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

Have you ever done everything "right" for your health only to discover your body had different plans? That's exactly what happened when my blood pressure climbed to concerning levels despite years of regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management techniques.

In this deeply personal episode, I open up about facing the reality of my genetic predisposition to high blood pressure—a condition that has affected my two younger siblings for over a decade. Despite my best efforts to maintain an active lifestyle and make conscientious food choices, my readings have crept into the 130s, 140s, and even 150s, placing me firmly in Level 2 hypertension territory.

The wellness industry often perpetuates the myth that we can exercise, eat, or meditate our way out of any health condition. While lifestyle certainly matters and can delay or reduce many issues, sometimes our genetics tap us on the shoulder and demand attention. This realization doesn't mean surrendering to illness—it means developing a more nuanced understanding of health that includes awareness, monitoring, and sometimes medical intervention alongside personal responsibility.

I share my current approach, including increased plant-based eating, eliminating alcohol (yes, even my beloved wine), and investing in tools like an automatic blood pressure monitor. More importantly, I discuss the mental shift from trying to control everything to focusing on what I can influence while accepting what I cannot. This perspective has been surprisingly liberating.

If you're facing similar health challenges or have family tendencies you're hoping to avoid, this episode offers encouragement to embrace awareness over avoidance. Remember that acknowledging vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the foundation of genuine strength. Subscribe to Why Not? Wellness for more honest conversations about health beyond the highlight reel, and remember to keep it moving, even when it means paying closer attention to what your body is telling you.

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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 Glassie, 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.

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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

Ever scrolled through social media and been bombarded with workouts promising a "new body in 30 days" or muscles like military personnel after just a week of training? As your movement specialist with over four decades in the fitness industry, I'm pulling back the curtain on these enticing but problematic quick-fix solutions.

The appeal is understandable—who wouldn't want rapid results with minimal time investment? These programs promise transformation through short, equipment-free workouts you can do at home. They showcase incredible before-and-after photos and testimonials that make success seem guaranteed and accessible. But there's a darker reality behind the marketing. Many of these programs set unrealistic expectations, lack sustainability, increase injury risk, and neglect the holistic approach true fitness requires. Those perfect bodies in the ads? They might be AI-generated. Those impressive results? Unlikely for most people, especially beginners.

True fitness begins from within—your body needs time to adapt and strengthen before external changes become visible. Rather than jumping into an intensive 7-day program, I recommend starting with just one day weekly if you're new to fitness. Listen to your unique body; what works for a celebrity or influencer may not work for you. I need a combination of weight training, stretching, and Pilates for my body, while others thrive with just one approach. Sustainable change beats quick fixes every time. Have questions about a fitness program you're considering? Reach out to me at Cat@SmallSpacePilates.com for a free 30-minute consultation—no sales pitch, just honest guidance to help you feel good in your body. Remember, fitness isn't a 30-day challenge; it's a lifelong journey worth doing right.

https://www.smallspacepilates.com

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