More Than a Workout: How Physical Fitness Fuels Your Business Success

When you think about "physical fitness," you might picture intense gym sessions or rigorous training. But for small business owners, physical activity is far more than just about looking good or fitting into those jeans. It's a powerful, often overlooked, tool for business success. As someone who's worked in physical therapy, as a fitness trainer and mental health for nearly 20 years, I understand the profound connection between our physical and mental state and our ability to perform under pressure.

​Running a business demands energy, focus, and resilience. Long hours, critical decisions, and unexpected hurdles can drain even the most dedicated owner. Regular physical activity, however, can be a natural antidote. It reduces stress hormones, improves cognitive function, enhances mood, and boosts overall energy levels. That afternoon slump that often hits after a busy morning? A quick walk or a few stretches can often banish it, leaving you refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your day with renewed vigor. Additionally, have you ever noticed a time when you were struggling for hours, days or longer with a problem you seemingly could not solve and then had one of those “Ah Ha!” moments and the solution came when you were doing something completely unrelated to the problem? That's because when you are engaging your brain in different ways outside the constraints of the problem at hand - your mind becomes more creative and sees things from a broader perspective versus the hyper focused point of view that you were visualizing the problem from before. 

Remember, it’s not about becoming an Olympic athlete; it’s about training the body and mind to be a bit more flexible physically and psychologically. As humans, we need to challenge ourselves and experience the world around us from as many different perspectives as possible - again both physically and mentally. This flexibility allows entrepreneurs to meet their consumers' needs in new and innovative ways differentiating themselves from their competitors. Thomas Edison put it perfectly when he quipped, ‘The chief function of the body is to carry the brain around.’ Edison was renowned for his ability to see problems differently and more creatively. 

Additionally, physically challenging yourself as well as mentally challenging yourself is important for building a sense of increased physical vitality and mental well-being. It allows us to focus on hard things that are rewarding and help to unhook the mind from the struggles, ruminations and annoyances of life that get in the way so many times of being present and enjoying the simple and most important things around us - family, friends and community. 
So, could you take a walk through the charming streets of Warren instead of another coffee break? Could you schedule a short, invigorating exercise session before your workday begins or join a local business owners running club (yes, this is shameless plug for the Wednesday morning running club that starts at the Barrington YMCA at 0630am)? These small commitments to your physical well-being translate directly into sharper thinking, better problem-solving, and increased stamina for your business. Let's make physical fitness a non-negotiable part of your entrepreneurial toolkit.

David Poland
https://www.bhpfitness.com/​
401-203-5779
Licensed Psychotherapist and Trainer​

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