So, you're this successful business owner who still works sixteen hours a day, and is proud of it. You gave up family time, missed vacations and a myriad other simple pleasures, but feel that the sacrifice was worthwhile. You're overworked and stressed out, and look ten years older than you are. While you loved to play a good, hard game of football in college, you don't walk three blocks anymore. Well, can you justify being physically unfit .



Entrepreneurs are great at falling off the exercise wagon. And who can blame them really – with all the stress and overload, there's no time for anything else. When realisation dawns that this isn't the best way to lead one's life, it's probably the aftermath of some health disaster.

We don't want to see that happen to you. You can and must maintain a fitness routine despite your busy schedule – in time, your improved fitness levels will actually improve productivity at work.

And it doesn't have to cost a lot – in terms of time, energy or equipment. All it needs is focus and commitment, and as a successful business owner, you're no stranger to those.

So, let's look at a few exercise tips for a change:

There can be a first time. You can start a fitness routine , even if you've never had one before. Lots of people assume that they should have been star athletes in their heyday to pick up an exercise regimen in their later years. That's rubbish. It's never too late to make a start, and everyone can improve their athletic ability, with effort.

It is a fact that physical activity yields benefits in terms of improved muscle mass, lowered fat and overall well being at any age, even at ninety! So, go for it and reap the benefits.

It can be enjoyable. And that depends on what activity you choose. Exercise need not necessarily mean intensive weight training or running cross country (although there are plenty of people who love to do that). Dancing, yoga or playing other sport is equally effective. In fact, combining several activities can be both enjoyable and also beneficial in terms of giving you a balanced work out.

It doesn't take that much time. Fitness is as much a frame of mind as anything else. Orient yourself towards it as you would with a work related project. How long does it take to choose to eat the right things? How much longer does it take to climb the stairs to your office than take the elevator? If you can't spare twenty minutes a day purely for exercise, find other alternatives. Move around the office, take a short walk after lunch…and so on. Any physical activity, even the slightest is better than none.

It won't hurt like crazy. Sure, if you've been sedentary all your life, exercise will give you some muscle soreness in the beginning. The trick is to take it in small, manageable steps. You won't feel a thing in a couple of weeks!

The risks are far outweighed by the benefits. People are frightened at the thought of exercise related injury or worse. Unchecked, excessive exercise can do damage – therefore, check with your doctor if you think you're medically at risk. But otherwise, the medical benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks.

It won't cost an arm and a leg… merely the fat in them. Bad joke apart, there's no denying the truth of that statement. A fitness routine does not have to involve a swank gym with ultra high tech equipment. Simple, but efficient gear will do just as well - dumbbells, skipping rope, a pair of sneakers.. and you're ready!