Got an interview or presentation? Get some exercise first!

It’s easy to sit and over-think an upcoming job interview, important meeting, or business presentation. Many of us have done exactly that – more times than we’d like to count. And our schedules grow cramped and confused, so we find ourselves skipping personal pursuits. Like exercise.

We’ve likely heard that physical fitness (at any level) can improve our overall health and perhaps even our professional performance.

So what do we do, drop and give ‘em 20 in the company hallway? 

Simply pacing the floor and fretting about that upcoming appointment doesn’t exactly count, either.

To gain the benefits, we need to mark out time windows regularly for personal exercise. We know it’s good for us in plentiful ways, both on and off the job.

Exercise may improve both thinking and memory functions, according to Heidi Godman, executive editor of Harvard Health Letter. “Indirectly, exercise improves mood and sleep, and reduces stress and anxiety,” Godman said.

“With every step you take, every mile you pedal or every lap you swim around the pool, you’re enhancing your cognitive fitness. Recent studies suggest that the activities you do to improve your body also benefit your brain,” The Cleveland Clinic reported.

“When you exercise, your body releases chemicals such as dopamine (pronounced doh-pa-meen) and endorphins (en-door-fins) in your brain that make you feel happy. Not only is your brain dumping out feel-good chemicals, but exercise also helps your brain get rid of chemicals that make you feel stressed and anxious,” a recent Dana Foundation report explained. “People who exercise tend to be happier and less stressed than those who don’t exercise. Regular exercise can also help you control your emotions when you do feel angry or upset.”

A Web MD write-up lists these common benefits of exercise:

• better memory/retention
• improved sleep / restfulness
• higher level of alertness
• more consistent concentration
• reduced anxiety
• stronger neuroplasticity / mental flexibility

Of course, regular exercise improves cardiopulmonary health and also points to potential prevention of depression, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and several other serious health conditions.

Can you just imagine how those exercise-related changes could help with job interviewing or even daily workplace activities and interactions?

Moderate exercise choices might include aerobics, bicycling, dancing, dog-walking, gymnastics, hiking, horseback riding, jogging, martial arts, roller-skating, rowing, skiing, swimming, tennis, walking, weightlifting, yardwork, and yoga. The trick is to find something we don’t absolutely hate to do – some form of exercise that we will actually continue consistently. Ideally, we choose a variety of fitness activities for optimum benefits and to keep us interested.

For example, my weekly schedule includes a few fitness classes, plus my individual runs and workouts. I didn’t pursue physical fitness personally for much of my life, but in recent years, it has become a priority. And it’s made an enormous difference in so many ways. (It all started with a life-changing medical diagnosis, which lit a fire under me. That’s a long story, but it led to my running full marathons.)

In addition to the personal benefits that result from practicing physical fitness, most people seem to find stress relief and a sense of satisfaction from achieving personal goals. Exercise activities also make us more interesting to potential employees, clients, co-workers and others, who find we have more than just “shop-talk” when conversations come up.

Those who participate in group exercise, just as gym classes or team sports may experience additional socialization, which can also carry over into improved performance and overall adaptability in the workplace.

Gee. Maybe that’s why lots of companies offer discounted gym memberships, or even on-site fitness facilities.

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Adapted from public domain images

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