Strengthen Your Feet for Power Aging with Dr. Courtney Conley

Strengthen Your Feet for Power Aging with Dr. Courtney Conley

May 6, 2026 · 55 min · Season 3 · Episode 867

About this episode

Dr. Courtney Conley discusses the importance of foot strength and proper footwear for healthy aging.

Are your feet strong enough to support the way you want to age? I’m talking with Dr. Courtney Conley, a foot and ankle expert who helps people rethink everything they thought they knew about walking and foot pain. We dig into why your feet need strength training too, how walking supports every system in your body, and why the right footwear can make such a difference in how you move and age. If you want to stay strong, balanced, and built to last, this conversation will make you look at your feet in a whole new way. What you’ll learn: (05:39) Foot pain can stop you faster than almost any other musculoskeletal issue. (10:27) Walking should be treated as a physiological necessity, not an optional workout. (12:25) Small step-count increases can create meaningful health benefits. (15:04) Walking after meals is one of the easiest ways to support blood sugar. (16:41) Gait speed can act like a vital sign for aging and long-term health. (20:02) What happens to foot strength, toe strength, and sensory awareness as you age. (25:09) A wide toe box is one of the most important features in functional footwear. (46:52) The first three steps Dr. Conley recommends for improving your walking…

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