Dedicated to reversing the causes of lower back pain, Core Balance Training is an online program that uses core activation and movement retraining to help people improve posture and escape the back pain cycle. Students first learn how to activate the spinal support muscles of their deep core by connecting to their 'Core Anchors', then how to apply that connection to movement. Students are guided through a system of core-based movement, resulting in a healthy core connection and supported spine in activities of daily life.Core Balance Training was founded in 2016 by Dr. Ryan Peebles, a Doctor of Physical Therapy who has committed over 20 years to better understanding and reversing the root causes of chronic lower back pain. After overcoming his personal struggles with back problems, Dr. Ryan now guides others to get out of pain.The 12-week program can be completed by all ages and fitness levels. It begins with simple core-based movements, progressing to functional and complex movements over a 3 month period. All movements become healthy for the spine, allowing students to return to higher level activities, such as fitness and sport without pain. Other outcomes are improved function and reduced or eliminated lower back pain. Because the solution focuses on education and movement retraining, the results of Core Balance Training are typically lifelong.
Core Balance Training (corebalancetraining.com) has 374 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Also known as
corebalancetraining.com
Website
corebalancetraining.com
Category
Medical Specialists
Location
San Clemente
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
About these reviews
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The company replied to 3% of reviews.
Latest
Most recent review: October 2026.
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They are very slow to respond. It’s happended more than once.
Response from Core Balance TrainingMay 15, 2026
Hi Bob,
We’re sorry to hear you were disappointed with your experience. Our team responds within 24 hours on business days, Monday through Friday.
I reviewed our recent correspondence and did not see any messages that fell outside of our response window. However, I’d truly appreciate any additional details you can share so we can better understand your concerns.
If there’s something you have not received a response to or still need help with, please let us know. We’re always happy to help.
All the best,
Austie with CBT
TO
Tom
I hate to write a bad review
I hate to write a bad review.
I had so much hope with this program. I tried all, I followed all of the lessons, watched and rewatched several times, and it just doesn't make sense. To really understand some of the lessons you kind of need to watch hours of other videos in Q&A to fully understand the lessons because in the original videos Dr Ryan does not explains all well. But later on I realised this is all by design. IT is kind of to lock you in, give you a hope and later you find out that most of those videos are very basic as you keep on going, you can find most of them online. What is really unfair is how they tell you that it heals all and that they have I believe 94% success rate. It is impossible, because some of the videos make no sense and an average person without professional help can not do it, because you would trigger musscless that are supposed to be off, in other words it will make it even worse. This program has given me so much pain, and their explanation was just lower down the intensity to 1%, in other words just to keep you there so that you have a hope that one day you will get better, while charging you every month.
So far definitely the most disappointing training!
My suggestion is to do any other, they are cheaper, better and much easier to follow.
What I find very unfair is that they say we are a small family business and trying to help people, but they are not anymore, it all kind of turned into one of those corporate stuff. They have around 4000 members, if you do the math x $99 they are making around $400000 per month or simply around 5 million per year give or take. Now that is great for small family business, but if they are charging that much, they could at least make a decent videos with a higher production quality and more detailed and also a better website, half of the videos are filmed with the phone. I am happy they are making money, but at least have a curtesy to upgrade the productions and have a better tutorials more in details, rather than pushing people to go into Q&A to get their proper tutorial.
Honestly I had so much hope, I really tried and believed in them. So sad
Response from Core Balance TrainingMar 25, 2026
Hi Tom,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re really sorry to hear this was frustrating and that you experienced increased discomfort.
The program is designed to be simple and progressive, starting with fundamentals and building gradually. The Q&A library is an optional resource, not something required to understand the lessons. We also provide multiple ways to get help, including email support, a specialist for lesson questions, an active community, and weekly live meetups with Dr. Ryan.
There is no lock-in. We offer a free 7 day trial so you can see if the program fits your learning style, and you can cancel anytime.
Regarding membership size, our total student count includes trial members, alumni, and lifetime members, so it’s not accurate to assume all members are paying a monthly fee.
We also hear your feedback on video quality. We are a small team, and while many lessons were filmed years ago with limited resources, we are actively re-filming and improving the entire library.
If you’re open to it, we’re here to help. You can reach us anytime at [email protected] and we’d be happy to support you, answer any questions, or clarify anything that may have been confusing.
Thank you again for your feedback.
- Austie with CBT
GC
Good C.
I received little value for this $400…
I received little value from this $400 program. What’s more, they denied my refund. Just use the low back ability method for free.
AN
Amy N.
I wish I could share zero stars.
I wish I could share zero stars. This company is proud that they will offer a 1 month refund and no more. The fact is, just as others have said above... you do not get downloads until you have completed the program which takes hundreds of dollars over time. You pay $99 a month just to learn simple ideas about slow reverse planks and core engagement. Not rocket science here.
Further you can't see any days ahead except the days you have unlocked and before....basically preventing you from learning the program until you check in and unlock. Oh wait, and you camt unlock the next days until you have passed a day. The control of this is manipulating as you look forward to getting your next learning session, but if you miss it for any reason... you get behind. That seems no problem until you realize they charge you again in the meantime for being a member, even if you cant unlock the entire first months worth of material you already paid for. 2 months in and if you weren't able to do it everyday, you dont get your money's worth. God forbid, like me, you are stupid enough to think you'll catch up. No because you are already behind. The lock out feature prevents you from moving any further until time has passed. This is what I call a real scam. How can you have a membership for a product that you have locks on?? Either give a months worth or dont, but dont take money for information that hasn't been disseminated!
Response from Core Balance TrainingApr 26, 2025
Hi Amy,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear the program didn’t meet your expectations, and we appreciate the opportunity to clarify some of the concerns you raised.
Program Structure & Unlocking Lessons: The program is intentionally designed so that each lesson builds on the previous one, helping you progress safely and effectively while giving you the highest chance of long-term success. While a new lesson becomes available each day of your membership, you’ll need to complete the prior lesson to unlock the next. If you miss days, you are not penalized—your lessons accumulate, and you can catch up anytime. For example, if you’ve been enrolled for two months, you have access to two months’ worth of content, ready to complete at your own pace for as long as your membership is active.
Access to Downloads: Downloadable material is available in Module 3, just two weeks into the program—not after completing the entire course.
Refund Policy: Our 30-day refund policy is clearly stated at checkout, in onboarding, and on our website. We aim to treat all members fairly and supportively.
Program Content & Value: This program is about far more than reverse planks. It’s a comprehensive system based on biomechanics and neuroplasticity, created to help people relieve pain, rebuild proper movement patterns, and regain confidence in their bodies. Our approach is based on Dr. Ryan’s clinical expertise as well as his personal recovery from years of chronic back pain.
We regret that your experience left you feeling disappointed. Our goal is to be clear, consistent, and supportive at every step. We’ll continue to improve based on feedback like yours and wish you all the best on your healing journey.
Best Regards,
Austie with CBT
MM
Megan M.
Shady Doctor Peebles
I completely agree w the next lower One Star, you pay $99.00 for one month of info and you can't keep the videos you have purchased until you finish the entire program at a cost of at least $1000
Save yourself $100 bucks buy a book on amazon...how to strength your inner core
Response from Core Balance TrainingFeb 27, 2025
Hi Megan,
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
I’m sorry to hear that you feel this way about our program. I’d like to clarify a few points to ensure there is no confusion:
You are not required to complete the entire program to keep the downloadable content provided during the first month.
There is no obligation to spend $1,000 to finish the program. In fact, you can complete the program in as little as 3 months, which totals $297.
We regret any misunderstandings and want to ensure that all of our students have a comprehensive understanding of the program and costs prior to signing up.
Dr. Ryan is dedicated to providing valuable content, and we appreciate your feedback as we continue to improve our services.
Best regards,
Austie with CBT
GE
Glen E.
Great course but ultimately a rip off…
Great course but ultimately a rip off as customers are NOT allowed to view the videos they have paid for after canceling. I understand that by cancelling I forfeit the mentoring features. But to block the videos I have previously viewed and PAID for? One word for that: shady.
Response from Core Balance TrainingJan 9, 2025
Hi Glen,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We completely understand your frustration and appreciate the opportunity to clarify our approach and improve how we communicate important details about the program.
Our course is a movement retraining program designed to help you achieve healthier, pain-free movement. The exercises are not meant to be a lifelong routine, but rather a stepping stone—teaching you how to apply the core movement principles to your daily life. Once your body has been retrained, the goal is for you to maintain those changes independently.
We do not offer lifetime access to the lessons because they are directly tied to ongoing support, which includes email guidance, live Q&As with Dr. Ryan, and personalized feedback. This membership-based model allows us to continue providing high-quality, individualized care throughout your journey, ensuring you have the attention and resources you need to succeed and move forward confidently—without requiring continual access to the course itself.
We do offer an alumni discount after the completion of the program if you'd like to continue your journey. The Alumni Membership provides ongoing access to the modules and exercise videos, so you can review and refine the material as long as you need to feel confident.
Additionally, I want to let you know that you can download the Daily Warm-up Flow from Module 3. This includes exercises from the first three modules. There is also a Maintenance Flow available for download in the Module 11, Day 5 lesson. These flows are excellent tools to keep practicing and reinforcing what you've learned.
I also want to assure you that we take your feedback seriously. We’re committed to improving how we communicate our pricing and membership model. We already share this information in multiple places—on the checkout page, the pricing page, the Welcome email, and the FAQ page—but we’ll continue looking for more ways and/or places to ensure our students are fully informed before they sign up. Our goal is to make sure there are no surprises and that everyone has a clear understanding of how the program works.
While we understand that you may have hoped for continued access after canceling, our intention is to equip you with the tools and confidence to move forward independently, maintaining your progress beyond the program.
Thank you again for your valuable feedback. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always here to support you.
Best regards,
Austie with CBT
UPDATE: Since posting my initial response, Core Balance Training has introduced a Lifetime Membership option. This new membership tier provides lifetime access to all course materials, updates, and ongoing support from the team, ensuring that students like you can continue your learning journey and refine your practice long after completing the course.
This addition was made in response to valuable customer feedback like yours, as our team wanted to offer more options for different needs. While this option may not be necessary for everyone, it's there to provide additional flexibility for those who prefer lifetime access and ongoing support.
JB
Joel B.
Saw their FB ads claiming permanent…
Saw their FB ads claiming permanent cure for back pain. Asked several times in a civil manner if they could cite any research supporting that claim.
The only response I got was to be blocked!
Core exercises are readily available without having to subscribe to anything. Appears their main purpose is to sell subscriptions by making non evidence based claims.
Read your response. Appears to be a canned response and that you didn't read my review very well as I stated that I commented on FB asking for supporting research and was blocked on FB as a result.
You can't locate my comments? That's what happens when you block someone. When I search for you on FB, I get a page not available, which is because you blocked me. And the comments I made have disappeared from my activity profile, which is what happens when someone blocks you.
Enough of this, how about simply referencing credible research to back up your claims of a "permanent cure"?
And how your subscription program is better than freely available core exercises?
So you have some anecdotes. That is not credible evidence to support claims of a "permanent cure".
I note that the review from Serbia states: "...It was concluded that exercise on the stability of the pelvic nucleus and muscles is recommended as the simplest and most favorable prevention of lower back pain and lumbar lordosis. The stability of the nucleus helps to overcome the main causes and deprive the body of functional disorders and pain..." It appears there is nothing in there that is unique to your method.
Charging people $99 a month for just online instruction is pretty pricey, particularly when core exercises are freely available from many sources e.g., the Mayo Clinic. Links aren't allowed here but searching Mayo Clinic core exercises will bring it up.
Or going to a PT for in person instruction that doesn't have to be ongoing once a person learns what to do.
I suggest removing extravagant claims based on anecdotes from your ads.
Response from Core Balance TrainingJul 26, 2024
Mr. Buckner,
As a small family business, we are deeply committed to customer satisfaction and we are happy to address any concerns or queries you might have.
However, we haven't been able to locate any messages, emails, or correspondence from you, which leaves us puzzled by your review.
Please reach out to [email protected] or feel free to ask any questions you may have in your review so we can address your concerns appropriately.
Best Regards,
Austie with CBT
UPDATE: Our company is small, and we haven't been around for a long time; therefore, we don't have any formal research conducted on our specific program yet.
However, we do have data from our students, as well as before-and-after MRIs and X-rays from the creator of Core Balance Training, who suffered from several spinal conditions that pointed to surgery. Our program was designed based on education, extensive research, and his personal experience with DDD, bulging and herniated discs in his lumbar spine, stenosis, SI joint problems, sciatica, spondylolisthesis, and more. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/aI_4p8V_9T8?si=T-hc1MvoT6a9i33S
We have had numerous students report that they were able to avoid surgery or cancel scheduled surgeries through participation in our program. Please feel free to read through any of the reviews below from people who participated in our course for confirmation.
If you are looking for published research about the effects of core training, I am happy to provide you with a link to a 2021 systematic review, which is the highest form of evidence and published in a respected journal: http://www.jaspe.ac.me/?sekcija=article&artid=174
While we do have a unique system for addressing back pain, we offer a free trial. We allow people to experience the program for an entire week before having to pay, and if it doesn't work for them, they can easily cancel. About 75% of people in our free trial choose to continue, and we have a 92% success rate, so there is some data for you.
Additionally, we have a 30-day money-back guarantee if they decide to continue past the free trial period and find that our program did not work for them. Our hope in offering this generous refund policy is to demonstrate our confidence in the program's success rate.
It's disheartening to receive a review about our service from someone who did not participate in our course. As a small business, we rely on these reviews to help people in pain evaluate our program. I can assure you that our company operates with integrity, and we take pride in providing a reputable service to our students.
UPDATE #2: Thank you for your continued feedback. We appreciate the opportunity to further clarify and address your concerns. In response to your points regarding the systematic review and our pricing model, we want to emphasize the following:
Our program focuses on stabilizing your core, which supports the claims made in the article we referenced about the importance of core stabilization in preventing back pain. Our approach is grounded in research, personal and hands-on experience.
Regarding our pricing, we charge $99 per month because our membership includes continuous support throughout your journey. This includes email guidance, live Q&As with Dr. Ryan, and personalized feedback within each lesson. This ongoing support ensures our students have the resources and individualized attention they need to achieve lasting success.
We also offer free content on YouTube, allowing anyone to get a feel for Dr. Ryan's teaching style and learn basic techniques before deciding whether to commit to a full membership.
Lastly, the goal of our program is to help people become independent, not to have an ongoing subscription. We aim to provide the tools and knowledge to take control of your health, and once you’ve achieved the desired results, you can cancel your membership when you no longer need continued support.
AB
Alan B.
They slow down the program to charge more and hide bad reviews
EDIT: Because this is a negative review they tried to get it taken down as "fake." Trustpilot reached out and i presented the credit card data to prove experience. Do not trust Core Balance Training. They have done this before with facebook ads where they disable comments when people call out poor experiences.
They slow down the program to an absolute crawl and tell you its because you should focus on small things. You get one 5 minute video per day and sometimes the day is "just review what you have done today" and nothing new. but really its to keep you paying for the program. As soon as you cancel you lose all access to what you paid for. The "money back guarantee" is actually not accurate as they take 17% as a "credit card refund" fee. Scam of a program.
EDIT 2: Based on their recent response here is a direct copy paste from their refund email "Your membership has been cancelled and you have been refunded per your original request. There is a $17 transaction fee due to the processing fees we incur." This was in early 2024
Response from Core Balance TrainingJul 24, 2024
Hi Alan,
As a small family business, we take customer satisfaction seriously, and we are eager to address your concerns appropriately. However, our team has been unable to find an account or any correspondence associated with an Alan B.
Please contact [email protected] so that we can locate your account. We would appreciate the opportunity to acknowledge your feedback.
Respectfully,
Austie with CBT
UPDATE: We reached out to you previously through this platform requesting more information to help us locate your account and resolve any issues, but unfortunately, we haven't heard back. If you'd like to provide more details, please contact us at [email protected] so we can better understand your experience.
UPDATE 2: We flagged this review as “not based on a genuine experience” because we cannot find your name in our system, and the date provided doesn’t match any records. It appears the name and date provided by you are not linked to our program or any correspondence in our inbox. We reached out multiple times through Trustpilot asking for your real name so we can look into your account and better address your concerns, but never heard back.
Regarding the pace of the program: our course is structured with small, manageable steps to help students master the core connections before advancing to more complex movements. This progression helps avoid rushing through crucial foundational work and is a key factor in our students' success.
With regard to losing access to the course when you cancel: As with most membership-based programs, access ends upon cancellation. However, we do offer downloadable resources that our students can keep, which are designed to support their success.
We genuinely care about our students and always strive to improve based on valuable feedback. That’s why we no longer charge a credit card processing fee for refunds and haven't for quite some time. We believe feedback helps us grow and serve our students better, and we are always open to receiving it.
Additionally, we want to clarify that we do not disable comments on ads when people share poor experiences. We are always open to respectful and constructive conversations.
