Many business leaders are overworked, overstressed and out of shape. They’ve built their wealth, but they let their health suffer.
Those who are out of shape have reduced energy, and that can make it difficult to maintain high productivity or stay focused at work. It can lead to increased stress, which can affect their decision-making process. And if nothing is done to improve their fitness, business leaders can experience health issues such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.
“An executive lifestyle can lead not only to physical fatigue but also mental fatigue,” says Jeff Tomaszewski, Chief Life Transformer at MaxStrength Fitness. “That fatigue can make starting or maintaining a fitness routine a challenge. But there are people who can help.”
Smart Business spoke with Tomaszewski about ways business leaders can overcome obstacles and achieve better health and fitness.
What tends to stand in the way of business leaders improving their personal fitness?
Often business leaders believe they need to have hours and hours available to them each day to go to the gym and make a positive impact on their health. That’s not true. But unfortunately, it stops many from engaging in a fitness routine.
Travel can be a significant part of running a business. When a business leader’s routine is disrupted by travel, they often don’t make it a priority to go to a health club, work out in their hotel’s gym, or otherwise maintain their exercise routine — professional duties come first, personal wellness happens if there’s time.
Who can help business leaders overcome these challenges?
Business leaders are accustomed to holding others accountable, but they don’t have somebody to hold them accountable. A fitness coach, personal trainer or wellness coach can keep them on task and hold them accountable.
Professional athletes have coaches, even at the highest level, to hold them accountable. A fitness coach will also have a proven system from which a routine can be tailored specifically to the fitness needs of the business leader so that they can have the confidence that they’re maximizing their time and driving toward their health goals. A coach can help business leaders get and stay on track with their fitness goals.
Having someone to hold them accountable and who can customize a routine to their individual needs is crucial. Exercise routines need to be designed for the individual because everyone is different — different strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes. Designing for these differences will keep them engaged in the routine.
How can business leaders achieve their fitness goals?
Consistency is the key. Every time a business leader steps into the gym and exercises they’re one step closer to achieving their health and fitness goals. That’s why exercise needs to be a non-negotiable part of a business leader’s daily life, because if it’s not on the schedule, it doesn’t get done. Having recurring appointments leads to the return on the investment of time and effort. The results will come if they keep going.
Reaching fitness goals isn’t about spending hours each day in the gym. It’s the intensity of exercise that dictates the change in the body. That means a lot can be done in short period of time if it’s focused and concentrated. Profound results can be achieved with the right routine at sufficient intensity.
By working with an expert, business leaders are maximizing their time and minimizing the risk of injury. That should give them the confidence to attack their workout and achieve results.
It’s never too late to get in shape. Those who succeed in making exercise a high priority are better able to manage stress and better handle the level of stress that comes from the everyday demands of being a business leader. But exercise can be more than just stress management. When done right, exercise can help business leaders gain an edge through their fitness because it has a direct correlation to their productivity and mental sharpness. ●
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