Boost Your Brain Health: The Benefits of Regular Movement

Movement is not just about maintaining physical fitness – it's the number one defense against cognitive decline. This profound insight comes from PJ Glassey, a pioneer in the fitness industry who has successfully integrated brain health into his unique approach to exercise. As the founder of X-Gym and inventor of the brain type test, PJ has spent decades researching the powerful connection between physical activity and brain function.

One of the most compelling discoveries PJ shared during our conversation is that movement is the primary way to deliver oxygen to the brain. When examining Blue Zones – regions where people commonly live past 100 years with sharp cognitive function – the common denominator is consistent movement throughout the day. These centenarians aren't necessarily hitting the gym for intense workouts; they're walking to markets, strolling after meals, and maintaining active lifestyles that keep oxygen flowing to their brains. This steady supply of oxygen is crucial for brain health and longevity.

What makes PJ's approach revolutionary is his recognition that different brain types respond to different fitness strategies. The traditional fitness industry often promotes a one-size-fits-all approach, where trainers recommend what worked for them personally. However, PJ estimates there's an 80% chance that what works for one person won't work for another due to differences in brain wiring. This insight led him to develop the brain type test, which helps tailor fitness approaches to individual neurological profiles. By understanding how someone's brain is wired, he can recommend specific techniques that will actually stick rather than lead to frustration and eventual abandonment.

Perhaps most groundbreaking is PJ's work with Alzheimer's and dementia patients. After watching his mother battle early-onset Alzheimer's, PJ redirected his research focus toward brain science. What he discovered was revolutionary – Alzheimer's is not necessarily a death sentence. With the right interventions, including appropriate movement protocols, the disease can be slowed, stopped, and in some cases even reversed. For those caring for loved ones with cognitive decline, PJ recommends starting with simple activities like "forest bathing" – walking in natural settings – rather than pushing formal exercise programs that might trigger resistance.

The traditional understanding of calories and nutrition also gets a complete overhaul in PJ's philosophy. He challenges the simplistic "calories in, calories out" model by pointing out that 4,000 calories of Twinkies will make you gain weight, while 4,000 calories of broccoli might actually help you lose weight – despite being the same caloric amount. This understanding frees people from obsessive calorie counting and shifts focus to the quality and inflammation potential of foods. Ultra-processed foods, which make up 55% or more of the average American diet, create inflammation that makes movement painful and thinking cloudy – creating a vicious cycle of inactivity and cognitive decline.

What truly sets PJ apart is his holistic approach that treats the brain and body as inseparable partners in health. His multi-protocol concept incorporates seven different movement techniques that constantly challenge the brain to learn new patterns. By switching protocols regularly, X-Gym workouts prevent adaptation and keep the brain engaged in learning – a crucial factor in maintaining cognitive health. This mindful approach to movement creates not just stronger bodies, but more resilient brains capable of resisting degenerative conditions.

The conversation with PJ Glassey reminds us that fitness isn't just about appearance or even physical capability – it's about nourishing the brain that controls everything else. By understanding our unique brain wiring and providing it with consistent movement, quality nutrition, and new challenges, we can protect our cognitive health while enhancing our physical well-being. Movement truly is medicine for the mind.

Listen to the podcast episode HERE