Discover the secret to thriving in the corporate world as this article unpacks the critical role of physical activity in achieving work-life balance, featuring insights from top industry leaders. Learn how regular exercise can clear the mind, enhance mental clarity, and shape daily routines for successful CEOs. Gain expert-backed strategies to integrate health and wellness seamlessly into a demanding schedule, fostering creativity, focus, and resilience.
- Physical Activity Clears My Mind
- Morning Workouts Boost My Mental Clarity
- Health and Wellness Shape My Routine
- Weekly Hockey Resets My Mind
- Morning Runs Clear My Head
- Exercise Resets and Recharges My Mind
- Gym Routine Enhances My Alertness
- Exercise Balances My Stress and Energy
- Exercise Fuels My Creativity and Ideas
- Daily Workouts Prepare Me for Challenges
- Gardening Keeps Me Grounded and Energized
- Consistent Exercise Boosts My Performance
- Skating Sparks Creativity and Relaxation
- Short Walks Reduce Stress and Overwhelm
- Walking Meetings Foster Creativity and Focus
- Regular Workouts Enhance My Leadership
- Powerlifting Builds My Strength and Discipline
- Goals and a Training Plan are Critical
Physical Activity Clears My Mind
Physical activity has become a cornerstone of how I manage stress and create space for clarity amidst the chaos of being a CEO. I realized early on that if I didn’t prioritize my health, no amount of professional success would feel meaningful.
One moment that stands out was when a grueling work week left me feeling mentally fried. I decided to step outside and go for a brisk walk. Within ten minutes of breathing fresh air and moving my body, my head cleared, and I was able to tackle problems with newfound energy. That simple act reinforced how vital physical activity is for resetting my mind.
Now, I make it a point to incorporate exercise into my weekly routine, no matter how packed my schedule becomes. My favorite practice is starting a few mornings a week with a short outdoor run.
There’s something about the rhythm of my feet hitting the pavement that focuses my thoughts. One particular morning, during a run, I stumbled upon the exact solution to a sticky team issue I’d been mulling over for days.
It’s not always about intensity—sometimes it’s as simple as stretching or a quick workout–but the consistency of movement keeps me grounded. It not only helps me manage the demands of leadership but also ensures I come home in a better headspace for my family.
Alan Chen
President & CEO, DataNumen, Inc.
Morning Workouts Boost My Mental Clarity
Physical activity isn’t just about fitness—it’s a strategic tool for maintaining mental clarity, resilience, and energy in a high-pressure leadership role. One of the most effective ways I integrate movement into my routine is through a morning workout ritual that sets the tone for the entire day.
I start each morning with strength training followed by low-intensity cardio. Strength training helps me build both physical and mental grit, while cardio—whether it’s a brisk walk or a cycling session—boosts cerebral blood flow, enhances problem-solving, and clears my mind before the workday begins. Some of my best ideas have surfaced mid-cardio, when my brain is in a more creative, free-flowing state.
One particularly stressful week, I noticed that skipping workouts made decision-making harder and increased mental fatigue. Getting back into my routine restored focus, stabilized energy levels, and helped me approach challenges with more clarity. The ability to reset under pressure is one of the biggest benefits of consistent physical activity.
For any leader looking to improve work-life balance, my advice is simple:
- Schedule movement like a meeting—treat it as a non-negotiable part of your day.
- Prioritize workouts that improve both body and mind, such as strength training for discipline and cardio for mental clarity.
- Use exercise as a tool for stress management–when pressure builds, movement helps release it productively.
The biggest takeaway? Physical activity isn’t a luxury—it’s a competitive advantage. It sharpens decision-making, sustains energy, and builds resilience, making it one of the best investments a leader can make.
Murray Seaton
Founder and CEO of Hypervibe / Health & Fitness Entrepreneur, Hypervibe (Vibration Plates)
Health and Wellness Shape My Routine
Working in health and wellness PR has profoundly shaped my own approach to health, wellness, and work-life balance as a CEO. Every day, I learn from the incredible experts and brands we work with—whether in fitness, lifestyle, or nutrition—and I make a point to apply at least one or two takeaways from each client to my daily routine.
For example, right now, I’m using the FasterWay program to manage my macros, workouts, protein intake, and meals. It’s helped keep me accountable for my weight and fitness goals, and I’ve lost over 10 pounds while staying consistent with daily workouts. Another client, Steppin, completely transformed my relationship with social media by tying my usage to my movement—I now have to walk to unlock my apps. As a result, I went from averaging 4,000 steps a day to over 12,000, and my mind feels clearer.
When it came to understanding my overall health at a deeper level, Lifeforce taught me about my GlycanAge and how to interpret my lab results to prevent potential health risks. My Oura ring has also been a game-changer, keeping me accountable for sleep patterns, heart rate variability, and stress levels.
Ultimately, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that planning is everything—if you don’t schedule time for movement, proper nutrition, and recovery, it simply won’t happen. Prioritizing my well-being through these small but meaningful changes has made me a better leader, and I’m grateful that my work in wellness PR allows me to continually evolve my own approach to health and physical activity.
Nicole Dunn
CEO, Dunn Pellier Media
Weekly Hockey Resets My Mind
Hockey is my essential outlet—I play weekly in a local league as a non-negotiable part of my schedule. The hour on the ice demands complete focus on something entirely separate from business metrics and growth challenges. The physical exertion helps me release built-up tension, while the camaraderie with teammates provides social connections outside my professional network. I’ve noticed clearer thinking and better decision-making on days following games. This complete mental break from work creates a natural reset that improves both my leadership effectiveness and personal well-being.
Keith Brink
Founder & CEO, PrepBusiness
Morning Runs Clear My Head
As a CEO myself, the demands never end—there’s always another meeting, another decision, another problem to solve. Perhaps what I’ve learned over time is that if I don’t get out and get moving, I burn out fast. Exercise isn’t about being healthy—it’s about clearing my head so I can bring my A-game.
A morning run is a requirement for me. It’s my time to clear my head, develop big ideas, and even psych myself up for the upcoming day. There is just something about the rhythm of running that loosens tangled thoughts and brings back peace over strife.
In addition to that, I make sure that I keep moving throughout the day—whether it’s taking a quick walk between meetings, stretching while brainstorming, or even taking calls on the move. Sitting for extended periods? That’s when energy is low and creativity hits rock bottom.
We leaders talk incessantly about productivity and strategy, but if you don’t take care of your body, your brain won’t keep up. Exercise is not the only mov
Vasilii Kiselev
CEO & Co-Founder, Legacy Online School
Exercise Resets and Recharges My Mind
Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and unwinding from the demands of leadership. As a CEO, my mind is constantly engaged in decision-making, strategy, and problem-solving. Exercise gives me a chance to reset, refocus, and recharge. Whether it’s Tai Chi, running, or lifting weights, movement allows me to shift my attention away from stress and onto breathing, form, and strength.
For example, when I lift weights, I am fully present—focused on controlled movement, endurance, and progress. This practice breathes vitality into me, and in turn, I bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to my work. Prioritizing physical activity isn’t just about staying fit; it’s about cultivating resilience, mental clarity, and balance in both leadership and life.
Elisha Peterson MD MEd FAAP FASA
Anesthesiologist and Pain Medicine Physician, Elisha Peterson MD PLLC
Gym Routine Enhances My Alertness
When I launched my business, I became completely consumed by it and neglected time for myself, thinking that focusing on me would be detrimental to my role. I started putting on weight, feeling sluggish, and even relying on a glass or two of wine as my free time “activity.”
I visit a gym four mornings a week before the workday starts, always at the same time, so I plan the rest of my day around this. As a result, I’ve lost 40 pounds in 18 months and feel more alert and happy.
I’ve even taken colleagues to the gym and we’ve had business meetings during weights and cardio.
If CEOs sign up for the right gym, they might actually find themselves doing business! I’ve met a few new clients just from chatting with fellow gym-goers, and my recruitment company even placed a gym member recently as an IT candidate with one of our clients.
Matt Collingwood
Founder and Managing Director, VIQU IT Recruitment
Exercise Balances My Stress and Energy
Physical activity is a crucial part of my routine for maintaining balance, reducing stress, and keeping my mind clear as a psychotherapist and entrepreneur. Running a business while supporting others in their mental wellness requires a lot of emotional and mental energy, and movement helps me reset and recharge. Exercise isn’t just about physical health—it’s about mental clarity, emotional regulation, and resilience.
I incorporate movement into my week through morning walks and mindfulness practices. I take a brisk walk outside (when the weather permits) or a run on the treadmill (when the weather is bad), leaving my cell phone behind and focusing on deep breathing and my surroundings. This gets my body moving and allows me to prepare for the day ahead without immediately diving into emails and tasks. It’s a simple but effective way to create space for myself before stepping into my role as a business owner, therapist, and wellness advocate.
Angela Ficken
Psychotherapist and Entrepreneur, Progress Wellness
Exercise Fuels My Creativity and Ideas
As a CEO of a physical therapy company for active adults, I am commonly helping other entrepreneurs and CEOs to recover from injury while getting active again themselves. Part of this work involves helping them to figure out their work-life balance, so I need to act as a bit of a role model as well.
For me, I take coaching calls from the bike or treadmill at the gym and get many of my best work ideas during lifting. If I’m running, I constantly take notes on my phone as I think of ideas. I then take these ideas to my team and we figure out how to implement them in our weekly meetings. For me, without the ideas developed while working out, our company would stagnate. So having a healthy life helps not only with work-life balance but business success as well.
Dr. Jamie Bovay
Owner, KinetikChain Denver
Daily Workouts Prepare Me for Challenges
Business never stops, and neither do most of us. The pressures of work can affect mental well-being and lead to health and productivity issues. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance should be the most important priority for any CEO to ensure they remain healthy and ultimately achieve maximum performance.
I make sure to get 7 hours of sleep and incorporate a daily workout into my routine. Running and going to the gym are my zen spaces. They prepare me for my busy day ahead. I also spend 30 minutes every day listening to a podcast or reading a book, pursuing my hobbies. Additionally, I take breaks to meet up with friends once a week.
Unlike money, time is a finite resource that you will never get back. Make sure that you spend that time in a quality manner.
Hemant Dua
CEO Seattle Orcas, Seattle Orcas
Gardening Keeps Me Grounded and Energized
As a CEO, maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging, but incorporating physical activity into my routine has been essential for both unwinding and staying focused. Physical activity provides me with mental clarity, helps reduce stress, and re-energizes me for the day’s challenges.
One way I incorporate exercise into my week is by starting most mornings with a 30-minute run or walk outdoors. It serves as a time to clear my mind before jumping into the day’s responsibilities. I find that starting the day with some form of movement not only boosts my mood but also enhances my productivity throughout the day. It’s a simple yet effective way to maintain balance and ensure I’m performing at my best, both physically and mentally.
Riken Shah
Founder & CEO, OSP Labs
Consistent Exercise Boosts My Performance
My approach to movement isn’t about strict workout routines—it’s about staying active throughout my day in natural and fulfilling ways. Whether spending time in my garden, tackling home projects, doing cleaning chores, or simply staying on my feet while managing daily tasks, I find that movement keeps me grounded and energized.
One example of how I incorporate physical activity into my week is yard work and outdoor projects. I love working in my garden, planting, trimming, and maintaining the space—it’s physically engaging and incredibly meditative. After a few hours outside, the combination of fresh air, movement, and a sense of accomplishment helps me reset and stay balanced. It’s proof that exercise doesn’t have to happen in a gym—it can be woven into everyday life in natural and rewarding ways.
Tayelor Kennedy
Wellness Expert & Entrepreneur, Tayelor Kennedy
Skating Sparks Creativity and Relaxation
I realized early on that neglecting my body and mind was taking a toll on my performance and decision-making. So, physical activity has been a key pillar in my daily routine. I don’t see working out as a task, it is a non-negotiable, absolute necessity for me to stay at the peak. I can’t spend hours in a gym every day. I focus on efficiency and consistency.
Integrating movement into the schedule, like walking during meetings, helps reduce sedentary time and maintain an active lifestyle.
Pacing while I am on a call keeps my body active and makes the conversation more productive. I don’t know about others, but I think better when I’m moving.
In addition to this, I incorporate strength training and high-intensity interval training into the three weekly sessions I never skip. These sessions are as important as critical business meetings. It is easier to stay physically active almost throughout the day when working from home. You can do a quick set of push-ups in between meetings. My workout sessions are longer on weekends, and I engage in physical activities with my family, like hiking or playing badminton.
I need both time and energy to run my business.
Martin Zandi
President, CCI Training Center
Short Walks Reduce Stress and Overwhelm
As a former tech professional turned CEO, entrepreneur, and digital creator, I understand the demands of managing a business while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. In fast-paced industries, it’s easy to prioritize work over well-being, but I’ve learned that physical activity is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for sustained creativity and productivity.
As a former roller derby player on a WFTDA team, I’ve always valued movement, but these days, I incorporate roller skating into my routine as a way to stay active while also unwinding. Unlike jogging, which can be tough on the joints, skating provides a low-impact yet effective workout, allowing me to enjoy fresh air, clear my mind, and stay in motion without the strain of high-impact activities.
Skating has become a form of moving meditation for me. Whether I’m gliding along the waterfront or weaving through city streets, the rhythmic motion and sense of freedom help me reset mentally and spark creativity. Some of my best ideas for content and business strategy have come while skating—it’s when I’m most present and in flow.
Beyond skating, I also make time for daily walks with my dog, another simple yet effective way to unplug, reflect, and return to work with a fresh perspective. As a CEO, I’ve realized that movement isn’t a distraction—it’s a tool for better decision-making, increased productivity, and overall well-being. Finding an activity that you genuinely enjoy makes it easier to stay consistent, ensuring that both your mind and business thrive.
Susye Weng-Reeder
CEO | Google Verified Public Figure | Author | Creator, Susye Weng-Reeder, LLC
Walking Meetings Foster Creativity and Focus
Yes, movement during the day is a huge way to reduce stress and a way to maintain balance. I usually take a short walk break when I get overwhelmed or if I have been sitting for too long (more than 4-5 hours). The addition of fresh air and sunshine adds exponentially to the benefit. Additionally, I schedule my formal workouts, just like another important appointment. This ensures that I have time for the exercise.
Beryl Krinsky
Founder & CEO, B.Komplete
Regular Workouts Enhance My Leadership
Physical activity is a non-negotiable part of my routine—it’s not just about staying fit, but also about maintaining clarity, focus, and resilience as a CEO. One practice that works exceptionally well for me is scheduling “walking meetings” for brainstorming sessions or one-on-one check-ins. Instead of sitting in an office or on Zoom, I take these calls while walking outside.
Not only does this keep me active, but it also fosters better creativity and problem-solving. I’ve found that movement—whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick workout, or even stretching—helps me reset mentally, making me more effective when I return to work. It’s a simple yet powerful way to blend productivity with well-being, reinforcing a sustainable work-life balance.
Patric Edwards
Founder & Principal Software Architect, Cirrus Bridge
Powerlifting Builds My Strength and Discipline
Physical activity is crucial in helping me maintain focus, manage stress, and sustain high performance in my career. I work out 3-5 days a week, incorporating strength training and 45-minute cycling sessions twice weekly to stay energized and clear-headed. Just as I optimize marketing campaigns for efficiency and performance, I approach fitness with the same discipline—tracking progress, setting goals, and ensuring consistency. This routine helps me stay mentally sharp and physically resilient, directly translating to better strategic decision-making and leadership effectiveness. Prioritizing movement allows me to unwind, recharge, and maintain the stamina to drive growth and lead high-performing teams.
Windy Pierre
Founder, Windy Pierre Dot Com
Goals and a Training Plan are Critical
My day-to-day title/role is Creative Director as I’m more involved in projects. Physical activity is a major aspect of my work-life balance. I’ve been actively powerlifting for the last 9 years, having coaches, trainers, and a fully decked-out home gym. As of late, I’ve created an AI strength and conditioning coach based on the top 5 coaches in the world, and it handles my training programming, diet, and sleep regimen.
I’m currently training 4-5 days per week. My current lifting personal records (PR’s) are 500lb Squat, 365lb bench press, and 600lb Deadlift, making a 1,465lb total at 230lb body weight. Currently, I’m working on my squat to bring my total over 1,500lb. I have also competed in a powerlifting competition and plan on doing another this summer, after cutting down to 220-225lbs body weight.
Having goals and a training plan is critical in this process, and the physical activity has long ago replaced hitting bars in Toronto and drinking with the team or clients after work. Long-term planning with training is much akin to long-term project planning, as we often have multi-year projects in web, application, software development, and marketing. My physical training has also inspired others in our company to adopt healthier lifestyle practices for themselves.
Adam Evans
Creative Director, Thought Media