The importance of physical fitness

Rental Property Investor · Union, ME · Member since 2018 · 161 posts · 104 votes

Hello BP,

Recently I've noticed my motivation to do things is declining, and after a serious self-evaluation, I've come to realize that a lot of my lack of motivation has to do with my fitness and eating habits. Does anyone else notice a correlation between their physical condition or diet and their every day work success? What do you guys do to keep yourself focused and in the game? Thanks!

25 Reply

343 views

Most Popular Reply

Samantha Miller

Real Estate Agent · Phila, PA · Member since 2017 · 126 posts · 100 votes

@Bryan Clement I couldn't agree more with your observation. Staying consistent with a workout routine and at least somewhat decent diet has gone a long way in keeping my energy levels up. I think for me the key was actually to not be too strict or unrealistic with my goals. To start, I just said I'd work out 15 minutes 4 days per week. I know that sounds like nothing, but I've been doing it for a year now, and in fact most weeks I well exceed that mark. I keep the workouts short but intense (think burpees, kettlebells, etc.) On the other hand, if I'd said I'm working out 2 hours 6 days a week, I'd probably have stuck to it for 3 days and quit lol. In fact, the same goal-setting strategy can apply to many things (even real estate investing! lol) For diet, one big thing for me was actually just drinking more water. I chug a huge glass first thing in the AM and really make an effort to just stick to it all day. It's amazing how much more energized and awake you will feel just drinking enough water! For those who travel, I recommend getting some really light, travel-friendly workout gear (resistance bands, etc.) and Youtube search for hotel room workouts. You can find some great 15-25 minute workouts requiring little to no equipment! I don't even travel and I use these videos all the time.

I hope this helps.

19 Reply

See this reply in the discussion

115 Replies

Jump to latestLatest

Sort by

Andrew B.
Specialist · Denver, CO · Member since 2018 · 84 posts · 42 votes
7y
@Bryan Clement great observation. I am struggling with the same thing and have realized the same correlation. I travel a lot and that compounds the issue but I am trying to get myself committed to a better program. Hope others have some great actionable tips.
3 Reply
Samantha Miller
Real Estate Agent · Phila, PA · Member since 2017 · 126 posts · 100 votes
7y
@Bryan Clement I couldn't agree more with your observation. Staying consistent with a workout routine and at least somewhat decent diet has gone a long way in keeping my energy levels up. I think for me the key was actually to not be too strict or unrealistic with my goals. To start, I just said I'd work out 15 minutes 4 days per week. I know that sounds like nothing, but I've been doing it for a year now, and in fact most weeks I well exceed that mark. I keep the workouts short but intense (think burpees, kettlebells, etc.) On the other hand, if I'd said I'm working out 2 hours 6 days a week, I'd probably have stuck to it for 3 days and quit lol. In fact, the same goal-setting strategy can apply to many things (even real estate investing! lol) For diet, one big thing for me was actually just drinking more water. I chug a huge glass first thing in the AM and really make an effort to just stick to it all day. It's amazing how much more energized and awake you will feel just drinking enough water! For those who travel, I recommend getting some really light, travel-friendly workout gear (resistance bands, etc.) and Youtube search for hotel room workouts. You can find some great 15-25 minute workouts requiring little to no equipment! I don't even travel and I use these videos all the time.
I hope this helps.
19 Reply
Brian Garrett
Real Estate Investor · Palm Beach County, FL · Member since 2017 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
7y
I wake up every morning around 4:30-5AM and head straight to the gym.
I like to start my mornings with a good workout it sets the tone for my day.
I'm big into fitness and have many great workout programs I'd be happy to share.
18 Reply
Dennis M.
Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 9k+ votes
7y
One of the leading causes of fatigue is dehydration . Our American culture and lifestyle leaves us dehydrated . We drink coffee and pop instead of water . we never drink enough so we go around tired all day and just take pills to get energized instead
14 Reply
Max T.
Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
7y
@Bryan Clement My fitness is cyclical, just like real estate. I coach a high school wrestling team so during the season I am working out daily. The rest of the year not so much.
2 Reply
Jonathan Soto
Lender · Newark, NJ · Member since 2016 · 695 posts · 252 votes
7y
Always start your day off right and the rest of the day will be a breeze. I start my days with Miracle morning which includes workouts, this always jump starts my day for I can be active throughout. best of luck.
9 Reply
Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
7y
I often find myself too busy in the summer but I work out regularly during the fall, winter, and spring.
The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
Website View Page
1 Reply
Thomas S.
Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
7y
Diet is the key to good health. Normal every day activity is sufficient when tied to the proper diet and does not require a exercise regiment. Working out, although it is physical it is primarily a physiological exercise. The body does not require it to remain healthy with walking, bending and stretching associated with normal daily activities.
If you are living a sedimentary life style your diet needs to reflect that fact however additional walking should be added to maintain flexibility of muscles through increased blood circulation.
I do not view exercise for the sake of exercise as being a normal or required activity however given present day societies pension for electronic toys (all thing done on a couch by internet) and avoidance of having to participate in such activities as shopping it is possible that exercise solely for the sake of exercise may be necessary. With the continued rise of our electronic lifestyle it is possible over time that for a large portion of 1st world society the body may become unnecessary. :)
4 Reply
Account Closed
Rental Property Investor · Torrance, CA · Member since 2016 · 724 posts · 1k+ votes
7y
@Bryan Clement Almost every time I feel myself losing motivation I can trace it to the fact that I’m slacking in my diet and exercise. For me it’s essential to keep my mindset positive. If I stop working out and start eating junk my thoughts start to turn negative. The first day back in the gym is like a reset for my brain. I usually work 12 hour days and then have to fight LA traffic on the way home but I still find the time. It’s a big priority for me.
6 Reply
Account Closed
Lender · Pensacola, FL · Member since 2017 · 658 posts · 626 votes
7y
My bathroom scale is my motivator. I weigh myself the first thing every morning and if the number is too high, I take corrective action (eat less, move more).
I wasn't so disciplined in the past. My weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels got out of control. After a couple of mini-strokes, which are warning signs something really bad is about to happen, I started taking my health seriously. I made lifestyle changes after talking to my doctor.
I walk a couple of miles every day. Not only does it feel good, but I also notice things from the sidewalk I might miss while driving a car. For example, I see vacant homes and commercial buildings that have been on the market for months or years, which tells me the area might not be a good place for investment.
6 Reply
Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
7y
32 oz of water first thing.. then as much as i can drink during the day and especially if i am going on a long flight like today vegas to Philly 5 hours..
work out in hotels all decent hotels have a little gym some have really nice gym
during layovers I walk the terminals. like at Ohair I will walk the entire terminal takes a little more than an hour..
smaller airports a little tougher but i will do circuts..
my biggest problem is vendor dinners its always the nicest resturant in town best steak martini's great wine etc etc.
those are tough to dodge.. but just dont have desert.. LOL
I keep a 24 hour fitness account as well and will pop into those on the road or when i am doing my 6 months and a day in Vegas.. I used to play a ton of golf and always walked and packed my bag.. that along 130 rounds a year was good for 10 to 15 lbs.. on my frame.. but dont golf anymore so have to work out.
Podcast Guest on Show #222
JLH Capital Partners51 Review
Website View Page
3 Reply
Bryan Clement
OP
Rental Property Investor · Union, ME · Member since 2018 · 161 posts · 104 votes
7y
@Samantha Miller @Dennis M. I'll have to start drinking more water then! Guilty as charged with the coffee versus water thing. I also like the idea of setting small goals and building from there. @Max T. I was a wrestler in high school, those dudes are crazy in shape! Should probably get back to that level of fitness. @Jonathan Soto how do you like the miracle morning? It's on my book list but I haven't gotten to it.
1 Reply
Account Closed
Rental Property Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2018 · 133 posts · 171 votes
7y
Excercise to me is no different than eating or sleeping for maintaining optimal performance..... it's a requirement.
I get up every morning between 4:30-5:00 and do an hour of treadmill, elliptical mixed with weight lifting on certain days. And I have been doing that for years. I also walk at lunch. Getting up at that hour sucks and I hate it, but it is what it is until I no longer have to be at a job every day :(.
I don't make excuses or whine about it. Doesn't matter how many hours I am working or "I am too tired" or anything else. I just do it.
4 Reply
Andrey Y.
Specialist · Honolulu, HI · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
7y
Originally posted by @Bryan Clement:

Hello BP,
Recently I've noticed my motivation to do things is declining, and after a serious self-evaluation, I've come to realize that a lot of my lack of motivation has to do with my fitness and eating habits. Does anyone else notice a correlation between their physical condition or diet and their every day work success? What do you guys do to keep yourself focused and in the game? Thanks!
Absolutely. Diet and physical fitness are the KEYS to motivation, energy throughout the day, a general positive outlook, and confidence. A direct relationship. Diet has a much greater effect on body composition than working out so it affects what I've mentioned even more.
The only downside is, once you've been doing this consistently, you never want to stop. Let's say you're traveling and barbells or clean great food isn't available, you REALLY notice the negative effects while for a person who doesn't do this it's a moot point.
2 Reply
Kevin Taney
Member since 2018 · 10 posts · 20 votes
7y
Diet and exercise have a great effect on the body both physically and mentally. Being honest with yourself, the more you appreciate what the mirror is showing you, the better you will feel. Scientifically, we could delve into the body releasing endorphins and heart health and studies that prove certain diets and exercise produce a higher level of energy throughout the day.
Finding time for exercise is certainly difficult, which is why I am a big fan of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). If time is what's preventing you from exercising, I recommend HIIT workouts. They are interval workouts that typically last 15-25 minutes. They produce the same anaerobic response as lifting weights, thus enabling burning calories throughout the day.
To conclude, I believe in diet and exercise to support you physically and mentally which in turn will help your work performance. If timing is the issue, there are a number of reputable HIIT coaches free on YouTube with no equipment necessary. Everyone can find 15 minutes! I hope this brings you some value!
2 Reply
Mike Dymski
Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2016 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes
7y
I use my identity to keep me focused...and my identity is tied to exercise and eating decent (among other items). Living up to my own standards gives me happiness (and vice versa).
A mirror helps too...
7 Reply
Daniel HymanBusiness Member
CPA · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
7y
@Kevin Taney With a bunch of young kids at home I’m still trying to find elusive 15 minutes. Lol!
My Online Accountant572 Reviews
Website View Page
1 Reply
Fred Gonzalo
Englewood, NJ · Member since 2016 · 47 posts · 4 votes
7y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1mEVNsgUhU&t=687s
Exercise is a MUST!!! I have a basketball game tomorrow night..2 hours. Cant wait.. I think the motivation comes with exercise no matter how you feel..get up and go.. You will feel better afterwards... positive attracts positive...negative attracts negative.
0 Reply
Scott Sauter
Real Estate Agent · Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 8 posts · 8 votes
7y
@Bryan Clement For 1 week - go to the gym for 15min daily. No matter how good you feel, no matter how much you want to stay longer - leave after 15min. This conditions the mind into perceiving gym time = happy. Commitment is so minimal the brain starts to only associate positive feelings with gym. Neural operant conditioning - treat yourself as a Pavlovian dog & pretty soon your mouth will water just thinking about physical fitness.
4 Reply
Jonathan Soto
Lender · Newark, NJ · Member since 2016 · 695 posts · 252 votes
7y
Originally posted by @Bryan Clement:

@Samantha Miller @Dennis M. I'll have to start drinking more water then! Guilty as charged with the coffee versus water thing. I also like the idea of setting small goals and building from there. @Max T. I was a wrestler in high school, those dudes are crazy in shape! Should probably get back to that level of fitness. @Jonathan Soto how do you like the miracle morning? It's on my book list but I haven't gotten to it.
Great Book, was a life change for me. I stuck to it and I'm on day 402. The great habit has helped me with other parts of life. Make it your next read and give the routine a shot.
1 Reply
Bill F.
Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 3k+ votes
7y
@Bryan Clement I second all the great advice of drink more water less soda/coffee, focus on you your diet, and have a routine. Watching what you eat is far more important than what type and how much you exercise.
My only addition to this thread is find some exercise/activity that you enjoy doing. That will make it that much easier to do regularly. Not dreading your work outs is a huge plus.
I was in the military for 10 years and I can finally admit this now. I HATE running. With the fire of a thousand suns, I despise running. I'm really good a picking heavy things up and putting them down, but I had to run, so I did. I hated every minute of it, training for PT tests, group runs ect. Now that I'm out, there is no way on God's green earth you could convince me to run for exercise. I'm serious, someone make me an offer involving running and see what I'm willing to turn down.
All that being said, I've picked up biking this year and love it. I don't dread working out or hate the activity. I actually look forward to riding.
In addition to all the benefits of working out, I can clear my head, listen to podcasts(Plug for the BP podcast) or books, think about RE investing.
So try different types of activities to see what you like. Maybe its running, lifting weights, surfing, mountain biking, yoga....If you like it you are more likely to stick with it.
6 Reply
Bjorik Mutize
Real Estate Broker · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2016 · 530 posts · 398 votes
7y
@Bryan Clement I think it’s always important do do some kInd of physical to get the heart moving a few times a week and extra endorphins flowing. I get more focus and clarity. I try and lift weights 4 times a week and do cardio as well. Best thing about cardio on the bikes is you can read as well. :) Cheers
2 Reply
Holly Williams
Rental Property Investor · New York City · Member since 2014 · 208 posts · 271 votes
7y
@Bryan Clement Yes! Biking! I've lost 37 lbs over the last two-years. I love biking. Can't believe I didn't discover it until now. To boot, I often ride to work...it's a great way to start the day and save $$$ and traffic angst at the same time.
2 Reply
Aaron Taylor
Olathe, KS · Member since 2018 · 148 posts · 207 votes
7y
About 5 years ago I made the decision to do p90x and get myself in better shape. Ever since then I've made an effort to stay in shape to set a good example for my family and to feel better overall, losing weight can do wonders for all parts of your life.
Now I mainly do elliptical machine while playing on my xbox. Yes, I combine playing video games with exercise, makes it go WAY faster. In fact a couple weeks ago, I figured out the Costanza trifecta, I worked out on the elliptical machine while playing Forza Horizon 4 racing while listening to real estate podcasts. I'm always trying to combine multiple things together because honestly I don't have that much free. time.
6 Reply
John Lewis
Rental Property Investor · La Place, LA · Member since 2014 · 109 posts · 82 votes
7y
I'm a big believer in the idea of having 3 hobbies that keep you in shape, make money, and keep you creative. I didn't realize that was what I was trying to accomplish until hearing it on one of the podcasts and it clicked. Find a hobby that keeps you in shape and you enjoy doing and you'll see your focus and energy levels go up.
2 Reply

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.