Did you know that fitness and exercise are the foundations for success?  It makes sense, Right? Successful people prioritize fitness because it helps them develop important qualities like discipline, focus, and determination. Plus, regular exercise improves their  physical and mental health, leading to increased productivity and creativity.  The results speak for themselves.

Here is what peer reviewed research has reported on the connection between fitness and success:

• People who exercise regularly are 15% more likely to be promoted than those who do not exercise.
• People who exercise regularly are 20% more likely to be satisfied with their jobs than those who do not exercise.
• People who exercise regularly earn an average of $3,000 more per year than those who do not exercise.
• People who exercise regularly make better financial decisions than those who do not exercise.
• People who exercise regularly are more creative than those who do not exercise.

Here are some of the reasons why fitness empowers you:

• Reduces stress and anxiety: Exercise releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce stress hormones like cortisol. This can help you focus better and reduce your risk of developing mental health conditions challenges.
• Boosts energy levels: Exercise improves cardiovascular health, which can give you more energy to be productive at work and more active in areas outside of work like social and sports.
• Improves mood and self-esteem: Exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem by increasing the production of feel-good chemicals in your brain. This can lead to a more positive outlook on life and increased confidence.
• Improves cognitive ability: Exercise can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Aerobic exercise like running, swimming, or biking can help improve blood flow to the brain and increase the size of the hippocampus, a region of the brain important for memory. Strength training can increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps protect and repair brain cells. Yoga can also improve cognitive function by reducing stress and improving focus and concentration.
• Being fit improves a person's IQ by an average of 3.2 points

But there is more to it.  A dedication to fitness can help to develop an X-factor for success? It's the ability to be uncompromising in the pursuit of your goals. Being fit and regularly exercising takes serious dedication and commitment to something that can be challenging and even painful at times. But successful people understand that fitness isn't just about looking and feeling good - it's also about building the uncompromising mindset and discipline that serves them in all areas of their life.

OK, are you convinced that it is time to hit the gym?  Here is are some tips to start and stay motivated

Tips on how to start and maintain an exercise program 

1. Start small: Begin with a realistic goal, such as exercising for 10-15 minutes a day, and gradually build up as you become more comfortable.
2. Find an activity you enjoy: Choose an exercise that you enjoy doing, whether it's running, swimming, dancing, or hitting the gym. This will make it easier to stick with it.
3. Make a plan: Schedule your workouts in advance and stick to a consistent routine. This will help you develop the habit of exercising regularly.
4. Set specific goals: Set specific, measurable goals such as achieving a certain weight or muscle mass or resting heart rate or some other fitness metric.  This will give you something to work towards and help keep you motivated.
5. Get a workout buddy: Find a friend or family member who shares your fitness goals and exercise together. This will help keep you accountable and motivated.
6. Track your progress: Keep track of your workouts and progress, whether it's through a fitness app or a journal. Seeing your progress can be a great motivator.
7. Mix it up: Vary your workouts and  keep things interesting to prevent boredom. Try different types of exercise or switch up your routine.
8. Reward yourself: Set up a reward system for yourself, such as treating yourself to a massage or a new workout outfit when you reach a certain goal.
9. Stay positive: Focus on the positive changes you're making in your life, rather than dwelling on setbacks. Celebrate your successes and keep moving forward.
10. Don't give up: Remember that it's normal to have setbacks or bad days. Don't give up, and keep pushing towards your goals. With persistence and dedication, you can achieve your fitness goals and enjoy a healthier, happier life.

Use AIs to manage and gamefly your exercise program

Artificial intelligence (AI) powered fitness apps are  revolutionizing the way people manage and gamify their exercise and fitness programs. These apps use machine learning algorithms to track workouts, monitor your progress, and provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve your goals. With AI-powered apps, you can create custom workout plans, track your nutrition, and even compete with friends and other users to stay motivated and on track.

The gamification of fitness programs has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Adding game-like elements to fitness apps, such as challenges, rewards, and social interaction, can help make fitness more enjoyable and encourage people to stay motivated and engaged in their exercise routines.

Here are some popular AI-powered fitness apps your could explore:

• Fitbod - Personalized workout plans based on your fitness goals, experience level, and available equipment.
• MyFitnessPal - Tracks your calorie intake and provides personalized nutrition recommendations based on your goals and eating habits.
• Sweat - Offers personalized workout plans and nutrition coaching from top fitness experts.
• Freeletics - Provides personalized training plans based on your fitness level and goals, with machine learning algorithms that adapt your workouts over time.
• Aaptiv - Offers audio-based workout classes with personalized coaching and music, powered by AI algorithms that adapt to your fitness level and preferences.
• Nike Training Club - Provides personalized workout plans and coaching from top Nike trainers, with machine learning algorithms that adapt to your fitness level and goals.
• 8fit - Offers personalized workout plans and nutrition coaching, with machine learning algorithms that adapt to your goals and preferences.
• Keelo - Provides personalized HIIT workouts based on your fitness level and goals, with machine learning algorithms that adapt to your progress.
• CARROT Fit - Gamifies your workouts with humorous coaching and rewards, powered by AI algorithms that track your progress and provide personalized challenges.
• Zombies, Run! - Turns your workouts into a thrilling adventure game, with immersive audio storytelling and gamified challenges that keep you motivated and engaged.

The bottom line

There is no doubt.  The research is clear.  If you want to empower yourself and realize your goals, being a couch potato isn’t going to cut it.  Successful people exercise because it’s essential for their mental and physical health and also because it fosters the type of mental attitudes and cognitive abilities required to go beyond and nail their goals. 

Once you make the decision to begin an exercise program there is lots of good advice and powerful AI enhanced apps to help you stick to a program that’s right for you. 

Go get fit and  power on.