I have read about how Starbucks President Michelle Gass wakes up at 4:30 a.m. every morning to run. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is on the tennis court by 6:00 a.m. every morning before work. Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, frequently starts his day with a morning run. At the time, I was like how is that even doable? But then it hit me, what do these highly successful people know that we need to know? People who exercise are apparently more productive (and successful!).

I have been a gymgoer for as long as I can remember, but most of the time I usually only went twice a week (what a waste of membership – I know!). As I am reaching my late twenties (NO), I found it a little bit challenging to keep my metabolism going as quick as when I was younger (read: I gain weight so quick like nobody’s business!) mostly because of my bad eating habit and how I never really care about it.

Working in a PR agency for almost five years now, and learning the hard way that carbs are my friend and it help give me strength to work 13 hour days, I realize that I need to find work-life-health balance situation. A little over a year ago, I made a decision to change my lifestyle, where it includes changes in food and fitness regime. I started cutting back bad carbs, drinking a lot of water, working out with a trainer 3-4 times a week; combining cardio and weight lift. Almost instantly, I feel brand new. I never felt so happy, energized, focused, super-charged in my entire adult life. That’s when I realized that the benefits of exercise extend far beyond fitting into my skinny jeans from five years ago (it did though! I managed to fit into dresses and jeans that I thought would never fit again in this lifetime!!), they are also about improving my quality of life.

Another bonus from regular exercise is helping me to be more productive and alert at work. Apparently when you exercise, you are also increasing blood flow to the brain, which can help sharpen your awareness and make you more ready to tackle your next project (which always is the situation when you living the agency life). 

You probably heard inside jokes between fellow agency people on “sick is for the weak” – yeah that is kinda true. So I think regular exercise that includes power walking, running, weight lifting, swimming or jogging can help reduce your risk of developing certain types of illness. This means fewer sick days at work (yeay?!). Obviously, a healthy account team makes a happy clients.

There are so much more how exercise have benefitted my life. In addition to increased productivity, improved quality of life, exercising has also increase my shopping efficiency! (read: I can carry more shopping bags, I walk longer hence I see more shops! You get my point).

Bottom line is, I highly suggest you to get off your butt and starts exercising.  Your future self will thanked you, big time! And that is what I constantly do these days, thanking myself from a year ago for making what could be one of the best decisions that I have ever made in my life.