How Exercise Can Fast Track Your Career

There’s a host of ways exercise can fast track your career, from less sick days to a healthier mind.

Exercising more increases you motivation to work harder and be healthier.

Research shows those who achieve the recommended weekly dose of exercise get sick less often. So, smart employers like their employees to exercise.

Better attendance and less sick days mean a healthier bottom line and that keeps the boss happy.

Fitter people are also shown to have better focus, concentration and mental processing, enabling them to be more efficient and boost productivity.

So throw your gym bag over your shoulder as you walk past your boss to make sure they know you are off for your immune system boost.

Many companies not only support but subsidise gym memberships and on site classes for employees. Because employees who keep fit tend to be more self-confident, inspiring others to have confidence in them. They also spread a feeling of positivity and ‘can do’ attitude in the workplace.

Physical activity can even increase creativity and problem solving. According to one Frontiers in Human Neuroscience study, athletes significantly out-performed non-athletes in tasks that required them to think outside the box.

Being known as a positive problem solver can only increase your popularity in the office and chances of being considered for promotion. Don’t forget to attend the lunchtime yoga session and seize the opportunity to downward dog next to your manager.

It is well reported in the Journal of Sports Sciences that the psychological benefits of exercise make us more resilient and able to deal with stress. In the face of looming deadlines, tough targets and performance reviews, exercise may just help you feel more mentally balanced, in control and able to cope.

A Neurobiology of Aging review actually found exercise boosts areas of the brain that are responsible for social interactions, memory and emotion regulation. Whilst you hope you wouldn’t be penalised for a one off melt down in front of your boss or co-workers, wouldn’t you prefer to be able to push pass your stressors and have it in private?

In a world where everyone feels too busy, works too hard for too many hours, there is the risk that the career you love becomes job you hate. Fitness may fend off depression and job burnout, even fostering a flexibility that helps people adapt to new tasks, trends and roles – or if needs be, a new job.

So, a little morning bootcamp, lunchtime run or Hatha-yoga stretch after work might just be the answer to a happier, more successful work life.

By Rachel Livingstone Personal Trainer & Owner of The Health Hub www.healthhub.net.au

Rachel Livingstone

Rachel is a PT and Maternal Health specialist who found the gym at 14 through her weight lifting dad and never looked back. Originally from the UK she finally settled her wanderlusting feet on the shores of Sydney and can often be found on the back of a paddleboard exploring Rose Bay and the beautiful harbour.

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