Why CEOs who train are more successful: Lessons from business leaders

What do some of the most successful CEOs have in common? 

Hint: it’s not just needing less sleep than most of us.

It’s what they’re doing in the gym. More and more business leaders are lacing up their trainers and hitting the weights, recognising that fitness isn’t just about looking good, it’s a game-changer for leadership. 

Regular training helps to sharpen your focus, boost energy and build resilience, all of which directly translate to stronger performance in the office. We’re diving into why staying active is the secret weapon for thriving CEOs and what we can all learn from their approach.

The CEO mindset: Why fitness matters

You might have heard people refer to fitness as a ‘mindset’. And they’re not wrong.

For CEOs, the discipline and consistency required to maintain a fitness routine mirror the qualities needed to run a successful business. Whether it’s sticking to an early morning workout or pushing through a tough session when it’s the last thing you want to be doing, the same determination applies to navigating business challenges. Just like in the gym, leadership demands setting goals, adapting to setbacks and consistently showing up. These are all qualities that set high achievers apart.

Regular exercise also helps with resilience and mental toughness; key traits for navigating the ups and downs of a demanding role. Research shows that physical activity reduces stress and improves cognitive function, enabling sharper decision-making under pressure. 

High-profile CEOs like Elon Musk, Tim Cook and Anna Wintour have all credited fitness as an essential part of their routine. For them, it’s not just about staying in shape, it’s a way to recharge and stay focused on the end goal.

Just look at Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta and one of the world’s most successful businessmen. He does so much exercise (including three to four sessions of Jiu-jitsu and MMA every week) that he eats 4,000 calories a day to offset the energy he burns.

Physical health fuels leadership performance

Physical health is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It acts as a fuel for the energy and focus required to perform at the highest level. Regular training boosts energy levels by improving your cardiovascular fitness and making your body’s energy systems more efficient. This means leaders who prioritise physical activity are better equipped to power through demanding schedules and stay sharp during long workdays.

Exercise is also a scientifically proven stress manager, releasing endorphins that naturally combat anxiety and improve mood. For leaders balancing high-pressure responsibilities, this stress relief is key to maintain clarity and composure. 

Plus, physical activity enhances cognitive function, which helps to improve everything from your memory and focus to problem-solving: skills that are critical for sound decision-making and effective leadership.

Cardiovascular fitness, in particular, is incredibly important. Whether it’s leading marathon meetings or travelling across time zones, a strong heart and lungs will give you the endurance to meet the physical and mental demands of your role without burning out. A fit body supports a sharp mind, after all.

Building discipline through fitness

Sticking to a fitness routine is like a masterclass in time management and prioritisation. Think about it: fitting workouts into an already packed schedule forces you to be intentional with your time. And once you start showing up consistently for your workouts, that discipline tends to spill over into other areas of your life, like work and family.

Here’s how to make fitness work for your hectic schedule:

Plan ahead

Treat your workouts like meetings. Block time in your calendar and stick to it. Early mornings or lunch breaks often work well, as people are less likely to send you calendar invites.

Start small

Don’t aim for a 2-hour session if you barely have 30 minutes to spare. Quick, focused workouts (like desk HIIT) can pack a punch in minimal time.

Combine tasks

Got calls to make? Take them on a walk or stretch while you chat to maximise your time and be smart about your fitness.

Be flexible

Life happens. If you miss a session, don’t sweat it (pun intended). Just pick up where you left off when you have time.

Think quality over quantity

A solid 20-minute workout that you actually get round to doing is far better than a 90-minute plan that never happens. Little and often works best.

Better decision-making

Physical activity has been shown to boost cognitive function, sharpen focus and keep any brain fog at bay. Ever feel like you’re staring at your screen, unable to make a decision or solve a problem? A quick workout might be all you need to clear the mental clutter and get your thoughts flowing again.

Science backs this up. Studies have found that regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, improving memory, focus and even creativity. It’s no wonder so many high-performing CEOs swear by their fitness routines. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, is famous for hitting the gym before the sun’s even up, crediting his workouts for setting the tone for a productive day.

You’ve probably experienced it yourself: after a run, yoga session or even a brisk walk, your head feels clearer, and suddenly that problem doesn’t seem so daunting. That’s because exercise releases brain-boosting chemicals like endorphins and helps to regulate stress hormones. 

How a personal trainer can help

Having a personal trainer is a really strategic move – especially if you’re a busy CEO juggling a packed schedule. A trainer tailors fitness plans to your specific needs, making sure your workouts are effective, efficient and aligned with your goals.

One of the biggest benefits of having a trainer is accountability. When work deadlines pile up, it’s easy to skip the gym. But a trainer makes sure you show up, even on those hectic days, and keeps you motivated to stay consistent. They also help you work smarter, not harder, balancing your fitness regime with recovery so you’re not burning out physically or mentally.

If you need more support, services like health concierge plans are a game-changer. These combine fitness, wellness and convenience, giving you everything from personalised training sessions to nutrition guidance and stress management tools. Plus, these are all tailored to your demanding lifestyle. Find your personal trainer and get started now.

Find the time to invest in yourself

As you can see, prioritising your physical health is essential for staying sharp and effective as a leader. Regular exercise boosts your energy, enhances cognitive function and fosters resilience: basically, all the important stuff for navigating the demands of a job like yours.

The challenge is finding the time and structure to train consistently. That’s where personalised fitness solutions, like working with a trainer or using UNTIL’s health concierge services, come in. These tools offer tailored plans, accountability and convenience, helping busy professionals make fitness a sustainable part of their routine. 

The best way to level up your business is to train your body and your mind. Because ultimately, it’s all connected. Check out our brand new health concierge service and get matched with personal trainers, physiotherapists, massage therapists and more – all designed to take the hassle out of fitness.