[IMGCAP(1)]Business professionals–just like everyone else—get excited and love to tell everyone in the office about their amazing workout. They are simply ecstatic when they get their butt kicked by their rigorous regimen. Of course, there is much pride in finishing difficult workouts—I have been guilty of patting my own back plenty of times. Regardless of the workout intensity (though I believe intense workouts to be much more beneficial than long walks on the beach—or in between cubicles), it’s what happens between your workout sessions that are important. It’s the post-workout routines that determine your fitness-related results. This is where all the fat burning, muscle growth and weight loss happens.
Post-Workout Rebuilding
The cardiovascular demands, breakdown of muscular tissue, and hormonal responses of a workout are directly correlated to its intensity. The harder you work, the greater the disruption to your body’s homeostasis. In layman’s terms, this means that more time and energy is required to return your body to its normal function. This crucial rebuilding process is where fitness-related results actually occur. It does not happen during the workout, since this only represents the initial breakdown. What happens after your workout is much more important than what happens during.
Optimal Nutrition
That post-workout shake in your hand has more importance than you think. After intense bouts of physical movement—a.k.a. “working out” (yes, this is my one allotted smart-ass moment)—your body requires vitamins, minerals and nutrients to rebuild the broken-down muscle tissue. The faster your body receives this recharging fuel, the faster it can get you back to normal function.
Rest & Relaxation
Your career, relationships, and other lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption and food choices, can cause the release of the stress hormone
Luke Sniewski currently works as a CPA and fitness consultant. He works by weaving the health and wellness world with the business professional world. Working with companies and business professionals, his organization, LEAF, teaches the PAIN CPE course series that aims to improve the overall quality of life through the implementation of proactive lifestyles. Visit