Get a good degree. Intern. Network. Perfect your resume. Practice interviewing. Network some more. Work hard. Get to work early. Stay late. Go above and beyond. Be innovative. Work even harder.

These are all common steps associated with career success. The more time you spend at work, the higher you’ll climb, right? Wrong. By now we all know the potentially life-saving benefits of exercise (decreased risk for cancer, diabetes, obesity, etc.), but the positive effects spill over into your career as well. Numerous studies have demonstrated the correlation between regular physical activity and better work performance. Get moving and these benefits could be yours:

• Increased energy and productivity. Think quicker, work smarter, move faster, and have more stamina to get projects done.  
• Lowered stress levels. Avoid burnout and improve relationships with others.
• Improved mood. More endorphins = less annoyance at “that” co-worker (you know the one).
• Better memory. A to-do item slipping through the cracks? Not on your watch.
• Enhanced creativity. Think outside the box, generate new ideas and come up with creative solutions to problems.

Still not convinced? Ask your CEO – chances are that they consider fitness a critical part of their routine. Many top CEOs swear by the importance of exercise. Just 30-60 minutes of activity a few days a week can make you a better employee, leader or business owner, and get you closer your career goals.

So, how can you fit fitness into your busy schedule? Here are some strategies:

• Go to bed earlier and get up earlier. Working out in the morning ensures you won’t get caught up working late and miss a sweat sesh. But, make sure you don’t sacrifice quality sleep! That’s equally as important.
• Schedule exercise just like you would a meeting. Whether it’s a class or a gym visit, put it in your calendar to block the time.
• Grab a workout buddy.  Easy to cancel on yourself, harder to cancel on a friend. Accountability will keep you on track. 
• Find something you look forward to doing. Gone are the days when working out meant hopping on a treadmill. Have fun with your regimen! From barre classes and twerkouts to spinyasa and boxing, there are a lot of locally-owned, fun fitness studios that will keep you motivated.