Alex McBrairty on Psychology-Driven Fitness Coaching

Optimal Aging

In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft sits down with Alex McBrairty, a fitness coach whose personal transformation—losing nearly 100 pounds as a teen—launched a lifelong journey into behavior change, motivation, and the psychology of fitness.

Alex shares how his struggle with self-esteem and identity led him to pursue a degree in psychology, which now underpins his coaching philosophy. You'll learn how he uses personality testing to meet clients where they are, especially those over 50 who may feel intimidated by change or doubt their ability to improve.

Whether you're a fitness or wellness professional or someone navigating your own health journey later in life, this episode is filled with actionable insights. Alex explains how to help clients rewrite their internal stories, embrace behavior change at any age, and take manageable steps toward better health—without falling into the all-or-nothing trap.

👤 Guest: Alex McBrairty

Bio: Alex McBrairty is a personal trainer and psychology enthusiast who specializes in helping clients achieve lasting health transformations by combining mindset work with fitness strategy. His own journey of losing 100 pounds as a teenager deeply informs his coaching approach.

Links:

• Substack Newsletter: https://ateamfit.substack.com

🧠 Topics Covered

Rewriting Your Health Story

• How Alex transformed from an overweight teen to a fitness coach
• The role of self-perception in sustaining behavior change

The Psychology of Motivation

• Why external motivators can be powerful starting points
• Understanding the deeper "why" behind lasting change

Using the Big Five Personality Traits

• How to tailor coaching using the OCEAN model
• Adapting communication styles for different personality types

Coaching Over-50 Clients

• Why older adults often have more urgency—and more doubts
• Strategies for simplifying nutrition and encouraging progress

🎤 Host: Jay Croft
Helping fitness professionals connect with people over 50 who want to stay healthy and engaged.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://primefitcontent.com
📬 Contact: [email protected]

📢 Calls to Action:

👍 Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts
📬 Subscribe to the email list – https://primefitcontent.com
📱 Follow on Instagram – @primefitcontent

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Chapters

1. Alex McBrairty on Psychology-Driven Fitness Coaching (00:00:00)

2. Alex's 100-Pound Transformation Story (00:00:10)

3. The Psychology Behind Lasting Change (00:06:20)

4. Understanding the Big Five Personality Inventory (00:15:15)

5. Working With Older Adults Effectively (00:27:15)

6. Simplifying Nutrition For Real Success (00:34:47)

7. Closing Thoughts and Connection Points (00:39:06)