Balance Training: The Lowest Hanging Fruit for Sports Injury Prevention w/ Jim & Nick

This podcast episode explores the relationship between sports injuries and balance training, emphasizing the multifactorial nature of injuries, the impact of footwear, and the importance of movement variability. Nick & Jim discuss the evolution of sports, the benefits and risks associated with athletic participation, and the role of balance training in injury prevention. They also introduce the TFC balance screen as a tool for measuring balance and improving athletic performance, while sharing personal stories and insights on how to make balance training accessible and enjoyable for all athletes.Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations by completing our brand new Foot Health Assessment.  Follow The Foot Collective: Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook  DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

This conversation delves into the critical issue of falls and their prevention, particularly among older adults. The hosts discuss the alarming statistics surrounding falls, the multifactorial risk factors involved, and the significant role of exercise in reducing falls risk. They emphasize the importance of early intervention and the need for a cultural shift towards balance training as a fun and engaging activity. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches to balance training and the necessity of community support in fostering awareness and proactive measures against falls. Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations by completing our brand new Foot Health Assessment.  Follow The Foot Collective: Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook  DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

This podcast episode delves into the significance of balance training as a foundational aspect of foot health and overall physical function. Jim and Nick discuss the inception of The Foot Collective, the development of balance beams, and the importance of play-based balance training. They introduce the TFC Balance Screen, a tool designed to assess balance and foot function, emphasizing its role in injury prevention and overall health. The conversation highlights the accessibility and scalability of balance training, encouraging listeners to incorporate it into their routines for improved health and longevity. Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️Discover your balance score in less than 10 minutes and get tailored training recommendations by completing our brand new Foot Health Assessment.  Follow The Foot Collective: Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook  DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

At TFC, we believe that restoring natural foot function starts from the ground up. From crawling as babies to standing on our own two feet, human development is grounded—literally—in floor-based movement. But in modern Western culture, our relationship with the ground is often one of the first things we lose. Chairs, shoes, and sedentary habits slowly disconnect us from the surface that once shaped our strength, balance, and confidence. While floor movement is encouraged in children, it’s often abandoned in adulthood. In this episode, taken from our Foot Restoration Program, we explore why that disconnect matters—and how returning to the ground might just improve your mobility, stability, and longevity. You’ll hear from Tom Williams (TFC Head Physio) and Jim Dooner (TFC Head of Training) as they unpack the science, stories, and practical tools behind ground-based movement. From evolutionary roots to everyday applications, this conversation is your invitation to re-engage with one of the most fundamental aspects of human health. Whether you're new to natural movement or deep into your journey, this episode will leave you looking at the ground in a whole new way. Note: This episode is taken from our Foot Restoration Program, which is why you’ll hear it referenced throughout. The FRP is our ultimate guided experience to help you rebuild foot function, strengthen your foundation, and make long-term progress from the ground up. Use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution) What We Cover: What mindset really means and how it forms The difference between growth and fixed mindsets Why belief cycles shape your physical outcomes Internal vs external locus of control in rehab How to reframe pain and avoid fear-based disuse Self-efficacy: the confidence to keep going The power of reflection, community, and small wins  Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️If you want to learn about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution) Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%) A Special Thanks to our sponsor of this episode: Vivobarefoot Vivobarefoot ticks all the boxes when it comes to natural footwear: foot-shaped, fixed, flat, flexible, and designed to help you feel the ground. Their mission to promote human and planetary health aligns perfectly with ours at TFC. Ready to experience that same foot freedom? Head to this link and use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair. Your feet—and the planet—will thank you.  Follow The Foot Collective: Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook  DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the mental side of movement: how your mindset shapes your habits, your healing, and your long-term progress. You'll hear from both Jim and Tom as they unpack what mindset actually means, where it comes from, and why it's the first foundation in any meaningful rehab journey. We’ll talk about the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, how beliefs influence your behaviours, and how your self-talk can either limit or liberate you. We also dive into real-life examples and offer practical tools you can use to build confidence, self-efficacy, and momentum — starting right now. Whether you're dealing with foot pain, rebuilding strength, or simply trying to show up more consistently — this conversation might just shift how you think about progress altogether. Note: This episode is taken from our Foot Restoration Program, which is why you’ll hear it referenced throughout. The FRP is our ultimate guided experience to help you rebuild foot function, strengthen your foundation, and make long-term progress from the ground up. Use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution) What We Cover: What mindset really means and how it forms The difference between growth and fixed mindsets Why belief cycles shape your physical outcomes Internal vs external locus of control in rehab How to reframe pain and avoid fear-based disuse Self-efficacy: the confidence to keep going The power of reflection, community, and small wins  Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️If you want to learn about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution) Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%) A Special Thanks to our sponsor of this episode: Vivobarefoot Vivobarefoot ticks all the boxes when it comes to natural footwear: foot-shaped, fixed, flat, flexible, and designed to help you feel the ground. Their mission to promote human and planetary health aligns perfectly with ours at TFC. Ready to experience that same foot freedom? Head to this link and use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair. Your feet—and the planet—will thank you.  Follow The Foot Collective: Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook  DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

In today's episode we’re joined by Natalie Headdings — a movement educator, doula, and pelvic floor specialist whose work blends deep anatomical understanding with practical tools that help people reconnect with their bodies. Natalie has spent years guiding women through breath, movement, and curiosity — and her insights around the pelvic floor are truly game-changing. In this conversation, we explore the deep connection between foot function and pelvic floor health — and how modern lifestyles, sedentary habits, and footwear choices can quietly erode the strength and awareness we’re meant to have in these foundational systems. We unpack how breathing, balancing, and simply paying attention can start to restore what’s been lost — especially for women navigating pregnancy, birth, or postpartum recovery. This is a powerful, educational, and empowering conversation — one that reframes foot pain and pelvic floor dysfunction not as lifelong conditions, but as trainable and recoverable outcomes. What You’ll Learn: Why foot health is foundational to pelvic floor function How shoes, sitting, and stress affect your deep core Breathing patterns that support pelvic floor rehab How balance training accelerates recovery Misconceptions around Kegels and postpartum healing Practical ways to integrate foot and pelvic floor care into daily life  Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️If you want to learn about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution) Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%) A Special Thanks to our sponsor of this episode: Vivobarefoot Vivobarefoot ticks all the boxes when it comes to natural footwear: foot-shaped, fixed, flat, flexible, and designed to help you feel the ground. Their mission to promote human and planetary health aligns perfectly with ours at TFC. Ready to experience that same foot freedom? Head to this link and use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair. Your feet—and the planet—will thank you. Follow Natalie on Instagram here.  Follow The Foot Collective: Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook  DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the function of the human foot — not just as a structural base, but as a sensory organ, a load-absorber, and a key part of your body’s ability to adapt. You’ll hear from the team behind the Foot Restoration Program as we break down the fundamentals of foot anatomy, natural function, and how modern footwear has compromised both. We cover why squished toes limit movement, why self-regulation matters more than expert advice, and why your feet might be more adaptable than you think. This one’s all about empowering you to take ownership of your health from the ground up. What we cover: Why foot function depends on both shape and sensation What it means to build “tough feet” through loading How self-regulation is more important than expert input Why your toes need room to move — and what happens when they don’t The link between flat ground, limited movement, and injury How to reframe foot training as full-body, long-term movement work Encouragement for anyone starting the journey: “You can’t do it… yet.” Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️If you want to learn about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution) Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%) A Special Thanks to our sponsor of this episode: Vivobarefoot Vivobarefoot ticks all the boxes when it comes to natural footwear: foot-shaped, fixed, flat, flexible, and designed to help you feel the ground. Their mission to promote human and planetary health aligns perfectly with ours at TFC. Ready to experience that same foot freedom? Head to this link and use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair. Your feet—and the planet—will thank you.  Follow The Foot Collective: Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook  DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

What if barefoot shoes were just the beginning — not the full solution? In this team roundtable episode, recorded live in Denver, the TFC crew — Nick, Jim, Mac, Tom and Andy — unpack what’s really needed to restore foot function. They go beyond shoes to talk about education, foot loading, and how consistent, low-effort training is the real game-changer. Jim, Tom, Andy, and Nick are the core educators and clinicians behind The Foot Collective. Together, they bring decades of experience in physiotherapy, podiatry, strength and movement coaching — and a shared passion for helping people reconnect with their bodies from the ground up. In This Episode: Why natural footwear is essential — but not enough Flat ground and modern environments as hidden casts Foot training as “movement nutrition” Why towel scrunches aren’t the answer Practical tools for building resilient feet Why foot health education should come with every shoe The future of foot care: proactive, not reactive Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️If you want to learn about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution) Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%)   A Special Thanks to our sponsor of this episode: Vivobarefoot Vivobarefoot ticks all the boxes when it comes to natural footwear: foot-shaped, fixed, flat, flexible, and designed to help you feel the ground. Their mission to promote human and planetary health aligns perfectly with ours at TFC. Ready to experience that same foot freedom? Head to this link and use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair. Your feet—and the planet—will thank you.  Follow The Foot Collective: Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook  DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

In this conversation, Jim Dooner and Heidi Van Mastrigt discuss the evolution of coaching in pain management, emphasizing a functional approach over symptom-based treatments. They explore the importance of thorough assessments in understanding foot function and the impact of footwear on overall health. Heidi shares her personal journey with footwear and how it informs her recommendations for clients. The discussion highlights the need for a cultural shift in footwear awareness, particularly in athletic communities, to promote better foot health and performance. In this conversation, Jim Dooner and Heidi Van Mastrigt discuss the importance of footwear, particularly minimalist shoes, in enhancing foot health and movement. They emphasize the need for education in understanding the benefits of different types of shoes and how they can impact training. The discussion shifts to the versatility of training tools like the SoleMate, highlighting it's accessibility and effectiveness in improving movement patterns. They also touch on the significance of variability in training environments to promote adaptability and prevent injuries. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of education and accessibility in movement training.Follow Heidi on Instagram here.Check out Heidi's website here. Helpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️If you want to learn about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution) Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%)   A Special Thanks to our sponsor of this episode: Vivobarefoot Vivobarefoot ticks all the boxes when it comes to natural footwear: foot-shaped, fixed, flat, flexible, and designed to help you feel the ground. Their mission to promote human and planetary health aligns perfectly with ours at TFC. Ready to experience that same foot freedom? Head to this link and use code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE for up to 20% off your next pair. Your feet—and the planet—will thank you.  Follow The Foot Collective: Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook  DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Chad Little, a footwear designer who once worked for Nike designing shoes like Air Jordans but now he’s the founder of CODE Footwear — a company making waves by putting foot health first. Chad’s story is a powerful example of what happens when curiosity, truth, and creativity collide. From presenting a foot health pitch directly to Michael Jordan, to building custom cleats for NFL athletes out of his basement — his journey reveals the hidden cost of modern footwear and the potential for change from the ground up. We talk about how elite performance and natural foot function don’t need to be at odds, what’s broken in the current footwear system, and why it’s time for the next generation of shoes to serve the foot — not the other way around.Check out CODE Footwear HereFollow CODE Footwear on Instagram HereHelpful Links & Discounts: ⬇️If you want to learn about our ultimate 12-week 'Foot Restoration Program' click here and use code 'R2E10' for 10% off: Foot Restoration Program (Our most effective online foot health solution) Shop TFC tools and training (Use the code R2E10 to save 10%) A Special Thanks to our sponsor of this episode: Vivobarefoot Vivobarefoot ticks all the boxes when it comes to natural footwear: foot-shaped, fixed, flat, flexible, and designed to help you feel the ground. Their mission to promote human and planetary health aligns perfectly with ours at TFC. To celebrate the launch of the new Primus Flow - Vivo’s first barefoot running shoes - we have a special offer just for our audience. Use the code THEFOOTCOLLECTIVE25 to save up to 25% on selected styles until May 15 2025. Don’t think Vivo’s are for you, our footwear finders has a tonne of trusted natural footwear brands from around the world with special discounts. SHOP HERE. Follow The Foot Collective: Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook  DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, fitness, or treatment plans. Music: Soundstripe.com