Most people when asked, why do you want to workout? They will say, lose weight, better health, be there for my family, etc. All good things, we all want those things. Problem is, that little demon on your shoulder telling you lies. Even bigger problem is believing those lies. These are some of the lies I have even told myself from time to time. “I have a big day at work”, “If I don’t perform at work I will get fired”, “Geez, that was a tough day I am just gonna go home”, “If I do not nail this presentation I won’t make the sale”, “I worked out yesterday”, “It’s still dark outside”, “I want to get home before the sun goes down”. “it’s raining”. These are just some example of the lies we tell ourselves not to attend class or go to the gym, or just to move in general. The problem is, that the opposite is true. If you truly want to do better at your job, be better for your family, be a better you. Then you would tell those lies to shut up I am going anyway.

The following are all benefits you receive when you go to class or hit the gym.

1. Boosted Energy Levels: Exercise increases blood flow and releases endorphins, which can leave you feeling more energized. This boost in energy can be particularly beneficial on a day when you have important work to do.
2. Enhanced Mental Clarity: Physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive functions like memory, concentration, and creativity. A morning workout can help clear your mind and sharpen your focus for the tasks ahead.
3. Mental Detox: Engaging in a workout can serve as a mental break from work-related thoughts. It allows you to focus on the present moment and the physical activities you are performing, providing a form of mental detox.
4. Reduced Stress: Exercise is a great stress reliever. If your important work is also a source of stress, starting the day with a workout can help you approach your tasks more calmly and with a better mindset.
5. Improved Mood: The endorphins released during exercise can improve your mood. Starting your day in a positive state can influence how you handle challenges and interact with others.
6. Increased Productivity: Regular exercise has been linked to higher productivity. By kick-starting your day with physical activity, you might find yourself more efficient and effective in your work.
7. Better Time Management: Committing to a morning workout can encourage better time management. Knowing you have limited time can make you more focused and efficient in both your workout and your work.
8. Enhanced Discipline and Self-Control: Regularly sticking to a workout routine can strengthen your discipline and self-control, traits that are beneficial in a professional setting. Maintaining your gym routine even on tough days reinforces discipline. This habit can spill over into other areas of your life, including work, enhancing your ability to stick with challenging tasks.
9. Improved Health: Regular exercise contributes to overall physical health, which can reduce sick days and improve your ability to perform your job well.
10. Quality Sleep: Exercise can help regulate your sleep pattern. Better sleep quality ensures you are well-rested and ready for important tasks.
11. Sense of Achievement: Completing a workout, especially when you’re not feeling up to it initially, can provide a strong sense of accomplishment. This can boost your self-esteem and confidence.
12. Social Interaction: If your gym environment is social, it can be an opportunity to interact with others, which can be uplifting if you’ve had a solitary or particularly challenging day.

On a personal note: Before I opened R & T CrossFit I worked in demolition and we also took out dangerous trees. Tough, hard work that not only required physical fitness, but also a mental edge to remain vigilant or someone could be seriously injured or killed. Talk about pressure! If you cut that tree and it goes the wrong way, it’s either on a house or your buddy, game over. You are about to take down a brick wall using heavy equipment. You better be totally aware of your surroundings. It would have been very easy to say, I am not going to workout, I need my energy. Problem is, the opposite is true. I know because of my fitness I was able to work better, and keep safe in a dangerous environment because of my workouts. On numerous occasions, I can remember my co-workers going back to the truck for a break, and I would keep working. They would also say things like, I am just not mentally into this today, buddy you better get there because our lives are at risk.

So, I can hear another lie you might be telling yourself while you are reading this. “Joel that makes sense, but I have a white collar job”. Yep, I had one of those too for 12 years. Where if you didn’t hit your numbers, things got serious really quick. I would give sales presentations to crowds as small as 50 to over a 1,000, plus manage the business, and provide customer service to current clients. It was go, go, go all the time, sell, sell, sell and sell some more, put this fire out, crap there’s another fire over here. Oh, and wear a suit and tie everyday and do it all with a smile on your face. I can remember several times driving to a presentation, or to a client meeting and being nervous or scared of what might happen. Then, I would remember, look at what you did in the gym today, nothing can stop you. Plus the stress relief, better sleep, better mental focus. Not too mention, I look pretty good in a suit too, lol!

Point is: All those demons and lies telling you should not go to the gym. Are just that, they are lies. The opposite is true. If you want to be a better you, read your bible and get to the gym!