With a seemingly never ending list of responsibilities and things to-do, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re “too busy” to workout.
However, the benefits of strength training go far beyond looking better in the mirror.
Many executives, engineers and entrepreneurs use their busy schedule and responsibilities as an excuse to avoid the gym.
The irony is the busier you are, the more you need strength training in your life.
“Picking things up and putting them down” consistently might be one of the most intelligent decisions you can make.
The highest performers all find time for exercise.
This blog post will give you the top 7 benefits of strength training and why you should make this a non-negotiable on your schedule.
Supercharge Your Mental Processing Power
Remember when you upgraded from your first computer?
That’s essentially what strength training does for your brain.
Research shows that resistance training increases the production of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which is like Miracle-Gro for your neurons.
Before you get all excited, this doesn’t mean that simply adding more weight on the bar will make your brain work better.
This is when working with a personal trainer can help you make intelligent decisions in the gym so that you maximize your efforts and make better decisions when you leave the gym.
Studies have demonstrated that regular strength training improves memory, attention span, and decision-making capabilities.
So the next time you’re thinking about skipping your workout, think about this in terms of skipping the software update on the computer between your ears.
Strengthen Your Built-in Stress Management System
Stress is often thought of as negative but it’s required for improvement.
We don’t improve by removing or eliminating stress; we improve by learning to appropriately handle different types and higher levels of stress.
The amount of stress you could manage after graduating high school seems rather insignificant ten years later.
Having a strong stress-management system allows you to make improvements faster in any area of your life.
This is where strength training becomes your stress release valve.
When you lift weights, your body learns to efficiently handle physical stress, which carries over to managing mental stress.
Your stress release valve then allows you to mentally reset your stress levels so that you can continue performing. Think of this as prevantative maintenance for your mental and physical health.
Plus, there’s something uniquely satisfying about channeling your frustration from a difficult day into the effort in your workout.
Naturally Boost Your Energy Levels
Tired of feeling like you need another energy drink or coffee just to make it through your afternoon meetings?
Strength training increases your mitochondrial density – think of it as upgrading your body’s power plants.
More efficient energy production means sustained focus throughout your day.
It’s like getting a free hardware upgrade for your body’s energy systems.
Improved Metabolic Health
Regular resistance training helps regulate blood sugar, cortisol and improves insulin sensitivity.
This is like compound interest for your body as it reduces your risk for lifestyle related diseases.
Improved Joint Mobility
If you’re spending 40+ hours a week behind a computer, you need strength training more than ever.
Proper resistance training improves joint mobility and stability, helping counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.
You already know that when cars and computers sit idle for long periods of time, they don’t run correctly when needed.
Turns out our bodies function along those same lines of “use it or lose it“.
The stronger your muscles become, the better they support proper posture and movement patterns.
This means fewer aches and pains and more focus on crushing your professional goals.
Improved Physical Strength
Being stronger isn’t just about impressing people at the company picnic (though that’s a nice bonus).
Functional strength makes every aspect of your life easier, from carrying your laptop bag through airports to moving furniture in your home office.
Our lives are full of opportunities where being stronger makes things easier.
Plus, the confidence that comes from being stronger often translates into more assertive professional presence – something every executive needs.
Better Sleep
If you’re frustrated with the latest sleep hacks but still toss and turn thinking about tomorrow’s deadlines, strength training might be your missing piece.
Regular resistance exercise has been shown to improve both sleep quality and duration.
Better sleep means better recovery, sharper thinking, and more emotional resilience – essential qualities for any high-performer.
Conclusion
Think of strength training as a system update for your entire being – body and mind.
Regular strength, or resistance, training can dramatically improve your cognitive performance, stress resilience, energy levels, physical strength, metabolic health, mobility, and sleep quality.
That’s an impressive Return On Investment for any busy professional.
So the next time you think you’re too busy for the gym, remember: you’re not too busy; you’re too busy not to go.
Your professional success might just depend on it.
Want to start optimizing your performance through strength training?
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