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The Barbell That Changed the Boardroom
Lets begin with a story: Three years ago, James Tran—COO of a mid-sized aerospace tech company—stood at the edge of a lifting platform in his local gym, unsure if he even belonged there.
He was 52, chronically tired, 20 pounds heavier than he liked, and wired on coffee most of the day. His calendar was jammed with investor updates, hiring fire drills, and late-night firefighting with global partners. His edge—the one that made him sharp, decisive, and reliable—was fading.
A friend from his CxO peer group had once said, “If you want to improve how you carry the weight of your business, start by picking up actual weight.”
It sounded like a punchline. But James couldn’t stop thinking about it. So he hired a coach. And started deadlifting.
At first, 95 pounds felt like a mountain. But week after week, he showed up. His grip got stronger. His posture changed. His mood lightened. His sleep deepened.
And something unexpected happened.
By month two, James noticed his mornings were no longer foggy. He was cranking through deep work by 10 AM. His focus returned. Team meetings were sharper—he didn’t interrupt, he listened. His emails got tighter. And his decision fatigue? Cut in half.
Six months in, the CFO casually mentioned that productivity metrics across James’s division had jumped—despite no new hires or systems.
James smiled but said nothing. He knew what had changed. He had.
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James is not alone. There’s growing evidence that building physical strength leads to greater leadership strength—boosting productivity, enhancing self-regulation, and even improving the bottom line. In a recent article by Jodie Cook in Forbes Magazine, there was an article called,
Link to article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2024/08/21/could-your-gym-routine-be-the-key-to-business-success/
More and more successful entrepreneurs and executives like James are turning to fitness (not just deadlifting).
Not just for health, but as a strategic lever for performance. According to Jodie Cook’s Forbes article, your gym routine may be a critical driver of your business results.
Let’s explore how.
#1. The Mind-Body-Business Connection
A strong body supports a strong mind. Regular exercise improves more than just your physical health—it also sharpens focus, boosts mental resilience, and improves stress management. These are non-negotiable traits for today’s high-performing professionals.
When you commit to a fitness routine, you’re also training for:
- Discipline: Showing up consistently, even when it’s hard (Dr. T calls this choosing your hard).
- Resilience: Pushing through discomfort and setbacks.
- Time management: Making the most of each hour in the day.
These traits carry directly into how you lead, communicate, and execute in business.
#2. Fit Teams Perform Better
The benefits of fitness go far beyond the individual. Organizations that prioritize physical well-being see measurable returns:
- Lower absenteeism
- Higher energy and productivity
- Improved team cohesion
From company-wide step challenges to subsidized gym memberships, businesses that embed fitness into their culture are building more resilient and engaged teams.
When your people move together, they perform together.
#3. Health and Fitness Is the New Competitive Advantage
My company Movement Rx has built a whole leadership series around this- health and fitness being leaders competitive advantage.
Leaders like Jodie Cook – an international powerlifter and business leader – embody this connection between movement and momentum. Her own experience underscores how investing in physical training can lead to sharper decision-making, stronger leadership, and better business outcomes.
This isn’t just anecdotal. Research continues to show that the fitter you are, the more effective you can be in the workplace. Energy, creativity, and emotional regulation are all enhanced through regular movement.
#4. Here are 3 Ways to Get Started While at Work (where you spend ⅓ or more of your time).
- Make it micro – Even 10 minutes a day of intentional movement can shift your energy and mindset. Small changes each day can create exponential growth over time.
- Make it communal – Invite your team into the experience. Try group fitness classes, walking meetings, or fitness challenges.
- Measure the ripple – Notice how movement affects your focus, your mood, and your team culture. Track the impact just like you would any business metric.
Think about how YOU would track this in your company?
Remember, Movement Fuels Momentum In Your Life and In Your Business!
Whether you’re lifting weights, hitting the trails, or squeezing in a morning yoga flow, your gym routine isn’t just for your body—it’s for your business. The path to sustainable success might just start with a sweat.
So the next time you’re considering skipping your workout or investing in your health and fitness, ask yourself: Would I cancel a meeting that moves my business forward?
If you enjoyed this, please share with your family, network, or friends: https://us3.forward-
Remember, self-care is not a luxury. It is a leadership strategy.
Your well-being matters,
Dr. T
Founding President
Movement Rx
SDVOSB | WOSB
theresa.larson@movement-rx.com