Work versus Exercise?

5 Reasons You Shouldn't Choose Work Over Your Workout

Tempted to work through your workout? Let's see... you did the right thing and planned to take an hour or even a half hour out of your busy workday to exercise (and let's be honest that was probably your "lunch break"). Now the projects are piling up and you're thinking the smart thing to do is use that hour to get a jump on, or dig your way out from under, work. It's not. You'll actually do a better job if you use that time to exercise. Here's why:

Your boss might actually appreciate it At our office the dress code is more workout wear than business suits -- we're a fitness company, after all. I see a difference in my employees when they exercise regularly and I appreciate it. I like to see them putting effort into their health and wellbeing for their own sake, but also for the sake of the work we do together. I know that I'm more efficient, more creative and more level headed when I work out regularly. Aren't you?

You'll be even more productive Research from the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO), Brigham Young University and the Center for Health Research at Healthways shows that employees who exercise for at least 30 minutes, three times a week, are 15 percent more likely to have higher job performance. Deciding not to skip your workout can improve your cognitive function and change your perspective. Taking a walk around the building, running the stairs or joining a group fitness class might be just what you need to spark your creativity, come up with a new solution or find the energy complete those projects.

It'll pump you up When I take care of my body I feel stronger and healthier and that gives me more confidence and self assurance. It gives me an "I got this" mindset. Having confidence affects how we perform in all aspects of our lives, from caring for family to working to tackling a home improvement project. Want to give yourself an edge when trying to pitch your ideas, persuade customers or get a new job? Get in a workout.

It'll improve your stats Not only does it make us feel better, regular exercise improves our track record at work. It increases our productivity, makes us miss less work and decreases our health care costs. What's the right amount of exercise? One research study found that workers who exercised for four hours per week experienced optimal results and had significantly lower instances of depression and burnout at work.

It'll help you manage stress Regular exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress. Let's face it--we need that in the office. We become more level headed and better able to handle changes in direction, personality conflicts, differences in opinion and other challenges. If we're doing what's best for our bodies and our minds we are better co-

workers and employees, not to mention better partners, parents and friends to everyone else in our lives.

Exercise isn't just good for our bodies. It's good for our minds and our spirits. And it can be good for our careers. So next time you think you can't possibly squeeze in time for a workout and the responsible thing to do is to just keep working, think again.