With nearly 20 years of experience in the health and fitness, Steve has guided hundreds of clients to reach and exceed their fitness goals and objectives.  With a solid background in Athletic Training, Orthopedics and MAT, Steve has fully dedicated his life to helping people overcome their physical obstacles in order to live an enriched and pain free life. 
A dynamic coach and trainer, Steve has a strong connection with clients that make people believe in their own ability to control their health and change their lifestyle for the better. 

Steve’s qualifications include:

• Muscle Activation Techniques™ Certified Specialist
• Certified Athletic Trainer
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• Resistance Training Specialist
• Master’s in Sport Management
• Bachelor’s in Athletic Training/Business Administration
• CPR/AED certified

 

My Little Ones

 

Client Comments about Steve:

Thank you for your comments regarding my recent success at the Ironman World 70.3 Triathlon Championships. I attribute a great deal of my success to the work you and the MAT technique has done for my overall strength and stability. Over the past few years I have been wrought with a myriad of physical problems ranging from sciatica to lower back pain. This seemed to just send me spiraling downward and resulted in further knee and hip issues. After years, I felt like no one was able to get to the true root of my injuries. As an athlete who loved to race and compete in Marathons and various distance triathlons, I was more than frustrated. I had goals. I didn't feel like slowing down. And, I wanted answers.
When we first met, I have to admit I was grasping at straws; looking for someone to put the pieces together. I was in the midst of an incredibly successful racing season. I had just competed and placed in four half ironmans over the summer. This earned me the honor of racing at World's in November but, my body was breaking down. To my delight YOU were my answer. After a quick painless evaluation you were able to identify weaknesses and limitations. This led to reactivating weak muscles and opening up limited joint movements. Each time we met I noticed dramatic results. For example, the first session we were able to successfully increase the rotation and motion of my right hip. All of a sudden I noticed a marked reduction in hip pain and an increase in overall strength. Over the next few sessions we relieved SI pain, strengthened tweeky knees and, stabilized limited ankle rotations. The bottom line is that not only did I compete at World's but, set an all time PR (personal best) and placed 6th .
I want to thank you immensely for opening my eyes to the benefits of MAT. And, I look forward to keeping you in my armamentarium of long term strategies that will keep me healthy, strong and racing for years to come. My enthusiasm for what you do is apparent by all the referrals that I have and will continue to send your way.
Health and Strength Always,
Kimberly A. Busch DDS

I have had chronic knee pain for many years. I have tried many different techniques (surgery, physical therapy, acupuncture, and more) to "get by," so that I can keep on running. Some have helped, but usually for just a short span of time before the pain increases again. I have been going to Steve Dam for MAT (Muscle Activation Techniques). I have already noticed a significant decrease in knee pain almost to the point of no pain. In addition I have a much greater range of motion with my joints as well as increased strength. Steve does not just look at the point of pain, but he works on a wide range of the muscles that have any impact on the area of pain (ex. working on the hips when my pain is in my knees). With the benefits of MAT I hope to continue to run fast and stay injury free.

Steve Buti
Highland Park High School
Assistant Boys Cross Country and Track & Field Coach

In April 2010, I received prolotherapy injections (PRP) in my SI joint since I've been having issues for 3+ years. Although the injections helped to alleviate the pain, I knew I had to stabilize and strengthen the area if the injections would be a long term success. Much of my SI joint instability came from weak glutes and abductors. MAT was an effective solution for getting the weak muscles "firing" to stabilize the area. I have been feeling great in training and the isometric contractions I learned allow me to keep things in check.

Renne Richards Groff
5 x Team USA member Triathlon and Duathlon
All American
2004 Duathlon World Champ (long course)

 

After nearly one year of shoulder pain, I felt frustrated because traditional physical therapy was not helping anymore. I even had arthroscopic surgery to diagnose what the problem was; only to discover that my injury was permanent and could not be fixed surgically (damaged cartilage). I felt like nothing would ever help my pain and allow me to exercise the way I used to. My doctor suggested I try MAT to see if it would help. Not only did it help more than anything I had tried so far, but I actually feel that with time and continued strengthening, I will likely get to a point where I will be virtually pain free. MAT helped determine why the injury happened in the first place. I am able to do yoga again with some minor modifications. Yoga was a big part of my life before, but also contributed to my injury. MAT has helped me understand my limitations and strengthen my weaknesses so I can practice yoga safely again!

Elaine Sobel

 

"Steve has had a profound impact on my thinking and activities for my health. He was an eye-opening experience after 25 years of stretching, which had not produced results. He was the entire reason I started going barefoot more often, and now wear the thinnest possible shoes (after wearing orthotics since I was 10), thus allowing my feet to go through a full range of motion. No more big clunky shoes, thank you Steve. Steve specializes in MAT and I'm seeing good results from that. I recommend Steve highly.”
ROBERT JORDAN
Founder of InterimCEO/InterimCFO

 

“Both my wife and I saw Steve and after only 1 visit he gave me exercises to do on my own that have significantly improved my range of motion.”
John Hoffman
Director of Finance at Zurich Insurance

 

“Steve Dam is a student for life. He has demonstrated a commitment to becoming the best MAT Certified Specialist he can be. He is a pleasure to work for as well. When I wanted to find a new place to work at, Activation Fitness was an outstanding fit because of the ethics, equipment, and most importantly, Steve.”
Shawn True
Muscle Activation Techniques Certified Specialist, Activation Fitness, Inc.

 

“I have worked with Steve for five years. During this time he has designed a workout that has kept me injury free and allowed me to continue a very active and athletic life as I reach my 70th birthday. MAT sessions has increased my strength and range of motion when most my age are dealing with movement issues.” March 19, 2010
Charles Gately
Chairman at LaSalle Solutions

 

“Steve has initiated a wonderful partnership with our arts studio in Glenview. His knowledge is deep, his consultation is accessible, and his personality is one that makes anyone feel comfortable.” March 19, 2010
Tim Sarrantonio
Outreach Coordinator at Arts of Life