The physical and mental benefits of exercise are hard to overstate, but more Brits today are relying on personal trainers and fitness activities to navigate the demands of a successful career.
Being fit or being successful. Believing it’s a choice that you must make is an archaic way of thinking, according to fitness professionals and influencers throughout England. Especially as the link between physical fitness and professional success becomes a new and intriguing area of study.
The Connection Between Fitness & Success
As British society continues to prioritize mental wellness and healthier living, people are more determined than ever to incorporate exercise into their daily routines. The fact is that our post-pandemic society has a better grasp of the “resource of time,” and we’re becoming more effective in squeezing fitness activities into our busy schedules.
That’s an enormous step forward, as physical fitness proves to be vital in helping society’s busiest professionals achieve their career goals.
The fact is that people who can stick to a consistent fitness routine are more likely to be disciplined, organized, and focused – all highly desirable skills to have as a professional and vital habits for anyone wanting to build a reputation for “getting things done!”
And those aren’t the only links between physical fitness and career progression, according to fitness professionals in English cities like Manchester and Canary Wharf - all areas with a booming fitness scene. The fact is that exercising can do much more than build muscle and burn fat – they are activities that can fuel our ascent up the corporate ladder.
Here’s how…
Exercise Elevates Our Mood
While weight loss and a trimmer waistline are among the more sought-after benefits of consistent exercise, more fitness influencers today are promoting the professional benefits of exercise, citing studies that show how fitness can have a hugely positive impact on our levels of career success.
A closer look at the science behind these studies shows how fitness activities can help those mood-stabilizing neurochemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, flow more freely in our brains. It’s these “feel-good” chemicals that can significantly contribute to a more relaxed and congenial mindset.
We find that this is especially the case with the dopamine hormone. Often referred to as the body’s “happy hormone” and the “motivation molecule,” dopamine is closely associated with levels of motivation, pleasure, and reward. As exercise triggers the release of this mood-enhancing hormone, it fuels our motivation and amplifies our mood (a.k.a., the "Runner’s High"), and both are mindsets that can drive us to be more productive at work.
Better Fitness Means Laser-like Focus
We’ve all experienced moments of “brain fog” – the stubborn cognitive impediment that bedevils us at the worst possible time, robbing us of our required concentration and focus. The truth is that a lack of exercise and elevated stress levels can have a long-term, negative impact on our ability to concentrate and stay focused.
Physical activities lower the levels of stress hormones (such as adrenaline and cortisol) in our body, which can leave us feeling far less distracted and better able to focus on the task at hand. Furthermore, simple fitness activities like walking or yoga stimulate the brain to produce certain chemicals that are responsible for repairing and strengthening the brain’s neural pathways.
By remaining physically active, our bodies respond with enhanced levels of mental clarity, allowing us to focus more intensively on what we’re doing - a great formula for being more effective at the office.
Consider a simple jog, for example. An activity that can increase our heart rate to 70% of its capacity, even for as little as 30 minutes, will leave your brain more acutely aware throughout the entire workday.
Fitness is a Confidence Booster!
Exercise can also have a powerful, positive effect on our levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins – the natural mood boosters that leave us feeling more confident and uplifted.
Endorphins are the natural hormones produced by our brain, and they serve as a kind of neurotransmitter, ushering signals throughout our body’s nervous system. These neurotransmitters connect to the reward centers within our body. In particular, the opioid receptors in our body. When “activated,” these receptors trigger a chemical chain reaction in our nervous system that leads to feelings of pleasure and well-being.
Ultimately, it’s the kind of sensation that can give us a steady jolt of confidence and ambition, giving us the mental boost we need to tackle those more demanding and challenging professional situations. When you’re in this positive mindset, you’re more likely to have a greater impact on the job.
Promote Yourself as an Ambassador for an Employer
No. We’re not reaching! We’re for real with this one.
The truth is that hiring managers and business owners are always on the hunt to add professionals to their staff who are in shape and emit that healthy “vibe.” First impressions count, and you’re much more likely to make a great first impression if you feel fit and maintain an elevated sense of well-being. Frankly, people who are healthy and have a high level of energy are often perceived as being great at their work, making the fittest among us the most attractive employee prospects!
Conclusion
Fitness and exercise are undoubtedly activities that can be leveraged to fuel your ascent up the career ladder. However, personal trainers told us that adopting a new fitness routine should be more about creating new and healthy habits in our lives rather than trying to achieve a specific career goal.
“Exercise regimens ought to first take into account your fitness level, resources, and daily schedule,” said one Canary Wharf personal trainer. It’s important to remember that sustainability is crucial if you intend to make fitness the primary driver of your professional success – it has to be a routine you will stick with over time. If you think you’re too busy to come up with a sustainable fitness regime on your own, a personal trainer can help.
Not only will it be an investment in your health, but it can also be an investment in your future!