Being an Entrepreneur is not for everybody BUT for those of us brave enough to tackle the beast, one sure fire way to stay on top of everything is by maintaining your health to the best of your ability.

Billionaires who are documented as crediting regular workouts to a portion of their success just to name a few: Bill Gates, Mark Cuban, Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook.   I’m sure you can think of an unhealthy self-made successful person, but most household names and even your local role-models that you consider savvy business owners probably have a regular form of exercise.

A few months ago, I was guest on a Facebook Live show where we discussed this topic.

I’m sharing the details with you here. You can watch the video at the conclusion of this post.

Why Do Entrepreneurs Workout Regularly

1. THEY NEED ME TIME  and balance from family and work. Exercise is the balancing constant throughout the work week.
2. It establishes ROUTINE FOR THE DAY. Once they are used to it, other routine tasks flow like clockwork throughout the day.
3. The workout also makes you more productive: MORE ENERGY IN THE LATER PART OF THE DAY  & entrepreneurs usually work very long hours.
4. Exercise releases happy endorphins!  It causes the euphoric state of happiness.  All though you might be cussing during, in the end the culmination will have you on high. 
5. Those endorphins help to decrease stress. Entrepreneurs are all going to be faced with more stress than employees because there are so many responsibilities.  As we always say MOVEMENT is the BEST MEDICINE TO DECREASE STRESS. I wrote a post once that said exercise never disappointed me when I wanted to be stress free.  It’s true!  Not just for entrepreneurs but for anyone feeling stressed, after a good workout, it’s like you transfer that energy into the burpee, jab cross, deadlift or 3 mile run. 
6. Yes, they want to look the part. Successful people aren’t reaching for success so they can look like crap. At the end of the day, you want to live with a quality of life that affords you a partner that you are attracted to, you want to be able to rip and run and play with your kids, you want physical stamina in their intimate relationships and you don’t want to contribute to decreased quality of life by avoidable practices.
7. Entrepreneurs don’t have time for unnecessary doctor’s office visits.  Staying healthy keeps down doctor visits.  They usually don’t like being away from the business so they try to stay as healthy as possible.
8. Exercise is a creative outlet.  Working long hours as entrepreneurs, sometimes you get into a slump.  That early morning workout will have your wheels spinning especially on the days where you might be working out solo – like going for a run or walk. Some of your greatest ideas will flow at that time and your concentration is better.
9. Sleep is better, meaning you get the appropriate amount of sleep resulting in being more focused throughout the day and a faster thinker.  If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, read my Insomnia tips. 
10. They have a career past their prime! As entrepreneurs get older they modify their workouts & adjust for their current fitness levels but most definitely they will outperform their unhealthy competition because they have more energy, clearer thoughts and less stress.

How Do Entrepreneurs Workout Regularly?

1. You are least likely to be interrupted with life if you get up EARLY in the morning the average entrepreneur gets up at 5:30 AM.  You have the most energy early in the morning so it’s easier to get the workout done.  However, all is not lost if early morning doesn’t work.  You just need SCHEDULED exercise time and you need to stick to it. 
2. Eliminate barriers: Prepare for the workout: Having a plan, joining a group, pulling up an online workout the night before, sleeping in workout clothes or laying the clothes out the night before, getting the water ready the night before, set 2 alarms PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE, that’s what journals are for.
3. In preparation, entrepreneurs have to find something they like to do or a trainer that motivates them, it’s as simple as that.  If you don’t have something you like to do on your own, then find someone who motivates you to keep coming back.   
4. Make it a priority: Mandatory 3 to 4 times a week at least:  I asked a question on a blog post: Is working out just as important as your livelihood?  Some people didn’t like the question but the point is: You don’t cancel on your clients, or roll over and go back to sleep when you have a deadline for a top customer so keep that same energy when managing your healthy living. 
5. They set goals! How do you think they became so successful in their business. The same applies to healthy living. It could be weight loss, participation in marathons or special events, changing their diets.  Their goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-focused and Time Bound! 
6. They are aware that they can’t out exercise their diet, thus dietary health habits are equally important when wanting to see results from consistent efforts showing up to exercise. 
7. Rest days are just as much of a priority: . Your body needs time to recuperate and it also needs rest.  
8. Reward yourself for living healthy: Cheat days are real for a reason.  It’s not cheating, it’s normalizing. If you get rid of  your most favorite things, you’ll build up an unhealthy desire that may result in you falling all the way off the wagon and bingeing out of control. 
9. They engage with like minded people who are also focused on working out whether it’s in workout groups or online forums. They are more intentional about their social media time and use it as a motivator.  I have a Diets Are Dead Group on my page, a workout group and I follow other workout enthusiasts as well as entrepreneurs.  I also mute or unfollow anyone that is a detriment to my spirit. 
10. They sacrifice!  Entrepreneurs are not normal: normal is choosing the couch, Netflix, fast food, hulu, gluttony: Entrepreneurs choose to read books, get up and exercise, cook healthy food and make healthy choices.  In the end Entrepreneurs get it done physically because they are willing to do what everyone else is not. That’s why they live the American dream! 

Are you ready to succeed at work and in your personal life? If so, you’ve just read a blueprint.  All the best!

Live Healthy & Active. Be Prosperous.