play_arrow

Society & Culture

The Mind-Body Connection: How Exercise Transforms Brain Health

podcast September 16, 2025


Background
share close

Want to be a guest or know someone would be a great fit? I am looking for military vets, active duty, military brats, veteran service orgs or anyone in the fitness industry

Movement isn't just about physical fitness—it's brain medicine. This eye-opening conversation with PJ Glassey, founder of X-Gym and creator of the brain type test, reveals why your fitness journey begins in your mind, not your muscles.

As a military brat born into an Air Force family, PJ's journey from psychology student to fitness pioneer led him to a groundbreaking discovery: exercise protocols must match your unique brain wiring to be effective. His multi-protocol approach challenges the brain through seven different movement techniques, preventing adaptation and fostering neurological growth alongside physical fitness.

The most compelling revelation? Movement delivers oxygen to the brain—the number one defense against cognitive decline. PJ shares how his mother's battle with early-onset Alzheimer's drove him to research brain science, ultimately discovering that dementia can be slowed, stopped, and sometimes reversed through proper movement. For those in Blue Zones who routinely live past 100 with sharp minds, consistent daily movement is their secret.

Traditional fitness wisdom gets thoroughly debunked as PJ explains why "calories in, calories out" fails the human experience. Four thousand calories of Twinkies creates fat storage while the same caloric amount of broccoli might trigger fat loss—proving food quality trumps quantity. For the 55% of Americans consuming ultra-processed foods, inflammation makes movement painful and thinking cloudy, creating a vicious cycle of inactivity and cognitive decline.

Whether you're battling cravings, seeking motivation, or concerned about brain health, PJ offers practical solutions including his favorite "tapping technique" that short-circuits negative neural pathways. His message is clear: start with small, consistent movement rather than overwhelming lifestyle overhauls.

Ready to rewire your brain through movement? Listen now and discover why understanding your brain type might be the missing piece in your fitness journey.

gym.com

Support the show

Rate it
Previous episode