiring much equipment
thanks dr k -
HI D. K.
I LOST MY ONLY SON,DANNY TO CANCER JUST OVER A YEAR AGO AND IN MY GRIEF I JUST LET EVERYTHING GO TO POT .I HAVE GAINED OVER 40 IBS AND I AM NOW AT 227LBS AND AT 5 FOOT 11, AND 50 YEARS OF AGE I HAVE GOT TO SOMEHOW PICK MYSELF OFF THE FLOOR FOR MY WIFE AND 3 LITTLE GIRLS TO START LIVING AGAIN AND JUST TO TRY AND MAKE SOME NEW HAPPY MEMORIES FOR OUR FAMILY .PLEASE HELP ME DOCTOR. K. I KNOW THAT I CAN DO IT WITH YOUR HELP IN 16 WEEKS AND GET MY LIFE BACK
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFUL OPPURTUNITY
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Hi Dr. K
In my earlier youth 🙂 i played cricket table tennis and taught swimming. My life was full until we discovered my brother in law had Huntington Chorea…he has since left us but my nephew now has it. I am not sure if you are familiar with it so ill tell you that it is a cross between Alziemers and Parkinsons. Long story short ….this is a genetic illness that will only progress to a deterioration point. Life is a roller coaster with the good days jus being time to breathe. Ive tried so hard to maintain an exercise routine but i cant seem to have the energy for it. Between my job and all the rest….i am willing to listen to any options and look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your email contact.
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