What's The Big Deal About The Big Toe?

In this episode, you will learn about the critical role the big toe plays in human movement and athletic performance. I reveal the truth about how shoes can weaken and restrict your big toe, leading to imbalances and a higher risk of injury, especially as we age. You'll hear how the big toe impacts everything from balance to the activation of your glutes, which are essential for powerful movement. I’ll also guide you through a simple Toe Test to assess your big toe’s functionality and share a fix to strengthen it—just a few minutes a day can drastically improve your athleticism and help prevent pain.  Tune in to discover how taking care of your big toe can change the way you move and live!   TIMESTAMPS: The big toe is one of the most critical functionalities of the homo sapiens species. [00:59] In order to function properly, the big toe must be able to move dynamically through multiple planes of motion independently from other toes. [01:46] With poor balance, people fall, and that is a leading cause of death of the elderly [05:03] The big toe is the initiator of the activation of the glutes. [09:47] Can you move your big toe separately from your other toes? [12:53]   LINKS: Brad Kearns.com BradNutrition.com B.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet! Brad’s Shopping Page BornToWalkBook.com B.rad Podcast – All Episodes Peluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes Outlive   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Advanced DNA, methylation profile, microbiome & blood at-home testing. Hit your stride the right way, with cutting-edge technology and customized programming. Save 10% with the code BRAD. Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! GAINSWave: Enhance sexual function with high frequency shockwave therapy. Buy 6 and get one treatment free with code: BRAD Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grass-fed animal organ supplement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.