Alright, let’s talk about something that’s not often discussed when it comes to business – fitness. We all know that business owners are busy. They’ve got a million things on their plate: meetings, deadlines, budgets, clients, employees. It’s non-stop, and the last thing on most business owners’ minds is getting in a solid workout. But here’s the deal – your physical fitness isn’t just important for looking good, feeling good, or staying healthy. It’s actually a critical element to running a successful business. And if you’re not prioritizing your fitness, you’re doing yourself, your business, and your employees a massive disservice. Let’s break it down.

1. Your Energy Is Your Currency

You know what’s a major killer in business? Fatigue.When you’re tired all the time, everything becomes harder. You don’t think as clearly, your decision-making takes a hit, and your productivity just flatlines. Think about it: when you’ve had a rough night of sleep or you’ve been cooped up in an office for days, how are you feeling? You’re dragging, right?

On the flip side, when you’re fit and in good shape, you’ve got a constant stream of energy. You’re sharper, quicker, and more focused. Regular exercise releases endorphins – your body’s natural energy boosters – and gets your blood flowing. It keeps your metabolism in check and makes sure you’re firing on all cylinders, ready to take on whatever the day throws at you. If you want to keep your mind sharp and your business running at peak performance, then you need to get your body to that same level.

2. You Can Handle Stress Like a Pro

Running a business is stressful. That’s not a secret. From managing employees to juggling clients, keeping up with market trends, and handling financial pressure – it’s a lot. And that stress can eat you alive if you don’t have a way to manage it.

Here’s the thing about fitness: it teaches you how to manage stress. When you push yourself physically, you’re actually training your body to deal with physical and mental stress. Those tough workouts? They’re a form of stress on your body. You’re breaking down muscle fibers, increasing your heart rate, and challenging yourself. And just like in business, you’ve got to recover and grow stronger. This kind of conditioning makes you more resilient in the face of challenges, whether it’s a tough conversation with a client, a crisis at work, or a financial setback.

Plus, exercise is a great way to relieve stress. When you’re sweating it out, your mind clears up. That feeling of being mentally “stuck” fades away after a good workout. You come out of it feeling more grounded, more focused, and ready to tackle the next obstacle. Fitness is one of the best ways to keep your mental game strong and protect yourself from burnout.

3. You’re a Role Model for Your Team

As a business owner, you’re not just running a company – you’re leading a team. Whether you’ve got five employees or 500, the culture you set as the owner trickles down to everyone in the organization. If you’re slacking off, showing up tired, or constantly stressed, guess what? Your employees are going to pick up on that. You set the tone. But if you’re in shape, energized, and keeping yourself physically and mentally sharp, that energy will spread. You’ll inspire your team to adopt healthier habits too, and that can transform the entire workplace.

When you take care of yourself, you send the message that health is a priority – for you and your business. You lead by example. You show that you’re willing to invest in yourself, and that kind of dedication is contagious. And don’t forget, a healthy team is a productive team. People who take care of their health are more likely to show up to work energized, stay engaged, and perform at a high level.

4. Boosting Your Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

Creativity isn’t just for artists. Business owners need creativity too. Whether it’s coming up with new product ideas, solving problems, or brainstorming marketing campaigns, you need your brain firing on all cylinders. Guess what helps your brain work better? Regular physical activity.

Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, increase brain plasticity, and boost creativity. When you’re working out, you’re improving blood flow to the brain, which helps with thinking and memory. Have you ever had one of those breakthroughs while you’re in the middle of a workout or a walk? That’s not by accident. Physical activity gives your brain the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function at its best. So next time you’re stuck on a tough decision, take a break, go for a run, or hit the gym. Your best ideas might come when you’re away from your desk.

5. You’ve Got to Have Longevity

Business isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. The best entrepreneurs are the ones who can go the distance. If you want to run your business for years, decades even, you’ve got to have the energy and health to keep going. The most successful business owners I know don’t burn out by 40. They’ve built habits of physical fitness that keep them healthy, energetic, and sharp as they grow their companies.

By maintaining your fitness, you’re investing in your future. You're ensuring that you’ll have the physical stamina and mental clarity to keep driving your business forward year after year. Think about it: if you don’t take care of your health, you’re not just risking your own well-being – you’re risking the future of your business. A burnt-out business owner doesn’t do anybody any good. So put in the effort now to stay in good shape, and your business will benefit from it for years to come.

6. The Mental Edge

Here’s one last thing to consider: the more fit you are, the more mentally tough you become. In business, you need grit. You need the ability to get knocked down and get back up. Fitness gives you that mental toughness. Think about the discipline it takes to stick to a workout routine. When you’re sore, tired, or just don’t feel like it, but you still get out there and get it done – that builds resilience. That kind of determination translates into business. When things get tough, your fitness gives you that extra mental toughness to push through. When you’ve trained your body to withstand physical challenges, you develop a mindset that says, “I can handle anything.”

Conclusion: Fitness Is Business

Here’s the bottom line: business owners who stay fit are in a better position to succeed. Fitness isn’t just about looking good – it’s about feeling good, having the energy to perform at your best, handling stress, thinking creatively, leading your team, and ensuring you can go the distance. If you want to run a successful business, you’ve got to take care of the most important asset you have: yourself.

P.S. Here is my current favorite supplement company for lifting (protein, greens and creatine)

>> REDCON.

* I also like that they give 10% off with the use of promo code VETERAN.

Another favorite is Hammer Nutrition for endurance supplements. You can't beat them and first time buyers get loads of free stuff and learning materials about endurance sports. Much appreciation to my friend and tri-sports mentor Lincoln Murdoch for the introduction to Hammer.