Athletes in the work place

One day down, four to go. Ohhh the life of a working woman. Mondays always set the tone for the week and it was a good one. Great workout, solid day at work, Whole Foods, cooking, relaxing, finishing my book. Can't really complain about that. Another great morning at the gym today, spin class was sweaty as usual and we focused on tempo rides, which I find to be the most similar to actually cycling outdoors. I wore too think of socks and my left foot was numb for half the ride but whatever doesn't kill you just make you stronger...right? Mostly I just felt like a dweeb.

As I was on my way into the gym this morning, I saw a message on the digital screen that randomly shows weather and fitness tips. The message said "Athletes perform better and are viewed as harder workers in the work place." I thought this was an awesome message to be posting at 6:00am at an urban gym, encouraging each individual that stepped inside that they were not only improving their physical health, but that physical health extends to success in the work place. This concept is obvious to me, but I think it gets lost to the general masses. Physical fitness is about much more than being able to run 5 miles without dying, it is about how health is reflected in all other aspects in life including work, relationships, self-esteem, social interactions etc...

I have found that the more I focus on fitness and the healthier I am, the more my mind can concentrate on work, the more emotionally stable I am in my relationships, the more giving I am in my friendships. Healthy Shannon = less bitchy Shannon. Better for everyone involved. Bringing this back to the work place, I think that digital screen comment holds a lot of truth. The discipline of daily workouts, the endorphin rushes, and the increased level of activity all bode well for performing better in a work setting. Notice how you can focus much better after a 15 minute walk? Now extend that philosophy to intense daily workouts and the payoff is even greater.

There is also no hiding the fact that people who look fit and healthy are viewed as harder and more efficient workers. There have been many studies looking at the effect of obesity on employment, and the correlation doesn't look good. The healthier you are, the healthier you look. The healthier you look, the more opportunities you will receive [on average]. While this correlation might not be fair depending on your view of the world, I think it holds merit. Fitness requires dedication and discipline, both characteristics that are necessary to succeed in your career.

So next time you step in the gym, pat yourself on the back for bettering your health...and your performance in all other areas of life as well. The Biggest Loser trainers Bob and Jillian have it right, you aren't saving your body, you are saving your life when you dedicate yourself to health.