How fitness can boost your career

Ivan Ho is co-founder of Fit Factory Fitness.

The physical condition has changed over the years; it doesn’t start and stop at the gym, it goes beyond – from what you put in your body to developing good habits and more. To meet these changing demands, business owners have implemented groundbreaking training programs and incorporated various classes, in-house nutritionists, and fuel bars to keep members engaged.

Technology has also changed the fitness market, making it easier to monitor your pace, heart rate, energy expenditure and sleep patterns with apps and trackers – all to not only keep you aware, but also responsible.

Technology has also mimicked what gym spaces offer customers – a sense of community. However, nothing beats an hour-long sweat session with a community of like-minded people, where you can also tap into their energy to push you through. All of this, combined with new, upgradable equipment, revolutionizes workouts to get results and keep fitness exciting.

We’ve all heard of putting health first and everything else second, but how many of us really understand this principle and live by it every day? With 24-hour work schedules and the hustle and bustle of our metropolitan lifestyles, it’s important to consciously make health and fitness a priority. Treat your workouts like you would a work meeting – add them to your calendar, don’t skip them, and take 2-3 days a week to sweat it out. Great things only come with consistency.

The rule of 180

When you think of fitness, you immediately think of exercise, cycling, running, or any other activity that makes you sweat. Fitness is more than sweating; it’s a 180 degree change in your lifestyle. It helps to improve both your mental and physical health.

Fitness also affects how you think, breathe, talk, react to situations, digest food and more. It enhances the energy you put out into the universe. From tedious deadlines to client tasks to on-the-go projects and more, you’ll see a difference in the way you perform in all areas of your life. Everything is closed.

Mindfulness through fitness

When you exercise, it increases blood flow to the brain, making you more aware of your overall health. You are more in tune with your emotions and generally more alert. It helps you figure out what’s bothering or stressing you, and from there you can decide on the next steps and how you’re going to deal with it.

This also applies to the workplace and is why we’ve seen corporations and even small businesses incorporate team workouts into their training programs and company culture – it improves productivity, helps you enjoy discipline and plays a huge role in communities.

The scientific approach

When you exercise, your heart rate increases, which increases oxygen delivery, which boosts your brain and organ function. Exercise releases endorphins or “happiness hormones”.

Once you’ve had a good workout and exhausted your body, you need to refuel. Instead of filling your body with the most convenient foods, you’ll need vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to replenish the resources you used up during your workout.

These two complementary factors will allow you to sleep better at night and wake up refreshed (although a little sore). You’ll go to work with better energy, feel more productive, and even develop better posture.

Routine and long-term effects

Over time, staying in shape will become part of a routine. As you begin to notice a healthier, happier, motivated, and more inspired self, good habits become addictive. Then, in a domino effect, you’ll start looking at other areas of your life where you can improve.

Maybe you’re picking up a new book to read or planning a hike in Peru – the to-do list is endless! Gradually, you will become more informed and have a broader and better perspective on your life, career, and family because you put health first.

Age shouldn’t matter

Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start a fitness journey. Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, nothing can stop you if you think about it.

Being healthy not only allows you to do more with your family and friends in the present, but also helps pass these healthy habits on to your children, giving them a head start on a healthy lifestyle.

Keeping your kids engaged and planning family activities for the weekends helps strengthen the relationships that matter most.

We at Fit Factory are also proud to host The Kids O Course – an educational health and fitness program for young people. It encourages children to see the value of an active lifestyle while testing their mental and physical limits.

Executives, educators and HR experts contribute to the ongoing leadership lab series.