Smith Performance Center - Physical Therapy & Strength Training

10/13/2026

How To Pick the Right Shoe For Your Feet

Are your shoe wear patterns signaling a problem? Learn how your footwear choices impact your foot health and calluses.

We often focus on the miles we log, but the specific wear on your soles tells a story about how your feet function. When comparing a wide toe box design to more traditional, snug trail running shoes, the distribution of pressure changes significantly. This shift in how your foot interacts with the ground can be the difference between natural movement and developing specific grip calluses on your toes.

Understanding this relationship helps you make better decisions about your gear. If you are noticing persistent foot calluses or uneven wear, it might be time to evaluate whether your current footwear aligns with your foot mechanics. Small adjustments in your shoe selection can lead to better comfort and long-term foot health.

10/11/2026

Why You Keep Missing Your Workout

When it comes to building sustainable fitness habits, overcoming fitness plateaus, and maintaining a pain-free routine, motivation isn't the real issue: it's calendar management. Learn why carving out dedicated time in a busy schedule is the essential skill active adults need to build lasting workout consistency and prevent burnout.

Struggling to stay consistent with your workout routine? Physical therapist Craig Smith addresses a common comment debate about finding time to train.



Struggling to stay consistent with your workout routine? Physical therapist Craig Smith addresses a common comment debate about finding time to train. Discover more: https://youtu.be/6d1_jIl0Dbk

10/08/2026

Join us for an audience Q&A session on Past Your Prime to discuss injury recovery, chronic pain management, and physical therapy tips.

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/6cmpF0mKPEs

In this episode, we address specific viewer questions ranging from humorous training inquiries to serious discussions about living with hemiplegia and managing a fused knee. Whether you are navigating a complex injury recovery or looking for practical advice on maintaining movement quality, these insights provide actionable steps for your own health journey.

10/08/2026

10/06/2026

Why Experts Don't Get Stuck: Are You Actually Practicing or Just Having Fun?

Are your training sessions purposeful or are you just staying in your comfort zone? Peak performance requires deliberate practice.

As adults, this quality practice often means actively targeting your weaknesses rather than just doing what feels easy or fun. It is the key difference between mindless repetition and purposeful training, if you truly want to unlock real performance gains.

10/01/2026

The First Step To Master Any Skill

Want to learn the secret behind skill acquisition? Most people jump straight into advanced sports and activities without mastering the foundational pieces first.

Physical Therapist Craig Smith explains why mapping out and owning every fundamental building block is the true key to athletic development, and building durable and deliberate practice.

10/01/2026

Today, let's break down the science of skill acquisition and how active adults can master new sports or other activities without hitting frustrating plateaus.

In this episode of the Past Your Prime Podcast, pro volleyball player Alex Keicher and physical therapist & strength coach Craig Smit explain why most adults jump straight into advanced activities without owning fundamentals, resulting in stalled progress.

Watch the full episode for the complete breakdown on the science of adult learning:
https://youtu.be/6d1_jIl0Dbk

Let's deep dive into the practical 3-part framework: ex*****on, programming, and behavioral consistency to help you structure purposeful practice, identify baseline weaknesses, and unlock long-term athletic development.

09/29/2026

What Really Happens When You Roll Your Ankle

How does a severe ankle sprain actually happen? Learn the anatomy behind the injury and how to protect your joint stability.

Lateral ankle sprain injuries are more than just a “stretched ligament”. To truly recover, you need to understand the anatomy of ankle structures involved during an inversion injury. We look at the lateral side of the foot, examining how the fibula, the ATFL, and the talus interact when the joint is compromised.

By identifying the specific joints impacted, such as the talocrural joint or the calcaneocuboid joint, you can build a better rehab plan. This process is essential for anyone dealing with chronic issues who wants to return to full capacity without constant flare-ups. This is the foundation of effective physical therapy.

09/29/2026

We are so happy to announce that Smith Performance Center has partnered with the Tucson Area Pickleball nonprofit and now is an official sponsor of the Udall Pickleball Expansion Project!

Our amazing members Rita Williams and Laurie Rameriz helped us spread the word about our mission to empower individuals to take control of their health.

The Tucson Area Pickleball (TAP) was organized to promote the development of pickleball for the recreation and health of residents in the greater Tucson, Arizona. They just signed a 5-year agreement to steward Udall Park’s courts and build six more!

All of us at Smith Performance Center wish the TAP nothing but the best in their journey! Pickleball players in the Tucson community have a special place for any injury, nutrition or performance training needs at SPC.

Make sure to go Udall Park and check our banner. And play some pickleball as well!

09/24/2026

Why Ankle Sprain Hurts So Much

Ever wonder what happens when you sprain your ankle?

Physical therapist Craig Smith breaks down the biomechanics of an inversion (lateral) ankle sprain. What actually tears or stretches when you roll your foot inward? Learn how improper foot loading forces the foot into inversion and strains lateral ligaments and stabilizing tissues.

If you are an active adult looking to overcome injuries, stop recurring ankle rolls, and restore pain-free movement, understanding how your ankle functions is step one.