Meetings, business trips and little free time is the era in which we live. Technology keeps us constantly connected with no time for ourselves. However, the most successful people know the importance of finding time for daily exercise and how it is key to living a healthy, balanced life.

According to research from Harvard Business Review, CEOs spend 62 percent of their waking hours working leaving little time for a personal life or family, let alone a fitness regimen. My four-plus years as CEO of ES Fitness means I not only need to be focused on running the company and leading our nationwide growth but also on leading by example and prioritizing my personal health and fitness, which in turn translates into a healthier business.

Why do I do it? For my family. I am setting an example that no matter how busy we get or how many things we have to get done, our health is a priority. It bleeds into so many areas of our lives, including supporting stronger cognitive function and mental sharpness as well as physical fitness.

I realize its easier said than done, especially when youre an executive who is traveling over 100,000 miles a year with back-to-back meetings all day, I get it. Ive learned that my daily 45-minute workout is demonstrative of self-motivation and self-discipline and it can absolutely set you up for success and productivity throughout the day.

It doesnt have to be painful or a chore. Make it a friendly competition andenlist a group of friends or coworkers. Compete with each other to exercise a specific amount of time each day and use a fitness tracker or app to keep everyone motivated. The ability to keep track of your workouts allows you to feel accomplished and offers you the ability to go back and see your achievements.

On a personal note, Im less than one month away from my goal of working out for 365 straight days using a fitness tracker to keep me accountable to my team members. Knowing others are depending on me and that Im motivating them is what keeps me focused.

Pick a time each day to work out that is best for you and stick to it. Your family, coworkers, and business require you to stay healthy. For me, working out in the morning is ideal. It allows me to get my workout done before the day really grabs hold of me. Plus, then I have a victory right out of the gate before the day begins.

Even while traveling, I stay on a strict workout schedule. Its easy with the accessibility of hotel gyms and the abundance of fitness apps available. There are no excuses. A key part of my success is always being prepared, so I pack enough fitness gear to work out daily. Exercise is also a great way to see a city whether its running or hiking, all you really need is a solid pair of training shoes.

A fresh, well-rested brain makes better decisions. All too often a hectic schedule and daily pressures spill over into intermittent sleep. If you have difficulty sleeping, exercise is the best natural remedy. Workouts dont always have to be rigorous either. You can incorporate things like yoga, stretching and even meditating for a well- rounded mind and body.

One of the biggest secrets to my fitness routine pack for the gym the night before or lay your clothes out at home the night before so all you have to do is wake up and get dressed. As busy as we all are in our lives, make it easier for yourself by being on autopilot when youre ready to hit the gym.

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Staying Fit As An Executive, Even When You Don't Have Time - Utah Business