The London Marathon witnessed a groundbreaking moment when the first two runners crossed the finish line in under two hours. The newly designed Adidas shoes, weighing just 97 grams, feature a stack height just shy of the Olympic limit, enhancing running efficiency and challenging previous beliefs about the possibility of sub-two-hour marathons. Steven Sashen acknowledges this achievement as legitimate, despite the potential shoe-related advantages. He emphasizes the crucial role of the shoes' lightweight design and stack height in affecting stride length and energy expenditure, drawing parallels with Dr. Phil Mathetone's theory that running barefoot on smooth surfaces could achieve similar results. While celebrating the runners' remarkable performance, Steven prompts a discussion on the influence of advanced shoe technology in pushing the boundaries of competitive running.

Connect with Steven:

Xero Shoes: https://xeroshoes.com/ Join the MOVEMENT Movement: https://jointhemovementmovement.com/ X: https://x.com/XeroShoes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeroshoes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xeroshoes

What if one subtle collapse in your lower body is quietly driving most of your pain, stiffness, and "mystery" injuries? In this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement, Steven Sashen speaks with Dr. Mike Wasilisin, Founder and CEO of MoveU, who breaks down why most pain and injuries trace back to a few predictable misalignment patterns. After running a sports injury clinic and later selling it to build MoveU, he now teaches movement and alignment methods for everyday people and also teaches in chiropractic and PT education settings. In this episode, Mike explains valgus collapse, hip and spinal compensation, scapular position, and why minimalist footwear and better body awareness can help you move with greater durability and less inflammation.

Key Takeaways:

→ Valgus collapse, where the knee caves inward, contributes to issues ranging from foot pain to knee and hip problems.

→ Foot position matters, and toes turned outward often reinforce poor knee tracking over time.

→ Misalignment shifts the load to the arch and soft tissues instead of distributing the force properly.

→ Hip drop from poor alignment can lead to compensations and increased back stress.

→ Posture determines stress distribution, with hyperextension loading joints and flattening loading discs.

Dr. Mike Wasilisin's journey in healthcare and fitness began in 2000 at a chiropractic rehab clinic while he was earning a Psychology degree from Kent State, which he completed in 2004. In 2009, he earned his doctorate in chiropractic from Palmer College, specializing in body mechanics, strength training, pain psychology, and soft-tissue therapy using TPI, ART, FMS, and SFMA. From 2009 to 2017, he built a thriving private practice in San Diego and began teaching Kinesiology at California State University while running CaliSpine, a clinic specializing in low-back pain rehabilitation. After a viral quadratus lumborum video reached 4 million views in 2015, he committed to going fully online, frustrated by the limitations of traditional healthcare. That led to the creation of MoveU in 2016, a movement that helps people take control of their bodies through structured programs free from insurance red tape. Now, with over 3 million social media followers and more than 150,000 people having gone through MoveU programs, the impact continues to grow. Featured in Men's Health, CBS, and Live with Mark & Kelly, Dr. Mike's mission is clear—helping people stop treating pain as an emergency and start recognizing it as a lifestyle issue that can be addressed through awareness, movement, and a long-term plan.

Connect With Mike:

Website: https://moveu.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveu/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moveu

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/moveu

Connect with Steven:Xero Shoes: https://xeroshoes.com/ Join the MOVEMENT Movement: https://jointhemovementmovement.com/ X: https://x.com/XeroShoes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeroshoes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xeroshoes

What if something as simple as changing your shoes could dramatically reduce your risk of falling and improve your overall mobility?

In this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement, Steven Sashen interviews Erin Futrell, PT, MPT, PhD, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Springfield College and a researcher in natural movement and foot health, who shares groundbreaking findings on how footwear affects balance and fall risk. Her research shows that transitioning to minimalist shoes can significantly improve stability in older adults, potentially reducing the risk of life-altering falls. Drawing from her work in physical therapy and exercise physiology, Erin explains how strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the feet can transform mobility, prevent injury, and enhance overall function.

Key Takeaways:

→ Minimalist shoes can greatly enhance balance, which directly lowers the risk of falling.

→ A gradual switch to minimalist shoes is crucial to prevent negative effects like calf pain.

→ Sensory feedback from the ground improves balance.

→ Footwear impacts the whole kinetic chain of the body.

→ Switching to minimalist shoes often results in a shorter stride length.

Erin Futrell, PhD, has been a physical therapist since 2007 and a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy since 2010. She has practiced clinically in Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, and Springfield, MA, working with the general population as well as recreational and professional athletes. Her doctoral dissertation focused on impact-reducing gait retraining methods for runners and was conducted at The Spaulding National Running Center in Cambridge, MA. Futrell is the founder and director of the Foot Intrinsic Testing and Training Lab (FiTT Lab), where she and her team conduct research to better understand and enhance foot function for people of all ages and ability levels. Futrell teaches courses related to therapeutic interventions, physical agents, and musculoskeletal physical therapy.

Learn more about Erin's study here: https://karger.com/ger/article/doi/10.1159/000550264/942122/Effects-of-Long-Term-Minimal-Footwear-Use-on-Fall

To learn more about the other articles mentioned, please visit the following:

The (FiTT Lab) Foot intrinsic Testing and Training Lab: https://gulick.springfield.edu/fitt/

Study by Curtis, et al. They measured "experienced" minimal footwear users (avg. of 2.5 years of use) and found they had higher arch and greater foot strength than conventional shoe users. They also had a separate group of conv. shoe users wear minimal footwear for 6 months and found it resulted in similar foot strength as the experienced group (but they didn't see a change in arch height after 6 months): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-98070-0Curtis R, Willems C, Paoletti P, D'Août K. Daily activity in minimal footwear increases foot strength. Sci Rep. 2021 Sep 20;11(1):18648. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-98070-0. PMID: 34545114; PMCID: PMC8452613.

Connect With Erin:Email: [email protected] Connect with Steven:

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Have you ever wondered why changing shoes helps for a while, only for the same pain to come back? This conversation will change how you think about feet, form, and "support."

In this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement, Steven Sashen speaks with Jae Gruenke, Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and founder of The Balanced Runner™, who explains why many runners stay stuck in pain even after new shoes, inserts, or medical treatment. Often called the "wise woman of running," she's helped runners and triathletes, from beginners to Olympians, improve performance and resolve chronic issues through neuromuscular reeducation and movement learning. Together, she and Steven Sashen unpack the cushioning vs minimalist debate and reveal the overlooked forces and compensation patterns that determine whether your stride feels easy or keeps fighting you.

Key Takeaways:→ Your nervous system governs movement choices, often limiting range and load as a protective strategy. → Improved coordination reduces effort and unlocks "already-there" strength.→ Foot soreness on pavement isn't automatic. Pain can signal excess horizontal force, not the hard ground. → Chronic pain often creates compensation loops, making people double down on the pattern that caused the problem because it feels safest.→ Movement reeducation can reveal the true driver of your chronic pain.

Jae Gruenke is a Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, running technique expert, and founder of The Balanced Runner™. Often called the "wise woman of running," she helps runners and triathletes—from beginners to Olympians—relieve pain, move more efficiently, and improve performance, especially when issues persist despite medical treatment. A former professional dancer, Jae studied modern dance at Bennington College and Williams College and performed with New York City-based companies for more than a decade. Her work with choreography that required sustained outdoor running sparked a deep study of running mechanics, using her Feldenkrais training to make running feel easier and more enjoyable—then teaching those principles to others. Her work has been featured in outlets including Runner's World UK and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, and she contributed to Dr. Mark Cucuzzella's 1-2-3 Run program for the US Air Force. Connect With Jae:Website: https://www.balancedrunner.com/ Connect with Steven:Xero Shoes: https://xeroshoes.com/ Join the MOVEMENT Movement: https://jointhemovementmovement.com/ X: https://x.com/XeroShoes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeroshoes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xeroshoes

What you put on your feet can quietly sabotage your technique or unlock a level of performance you didn't know you had.

In this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement, Steven Sashen speaks with Denis Vasilev, MA, 11x Kettlebell World Champion, IKO Master Coach & Founder, who returns to break down the overlooked performance variable most lifters ignore: footwear. A multiple-time kettlebell sport champion and elite-level competitor, Denis recently won a competition with 85 reps in 10 minutes using double 32kg in the long cycle—an internationally ranked, top-tier result, especially at age 42. He explains why traditional weightlifting shoes can mask flaws, how minimalist footwear improves feedback and consistency, and what that means for strength, efficiency, and long-set performance.

Key Takeaways:

→ Better sensory input from the ground helps people self-correct their technique in real time.

→ Heel lift and rigid structure may mask mobility and timing issues rather than fix them.

→ Thick, rigid. Heels reduce feedback, tempting lifters to slam rather than time the movement.

→ Feeling stance changes immediately allows people to correct before they compound into fatigue and wasted energy.

→ Toe space matters more than people realize, but if they return to narrow shoes, the restriction becomes obvious.

Denis Vasilev is a globally recognized Kettlebell Sport athlete, coach, and educator with more than 25 years of experience in the discipline. He began his Kettlebell Sport journey at age 16 in 1999 and has become one of the most decorated athletes in the sport's history. He has earned prestigious ranks, including Master of Sport International Class, and competed for the Russian National Kettlebell Sport Team from 2008 to 2015, performing at the highest professional level worldwide. Denis holds a Master's Degree in Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy from Lesgaft National State University in St. Petersburg and has been coaching athletes since 2009. He is the founder of the International Kettlebell Organization (IKO) and the Kettlebell Sport World League. Additionally, Denis is the creator of BELLEVATOR, a premium line of Kettlebell Sport belts and apparel, and continues to lead and inspire the Kettlebell Sport community worldwide.

Connect With Denis:

Website: https://www.denisvasilevkettlebell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisvasilevkettlebell/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisVasilevKettlebell

Connect with Steven:

Xero Shoes: https://xeroshoes.com/ Join the MOVEMENT Movement: https://jointhemovementmovement.com/ X: https://x.com/XeroShoes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeroshoes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xeroshoes

Nike says this new "brain-first" shoe can unlock focus and performance but does the science hold up, or is it just brilliant marketing?

In this episode of the The MOVEMENT Movement, Steven Sashen speaks with Courtney Conley, Jay Dicharry, Dr. Irene Davis, and Dr. Emily Splichal who break down Nike's new sensory-focused shoe and the bold claims behind its "mind tech," from two-point discrimination to "amplifying" what your feet feel. The conversation challenges whether thick cushioning and widely spaced pods can truly enhance sensory input — and why novelty and instability can be mistaken for real performance gains. You'll also hear the bigger takeaway: how to think about foot strength, sensation, and movement so you're not buying a shortcut that quietly makes you weaker.

Key Takeaways:

→ How Nike's two-point discrimination explanation doesn't match the large, spaced pods on the shoes.

→ How Nike's design appears to ignore the toes, which is a major sensory area.

→ Why the thick, soft cushioning may mute sensation, contradicting Nike's claim.

→ Why claiming a shoe has both barefoot benefits and more protection is misleading.

→ How Nike's creation of a "minimalist shoe" sparks mainstream awareness of foot sensory science and education.

Courtney Conley is a chiropractic physician specializing in foot and gait mechanics. She holds a B.A. in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, as well as a B.A. in Human Biology in addition to a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from the National University of Health Sciences. Jay Dicharry is one of America's leading physical therapists and a board-certified Sports Clinical Specialist. Dicharry's REP Lab is a national destination for elite athletes because he diagnoses and rebuilds injured endurance athletes. Dr. Irene Davis is the founding Director of the Spaulding National Running Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School. Dr. Davis received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts, and in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida. Dr. Emily Splichal, Functional Podiatrist and Human Movement Specialist, is the Founder of EBFA Global, Creator of the Barefoot Training Specialist® Certification, Author of Barefoot Strong and CEO/Founder of Naboso Technology.

Connect With Courney:

Website: https://gaithappens.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaithappens/

Connect with Jay:

Website: https://anathletesbody.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaydicharry/

Connect with Irene:

Website: https://www.irenedavisbooks.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-davis-2904158/

Connect with Emily:

Website: https://www.naboso.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naboso_technology/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nabosotechnology

Connect with Steven:

Xero Shoes: https://xeroshoes.com/

Join the MOVEMENT Movement: https://jointhemovementmovement.com/

X: https://x.com/XeroShoes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeroshoes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xeroshoes

Discover the art and science of kettlebell training for a unique fitness experience unlike any other.

In this episode of the The MOVEMENT Movement, Steven Sashen interviews Denis Vasilev, MA, 11x Kettlebell World Champion, IKO Master Coach and Founder, who dives into the world of resistance training. They discuss the profound mental and physical benefits of kettlebell training, emphasizing the importance of consistency and strategic workout scheduling. Through Denis's expertise and passion for coaching, listeners are encouraged to explore the artistic and challenging nature of kettlebell sport to enhance their fitness levels and achieve personal milestones.

Key Takeaways:

→ How resistance training is crucial for building muscle mass and longevity.

→ Why consistency in training is key and how just three workouts a week can lead to significant results.

→ How engaging in kettlebell training is achieved by utilizing gravity and body weight shifts.

→ Why your training progression with kettlebells should start light by mastering technique and gradually increasing weight.

→ How proper weigh distribution allows individuals to adjust their body position and maintain the correct form.

Denis Vasilev is a globally recognized Kettlebell Sport athlete, coach, and educator with over 25 years of experience in the discipline. Beginning his Kettlebell Sport journey at the age of 16 in 1999, Denis has become one of the most decorated athletes in the sport's history. He has earned prestigious ranks, including Master of Sport International Class, and competed for the Russian National Kettlebell Sport Team from 2008 to 2015, performing at the highest professional level worldwide. Denis holds a Master's Degree in Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy from Lesgaft National State University in St. Petersburg and has been coaching athletes since 2009. He is the founder of the International Kettlebell Organization (IKO) and the Kettlebell Sport World League. Additionally, Denis is the creator of BELLEVATOR, a premium line of kettlebell sport belts and apparel, continuing to lead and inspire the Kettlebell Sport community worldwide.

Connect With Denis:

Website: https://www.denisvasilevkettlebell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisvasilevkettlebell/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisVasilevKettlebell

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xero Shoes

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From San Diego to Florida, this cross-country trek raises Alzheimer's awareness while spotlighting the power of natural movement, smart footwear, and a strong community.

In this episode of the The MOVEMENT Movement, Steven Sashen interviews Judy Benjamin, who embarked on a remarkable journey from San Diego to Florida to raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease. Judy's powerful story highlights the importance of early detection, proper walking techniques, and footwear from Xero Shoes in managing her own early Alzheimer's diagnosis. Through personal anecdotes, she emphasizes lifestyle changes like exercise, diet, and humor to enhance brain health while shedding light on the emotional and financial burdens faced by families affected by Alzheimer's.

Key Takeaways:

→ Why it's vital to focus on good posture, foot placement, and body alignment during walks.

→ How people should educate yourself about Alzheimer's disease and the Bredesen Protocol.

→ Why incorporating humor into your daily life helps navigate challenging situations.

→ How prioritizing exercise as a key component of a healthy lifestyle is crucial.

→ The importance of balancing enjoyment while taking care of your health.

Judy Benjamin, Ph.D., lives a life centered on making a difference in the World. With a doctorate in Medical Anthropology from Binghamton University, Benjamin had an accomplished career focused on conflict-affected and less developed countries, applying professional social science skills in gender, education, health, and economic development across over 30 countries worldwide. Before her coaching practice, she focused on reconstruction and development in conflict-affected countries. Previously, she has worked for organizations such as CARE International, the International Rescue Committee, the Academy for Educational Development, the United States Agency for International Development, the UN World Food Program, UNICEF, and the UN Development Program. She is a National Board-Certified and ReCODE-certified Health and Wellness Coach with Apollo Health, a yoga teacher, and a therapist.

Connect With Judy:

Website

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Links Mentioned: http://NaturallyIntense.net

Uncover the secrets of optimal fitness, longevity, and peak performance as we dive into the fascinating world of fascia and movement.

In this episode of The Movement Movement, Steven Sashen speaks with Dr. Edythe Heus, Founder and Creator of Rev6 and a movement expert, who explores the importance of incorporating risk and novelty into fitness routines for optimal performance and enjoyment. From martial arts anecdotes to promoting natural movement patterns, this episode inspires listeners to embrace challenges and live life feet first.

Key Takeaways:

→ How fascia plays a crucial role in movement and overall health.

→ Activating small muscles through unstable surfaces showcases the importance of fascia in coordinating movement.

→ The interconnectedness of fascia and muscles is crucial in movement and strength training.

→ Walking barefoot on various surfaces can improve foot reflexes and aid in the development of arches in the feet.

→ An optimal fitness program should include novelty, sensory stimulation, complexity, and precise sequencing.

Dr. Edythe Heus is a chiropractor specializing in kinesiology, Stecco Fascial Manipulation, and functional neurology. With a deep passion for movement and how the body functions in harmony, she can identify dysfunctions simply by observing someone's walk. Over the years, she developed Rev6, a movement system designed to restore coordination, enhance vitality, and improve ease of movement. To share her insights, Dr. Heus created The Essentials, a teaching tool that helps practitioners assess and correct inefficiencies and compensations in movement. Her patients, from injury survivors to elite performers, have been her greatest teachers, revealing connections that no textbook could explain. Today, Dr. Heus continues to treat patients, certify doctors and trainers in Rev6, and create new exercises to help individuals meet the physical and neurological demands of daily life. She's always observing movement, even in her dreams.

Connect With Dr. Edythe Heus:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Get your first 3 months of Rev6 On-Demand subscription by going to https://rev6.fit/promo/ and entering the code XERO

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Think your shoes are helping your feet? You might be shocked by what the science actually says.

In this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement, Steven Sashen interviews Dr. Jenn Perez, Co-Founder and COO of Gait Happens, who joins the show to debunk foot myths and explain how modern footwear influences your movement. Drawing on emerging research and years of clinical teaching worldwide, Dr. Perez explains pronation, toe spring, the windlass mechanism, and why "foot strength" is finally measurable in minimalist footwear studies. She and host Steven Sashen discuss how to build resilient, pain-free feet by allowing them to function as they are naturally designed.

Key Takeaways:

→ Foot strength is more important than quadriceps strength in determining fall risk in the elderly.

→ Changes in gait and walking speed can be early indicators of mental decline and potential dementia diagnosis.

→ Flat feet and pronation are separate concepts with different implications for foot health.

→ Understanding foot anatomy is crucial in designing minimal shoes that support optimal foot function.

→ Foot strength and alignment are crucial for overall health, athletic performance, and fall prevention.

Dr. Jen Perez is the co-founder and COO of Gait Happens, a global leader in lower extremity education. As a chiropractor and gait specialist, Dr. Perez is passionate about educating both individuals and professionals on the importance of lower extremity biomechanics in obtaining meaningful results for patients. She holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sports Medicine. Based in Lafayette, CO, Dr. Perez also owns and operates Kinetic Chiropractic, where she offers personalized care and treatment to help patients restore optimal movement and alleviate pain. Through her online and in-person work, she has helped clients worldwide, with a focus on foot health and corrective exercise. Dr. Perez has been featured on 9News and in publications such as Women's Health, National Geographic, and CNN Underscored. In addition to her teaching and course writing with Gait Happens, she has also lectured to numerous educational institutions and associations, including the Canadian Pedorthic Association, Palmer College of Chiropractic, and the Florida Chiropractic Association.

Connect With Dr. Jen Perez:

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