Foot Sensory Performance and Movement Longevity with Dr Emily Splichal
Host Tarek Michael-Chouja welcomed special guest Dr Emily Splichal, aka the Movement Longevity Doctor. Dr Splichal is a Functional Podiatrist, Human Movement Specialist, author of Barefoot Strong and Sensory Sapiens, and the CEO and founder of Naboso. With over 23 years in the health and fitness industry, she has become a global leader in postural alignment and human movement, specialising in barefoot science, foot to core integration and sensory integration. Together, they explored the vital role of foot health in supporting lifelong movement, strength and balance.
Dr Emily shared her journey from traditional podiatry to functional health, describing how years of clinical practice revealed the limitations of relying only on supportive footwear or passive treatments. She encourages people to view the feet as living, adaptable structures that influence the entire body. Her work blends medical knowledge with practical movement strategies, empowering patients to take an active role in their own healing rather than handing over control to orthotics or rigid routines.
Throughout the discussion, Dr Emily examined the surprising impact of footwear on health. Supportive shoes, while seemingly protective, can weaken the small muscles of the feet over time, reducing balance, stability and natural sensory feedback. She offered practical guidance on transitioning to minimalist footwear, stressing the need for a gradual shift so the feet can adapt safely. For Dr Emily, shoes should allow the feet to move, sense and strengthen rather than doing the work for them.
Central to the episode are Dr Emily’s four pillars of foot health: activation, strength, balance and recovery. She outlined simple, accessible practices that can be woven into everyday life, from morning foot activation drills and forward lean exercises to single leg balance holds and gentle recovery techniques such as vibration, rolling and microcirculation work. These habits require only a few minutes each day yet deliver lasting benefits for joint health, walking speed and overall vitality.
Dr Emily emphasised that movement longevity is a lifelong pursuit, not a concern to be postponed until later years. Consistent practice maintains fascia, nourishes the nervous system and preserves mobility well into older age. She urged listeners to think of health as a marathon, where small daily actions compound into powerful long term results.
The conversation closed with a call for discernment in the fitness world. Dr Emily voiced concern over the rise of unqualified social media influencers and encouraged listeners to question sources, seek credible expertise and remain curious. Her message was clear: strong, responsive feet are not only about avoiding pain, they are the foundation for living fully and moving freely throughout life.
Resources:
Naboso Website
Dr Emily Splichal Website
Dr Emily’s Instagram
Naboso Technology’s Instagram
The Functional Foot Doc’s Instagram
Naboso’s Amazon
Sensory Sapiens Book
Born to Rise Podcast
Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input ‘PDM15’ at the cart checkout.
Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.
Listen, Subscribe and leave a Review:
It would mean the world to us if you took an extra moment to subscribe and leave a review, so that other like minded individuals can enjoy the podcast, as well.
About Our Guest:
Dr Emily Splichal, aka the Movement Longevity Doctor, is a Functional Podiatrist, Human Movement Specialist, author of Barefoot Strong and Sensory Sapiens, and the CEO/founder of Naboso.
With over 23 years in the health & fitness industry, Dr Splichal has positioned herself as a global leader on the topics of postural alignment and human movement as it relates to barefoot science, foot to core integration and sensory integration.
Degrees/Certifications: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Master’s Human Movement (MS), NASM-CES, NASM-PES, NSCA-CPT
About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.
This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.
We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!