Episode 70: The Best and WORST Shoes to Wear with Orthotics

Fix Your Fascia (NOT Foam Rolling)

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 216 with Julia Blackwell

Julia Blackwell is a fascia release practitioner, educator, and creator of The Fascia Remedy. 

Julia was born with severe nerve damage to her right shoulder and grew up going through the broken Western medicine system. After 23 years of being told her condition would never improve and feeling no lasting relief from any treatments, she was introduced to a unique type of fascia release bodywork in 2010. In just 3 months of this fascia specific work, she saw more improvement in the feel and function of her arm than she had in 16 years of traditional treatments! 

This experience catapulted Julia into learning everything she could about fascia, the critical roles it plays in our movement and overall health, and how to restore it. After learning multiple modalities and working with clients for 12 years, she formulated her own approach for bodywork & foam rolling work called The Fascia Remedy. Using this methodology, she's been able to solve her own bouts of low back, knee, and neck pain in a matter of days, as well as help others quickly alleviate pain, restore movement, and perform at their best.

Julia has captivated a community of thousands with her unique bodywork, her fresh take on foam rolling, and her approach to discovering the root source of their pain. Her combination of fascia release, postural alignment, and mindset magic has earned her the nickname “The Pain Relief Wizard" from her community of both professional athletes and everyday movers.

A Denver local, spends her free time adventuring with her dogs, rock climbing, and hiking Colorado’s tallest peaks.

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Julia Blackwell about how to fix your fascia.

Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

- How most pain issues stem from fascial problems and often where the pain is felt is not the source of the problem.

- Why imbalance in posture can indicate fascial tension and misalignment in the body.

- How proper alignment and posture are important in identifying fascial tension and pain.

- Why it’s important to keep your fascia moving and hydrated.

- How improving the health of your fascia can positively impact your nerves, blood vessels, organs, lymphatic system, detoxification, immune system, and blood flow.

Connect with Julia:

Guest Contact Info

Instagram
@movementbyjulia

Facebook
facebook.com/movementbyjulia
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/movementbyjulia

Links Mentioned:
movementbyjulia.com

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter
@XeroShoes

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@xeroshoes

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facebook.com/xeroshoes

Lifting for Fitness? Don’t Do It!

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 215 with Mitchell Van Beek

Mitchell Van Beek is the founder of the MovePainFree (LLC) Training System, specializing in Movement-Based Training to help people start or return to exercising without pain.

After experiencing debilitating back pain for 12 years, Mitchell now focuses on pain relief through Movement Behavior Therapy, which involves changing how people walk and run to improve how they feel.

Originally from rural Iowa, Mitchell earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. Working remotely, he travels the world to help others be as active as possible by transitioning to Movement-Based Training.

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Mitchell Van Beek about how lifting shouldn’t be part of your fitness routine.

Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

- How there is a difference between movement patterns and lifting patterns for optimal body function.

- Why focusing on improving movement patterns can help alleviate pain.

- How you should incorporate developmental training and rockers to your routine to enhance your body’s overall movement efficiency.

- Why it’s important to pay attention to foot positioning, knee alignment, and hip flexion in squat patterns.

- How you should focus on foot movement pattern with resistance to optimize strength.

Connect with Mitchell:

Guest Contact Info
X
@movement_mitch

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter
@XeroShoes

Instagram
@xeroshoes

Facebook
facebook.com/xeroshoes

Discover (and Join) the Slow AF Run Club

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 214 with Martinus Evans

Slow AF founder Martinus Evans’ personal journey began ten years ago, when his doctor called him fat and told him he needed to start walking to “lose weight or die.”

Faced with the shame and stigma many people in larger bodies face, Martinus made the choice to stand up for himself. “Screw walking,” he said. “I’ll run a marathon.” He left the doctor’s office and bought running shoes that same day.

Ten years later, Martinus has been an adidas spokesperson, a model on the cover of Runner’s World, and a Boston Marathon finisher. Martinus has ran over 100 races including 8 marathons.

Now he’s set his sights on changing the perception of what a runner is supposed to look like. He founded The Slow AF Run Club to be the world’s largest inclusive online community for back-of-the-pack runners.

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Martinus Evans about the importance of inclusivity in the running community.

Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

- How it’s important for the running community to support slower runners and challenge traditional ideas of what a runner should look like.

- How high protein, high-fat diets don’t automatically enhance athletic performance.

- Why people should seek individualized approaches to training and nutrition.

- How there is a lack of diversity in the running industry and marketing should be more inclusive of all body types.

- How it’s vital to embrace your body type and run without pressuring yourself to change it.

Connect with Martinus:

Guest Contact Info

Instagram
@runslowaf

Facebook
facebook.com/RunSlowAF

Links Mentioned:
slowafrunclub.com

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter
@XeroShoes

Instagram
@xeroshoes

Facebook
facebook.com/xeroshoes

Can Barefoot Shoes Handle Pickleball?

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 213 with Piers Kwan

In 2010, Piers Kwan became a certified hardstyle kettlebell instructor under Pavel Tsatsouline. He started with RKC and now represents StrongFirst. He learns and teaches with Tim Anderson and the Original Strength team. 

Piers currently enjoys pickleball, delving excessively deeply into random interests, and hanging out with his lovely wife and three fantastic daughters.

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Piers Kwan about how barefoot shoes can handle pickleball and other court sports. 

Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

- How Original Strength focuses on restoring natural movement patterns to help individuals move as they were designed to.

- How people can transition from sedentary and physically restricted states to vibrant and capable individuals.

- How Original Strength serves as the foundational framework, enabling individuals to pursue various physical activities without hindrance.

- Why inexperience sports participants, especially those lacking stability and a connection to the ground, are prone to injury.

- why wearing minimalist footwear can improve foot strength, reduce running injuries, and provide an active recovery.

Connect with Piers:

Guest Contact Info

Instagram
@qldkettlebells
@pierskwan

Facebook
facebook.com/QldKettleballs

Links Mentioned:
qldkettlebells.com.au

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter
@XeroShoes

Instagram
@xeroshoes

Facebook
facebook.com/xeroshoes

Are Super Shoes REALLY Super?

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 212 with Jay Dicharry

Originally from New Orleans LA, Jay completed the Master of Physical Therapy degree at Louisiana State University Medical Center and is a Board- Certified Sports Clinical Specialist. Jay built his international reputation as an expert in biomechanical analysis as Director of the SPEED Clinic at the University of Virginia. Through this innovative venture, Jay was able to blend the fields of clinical practice and engineering to better understand and eliminate the cause of overuse injuries in endurance athletes. His unique approach goes outside the traditional model of therapy and aims to correct imbalances before they affect your performance.

Jay literally wrote the book on running gait assessments: he is author of  “Running Rewired” + “Anatomy for Runners“, writes columns for numerous magazines, and has published over 35 professional journal articles and book chapters. Jay has had an active research career, teaches nationally, and consults for numerous footwear companies, the US Air Force and USA Track and Field. His ongoing research focus on footwear and the causative factors driving overuse injury continues to provide him cutting edge knowledge to educate and provide patients with an unmatched level of innovation and success. Having taught in the Sports Medicine program at UVA and Oregon State University-Cascades, he brings a strong bias towards patient education, and continues to teach nationally to elevate the standard of care for Therapists, Physicians, and Coaches working with endurance athletes.

In addition to his clinical distinction, Jay is a certified coach through both the United States Track and Field Association and the United States Cycling Federation, and certified Golf Fitness Instructor through Titleist Performance Institute. He has a competitive history in swimming, triathlon, cycling, and running events on both the local and national level, and has coached athletes from local standouts to national medalists. He enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest with his family on knobbies, skis, boards, and soles.

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Jay Dicharry about if super shoes are good for runners. 

Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

- How super shoes may encourage overstriding and landing on the heel, which can lead to injuries.

- Why people should look at other factors besides super shoes that contribute to their perceived improved performance.

- How shoe technology is not a substitute for proper training and form.

- Why people tend to chase trends instead of relying on common sense when it comes to footwear.

- How some athetes experience a decline in performance when they switch to high-stack cushioned shoes because it alters their natural timing and stiffness.

Connect with Jay:

Guest Contact Info

Instagram
@mobo.board

Links Mentioned:
moboboard.com

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter
@XeroShoes

Instagram
@xeroshoes

Facebook
facebook.com/xeroshoes

RANTING About Running Research

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 211

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement where Steven rants about running research. 

Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

- How running-related injury rates have increased despite advancements in running footwear.

- Why runners in the1960s and the 70s didn’t experience as many running injuries.

- How switching to barefoot running or minimalist shoes can’t be accomplished in five minutes.

- Why footwear has an impact on your gait when you run.

- How running with proper form feels good.
 

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter
@XeroShoes

Instagram
@xeroshoes

Facebook
facebook.com/xeroshoes

Kettlebells: EVERYTHING You Need to Know

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 210 with Steven Sashen

Brett Jones is StrongFirst’s Director of Education and Master SFG. He is also a Certified Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Specialist based in Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from High Point University, a Master of Science in Rehabilitative Sciences from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

With over twenty years of experience, Brett has been sought out to consult with professional teams and athletes, as well as present throughout the United States and internationally.

As an athletic trainer who has transitioned into the fitness industry, Brett has taught kettlebell techniques and principles since 2003. He has taught for Functional Movement Systems (FMS) since 2006, and has created multiple DVDs and manuals with world-renowned physical therapist Gray Cook, including the widely-praised “Secrets of…” series.

Brett continues to evolve his approach to training and teaching, and is passionate about improving the quality of education for the fitness industry. He is available for consultations and distance coaching by e-mailing him at brett.jones@strongfirst.com

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Brett Jones about everything you need to know about kettlebells. 

Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

- How kettlebells are like cannonballs with handles, providing a unique way to train.

- Why kettlebell training helps with force absorption and redirection, which benefits other activities.

- How efficient alignment is more important than brute strength in kettlebell training.

- Why different thumb positions affect kettlebell gripping and alignment.

- How the kettlebell shouldn’t hit your forearm when you are performing a snatch.

Connect with Brett:

Guest Contact Info
brett.jones@strongfirst.com

Links Mentioned:
strongfirst.com

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter
@XeroShoes

Instagram
@xeroshoes

Facebook
facebook.com/xeroshoes

Survivor Season 45, Tells All…

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 209 with Austin Li Coon 

Austin Li Coon is a current MBA student at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Austin just finished competing on the most recent season of Survivor, where he finished in 2nd place. And of course, he wore Xero Shoes for the entire adventure. 

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Austin Li Coon about competing on season 45 of Survivor.

Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

- What it was like for Austin to apply to be on the show Survivor.

- How contestants on the show struggled with basic tasks and mental acuity due to extreme hunger.

- Why Austin used Xero Shoes while getting ready for the show and for the entirety of the season.

- How dealing with comments on social media can be challenging when you’re on reality tv.

- How wearing Xero Shoes played a significant role in his success on survivor.

Connect with Austin:

Guest Contact Info
Twitter
@austinlicoon

Instagram
@austinlicoon

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter
@XeroShoes

Instagram
@xeroshoes

Facebook
facebook.com/xeroshoes

Yoga is NOT Stretching

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 208 with Yogi Aaron

Yogi Aaron is a trailblazing yoga teacher who is leading a global rebellion against the harmful practice of stretching. He pioneered the groundbreaking approach to yoga that shows people how to live pain-free by activating muscles through Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation™ (AYAMA). 

In a world where conventional stretching and flexibility practices are the prescribed norm for pain, Yogi Aaron's unorthodox method provides a safer and more effective permanent solution — and it isn’t being taught by anyone else! 

Whether at his scenic Blue Osa Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica or through his online AYAMA™ Certification Program and The Yogi Club, Yogi Aaron is dedicated to teaching students worldwide to break free from pain and unlock their full potential and life purpose.

What sets him apart is his wisdom, infectious humor, adventurous spirit, and personal healing journey, which distinguish him as a beloved leader in the yoga community.

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Yogi Aaron about how yoga isn’t stretching.

Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

- How the Muscle Activation Technique is a way to address muscle-related problems.

- How yoga postures have evolved over time, and their original purpose may differ fro today’s practice.

- Why there is a misconception that yoga postures are primarily preparing the body for meditation.

- Why mastering comfort and stability in yoga postures can lead to a deeper understanding of life and decision-making.

- How different yoga postures can impact the nervous system and energy levels.

Connect with Yogi Aaron:

Guest Contact Info

Links Mentioned:
theyogi.club/movement

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter
@XeroShoes

Instagram
@xeroshoes

Facebook
facebook.com/xeroshoes

How Should You Walk Barefoot?

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 207 with Barry Weinstein

Barry Weinstein is the Head Coach at FootCamp which is the fastest growing barefoot lifestyle brand. FootCamp offers free barefooting classes in Central Park, New York, supplies barefoot shoes, toe socks, toe spacers, and rock mats to strengthen our customers feet and build a robust orthopedic system to live a pain free life. 

Barry’s emphasis on forefoot walking as a means of reducing orthopedic injury makes him unique in his coaching style. He uses a mix of history, anthropology, and anatomy to teach students barefooting technique.

Barry is a barefoot runner, a decorated track and field thrower, an Olympic style weightlifter, a former employee of the New York Road Runners and NYC Marathon finisher. Barry was also on the prestigious CRCA Junior Development road cycling team, competing in multiple stage races including the Green Mountain Stage Race and competed in the Tour of the Battenkill AKA “the hell of the north”, and raced in the collegiate circuit in the Washington D.C. area.

Barry has been previously featured in publications such as Scientific American, Fox News, BBC World News, Crain’s New York Business, Forbes and many others.

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Barry Weinstein about the correct way to walk barefoot.

Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

- How the Achilles tendon absorbs and recycles impact when running barefoot.

- Why there are high rates of back and foot injuries associated with modern running shoes.

- How the only way to change minds is to build rapport and have non-confrontational conversations with people.

- Why some people experience orthopedic problems similar to those who overuse hell strike problems even when they don’t run.

- How overstriding or reaching out with the foot in front is not ideal for walking or running.

Connect with Barry:

Guest Contact Info

Links Mentioned:
classpass.com/studios/footcamp-new-york
 

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter
@XeroShoes

Instagram
@xeroshoes

Facebook
facebook.com/xeroshoes