Are you feeling too overwhelmed with work to find time to exercise? Juggling professional and family responsibilities can leave very little time for taking care of your physical health. However, don’t let these obstacles become excuses. Making time for exercise simply requires some creativity and a broader perspective on incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.
Charles Scott, an executive mentor and exercise coach, challenges the notion that exercise must involve spending hours at the gym. He emphasizes that there are various forms of exercise beyond traditional gym workouts. Scott coaches numerous business executives and busy individuals to enhance both their physical and professional well-being. While he personally undertakes intense physical challenges like running across the Grand Canyon or guiding blind friends on endurance events, he recognizes that not everyone needs to adopt such extreme routines.
Scott advocates for a holistic approach to health, encouraging his clients to prioritize intentional movement alongside their professional ambitions. He warns against falling into the trap of neglecting physical and emotional well-being in pursuit of career success, a common issue among ambitious individuals. By incorporating movement into daily activities, such as walking meetings or isometric exercises during work discussions, Scott demonstrates how exercise can be seamlessly integrated into a busy lifestyle.
To blend exercise with work commitments, Scott suggests simple strategies like walking during flight delays, linking workouts to daily routines, or making exercise a social activity. By adopting the mindset of an “athlete” and prioritizing physical health, individuals can cultivate habits that support overall well-being. Scott also emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition and self-care in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. With a few adjustments and a shift in mindset, you can find ways to stay active and prioritize your physical health amidst a busy schedule.
Take a break from answering emails and do 10 squats or pushups to add some movement throughout your day. In the business world, many individuals make the mistake of pushing themselves too hard all day, only to go home exhausted and irritable with their loved ones. Rather than following this pattern, some like Harrison (Harry) Kahn, the general manager of Vermont Creamery, prefer a different approach.
Kahn practices the partition method by starting his day at 5 a.m. with exercise, such as running, biking, or skiing in rural Vermont. This allows him to focus on himself before the household wakes up. His wife, Elisabeth, who teaches French, also starts early to prepare their two children for school. Kahn emphasizes the importance of not comparing oneself to others and finding your own rhythm in life.
Describing himself as a routine-oriented person, Kahn divides his day into chapters to stay focused on his work and 120 employees once he is in the office. By maintaining this structure, he maximizes his productivity without letting the day drag on.
