By: Karolina Starczak

Sep 02, 2009

If you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder, then you might have to start by climbing that stair master first. According to the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), exercise may not only have health benefits, but it can make you a better leader and improve work performance. The research shows that people who exercise regularly have improved leadership skills particularly in the areas of organization, credibility, and authenticity.

The research, conducted by Dr McDowell-Larsen, was done by interviewing hundred of executives and managers who attended CCL’s Leadership at the Peak (LAP) program, held in Switzerland and Colorado. When the executives were divided into exercising and non-exercising groups and assessed, the group of executives who regularly exercised scored significantly higher in every single category. They also ranked higher when evaluated by peers and bosses on the effectiveness of their leadership skills.

Another interesting tidbit, for all of us workaholics out there, is that regular exercise will still improve our leadership skills even if we cut back a little on our work hours in order to include a regular workout. That’s right, no more blaming skipped workouts on long hours at the office.

So why is physical activity so crucial to a successful career? Stress management of course. Exercise helps us cope with stress, especially when we move up into demanding positions. Being in control of the anxiety and pressure that comes along with higher level positions is what really makes a huge difference in how we perform at work and manage our coworkers. Regular exercise may help weather the effects of stress, but I’m sure looking and feeling great can’t hurt either.

How has your workout routine affected your work life?

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