From Pain to Purpose, My Journey to Health and Happiness

Broken at 50 to Thriving at 70... Living the 5% Lifestyle

In 2007, at 54 years old I was a mess.

I needed seven surgeries, was in tons of pain, 90 pounds overweight, and a sky-high A1C of 14.7.

Sick and miserable doesn't even begin to describe it.

No surgeries, no meds, diabetes gone (A1C 5.8).

My amazing wife and I own two fitness studios, helping others escape the "healthcare" treadmill.

How'd we do it? Believe it or not, it was much simpler than you might think.

We made a bold decision to ditch conventional wisdom—the kind that pushed me toward seven surgeries and a mountain of medications.

Instead of accepting this grim future, we chose to take control of my (our) health.

We shifted our focus to seek out natural ways to heal, rather than simply masking symptoms with medications, which often only cover up the problems without addressing the root causes.

This journey started with research. We explored various alternative therapies and holistic approaches. We learned about nutrition, the body’s ability to heal itself, and the importance of lifestyle choices in our health.

We became advocates for our own well-being, asking questions, challenging the norms, and discovering what truly resonates with us. This was about more than just avoiding surgery; it was about reclaiming my life.

Every step we took was intentional, guided by a desire for genuine healing and lasting change. Instead of living on medications that would only prolong the cycle of illness, we embraced natural therapies, exercise, and a focus on mental well-being.

This journey taught us that true wellness involves a multifaceted approach, integrating body, mind, and spirit.

By prioritizing our health and seeking out what works for us, we found a way to thrive—simple but incredibly powerful.

Rolfing was the first true game-changer in my journey to recovery.

After just two sessions, my foot pain disappeared as if by magic!

It was such a relief to finally find a solution that truly worked, especially after enduring so many other treatments that left me feeling frustrated and hopeless.

This breakthrough opened my eyes to the power of alternative therapies and set the stage for my commitment to natural healing.

Then came a flat-out miracle called "resistance stretching."

At first, the idea seemed counterintuitive—stretching muscles while they're contracted?

It didn’t make sense to me initially.

But once I tried it, I realized it’s pure magic!

This approach worked wonders, fixing my back pain, sciatica, shoulder, and knee issues without the need for surgery.

My flexibility increased, and my overall movement and strength improved dramatically, giving me newfound confidence in my body’s capabilities.

Diabetes? That terrifying 14.7 A1C was a wake-up call.

I knew I needed a drastic change, so I decided to ditch the standard American Diabetes Association diet, which wasn’t working for me… (it acutally is the exact oposite of what is needed to control diabetes without meds.)

So I adopted a super low-carb lifestyle. This shift in eating habits was the key to controlling my diabetes without relying on medications.

It was truly transformative.

Within six months, my A1C plummeted to 5.8, and I no longer needed medication to keep my blood sugar in check.

This dramatic improvement not only stabilized my health but also empowered me with the knowledge that I could manage my condition through dietary changes.

It reinforced the belief that sometimes the most effective solutions are the simplest, and it set me on a path to lifelong wellness.

With the big problems behind us, we turned our attention to maintaining our newfound health and vitality.

We combined yoga and resistance stretching and added into our daily routine, emphasizing proper muscle engagement and moving through a full range of motion.

These practices helped us keep our bodies flexible and strong, preventing future issues while enhancing overall well-being.

Alongside these exercises, we prioritized good posture, breathwork, hydration, and quality sleep.

Each of these elements, though simple, played a crucial role in supporting our physical and mental health.

Maintaining proper posture helped prevent aches and pains, breathwork reduced stress and increased mindfulness, staying hydrated ensured our bodies functioned optimally, and getting enough restful sleep allowed us to recharge and face each day with energy.

This combination of practices may seem straightforward, but together, they formed a powerful foundation for a thriving and healthy lifestyle.

As it turns out, childhood stress and anxiety had been silently holding me back for years, affecting both my mental and physical health.

Despite addressing many of my major health concerns, I realized this underlying stress was still impacting my well-being.

To tackle these deep-rooted issues, I turned to counseling, meditation, and tapping.

Counseling provided a safe space to explore and understand past experiences, uncovering patterns that had been influencing my life.

Meditation helped me cultivate mindfulness and inner peace, allowing me to release tension and remain grounded in the present moment.

Tapping, or Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), offered a practical way to address emotional blockages and reduce anxiety.

Together, these practices led to yet another life-changing transformation on my path to wellness.

By confronting and healing these long-standing stresses, I was able to find emotional freedom and resilience, profoundly enriching my journey to overall well-being.

This holistic approach not only supported my mental health but also enhanced my physical health, fitting perfectly into my commitment to a balanced, healthy life.

We’re always exploring new methods and techniques, constantly seeking out what can improve our well-being.

We test and try different approaches, evaluating their effectiveness along the way.

If something doesn’t resonate or provide the benefits we hoped for, we toss it aside without hesitation.

But when we discover something that truly enhances our lives—whether it’s a new exercise, a fresh dietary tweak, or a mindfulness practice—we incorporate it into our daily routine.

This process of discovery keeps our health journey exciting and dynamic, ensuring we’re always adapting and evolving for the better.

Probably the most important key to a fulfilling life is discovering your purpose. It’s what gives your days meaning and drives you to get out of bed each morning.

For us, finding our mission ignited a passion that fueled everything we do. It truly made all the difference, turning a once-challenging journey into an inspiring adventure.

In 2012, we turned this passion into action by opening RiversZen Fitness Studios. Our goal was simple: to share the invaluable lessons and life-changing insights we gained on our path to health and wellness.

At RiversZen, we’re dedicated to helping people transform their lives, just as we did with ours. We guide them in discovering their own unique path to health, offering support and encouragement every step of the way.

Seeing others succeed and thrive is incredibly rewarding, and it continuously reaffirms the importance of living with purpose.

How about you? What drives you? What are you passionate about?

If you’re ready to take charge of your health and embrace a life full of purpose, we invite you to join our 5% Club.

This isn’t just about fitness; it's about building a community of individuals who are serious about achieving lifelong health and wellness.

Together, we can support each other, share our journeys, and celebrate victories—big and small.

Let’s unlock your full potential and transform your life into one that truly reflects your purpose!

My wish for you?

Move well, stay healthy, and live a happy, abundant life.

Later,

Dave