So why should you prioritise exercise? Just what exactly will you gain by doing so? Your travel schedule is tight enough as it is. So why pack in exercise as well?
Julie Dennis, Fitness Coach, has looked at the reasons why and provides three quick tips to show you how…
You know the facts. Exercise has been shown to help prevent heart disease, lower your blood pressure and increase your life expectancy.
You’ve also heard your physical output is linked to your mental acumen. Various studies indicate regular exercise will:
• Improve concentration
• Sharpen memory
• Prolong mental stamina
• Enhance creativity
• Lower stress
One such study undertaken by Leeds Metropolitan University examined the impact of daytime exercise among office workers with access to a gym.
Three key findings stand out:
1. Exercise – especially that which fits into a typical one-hour session is associated with important mood benefits. 
If your role includes communicating and collaborating with colleagues, how much easier will that be if your stress and irritability levels have been lowered through regular exercise?
2. Exercising was associated with a wide range of beneficially changed work attitudes and perspectives regarding self, tasks and colleagues. This included increased productivity and smoother interactions with colleagues.
3. Time management improved for exercise days. Ironically lack of time is the most common reason cited for not exercising regularly especially when travelling for business.
The study concluded that “compared to days when no exercise was undertaken during the working day, exercising improved mood and performance, leading to better concentration, work-based relationships and heightened resilience to stress”
So how can you make the time to exercise when travelling for business so you remain focused, effective and a pleasure to work with?
Here are three quick tips to help you prioritise exercise when you’re on the road or overseas for work.
1. Identify an exercise you like and you’re much more likely to stick with it. If you love the treadmill, book into a hotel with a gym. If swimming’s your thing, but your hotel doesn’t have a pool do some research before you go and find the nearest facility.
2. Invest in yourself and book some sessions with a Personal Trainer. Ask for recommendations from your local business colleagues or your hotel may offer that service. When you make a financial investment your level of commitment will increase and you’ll workout regularly throughout your business trip.
3. Exercise as part of a team. Research suggests you’re far more likely to turn up if others are dependent on your participation. Do your overseas offices have a five a side team or how about a game of doubles tennis? You could find an accountability buddy to run with each morning before breakfast.
In the end, it doesn’t really matter how you incorporate exercise into your business travel routine but viewing it as an essential part of your travel toolkit for business success will help you prioritise it. And once exercise is a priority you’ll soon reap the benefits for both you health and your business.
