Fit to Lead: How Physical Fitness Powers Leadership Success

As the new year kicks off, many of us are setting ambitious goals—not just for our organizations, but for ourselves. And while strategic plans and leadership targets often top the list, there’s one area that deserves more attention in these conversations: physical fitness.
Fitness isn’t just about health—it’s about showing up with the energy, resilience, and focus required to lead effectively. As my trainer, Keith Brooks, says, “Fitness is success.” Keith has been my virtual trainer for over three years, and his insights have reshaped how I approach not just exercise, but leadership itself. Whether I’m at home, in the gym, or in a hotel room while traveling, his creative workouts keep me consistent, focused, and energized.
In this blog, I’ll share how fitness powers leadership success and offer practical strategies, inspired by Keith, to integrate fitness into your routine—no matter how busy life gets.
The Fitness-Leadership Connection
Keith, who has over 20 years of experience as a trainer and was once a professional athlete, firmly believes that fitness and leadership are interconnected. Here’s why:
- Mental Clarity and Decision-Making
Leaders are faced with countless decisions each day, many of which are complex and high-stakes. Regular exercise improves cognitive function, sharpens focus, and enhances problem-solving skills, making it easier to approach decisions with clarity and confidence. - Stress Management
Leadership often comes with intense pressure, and without an outlet, stress can build up and affect performance. “One lets off lots of endorphins when you work out,” Keith says. Those feel-good chemicals reduce stress and elevate your mood. Instead of turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, something as simple as 15 minutes of bodyweight exercises can help reset your mind. - Sustained Energy
The demands of leadership require stamina—mentally and physically. A consistent fitness routine helps sustain energy throughout the day, so you’re not drained by 2 p.m. but still operating with focus and drive. - Self-Discipline and Routine
Success in fitness, like success in leadership, comes from discipline and consistency. “People who are successful today have a schedule,” Keith often reminds me. Having a fitness routine reinforces the habits that drive success in every area of life.
Insights from Keith Brooks
During a recent workout, I asked Keith some key questions about fitness and leadership. Here’s what he shared:
Q: What’s the most common fitness challenge busy professionals face?
A: “Time,” Keith said without hesitation. Between meetings, emails, and personal obligations, many leaders feel they can’t fit in a workout. Keith’s advice? “Make the time.” Even a 15-minute session can make a significant difference.
Q: How can a fitness routine help leaders manage stress and maintain balance?
A: “Stress levels can be so high,” Keith noted. He emphasized that while some people unwind in less productive ways, a quick set of sit-ups, push-ups, or a brisk walk can be a healthier—and more effective—way to reset and recharge.
Q: What’s one simple fitness habit every leader should adopt?
A: “Maintain a steady routine,” Keith said. Whether it’s two sessions a week or five, consistency is key. The same mindset that builds a successful career applies to fitness—showing up regularly matters more than how long or intense each session is.
Overcoming Common Barriers
Leaders often face recurring excuses when it comes to fitness. Here’s how Keith and I have worked around them:
- “I don’t have time.”
Keith’s response is simple: “Make the time.” Fitness doesn’t need to be an hour-long event. You can achieve benefits with short, targeted workouts. Find a time that works for you—before meetings, during lunch, or after work—and make it part of your schedule. - “I’m too tired.”
Ironically, exercise boosts energy levels rather than draining them. Start small—a set of squats or a 10-minute walk can re-energize you and help fight mental fatigue more effectively than a caffeine boost. - “I don’t know where to start.”
You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym. Keith has designed workouts for me using everything from a resistance band to a chair. His creativity proves that fitness is accessible anywhere—you just need to start moving.
Building Fitness into Leadership Development
Fitness can—and should—be an integral part of leadership growth. When leaders prioritize fitness, they model the discipline and resilience they want their teams to embrace. Here are some ways to bring fitness into your leadership routine:
- Team Wellness Initiatives: Encourage wellness through step challenges, walking meetings, or virtual fitness classes.
- Active Leadership Retreats: Incorporate outdoor activities, yoga, or morning group workouts during retreats to promote energy and connection.
- Metaphors for Growth: Use fitness principles—such as goal-setting, accountability, and adapting to challenges—as part of team coaching discussions.
Practical Tips for Staying Consistent
Keith has helped me build a sustainable fitness routine that works with my schedule, not against it. Here are some of his top tips:
- Start Small: “Don’t overthink it,” Keith says. Even a 15-minute session can make a difference. A short routine is better than skipping altogether.
- Find What You Love: Whether it’s yoga, running, or bodyweight circuits, pick activities you enjoy to stay motivated.
- Be Flexible: Life gets busy, and plans change. Keith’s approach—whether I’m using a hotel chair for tricep dips or doing squats with a water bottle—reminds me that I can still fit in a workout, no matter where I am.
- Block It Out: Treat workouts like meetings on your calendar. Protect that time, and treat it as a non-negotiable part of your day.
Fitness Is Leadership
At its core, fitness isn’t just about physical health—it’s about leading yourself well so you can lead others. Regular movement builds resilience, focus, and energy, helping you show up as your best self in every room you enter.
Keith always says, “Fitness is success.” I’ve learned that this goes beyond the gym—it applies to how we approach challenges, manage our energy, and pursue growth. Whether you’re committing to daily walks, weekend hikes, or guided strength sessions, remember that every effort counts.
Let’s make 2025 the year we lead with strength, stamina, and clarity—one workout at a time.