Successful Entrepreneurs Exercise Good Health Habits
Don't Sweat The Small Stuff; But Do Sweat
by Michael D. Hume, M.S.
Entrepreneurs are busy people. They're self-reliant, so they have great initiative... they never wait around for others to take care of them. They're driven... usually by the Big Idea that inspires their commercial activity, and by their genuine desire to create great things in the world around them.
For all that, the most successful entrepreneurs are also dedicated to good health habits. You see them working out with a discipline that's the envy of others, and with the same work-ethic that drives everything else they do.
It's almost like they have something to live for, and intend to live for it... for a long while.
If you're an entrepreneur, you probably think the last thing you have time for is to go on "a health kick." I can relate. I've started and run several businesses, and in each case The Big Idea tends to take over. It becomes your obsession. You question everything you do against the standard of whether the activity advances the business.
Consider that it is your personal energy that is the most defining factor in your business' success. If that's true, you better carve out some time to take care of yourself, and your energy level.
To accomplish this, I believe in five daily disciplines I refer to as The NEWSS: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sleep, and Supplements. Today, think about what you can do to create an exercise program that doesn't take too much time and attention away from your business. Consider what small changes you might make in order to use your workouts to rekindle your energy - and therefore your enthusiasm for the great things you're trying to accomplish in the world.
First, have a plan. Don't just wander into the gym and wait to be inspired by the equipment. I have a very exact workout regimen that never takes more than 45 minutes out of my day, and which provides enough daily variety to keep me into it... at least enough to get it done.
One plan is to alternate weight training on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with cardio workouts on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. There are several excellent books on programs like this; I recommend Bill Phillips' "Body For Life" program as a quick intro to a system that's proven to work. Again, the notion is to find a workout program that fits into your life, rather than the other way around.
The key is to raise your heart rate to a fat-burning and metabolism-enhancing level every day. Usually, your top heart rate is 220 minus your age. I'm pushing fifty, so for me, my theoretical max heart rate is around 170. The goal is to get my heart rate up to about 80% of that for a few minutes every day.
You want to do your workout first-thing, if you can. Some studies show the metabolic benefit is three times greater if you start your day by starting your heart.
Another tip I've heard that bears repeating is that the best exercise program for you is the one you will actually do. If you hate jogging, find a different way to increase your heart rate. Take a dance class, or a boot-camp at the gym. Ride a bike. Swim. If you look forward to it every day, you'll do it. And consistency is key.
Whatever it is for you, find a way to get into working out. Remember, your business depends on it... it isn't just a meaningless exercise.
by Michael D. Hume, M.S.
Entrepreneurs are busy people. They're self-reliant, so they have great initiative... they never wait around for others to take care of them. They're driven... usually by the Big Idea that inspires their commercial activity, and by their genuine desire to create great things in the world around them.
For all that, the most successful entrepreneurs are also dedicated to good health habits. You see them working out with a discipline that's the envy of others, and with the same work-ethic that drives everything else they do.
It's almost like they have something to live for, and intend to live for it... for a long while.
If you're an entrepreneur, you probably think the last thing you have time for is to go on "a health kick." I can relate. I've started and run several businesses, and in each case The Big Idea tends to take over. It becomes your obsession. You question everything you do against the standard of whether the activity advances the business.
Consider that it is your personal energy that is the most defining factor in your business' success. If that's true, you better carve out some time to take care of yourself, and your energy level.
To accomplish this, I believe in five daily disciplines I refer to as The NEWSS: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sleep, and Supplements. Today, think about what you can do to create an exercise program that doesn't take too much time and attention away from your business. Consider what small changes you might make in order to use your workouts to rekindle your energy - and therefore your enthusiasm for the great things you're trying to accomplish in the world.
First, have a plan. Don't just wander into the gym and wait to be inspired by the equipment. I have a very exact workout regimen that never takes more than 45 minutes out of my day, and which provides enough daily variety to keep me into it... at least enough to get it done.
One plan is to alternate weight training on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with cardio workouts on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. There are several excellent books on programs like this; I recommend Bill Phillips' "Body For Life" program as a quick intro to a system that's proven to work. Again, the notion is to find a workout program that fits into your life, rather than the other way around.
The key is to raise your heart rate to a fat-burning and metabolism-enhancing level every day. Usually, your top heart rate is 220 minus your age. I'm pushing fifty, so for me, my theoretical max heart rate is around 170. The goal is to get my heart rate up to about 80% of that for a few minutes every day.
You want to do your workout first-thing, if you can. Some studies show the metabolic benefit is three times greater if you start your day by starting your heart.
Another tip I've heard that bears repeating is that the best exercise program for you is the one you will actually do. If you hate jogging, find a different way to increase your heart rate. Take a dance class, or a boot-camp at the gym. Ride a bike. Swim. If you look forward to it every day, you'll do it. And consistency is key.
Whatever it is for you, find a way to get into working out. Remember, your business depends on it... it isn't just a meaningless exercise.
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