If your joints sound like a bowl of Rice Krispies every time you reach for the top shelf… or your heels scream at you after leg day… or your Achilles tendon is hanging on by a thread after one slightly too enthusiastic pickleball match—you’re not alone.

In this fun and eye-opening episode of the FASTer Way podcast, CEO Amanda Tress sits down with Dr. Tom Walters (@rehabscience), a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist with over a million Instagram followers and a new book on healing pain. And let us tell you—this conversation is a game-changer for anyone looking to stay active, strong, and injury-free well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond.

Whether you’re nursing a nagging foot injury, coming back from a strain, or just want to stay ahead of the pain curve, this episode is full of “aha” moments, legit science, and realistic tips you can use right now.

💥 The Secret Power of Calf Raises

Think you’ve outgrown calf raises? Think again. Dr. Tom breaks down why this underrated move is critical for preventing foot pain, strengthening your Achilles, and helping you avoid those dreaded midlife snap moments. Spoiler: If you can’t do 25 clean single-leg calf raises… it’s time to add them back in. (Your feet will thank you.)

🦶 How to Deal with Plantar Fasciitis (Without Quitting Your Workouts)

This one’s for our runners, walkers, and barefoot-beach sprinters. If you’ve ever felt stabbing pain in your heel or arch, Dr. Tom explains exactly what’s going on—and what to do about it. From toe-elevated calf raises to massage balls and weird-but-wonderful sandals (Amanda swears by them), you’ll walk away with a plan to feel better fast.

🏀 Why So Many People Are Tearing Their Achilles in Their 30s and 40s

Weekend warrior injuries are on the rise—and Dr. Tom is breaking down why it happens, who’s most at risk, and what you can do to protect your tendons (hint: it’s all about the springs in your body and how often you use them). 

🏋️‍♀️ Strength Training Mistakes to Avoid

Starting a strength training routine later in life? First of all, YES. But don’t skip this part. Dr. Tom and Amanda cover the biggest mistakes they see (hi, ego lifting), how to scale workouts safely, and why our FASTer Way Foundations workouts are perfect for building strength without injury.

🤸‍♀️ Stretching: Overrated or Underrated?

You know we love a quick warm-up and cool-down… but do you really need to spend 20 minutes stretching? Dr. Tom’s answer may surprise you—and it just might save you some time.

🔊 Are Snap-Crackle-Pop Joints Normal?

Let’s clear this one up once and for all: No, you’re not falling apart. And yes, that shoulder click is probably fine. Dr. Tom dives into the truth about noisy joints and why they often mean your joints are actually well-lubricated and healthy.

Whether you’re navigating recovery, dealing with midlife aches, or just want to feel your strongest and most mobile, this episode is packed with tips that actually make a difference—no complicated medical jargon required.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on the FASTer Way Podcast.

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Listen to the full episode here on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or on your favorite platform—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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