Are You Exercising Wrong? with Dr. Gains

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 191 with Michael Kamalu

Michael Kamalu has been an avid multi-sport athlete since he was 3 years old, excelling in basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, and track (high jump & hurtles). He was a starter for the basketball and football teams for Davis High School, taking second in state (6A) in both sports his junior year, and continues to play competitive sports to this day. Michael started weightlifting 6 days a week when he was 14 years old. From the very beginning, he was intent on studying exercise-science, including the anatomy and biomechanics behind each lift and the various strategies and nuances in targeting each muscle, in order to optimize his physical fitness and athletic capabilities. Others soon began coming to him for tips and advice, and so he started informal personal training before even entering high school. As Michael's training and experience continued to grow throughout college and into medical school, he developed the unique ability to take new, academic knowledge of physics, physiology, neuroscience and anatomy, and apply it physical fitness and weightlifting. Combining that with his capacity for innovation, he started creating new and better ways to train, and developed dozens of novel techniques.

Yet, due to his perpetual participation contact sports, Michael was constantly getting injured - many of which became chronic and even required surgery, including a torn labrum in one shoulder and a rotator cuff impingement with biceps tendinitis in the other. Not wanting to undergo months-long recoveries, yet understanding that his normal weightlifting routines would only aggravate his injuries, Michael started developing hundreds of additional techniques, modifications to common exercises, and even completely new lifts that would allow him to continue to train and build muscle, while not only avoiding aggravating existing injuries, but actually rehabbing them and strengthening the joints to prevent any future injury. Then, after becoming frustrated with the lack of high-quality and scientifically accurate content he saw among "fitness influencers," Michael decided to share what he had with the world. What you can now find and benefit from in the "Dr. Gains" programs is the cumulative result of all of Michael's unique and extensive experience, personal training, scientific education, and creative ability. Additionally, his experience and success managing people as a business owner gives him the unique ability to understand his clients’ wants and needs, and to convey his knowledge and training material in a way that they can understand and implement in their own lives. Rather than just telling them WHAT to do, he teaches them HOW and WHY they're doing each exercise, empowering them to customize the content in his programs according to their specific situations and goals. There's truly nothing else like it in the industry!

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Michael Kamalu about how to exercise correctly using Dr. Gains.

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

- How many fitness influencers who claim to have natural results often use performance enhancing substances or have exceptional genetics, leading to unrealistic body expectations for others.

- Why these unrealistic expectations hinder people from starting their fitness journeys.

- How many fitness practices can lead to problems and injuries.

- Why working muscles the exact same way each time can lead to imbalanced muscle growth.

- How understanding the underlying anatomy of muscles helps analyze and customize exercises.

Connect with Michael:

Guest Contact Info

Instagram@michael_kamalu LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/michael-kamalu-57bb2013b

Links Mentioned:dr-gains.com

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter@XeroShoes

Instagram@xeroshoes

Facebookfacebook.com/xeroshoes

Don’t Build Core Strength

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 190 with Jae Gruenke

Jae Gruenke is a Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, running technique expert, and founder of The Balanced Runner™.  Known as a “running form guru,” she has helped runners from beginner to Olympian relieve pain and improve their performance, and she specializes in helping runner whose problems have persisted despite medical treatment.

Jae has been a member of the Feldenkrais Guild of North America since 1999 and the United Kingdom since 2011, and was an ACE-certified personal trainer from 1999-2012.  

As an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Physical Therapy Program at SUNY Downstate Medical center in New York City she helped develop an (unpublished) pilot study on the effects of the Feldenkrais Method on running economy.

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Jae Gruenke about why you shouldn’t build core strength.

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

- How people shouldn’t create any disparity between the two sides of their body.

- Why Feldenkrais is more about experimentation and exploration rather than focusing on a specific goal.

- How Feldenkrais emphasizes the integration and learning that happens during rest and relaxation, rather than forcing movement.

- Why exaggerating movement patterns can help individuals become aware of their current habits.

- How bones and joints in the feet and spine are designed to be mobile and adaptable, supporting movement and interaction with the world.

Connect with Jae:

Guest Contact Info

Links Mentioned:balancedrunner.com

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter@XeroShoes

Instagram@xeroshoes

Facebookfacebook.com/xeroshoes

Does Barefoot Running Cure Injuries

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 189 with Peter Francis

Peter Francis’ main interest is in understanding how individuals and teams can be the best that they can be. Peter has been described as a transformational leader for his work in creating cultures whereby productivity and well-being increase among groups. Examples include generating a 5-fold increase in research output at a University department, creating a winning culture on the sporting field and helping individuals accomplish physical challenges for the first time. Peter has a BSc. Sport and Exercise Science, BSc. Physical Therapy and a PhD in Exercise Science. He has worked with teams and individuals at amateur, European and Olympic level.  An established researcher, Peter lectures in sport and health science and conducts research into how modern environments effect human health and performance.

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Peter Francis about what barefoot running can do for injuries.

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

- How individuals resist changing their running shoes despite evidence proving padded shoes do not improve performance.

- Why the traditional running advice and scientific knowledge can often lead people astray.

- How expanding people’s minds about running differently and understanding injuries challenges black-and-white thinking and embraces nuance.

- Why people should consider their evolutionary legacy in their modern environment.

- How it’s vital for people to have fun when they are participating in physical activities.

Connect with Peter:

Guest Contact Info

Links Mentioned:peterfrancis.blog

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter@XeroShoes

Instagram@xeroshoes

Facebookfacebook.com/xeroshoes

Who REALLY Needs Barefoot Shoes?

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 188 with Emily Jancic

Emily Jancic is the founder of HARTS in Brooklyn, NY. As every parent knows, baby socks fall off and shoes make them fall. HARTS are the “Gateway Shoe” made to simplify life for parent and child. We’re as close to bare feet as possible. With no laces to tie, machine washable styles and rubber soles, we stay on all day, no socks needed. Moms and Dads love us because we help new walkers walk.

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Emily Jancic about who really needs to wear barefoot shoes.

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

- How it’s common for entrepreneurs to overcommit which can lead to failure.

- Why mothers in Ethiopia don’t traditionally put shoes on their children until they are five years old.

- How athletes who grew up playing sports barefoot experience problems when transitioning to padded shoes.

- Why word of mouth can be the best tool for advertising when it comes to natural movement.

- How studies suggest being barefoot contributes to better social development and increased attention.

Connect with Emily:

Guest Contact Info

Instagram@hartsbootees

Links Mentioned:hartsbootees.com

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter@XeroShoes

Instagram@xeroshoes

Facebookfacebook.com/xeroshoes

The End of Surgery?

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 187 with Aneesh Garg

Aneesh Garg, DO, CAQ, is a nationally recognized, non-surgical sports medicine and regenerative orthopaedic physician with Dynamic Athlete Sports Medicine & Regenerative Orthopaedics in Boulder, Colorado.  He is also a two-sport US National Team Physician as he works with USA Hockey and U.S. Soccer. Dr. Garg specializes in treating dynamic athletes of all ages and skill levels from head to toe. 

At Dynamic Athlete Sports Medicine & Regenerative Orthopaedics, Dr. Garg also uses genetic testing for precision medicine.  He is a continued asset for athletes looking to maximize their potential at the cellular level.  Dr. Garg also leads the Dynamic Athlete Concussion Clinic and has been a certified ImPACT consultant specializing in the management of concussion injuries. 

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Aneesh Garg about alternatives to surgery.

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

- How having your feet closer to the ground enhances proprioception, balance, and gait.

- Why wearing barefoot shoes helps build foot and ankle strength.

- How barefoot shoes with a wider toe box can alleviate foot issues.

- Why runners shouldn’t avoid strength training.

- How overworking certain muscles groups while underworking others can lead to weaknesses and imbalances.

Connect with Aneesh:

Guest Contact Info

Links Mentioned:dynamicathlete.com  

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter@XeroShoes

Instagram@xeroshoes

Facebookfacebook.com/xeroshoes

Your Body is NOT a Machine

 – The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 186 with Shawn Flot

Shawn Flot holds a master’s in Physical Therapy, a BS in Exercise Physiology and Certificate Adv. Oxygen Advantage Instructor. His perspective is everyone has access to their own health through skill means; that a wholesome approach that includes the full-spectrum of body & mind functions, provides a person the best possible opportunities to develop their best self in the activities they want to do. With a passion of helping people find access to their own capacities, that includes their health, his guidance focuses on functional movements from the ground up along with incorporating the dynamics of the breath. This tailored approach brings forward concepts and practice that promote the integration of vital functions required for recovery & healing, sustaining health and supporting longevity, promoting fitness and performance physically and mentally. 

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Shawn Flot about how your body is not a machine.

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

- How viewing our bodies as mechanical objects is limiting and doesn’t fully capture the complexity of biomechanics.

- Why the traditional approach of using rigid orthotics for foot support during recovery does not align with the goal of promoting natural movement.

- How the foot is designed to bend and move making ridged orthotics unnecessary.

- Why losing the connection to your feet can result in a rigid walking pattern.

- How assessing foot mobility can reveal restrictions in other parts of the body that must be addressed for optimal foot function.

Connect with Shawn:

Guest Contact Info

Instagram@shawnmflot

Facebookfacebook.com/MovingIntoHarmony

Links Mentioned:movingintoharmony.com

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter@XeroShoes

Instagram@xeroshoes

Facebookfacebook.com/xeroshoes

4 Fitness Myths (and the Better Reality)

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 185 with Ryan Walker

Ryan Walker (Coach Ryan) is a life-long athlete, Health Wellness Coach, and biomechanics geek with over 13 years of experience as a Personal Trainer with an emphasis on teaching biomechanical efficiency, from an evolutionary perspective, and postural restorative work. He's also a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 8 years of experience.  After battling severe depression and anxiety for over two years in his early 20's, he developed a passion for helping people discover, not only how to move freely and sustainably, but how to live and behave in a way that is consistent with our evolutionary biology and in a symbiosis with the natural world. 

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Ryan Walker about four fitness myths to leave behind.

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

- How the myth of isolation suggests that muscles work independently when muscles are really interconnected.

- Why functional movement, not muscle growth, should be the primary focus for exercise.

- How many gym exercises do not enhance natural movement patterns.

- Why it’s important to consider psychological, emotional, and other wellness components for your overall well-being and movement.

- How people should focus on correct posture and alignment through myofascial release, core integration, and lumbo-pelvic exercises.

Connect with Ryan:

Guest Contact Info

Instagram

@coachryan1

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter@XeroShoes

Instagram@xeroshoes

Facebookfacebook.com/xeroshoes

Can Problems with Your Feet, Back or Hips be Caused by Your Toes?

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 184 with Dr. Ray McClanahan

Dr. Ray McClanahan, DPM, designed Correct Toes help the foot rehabilitate from the negative effects of conventionally shaped footwear. The device, made of soft, flexible silicone, encourages the toes back into their natural alignment found at birth. With progressive and consistent use while active and weight bearing, toes align and feet strengthen, restoring your foot’s original position and function.

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Dr. Ray McClanahan about how problems with your feet, back, and hips can be caused by your toes.

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

- How wearing minimalist shoes or going barefoot can alleviate or prevent various foot-related issues.

- Why it’s important for runners to work on increasing their range of motion to promote healthier foot function.

- How the widest part of your foot should be your toes, not the ball of your foot.

- Why running shoes with a significant heel drop can shorted the Achilles tendon and affect muscle activation and overall foot function.

- How studies have shown that orthotics can weaken intrinsic foot muscles causing problems for the foot.

Connect with Ray:

Guest Contact Info

Instagram@correcttoes

Facebookfacebook.com/correcttoes

Links Mentioned:correcttoes.com

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter@XeroShoes

Instagram@xeroshoes

Facebookfacebook.com/xeroshoes

Are You Wrong About These Health Trends?

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 183 with Kevin David Rail

Kevin David Rail is a Fitness Nutrition Specialist with certifications through ACSM, ACE, NASM, and AFM, and he has a BS in Sport Management/Fitness and Wellness. 

He has over 25 years in his field and is highly sought after. He has been featured in two critically acclaimed documentary films, Fasting and The Motivation Factor for his expertise as a health and fitness professional. 

Kevin is the co-creator of My Inferno Body, a health and fitness app and has done content production, videos, reels, blogs, and exercise programs for such companies as ProLon, FastBlast Smoothie, Life Fitness, Livestrong.com, eHow.com, Wild Warrior Nutrition, and GarageFit.

Kevin has helped thousands of people transform their lives and businesses through expertly designed fasting protocols, meal plans and training programs to maximize fat loss, strength, mobility, and brain function. He is also a barefoot runner, specialist and educator, and can be seen any warm summer morning running around town unshod. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, mountain biking, slacklining, playing music and training for his next physique competition.

 Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Kevin David Rail about the validity of current health trends.

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

- How you should be asking yourself how your workouts are going to benefit you outside of the gym.

- Why getting outside sounds more fun and is more accessible to most people.

- How cross body patterns train your core and your body more than traditional forms of working out.

- Why it’s important for people to enjoy the movements they are partaking in.

- How even engaging in one different exercise a week can make a difference in your life.

Connect with Kevin:

Guest Contact Info Twitter@TrainerRail

Instagram@fastingfitness_pro

Facebookfacebook.com/kevin.rail LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/krail/%20

Links Mentioned:fastingforfitness.health  

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter@XeroShoes

Instagram@xeroshoes

Facebookfacebook.com/xeroshoes

8 Weeks to Enjoying Natural Running

– The MOVEMENT Movement with Steven Sashen Episode 182 with Rafael Salazar II

Rafael E. Salazar II, MHS, OTR/L. “Rafi” is a licensed Occupational Therapist based in Georgia. Rafi has worked in a variety of settings, from orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, to academia, and even healthcare consulting. He spent the majority of his clinical experience working at Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, where he was the lead clinician and clinical education coordinator for the outpatient specialty rehab program. In this role, he treated many veterans with chronic pain and helped to establish an interdisciplinary pain management program. He has worked on projects ranging from patient engagement initiatives to marketing communication campaigns to a multi million dollar project assisting the State of Georgia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities transition individuals out of state institutions to community residences. He has worked as an independent healthcare consultant since 2017, as the Principal Owner of Rehab U Practice Solutions, helping healthcare organizations and private PT/OT clinics develop effective patient engagement and retention strategies.

Rafi also hosts The Better Outcomes Show, a podcast that explores the possibilities of a new healthcare and is the author of Better Outcomes: A Guide to Humanizing Healthcare. He has a passion for helping people overcome their limitations & pain to return to doing the things they love. He's on a mission to make healthcare human again. Rafi also authored the book The Natural Runner: 8 Weeks to Pain-Free Running. 

Listen to this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement with Rafael Salazar II about how to enjoy natural running in 8 weeks.

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

- How barefoot running doesn’t cause people to have more injuries.

- Why adding support and cushioning to shoes creates more problems than it solves.

- How getting the sensory input of walking informs your movement patterns.

- Why there is a connection between the footwear you choose and the function of your feet.

- How immobilizing your feet leads to intrinsic muscle wasting.

Connect with Rafi:

 Guest Contact Info

Facebookfacebook.com/ProactiveRehabWellness Instagram@proactive_rehabilitation

Links Mentioned:pro-activehealth.com

Connect with Steven:

Website

Xeroshoes.com

Jointhemovementmovement.com

Twitter@XeroShoes

Instagram@xeroshoes

Facebookfacebook.com/xeroshoes