Guest post by Roberta (Bobbie) LaPorte (learn more about Bobbie at the end of this post)

What you need to know about the powerful connection between physical fitness and career success

For many professional women I know, each year brings a renewed resolution and commitment to building healthy habits, including starting a regular fitness program. We all know the benefits of exercise, and we have so many options available to us today – so why is it so hard to make our resolution stick?

It’s intuitive that exercise is good for us. Health studies have demonstrated over and over that physical inactivity increases the risk of developing many chronic diseases as well as certain cancers. Sedentary behavior is also associated with higher body weight and obesity, a disturbing trend that increases the risk of many of the same disease.

We also recognize the many other benefits of a regular exercise program: you feel better about yourself, you have more energy, think more clearly, and have higher self-esteem – all of which are critical to career success. And in today’s competitive and demanding workplace, you need every advantage to achieve success and perform “At the Top of Your Game”. The more fit you are, the more likely you are to perform well on the job and to handle the many demands of your job, including stressful meetings, hectic travel schedules and high-pressure situations.

Research has shown that the consequences of a fitness program aren’t limited to the physical realm; there are many other benefits and attributes including increased discipline, stamina and drive; higher self-knowledge; achieving more than you think you can; persistence, perseverance, patience and critical mental toughness.

But starting or maintaining a fitness program can be daunting and time-consuming; we often quit because we can’t stay motivated. Self-leadership – the process of influencing yourself to achieve your personal goals – and setting clear goals can help you get started and stay on track. What does being at the top of your game mean to you?  It could include:

• Having the energy to do all you need to do
• Being able to create, innovate and be strategic
• Feeling  “in charge” of your work and career
• Having a high level of personal effectiveness

So get started – set goals that make sense for you – but take action! Start with small, measurable goals. You will see results, feel better about yourself and maintain a higher energy level –all key elements for not only surviving but thriving in today’s challenging workplace.

Make the commitment to start enjoying the powerful connection between fitness and career success. Take that first step, get moving – and you’ll see that your career will take off, too.

About Bobbie LaPorte

Roberta (Bobbie) LaPorte is the Founder of RAL & Associates, a career and leadership consulting firm. A former Fortune 100 marketing executive and multiple Ironman finisher, Ms. LaPorte writes and speaks on the connection between fitness and career success. She can be reached at www.bobbielaporte.com, or though her blog: http://theroadtokona.typepad.com.