The Brain-Body Connection: How Movement Boosts Executive Functioning

The Brain-Body Connection: How Movement Boosts Executive Functioning
Podcast Description
Title: The Brain-Body Connection: How Movement Boosts Executive FunctioningDescription:In this premiere episode of The Inner Edge, host Efraim Simkhayev—an expert occupational therapist—sits down with Avrom Hirsch PHD and Michael iLyabayev DPT to break down one of the most powerful yet overlooked tools in cognitive performance: movement.We dive deep into executive functioning—the mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember, and problem-solve—and explore how physical activity like jumping jacks, walking, and other aerobic exercises can enhance brain performance across all ages.Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or just someone trying to function at a higher level, this episode is packed with real-life strategies, success stories, and science-backed insights you can apply right away.In this episode, we cover:What executive functioning really is—and why it mattersHow combining movement with brain exercises builds focus and flexibilityReal client stories—from stuck to thrivingSimple at-home tools to sharpen your cognitive edgeSubscribe for more conversations where therapy meets performance, and healing meets hustle.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes around cognitive performance, specifically focusing on executive functioning, movement, and strategies for enhancing mental capacities. Episodes feature topics like the relationship between physical activity and cognitive clarity, practical applications of movement in daily life, and success stories illustrating transformative effects of exercise on mental health.

Title: The Brain-Body Connection: How Movement Boosts Executive Functioning
Description:
In this premiere episode of The Inner Edge, host Efraim Simkhayev—an expert occupational therapist—sits down with Avrom Hirsch PHD and Michael iLyabayev DPT to break down one of the most powerful yet overlooked tools in cognitive performance: movement.
We dive deep into executive functioning—the mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember, and problem-solve—and explore how physical activity like jumping jacks, walking, and other aerobic exercises can enhance brain performance across all ages.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or just someone trying to function at a higher level, this episode is packed with real-life strategies, success stories, and science-backed insights you can apply right away.
In this episode, we cover:
- What executive functioning really is—and why it matters
- How combining movement with brain exercises builds focus and flexibility
- Real client stories—from stuck to thriving
- Simple at-home tools to sharpen your cognitive edge
Subscribe for more conversations where therapy meets performance, and healing meets hustle.
How Dr. Mikhail Ilyabayev is Pedaling Change Through Therapy and Grit
In this powerful and unique episode of The Inner Edge, we sit down with Dr. Mikhail Ilyabayev, a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy affectionately known by many as The Bike Rebbe. Known for merging high-level rehab with street-level wisdom, Mikhail shares his one-of-a-kind journey—from the clinic to the community, from therapy bands to bike lanes.
We dive deep into:
- How he’s using cycling as therapy to help patients move from pain to performance
- The mind-body connection and what it means to truly heal
- His passion for bringing therapy outside the four walls of a clinic
- What he’s learned from working with underserved populations
- His approach to building grit, faith, and functional strength
- And the daily practices that keep him aligned with his mission
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, someone in recovery, or just looking for inspiration—you’ll leave this episode with real tools, spiritual insight, and a fresh perspective on what healing really means.

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