Can’t Find Time To Exercise? It May Help To Think Of It As Part Of Your Job
October 8, 2014
By Brian Maynor
We all know exercise is important for our health, but we also know how hard it is to find or make time for it with an over-packed schedule. Now along with new reasons to prioritize exercise, Ron Friedman has an approach to looking it that will make it easier to work into your day.
In his article Regular Exercise Is Part of Your Job, published on HBR.org, Ron talks about the impact exercise beyond health benefits, specifically on the way we think. He cites several social science studies that track the cognitive benefits to exercise which includes: improved concentration; sharper memory; faster learning; enhanced creativity; lower stress and better moods.
What I found most interesting was the shift in mindset he proposes to move exercise from a luxury, meaning something you want to do more often, to a reality and that’s to think of it as an actual part of your job. Ron suggests that when you focus on all of the professional benefits of exercise it is easier to prioritize it into your schedule because the you not longer look at it as simply time away from work but rather ensuring the hours spent working are valuable.
My question is what would that look like? Say you are going to a class or the gym in the middle of the day; you have to think about what workout wear is appropriate around the office where you will run into colleagues, clients and bosses. Here are my suggestions for finding ‘professional’ workout wear:
1. Pre-workout plan. One issue with working out in the middle of the day is how much do you get ready before you leave the office. If you’re luckily enough to have a facility on-site it may be easier to store your gear in a locker room on your way into work, but if you have to go off-site that isn’t an option. You can always leave your gear in the car and do all of your prep once you arrive at the gym, or you can carry it in and leave the office ready to sweat.
If you carry your gear into the office, keep everything confined to one nice gym bag. You’re just going to workout after all, not on holiday for a long weekend. You also want to make sure your professional clothes can withstand folding and traveling. Pants and skirts are no problem, but I would leave blazers in the office.
2. Look at the whole picture. Just like buying outfits for work, you want to buy coordinated exercise outfits. When pieces match and obviously go together it makes a better impression than mix-matched random pieces. What you wear to work in the yard should not be what you wear to the gym.
Another way to keep workout wear professional is to look for a tracksuit-like option. These aren’t the pink velour matching suits with writing on them, but rather looser fitting pants and coordinated jacket. Since gym clothes tend to be rather fitted and putting it all on display is not the best approach for professional decorum, these give you coverage that is appropriate and still indicative of your agenda.
3. Post-work plan. You’re workout is done, but now you have to go back to the office. This means hitting the showers and getting ready all over again, which includes drying and styling your hair and reapplying your makeup. If you have longer hair think about pulling it back in a bun or chignon to save on styling time, but try to avoid ponytails or anything else requiring a scrunchie. Also think about keeping your makeup light and natural.
It’s not easy to get a workout in during the day and requires commitment and planning, but the results are well worth it. Not only will you physically look better, if it helps you perform at a higher level at the office, both mentally and emotionally, can you really afford to skip it? Try thinking of exercise as an investment in your professional success and see if it becomes a priority.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
