Shows
Past Your PrimeHow to Keep Training When Everything Hurts: The Body Inventory SystemWhen everything hurts, most people just try to push through—or give up altogether. But there’s a better way.In this episode, Craig and Alex introduce the Body Inventory: a 5-question system to map out your current and past injuries, identify hidden compensations, and finally train with clarity instead of fear.Whether you're dealing with persistent pain, old injuries that keep flaring up, or movement patterns you didn’t even realize you were avoiding, this episode gives you a structured way to stop guessing and start managing your body.You’ll learn why most...2025-08-0146 minPast Your PrimeWhy Your Hamstrings Always Feel Tight (And Why Stretching Won’t Fix It)Why Do Your Hamstrings Always Feel Tight? (It’s Not What You Think)Everyone thinks tight hamstrings mean they need to stretch—but what if that’s making the problem worse?In this episode, Craig and Alex dismantle the myth of hamstring tightness and reveal 15 different causes behind that chronic, nagging sensation. From nerve tension and faulty motor patterns to movement compensation and fatigue, this episode digs into the complexity behind a deceptively simple symptom.You’ll learn why stretching usually backfires, how altered neuromuscular states develop, and what to actually do if your hamstrin...2025-07-2550 minPast Your PrimeAchilles Ruptures Aren’t Freak Injuries—They’re Kinetic Chain FailuresThree NBA players tore their Achilles in the Finals. Was it just bad luck?In this episode, Craig and Alex break down why Achilles tendon ruptures aren’t freak accidents—they’re predictable failures of the kinetic chain. Using high-profile injuries like Tyrese Halliburton’s, they dig into the real risk factors: fatigue, inhibition, missed warning signs, and poor load absorption mechanics.You’ll learn how a passive structure like the Achilles ends up overloaded by upstream breakdowns, why “calf strain” is often a misleading diagnosis, and what athletes and coaches should be doing to prevent catast...2025-07-2052 minPast Your PrimeCraig Goes 75 Hard (and Alex Tries to Sabotage Him)Thinking about trying 75 Hard?This episode isn’t about masochism, punishment, or proving how tough you are. It’s about building systems that align with your identity, meaning, and direction—then testing those systems under stress.Craig shares why he’s committing to 75 Hard (with a twist), how he’s using it to refine his habits, reduce decision fatigue, and strengthen boundaries as a business owner and clinician. This isn’t about suffering—it’s about structure, self-awareness, and execution.Alex plays devil’s advocate, throws in a few champagne jokes, and tries to tempt Craig off...2025-07-1328 minPast Your PrimeWhy Stretching Is Overrated—but Mobility Isn’tFeeling tight all the time?You might not need more stretching—you might need better movement, load management, and a new way to understand what “tightness” actually means. In this episode, Craig and Alex challenge the cultural obsession with stretching and unpack why static stretching is often overrated, misused, and even harmful when dealing with pain, injury, or performance goals.We break down the real reasons people feel tight, why stretching doesn’t make you more flexible, and what to do instead if you want to move better, stay pain-free, and keep training as you age.2025-07-0643 minPast Your PrimePosterior Tibialis Pain: Why Your Foot Still Hurts (Even If You’ve Tried Everything)Medial ankle pain? You might be dealing with a posterior tibialis injury—and not just a “flat foot.” In this episode, Craig and Alex break down why so many people miss the real cause of their foot pain and how the wrong rehab strategy leads to chronic issues. We cover structure vs. function, key signs, overpronation myths, and how to use taping and bracing to offload the post tib tendon without relying on orthotics forever.In this episode:– What the posterior tibialis does—and why it matters– Key signs and testing for post-tib ten...2025-06-2838 minPast Your PrimeThe Rehab Gap: Why You Keep Getting Hurt After “Healing”Why does your injury keep coming back—even after rehab? In this episode of Past Your Prime, Craig and Alex break down the “Rehab Gap”: the vulnerable zone between feeling better and actually being better. If you’ve ever stopped rehab too early, mistook fitness for readiness, or blown yourself up trying to return to activity, this episode is for you.They unpack:Why symptoms disappearing doesn’t mean the injury is resolvedThe difference between tissue capacity and exercise capacityWhat the rehab standard actually looks like...2025-06-2138 minPast Your PrimePlyometrics Without Breaking Yourself: The Right Way to Add Jumping to Your TrainingEver tried adding plyometrics—only to end up sore, flared up, or frustrated?In this episode of Past Your Prime, Craig and Alex explain how to reintroduce plyometric training without blowing yourself up. Whether you’re returning from injury, trying to get more explosive, or just want to stay athletic as you age, this conversation gives you a clear roadmap for success.They cover:– What the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) really is– How plyos train both your nervous system and your tendons– The most common mistakes people make when adding jump train...2025-06-1437 minPast Your PrimeThe 3-Capacity Model — How to Spot Hidden Setbacks in Training and RehabWhy do you feel fine during a workout… only to wake up sore, stiff, or wrecked the next day?In this episode of Past Your Prime, Craig and Alex break down a powerful clinical tool: the 3-Capacity Model, which helps you identify what’s actually limiting your progress—and what’s setting you up for injury, burnout, or flare-ups.They cover:The difference between energy capacity, tissue capacity, and exercise capacityWhy most people train the wrong one (and don’t realize it)How to use the 6-level response scale for...2025-06-0637 minPast Your PrimeWhy You Keep Relapsing (Even When Rehab Was Working)How to Understand and Manage Flare-Ups Without Panic, Quitting, or Starting OverYou’ve been putting in the work. Things were feeling better. Then suddenly—pain’s back. You’re spiraling, questioning your diagnosis, and wondering if you’re just broken.In this episode, Craig and Alex unpack the real reason people relapse—even when their rehab was working. Spoiler: it’s not always about the diagnosis. They break down the four most common flare-up triggers, how to rebuild your therapeutic gap, and why managing your system matters more than chasing new treatments.Whether you’re...2025-05-2939 minPast Your PrimeWhy 75 Hard Isn’t a Discipline Problem—It’s a Systems ProblemYou didn’t fail 75 Hard. Your system did.In Episode 23 of Past Your Prime, Craig and Alex take a hard look at the viral 75 Hard challenge — and flip the narrative.Most people assume 75 Hard is a test of willpower and mental toughness. But Craig argues it’s something more revealing: a full-body audit of your life systems.Why can’t you drink a gallon of water a day without panicking about your next bathroom break? Why does one skipped workout derail your whole week? Why does not drinking at a party feel like social e...2025-05-2436 minPast Your PrimeThe 4 Things You’re Missing in Knee Rehab (Even If It Doesn’t Hurt Anymore)No knee pain? You might still be failing rehab.In Episode 22 of Past Your Prime, Craig and Alex break down the most common mistake in knee recovery: assuming that once the pain is gone, you’re ready to get back to life. Spoiler—your knee disagrees.Using Alex’s recent flare-up as a case study, Craig explains why true recovery depends on more than just how your knee feels. You’ll learn the four metrics every athlete and active adult needs to pass before getting cleared: full extension, no swelling, full flexion, and quad strength.The...2025-05-1735 minPast Your PrimeHow to Fix Your Hamstring and Calf Cramps (for Real)Cramping mid-game? Here’s why it happens—and how to actually fix it.In Episode 21 of Past Your Prime, Craig and Alex tackle one of the most frustrating problems in sports: calf and hamstring cramps. Alex shares a real-time story from a recent volleyball match where he finally overcame a calf cramp mid-game using a neural flossing technique—and why it worked for the first time in his life.Craig breaks down the science behind muscle cramping, including the real role of the nervous system, why stretching often makes things worse, and how fatigue, inhibition, and mo...2025-05-0837 minPast Your PrimeMotivated But Still Stuck? Build the System That Actually Moves You ForwardFeeling motivated but still can’t make progress? In Episode 20 of Past Your Prime, Craig and Alex break down why motivation alone isn’t enough—and what to do instead.Using Alex’s recent string of injuries and volleyball training as a case study, they reveal a four-step system designed to eliminate failure points, build foundational skills, use feedback loops, and continuously upgrade your plan.Whether you're a busy adult trying to stay fit or an athlete balancing real life with training goals, this episode gives you the tools to build a body that can actually...2025-05-0130 minPast Your PrimeThe Motivation Myth: Why It Fails in Rehab, Training, and Long-Term ConsistencyMost people think motivation is what keeps them going.But what if relying on motivation is actually what’s holding you back?In Episode 19 of Past Your Prime, Craig and Alex break down why motivation can be a trap—especially when it comes to staying consistent with injury rehab, strength training, or life as a busy parent.From late-night gym sessions to stacking injuries from overdoing it, this episode tackles how meaning, identity, and habit systems matter more than motivation ever will.🔑 In this episode:Why motivation often d...2025-04-2432 minPast Your PrimeWhy Your Muscle Cramping Isn’t About Electrolytes—It’s About Your Firing ThresholdWelcome to Past Your Prime – the podcast for active adults balancing training, rehab, family, and real life.In each episode, hosts Craig Smith and Alex Keicher dive into real-world strategies for overcoming injuries, staying strong, and living pain-free — even when life gets chaotic.💡 Learn more, access resources, and join our community: 👉 pastyourprime.comFollow us on Instagram:📲 Alex – @spikerkeicher 📲 Craig – @craigsmithPTEpisode SummaryIn Episode 18 of Past Your Prime, Craig and Alex unpack why muscle cramps are often misunderstood—and why telling people to hydrate more misses the real problem.2025-04-1740 min
Past Your PrimeHow to Fix Heel Pain That Isn’t Plantar FasciitisWelcome to Past Your Prime – the podcast for active adults balancing training, rehab, family, and real life.In each episode, hosts Craig Smith and Alex Keicher dive into real-world strategies for overcoming injuries, staying strong, and living pain-free — even when life gets chaotic.💡 Learn more, access resources, and join our community: 👉 pastyourprime.comFollow us on Instagram:📲 Alex – @spikerkeicher 📲 Craig – @craigsmithPTEpisode SummaryIn Episode 17 of the Past Your Prime Podcast, Craig and Alex tackle the follow-up to last week’s deep dive on heel pain misdiagnosis. Thi...2025-04-1050 minPast Your PrimeIs It Really Plantar Fasciitis? 7 Signs Your Heel Pain Is Something ElseWelcome to Past Your Prime – the podcast for active adults balancing training, rehab, family, and real life.In each episode, hosts Craig Smith (@craigsmithPT) and Alex Keicher (@spikerkeicher) dive into real-world strategies for overcoming injuries, staying strong, and living pain-free — even when life gets chaotic.💡 Learn more, access resources, and join our community: 👉 pastyourprime.comFollow us on Instagram: 📲 Alex – @spikerkeicher 📲 Craig – @craigsmithPTShownotesIn Episode 16 of the Past Your Prime Podcast, Craig and Alex dig into one of the most misdiagnosed injuries in the world of foot pain—plantar fasciitis. Or...2025-04-0347 minPast Your PrimeHow to Train Like a Pro (Even with a Full-Time Job, Kids, and Injuries)Welcome to Past Your Prime – the podcast for active adults balancing training, rehab, family, and real life.In each episode, hosts Craig Smith (@craigsmithPT) and Alex Keicher (@spikerkeicher) dive into real-world strategies for overcoming injuries, staying strong, and living pain-free — even when life gets chaotic.💡 Learn more, access resources, and join our community: 👉 pastyourprime.comFollow us on Instagram: 📲 Alex – @spikerkeicher 📲 Craig – @craigsmithPT🔑 What We Cover TodayThis episode is a deep dive into how to stay consistent with training when life is trying to crush your soul. Craig and Alex break down rea...2025-03-3039 minPast Your PrimeUnderstanding Tissues & Pain Mechanisms in RehabCheck us out at Past Your Prime Website.SummaryEver finished a workout feeling fine, only to wake up the next day feeling like you got hit by a truck? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the nine tissues that cause pain and the pain mechanisms behind them—so you can stop making the same mistakes in your rehab.Injury UpdatesBefore we get into the nitty-gritty, Craig and Alex share their latest injury reports:Alex’s wrist: Still nagging, still av...2025-03-211h 12Past Your PrimeWhy You Keep Getting Hurt: The 10 Biggest Mistakes That Lead to Repetitive InjuryThe 10 Biggest Mistakes That Lead to Repetitive InjuryWe’re back with another episode of Past Your Prime, diving into why injuries keep coming back and how to break the cycle.Injury Updates:Alex played a five-set volleyball match, served an ace, and then his wrist reminded him who’s boss.Craig’s neck injury is improving, but only because he finally started following his own advice.Main Topic: The most common mistakes that lead to repetitive injuries:Overestimating tissue capacityPoor feedback loopsTraining too hard...2025-03-1345 minPast Your PrimeHow to Fix an Anterior Horn Meniscus Tear | Knee Pain Rehab & Treatment ExplainedPast Your Prime – Episode 12: Treating Anterior Horn Meniscus Lesions (Part 2)🔗 More Resources & Extra Clips: pastyourprime.comWhat We Cover in This EpisodeWelcome back to Past Your Prime. This is Part 2 of our deep dive into anterior horn meniscus lesions—a knee injury that is often misdiagnosed and mistreated. Craig and Alex break down how to identify, treat, and prevent this issue so you can return to activity without setbacks.Recap from Part 1 – Understanding anterior horn meniscus lesions and why precision in diagnosis mattersHow to Treat It – Ha...2025-03-0730 min
Past Your PrimeThe Anterior Horn Meniscus – Diagnosis & Key Considerations (Part 1)📅 Part 1 of 2Episode SummaryIn this episode, Craig and Alex dive into anterior horn meniscus injuries, a commonly overlooked source of anterior knee pain that often fails conservative therapy if not diagnosed correctly.Craig breaks down:✅ What is the anterior horn meniscus?✅ How does it get injured? (Hint: It’s not always from sports or pivoting!)✅ Why this injury is often misdiagnosed and mistreated✅ The biomechanics of walking and how knee extension plays a role✅ Key signs and symptoms – Could your knee pain be from an anterior horn...2025-02-2720 minPast Your PrimeThe Truth About Knee Pain: Myths, Tests & Real FixesWelcome to Episode 10 of Past Your Prime!In this episode, Craig and Alex dive deep into knee pain, busting common myths, discussing why it’s not as simple as "just stretch" or "strengthen your hips," and breaking down what actually works. Plus, we take you behind the scenes for a live knee assessment and explore real strategies for managing knee pain long-term.🔹 Injury Updates: Craig’s neck is dramatically better (this time, he’s actually sticking to his home plan). Alex’s wrist is improving, but his TFL is flaring up after ex...2025-02-2145 minPast Your PrimeThe Exercise Standard & Basics of Programming🔗 Website:PastYourPrime.comEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Craig and Alex dive into the Exercise Standard and the fundamentals of programming an exercise routine. Before jumping into the main topic, they provide injury updates, discussing Alex's wrist issues and Craig’s ongoing neck rehab. They explore how injuries evolve through the rehab process, the importance of monitoring pain generators, and how mechanics impact recovery.From there, they break down:The Three Standards of Exercise:Rehab Standard – Managing injuries and tissue capacityExercise Standard – Building consistency, overcoming barriers, and maste...2025-02-1442 min
Past Your PrimeProgression After Injury: Are You Really Ready to Train Hard?Question: How to progress your workouts after an injury without getting stuck in an endless injury cycle.
Episode Overview
In this episode, Craig and Alex break down exercise progression when returning from injury and how to know if you're truly ready to push your training again.
They cover:
✅ The Three Training Standards – Rehab, Exercise, and Performance.✅ How to Know Which Standard You're In – Why skipping steps leads to setbacks.✅ The Key Tools for Managing Progression – Including feedback loops, taping, and exercise modifications.✅ How PTs and St...2025-02-0641 minPast Your PrimeComment Section #1: Height Controversies, Injuries, and WarrantiesSummary:
In this first-ever Comment Section episode, Craig and Alex respond to listener comments and questions. They cover topics ranging from height exaggeration in sports rosters to training modifications for injuries and why they don’t record the podcast in the gym. They also break down injury-related questions, including forearm pain, mid-to-lower back pain, and gripping techniques in weight training. The episode wraps up with a discussion about staying active and a humorous take on expired warranties.
Topics Covered:
How Tall Are We? – The truth about height exaggeration on sports rosters
Why...2025-02-0208 min
Past Your PrimeHow to Start a Workout Routine (and Stick With It)You can read more about this topic and more at Past Your Prime.If you are struggling with an injury and need help, visit Smith Performance Center.SummaryIn this episode of the Past Year Prime podcast, hosts Craig and Alex discuss how to start a workout routine, emphasizing the importance of motivation, injury management, and foundational movement skills. They share personal injury updates, celebrate their podcast milestones, and provide insights on assessing movement capabilities and understanding different workout standards. The conversation also covers the significance of...2025-01-3044 minPast Your PrimeGetting Back to Exercise: Overcoming Obstacles and Building HabitsSummaryIn this episode of the Past Your Prime podcast, hosts Alex and Craig discuss their personal injury updates and recovery experiences, emphasizing the importance of getting back into exercise after an injury. They explore foundational exercises and functional movements that are essential for anyone looking to start or return to a fitness routine. The conversation also highlights the significance of creating a home exercise plan and staying accountable to one's fitness goals.Takeaways Injury recovery can lead to increased athleticism. Staying active is crucial for long-term health. Understanding the basics of...2025-01-2443 min
Past Your PrimeKey Insights on Hip Injury Rehab and Performance TrainingSummaryIn this episode, Craig and Alex discuss the complexities of hip injuries, focusing on rehabilitation and performance training. They share personal injury updates, delve into the common causes and assessments of hip pain, and emphasize the importance of recognizing key signs and triggers during rehabilitation. The conversation highlights common mistakes athletes make in their rehab process, the critical role of warm-ups, and the effective use of training aids. They conclude with insights on how to approach future training and injury management.Takeaways Rehabilitation and performance training require...2025-01-1648 minPast Your PrimeTraining with Low Back Pain: Strategies for Relief and ProgressSummaryIn this episode of the Past Your Prime podcast, hosts Alex and Craig discuss the common issue of low back pain, particularly among individuals in their 30s and 40s. They share personal injury updates and delve into the causes, diagnosis, and management of low back pain. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body, recognizing symptoms, and implementing effective training modifications. They provide insights into the anatomy of the spine, common injuries, and strategies for rehabilitation and training. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage and share...2025-01-0940 minPast Your PrimeWhen and why does your diagnosis matter?SummaryIn this episode, the Alex and Craig discuss the significance of accurate diagnoses in rehab, injury recovery, exercise and performance. They explore the concept of feedback loops, the risks associated with misdiagnosis, and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the complexity of the human body and the necessity of understanding one's symptoms and goals to achieve effective treatment and performance outcomes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts00:43 Updates on Personal Injuries04:00 Understanding Diagnosis in Physical Therapy07:07...2025-01-0236 minPast Your PrimeHow do you stay active while managing an injury?SummaryIn this episode of the Past Your Prime podcast, hosts Alex and Craig discuss the importance of staying active while managing injuries. They explore various strategies for injury management, including understanding the nature of injuries, the significance of trigger management, and the role of rest and recovery. The conversation also highlights common injuries faced by aging athletes and emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to daily activities and exercise. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional advice when necessary and to differentiate between normal aches and serious injuries. The episode concludes with a...2024-12-2636 minPast Your PrimeCan you prevent injuries?SummaryIn this episode of the Past Your Prime podcast, hosts Alex Keicher and Craig Allen Smith discuss the challenges faced by aging athletes, particularly in relation to injury prevention and management. They explore the myth that injuries can be completely prevented, emphasizing instead the importance of managing injuries effectively and recognizing the inevitability of injuries as part of athletic life. The conversation delves into the role of strength training, the significance of understanding training loads, and the necessity of recovery and rehabilitation strategies. The episode concludes with practical advice for aging athletes to maintain their activity levels while being...2024-12-2436 min