Meet Kareem Elbasty

Founder of Physical Experience & Your “Meat Head Monk”

I’m Kareem Elbasty, the man behind Physical Experience—and your “Meat Head Monk.” My journey began in Astoria and later brought me to East Meadow, where I discovered a love for movement through high school football. Although my college years started with an interest in psychology, I found the path unfulfilling and yearned for something more meaningful.

Driven by a desire to explore and grow, I joined Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) and ended up on a small farm in California. What began as a two-week farm stay turned into a transformative two-year experience in a Zen community, where I learned the profound value of nutrition, daily routines, breathing, and meditation.

Upon returning to the East Coast, I became certified in CrossFit Level 1 and 2, along with personal training, and began working at various gyms. My passion for fitness grew deeper at CrossFit Queens, where I competed in CrossFit Opens, competitions, and weightlifting meets. The desire to learn and teach led me to FOCUS Personal Training Institute, where I gained valuable experience training future personal trainers and learned how to connect with clients in more meaningful ways.

While the pandemic brought challenges, it also provided the opportunity for a personal reset. I got married, moved to Northport, NY, and welcomed our first son into the world. Today, I split my time between being a personal trainer at Lifetime in Garden City and my private home gym in Northport. My passion for pushing physical and mental boundaries continues to drive me forward.

Being a trainer and working in the fitness field is not for the faint of heart. The industry is often filled with quick-fix solutions, cookie-cutter programs, and influencers promising drastic changes with minimal effort. Too many trainers focus on sales pitches rather than truly understanding the human body. But I’m still here. I don’t offer fancy gimmicks, but I do bring years of diverse experience to provide you with the best personal training experience I can offer. I’ll work with you to first understand your fitness goals and then help you achieve them. Not every day has to be perfect, but with clear goals and a partner to hold you accountable, we’ll create a positive physical experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

As a father and husband, I strive to be a role model for my two sons and contribute positively to the world I want them to grow up in. At Physical Experience, we are committed to helping others build lasting, empowering relationships with their bodies and their wellness.