6 fitness hacks for entrepreneurs to stay fit and focussed

I was intrigued by the Strong Pro Summit in Toronto on June 3-5, but couldn't make it there. Being a fitness enthusiast, I nudge and push people around me to pay heed to stay fit. It is a misconception that going to the gym will solve all the problems. That is not what staying fit is all about.

As an entrepreneur myself, I have discovered the long lasting impacts of few simple fitness hacks. And no, you won't need to hit the gym for that.

While the perks of owning an internet business are in galleons, the worst part is how we work. We sit all day glued to our laptops. Before we know, we have already turned into a potato couch! There are so many articles on why sitting all day is killing us over the web, and we have probably read all of them. However, reading won't help. We need to get into action.

Here are 6 quick fitness hacks for all entrepreneurs like me. If you are healthy, you can definitely keep your team in good spirits.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a fitness guru. All that I say are from my own experiences.

1. 20 minutes walk daily.

There is nothing better than taking a 20 minutes break every day. When you do brisk walking for a straight 20 minutes, your whole body sweats. Put on your headphones and get those legs moving. You will not only feel energised but also you will get rid of your back pains, headaches, and any digestive problems that arise due to a sedentary lifestyle.

2. Say no to snacking.

This is one common temptation if you are working from home. I used to snack a lot. Rather than giving me energy, I ended up feeling fatigued. So, I worked really HARD to control my temptations. Instead of snacking every few hours, I opted for three wholesome meals.

3. Eat ONE healthy thing.

My friend is a nutrition expert. He explained that many people find it hard in giving up all that they love and shift to veggies. So here comes the fitness tip: You can replace any one item in every meal with a healthy food item. Now that doesn't sound harsh, isn't it.

4. Work with your back straight.

To keep back pains and shoulder ache at bay, this is one thing that everyone should be doing consciously. Keep your back straight against your chair. Avoid those moving, bending chairs. Opt for a straight hard-back chair.

5. Sleep for 7 hours.

This is the only way you can keep your productivity in check. When your body has received the amount of rest it requires, you can expect yourself to be in good spirits the next day. Whether you are a night owl or a morning riser, give yourself 7 hours of sleep. Everything else will fall in place.

6. Drink plenty of water.

Water is the best medicine. It helps in washing out toxins and keeps you fit. It is very important to drink an adequate amount of water daily to stay fit. As an entrepreneur, we often end up working for 16-17 hours. If we are consciously consuming enough water, our body can put up with this schedule. Else you are bound to fall sick.

There are many small things which we can change in our daily lives. One of them is to shift to warm beverages. I, for instance, also workout for 15-20 minutes regularly. It has helped me be more energetic. I am into sports because I love it. You can pick any such physical activity for yourself. The mantra to a healthy brain and body is to remove monotony. Stay active and love what you do. There is nothing better than mental happiness.

As Josh Billings says "Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it".

By Suddan N Shanmugasundaram
The author is Founder & CEO HR CUBE