No time for fitness? Think again!
In the fast-paced world of leadership, time is a precious commodity. Many leaders, from CEOs to entrepreneurs, lament that they simply don’t have time to exercise or prioritise their fitness. The endless stream of meetings, decision-making, and strategic planning takes precedence, leaving little room for anything else. Yet, this mindset can be counterproductive in the long run, both for personal health and professional effectiveness.
It’s worth exploring why some leaders believe they can’t prioritise fitness, and more importantly, how they can change this narrative.
Leaders are often juggling multiple responsibilities. They’re focused on growing their businesses, managing teams, and achieving targets. In this whirlwind of activities, physical fitness can seem like a luxury that doesn’t offer an immediate return on investment.
“I don’t have time for the gym” you hear them say. And while it may feel true in the moment, the truth is that fitness is not about finding time; it’s about making time. If we step back and look at the big picture, it becomes clear that prioritising health isn’t just a matter of well-being – it can be a performance enhancer that makes leaders more effective in every other area of their lives.
Improved Mental Clarity and Focus
Exercise boosts endorphins and improves blood flow to the brain, leading to better cognitive function and sharper focus. Leaders who prioritise fitness often report feeling clearer and more capable of making critical decisions. It’s no coincidence that some of the most successful CEOs and founders swear by their morning runs or gym sessions.
Research shows that regular physical activity can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills – key competencies for any leader.
Increased Energy and Stamina
The irony is that while skipping exercise might seem like a way to conserve energy for other tasks, it often has the opposite effect. Regular physical activity builds stamina, enabling leaders to sustain high performance throughout the day. Rather than feeling drained by midday, those who prioritise fitness can maintain their energy levels and productivity far longer.
Stress Management and Emotional Resilience
Leadership comes with a high degree of stress. Physical fitness is a proven way to manage and mitigate stress, helping leaders maintain emotional resilience when they face inevitable setbacks. Exercise regulates cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, and promotes the release of endorphins, which improve mood and help create a sense of balance.
Setting an Example for the Team
Leaders who prioritise their health set an important precedent for their teams. Employees often look to their leaders for cues on what behaviours are valued in the workplace. If a leader consistently skips breaks, overworks, and neglects their well-being, employees may feel pressured to do the same. Conversely, a leader who emphasises fitness and well-being can create a healthier, more balanced workplace culture.
If you’re a leader who has fallen into the “no time” trap, here are some practical strategies for incorporating fitness into your busy schedule.
Reframe Fitness as a Non-Negotiable
Treat your health like an important business meeting. Schedule exercise on your calendar as if it were a critical task, because it is. A 30-minute workout can yield dividends in productivity and mental clarity that far outweigh the time investment.
Integrate Fitness into Your Daily Routine
You don’t have to spend hours in the gym to stay fit. Small, consistent actions can add up. Consider integrating fitness into your workday:
– Take walking meetings or stand during phone calls.
– Use the stairs instead of the lift/escalator.
– Opt for short, high-intensity workouts that you can fit into a lunch break.
Even 10-minute stretches of movement throughout the day can make a big difference.
Adopt a Morning Routine
Many leaders find that exercising in the morning is the most effective way to ensure it happens. Before the demands of the day pile up, you’ve already taken care of your health. Whether it’s a jog, yoga, or a quick strength workout, a morning routine sets the tone for a productive, energised day.
Leverage Technology
If you’re constantly on the go, fitness apps and wearable technology can be game changers. Short, app-based workouts can be done anywhere, whether you’re traveling for work or have a packed schedule. Fitness trackers can remind you to move throughout the day, track your progress, and keep you accountable to your goals.
Combine Fitness with Networking
Time is a legitimate constraint, but there are ways to merge fitness with other priorities. Invite a colleague or business partner for a hike, golf game, or tennis match. Not only will you get your exercise in, but you’ll also be able to connect and network in a more relaxed, energising environment.
There are numerous examples of leaders who have successfully integrated fitness into their lives despite packed schedules:
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, is famous for his commitment to physical activity, which includes kitesurfing, tennis, and cycling. He credits exercise with giving him at least four extra productive hours in his day.
Barack Obama, during his presidency, maintained a rigorous workout schedule, typically exercising for 45 minutes, six days a week, even while handling one of the world’s most demanding jobs.
Oprah Winfrey has said that she hates exercising, but still does it. Be that the elliptical or treadmill – Oprah makes time for it.
These leaders understand that prioritising fitness isn’t about indulgence – it’s about sustainability. They recognise that their health enables them to lead more effectively, stay creative, and meet the demands of their roles with greater resilience.
For leaders who claim they don’t have time to prioritise fitness, the real issue isn’t lack of time – it’s a matter of perspective. Fitness should be seen as an investment in their own productivity, focus, and emotional well-being, not something that detracts from these qualities. By integrating fitness into their daily routines, leaders can not only improve their health but also enhance their ability to lead with clarity, energy, and longevity.
So, if you’re a leader struggling to find time for fitness, it’s time to rethink your approach. Prioritising your health isn’t just good for you – it’s good for your leadership, your team, and ultimately, your success.
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