As a business executive for more than forty years in companies of all sizes, I have traveled extensively throughout the country. Before fitness was a trendy topic, staying active and fit was always important to me, no matter where I was on the road. Not only did I look and feel better, but regular exercise helped me to be more effective and productive. At this point in my career, I feel it’s important for me to share my experiences and help others. In January of 2013, I founded the non-profit organization PHIT (Personal Health Investment Today) America to educate the country on the gravity of our inactivity and obesity crisis. In today’s business culture, when time is at a premium, it’s important to get the most out of each day. It’s with this in mind that I want to share some tips for staying fit while on the road.
Make Time. Unfortunately, time is not an infinite commodity. For most of us, it’s the biggest obstacle standing in the way of an active lifestyle. Today’s workforce is expected to be plugged in twenty-four hours each day, making it difficult to find time for exercise. But it’s worth the effort. Research shows physical activity improves mood, boosts energy levels, and increases brain function—all valuable when conducting business on the road.
Do Your Homework. The majority of hotels now offer access to gym equipment, either on hotel grounds or at a nearby facility, and many of these are open 24 hours. Last year, Westin Hotels partnered with New Balance to offer athletic clothes and footwear for guests not willing to dedicate the limited space in their carry-ons.
If a hotel lacks a fitness room or access to one, I generally choose to stay elsewhere. If nothing else is available, however, there’s always the great outdoors. Find a bike trail, path or sidewalk to go for an early morning walk before meetings. By simply doing a bit of research before packing up for the week, one can discover how many options there are—and just how convenient it is—to stay active.
Dedication is Key. Sticking to an exercise regimen is crucial. Hotels can offer multitudes of modern conveniences, but you must be committed to waking up earlier for a workout or it won’t happen. Activities as simple as walking to and from appointments in the city, or taking a brief fifteen-minute break to walk around the building are beneficial to keeping a clear mind and elevating your mood. Personally, I carve out the first forty-five minutes of each day to fit my workout in. Sometimes, this means waking up earlier than I’d like, but, when I am finished, my day is much more productive.
While this information is important for your health as small business owners, it is also valuable for your team. Setting a positive example is a cornerstone of effective leadership. After making physical activity a personal priority, encourage your colleagues to adopt a similar lifestyle. Not only are active employees healthier, but also they are more productive professionally and decrease overall healthcare costs.
Your dedication is also needed on a national level. Currently, sitting before Congress, the PHIT Act will enable pre-tax dollars to pay for physical activity expenses. If passed, this bill will help prevent illness and costs associated with obesity by incentivizing Americans to increase their physical activity levels. You can learn about the PHIT Act on our website, PHITAmerica.org, and find an easy way to contact your local Congress representative to support this bill to make healthcare more affordableas well as physical activity more accessible.
