How Entrepreneurs Can Make Time For Exercise

May 08, 2019

It's no secret that entrepreneurs like you shoulder a lot of responsibilities, and that goes from work to family. Most of the time, your tasks are just too plenty that you forget to exercise. Why is exercising important for entrepreneurs to begin with? Aside from making sure that you stay physically healthy, exercise will benefit your business in many ways.

First of all, exercising can help alleviate mental and physical stress which makes the mind and body stronger. The mind of an entrepreneur who exercises operates at a higher level than those who don’t. Superior memory, more powerful focus/attention, boosted creativity, and better problem-solving skills are only some of the benefits. Lastly, an entrepreneur who exercises regularly is in a better shape and has improved self-confidence.

The question is, how can you make time for exercise? I've prepared for you 7 helpful steps:

Put it on a calendar.

A successful exercise requires planning and when plans are made they should be set on a schedule. Planning also makes you available for exercise by allowing it to be scheduled during free time. That means you have no reason to skip the schedule you made yourself. So plan and mark your calendar, may that calendar be the one on the wall or in your phone.

Master the micro-workout.

There is truly no such thing as a hectic schedule. Even a 10-minute idling is considered as free time. Here's an idea: Do some light workout (like pushups or jumping jacks) in your office. Have stretching exercises in your seat or perhaps walk around the block. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator also works the same way as jogging outside. The key is to exercise whenever the opportunity arises.

Wear a pedometer.

“As we get older, we typically take fewer steps per day. By the age of 60, most people are down to about 4,500 steps. Your goal should be to maintain 10,000 steps.” says Wayne Andersen, MD. To help in maintaining these 10,000 steps per day, wear a pedometer. You can use your phone by downloading a pedometer app or you can buy a smartwatch with a pedometer function. The pedometer makes you become more conscious about the number of steps you take in a day.

Do it first thing in the morning.

Mornings are one of the lazy parts of the day that we get to spend time looking at our phones to check notifications. Instead of doing this first, put on your workout clothes and head out. Working out in the morning promotes the release of endorphins which allow you to move energetically throughout the day. Also, to help you allot time for a workout every morning, sleep and wake up early. Getting up early is also one routine that successful people have in common.

Do active chores at home.

Doing chores functions as an exercise. Cleaning the backyard or washing the plates can make you sweat! Instead of hiring a maid or paying someone to do your chores, do them yourself. The more things you have to do, the greater the workout.

Make it a family activity.

Family time is precious time and can also be spent on exercising together. Not only will you become fit, but you also get to strengthen the bonds with the people you hold dear. Ride bikes or play sport with your kids. Go jogging with your significant other. Even walking in the park with your parents is one of the blissful things in life we don’t always get to enjoy. Grab the opportunity.

Nominate a friend or a family member to be your cheerleader

Time is not the only thing that makes exercising unavailable - the lack of motivation does as well. Identify a friend or a family member who values fitness and nominate them as your cheerleader. Tell that person to always motivate and remind you to exercise!