How to Prioritize Exercise as an Entrepreneur
Ever since I graduated from college, working out has been a passion of mine. I know - it’s not very often that you hear that. But the fact is, I regularly (willingly) exercise four to five times a week, and it has come to serve as my main source of stress release.
I often feel self-conscious talking about my workout routine because I don’t necessarily have the body of someone who works out all the time. That’s why I feel compelled to write this blog post - because no one should feel uncomfortable about exercising at the gym or going to a fitness class, much less talk about it. Working out shouldn’t feel scary or intimidating; it should be something that helps you feel good about your body and about yourself.
When people ask me what my hobbies are, I usually say that I don’t have one. But that’s not really true. Working out is totally my hobby, and I love trying new classes to switch things up. But I often feel apprehensive to tell people that because I’m not exactly your typical gym rat. Well, guess what? Being healthy and enjoying exercise doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a size 00 or have quads for days, and I’m ready to help end that stigma.
Also, as an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to make time to do things for myself. And if you don’t enjoy exercising as much as I do, I can only imagine how easy it can fall to the bottom of your to-do list. Here are the ways that I continue to make sure it’s a priority for me.
Plan Around Your Workout Schedule
Depending on what is going on with my work, I will either take a 6 am class at the gym or go straight after work. I make sure I schedule all my calls and meetings around my workouts and classes to make sure I don’t miss them. When I am creating my schedule for the week, I usually write my workouts down first and then schedule everything else around it. It’s like Prioritizing 101, and it really works!
Find What You Love
Listen: Don’t beat yourself up over not *living* for the latest exercise fad. You know, not everyone’s meant for climbing imaginary hills while singing along to Beyonce at a designer cycling studio (and if you are, more power to you!) I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but I think it’s worth repeating: don’t do what you don’t love. You shouldn’t feel like you have to do one kind of workout over another. For example, I really hate running and used to try to force myself to run. Now, I just don’t even bother. #noshame
If you really want to stick to working out, then you have to love doing it. That’s why I’m always trying new classes at the gym and boutique fitness studios around Austin. I am always going through phases. Sometimes I love barre, sometimes I love cycling, sometimes I love pilates. Right now, I do a combination of a boot camp class, usually 3 days a week, and another class that mixes weight training with treadmill work.
Keep it Simple
If fitness classes or the gym intimidate you or simply aren’t your scene, don’t be discouraged. Your exercise routine can be as simple as going for a daily walk. Just getting your body moving can really help lessen your stress, and honestly, I come up with some of my best ideas for work when I’m walking my dog! Don’t overlook the power of a good stroll around the neighborhood.
Obviously working out has a lot of physical benefits, but for me, the ultimate perk of exercise is stress and anxiety relief. When I work out, I feel less overwhelmed and more in control to make better decisions. Also, the daily breaks from my phone allow me to time to just think, and often times that can result in some great ideas. Taking a break from your job can ultimately make you a better worker.
Exercise, to me, is the ultimate stress release. I recognize that it might not be the same for everybody. Maybe it’s crafting or writing for you, or even reading and playing games. The life of an entrepreneur can be a hectic one, so make sure you find what makes you happy and make time to do it on a daily basis. If you are interested in prioritizing exercise in your schedule, I hope you found this post helpful. Consider me your mental workout buddy!