Weekly Health Report: Workaholics need workouts
Some people work from 8 to 5, with a consistent schedule and dedicated time off for leisure activities. But, for busy executives, work happens whenever it needs to. Business relationships are built and sustained during after-hours board meetings, business socials or dinners with clients. Bountiful buffets and gourmet desserts are often regular occurrences, which can make it easy for the pounds to add up. There are perks that come along with a management position, but the truth is, there is also a lot of stress to go along with the title. Throw in late night hours to get all the work done, and its easy to see how workaholics may tend to push exercise aside.
A hectic work schedule is one of the most common reasons busy people dont make time to exercise. In many cases, people in management or who own their own business dont own their own time. Theyre stressed out, overworked and surrounded by calorie-rich foods. Its a recipe for weight gain and poor health.
In fact a survey conducted by Tufts University School of Medicine of 200 executives within the Fortune 500 circle, 40 percent were obese. They also had high cholesterol and high blood pressure; they typically worked 60 to 70 hours a week and dedicated little to no time to exercise. These individuals are literally on the road to working themselves todeath.
I work with many local business leaders who schedule time for exercise. They have realized that it helps them stay sharp, handle stress, keep their weight in a comfortable range and have more energy. Even though they take time away from work to exercise, they find its worth the investment because theyre more focused.
Often, these members will seek out the advice of an exercise specialist. They understand the value of getting advice from an expert in that field. Theyre good at what they do and they realize that were good at what we do. We take into consideration what they enjoy doing, how much time they can devote to exercise, what they dont like doing, and what their goals are. We also talk about any previous injuries or concerns they may have, so that we can design a program that will get the results needed.
Here are a few reasons why its important to make exercise a part of a busy day and how to keep the commitment:
Schedule it.
Just like an appointment, pencil in exercise into your daily planner. Better yet, write it down in ink. Its a commitment made for better health. Some of the people Ive worked with over the years would brush off exercise saying they didnt have time for it, and then they had a heart attack, or some other kind of serious wake-up call. Now, they understand how important it is to take care of themselves.
Do it first.
Before the rush of the work day begins, get in a workout. Trying to squeeze it in during the day may work for some; for most people it tends to get pushed aside to handle the crisis of the moment.
Consider it a part of the job.
Image is an important aspect in the business world, whether its a conscious thought or subliminal impression. How someone looks makes an impression on potential customers, vendors, superiors and other business leaders. Being well-groomed shows attention to detail. Consistent exercise helps keep weight at a manageable level, which helps to combat the effects of buffet lines and gourmet meals.
Use it to manage stress.
The higher the corporate ladder, the bigger the challenges. Handling these problems every day is stressful. Research shows that physically fit people have less extreme physiological responses when under pressure than those who are not. This means that fit people are better able to handle the long-term effects of stress, without suffering health problems or burnout.
The bottom line is that executives got to where they are because theyre willing to go the extra mile. Consistently putting in a few miles on the treadmill will keep them at the top of their game.