Fitness at the Top: Why CEOs Need to Model Healthy Habits Amidst a Global Mental Health Crisis

In today's fast-paced and increasingly stressful corporate world, leaders face immense pressure, not only in running organizations but also in safeguarding their own well-being. With mental health concerns on the rise, there's a growing body of evidence that suggests physical fitness is not just a personal benefit but a business imperative—especially at the highest levels of leadership. The question arises: should a CEO’s physical fitness be a priority? The short answer is yes, and it’s time we prioritize it.

The Impact on the Bottom Line

Numerous studies have demonstrated the direct link between a leader's physical fitness and their company's performance. For instance, a decade-long study by Limbach and Sonnenburg (2015) (CEO Fitness and Firm Value (researchgate.net)) found that physically fit CEOs—those who have run marathons—are associated with higher firm profitability, improved cognitive functioning, and better decision-making capabilities. In contrast, another study by Biggerstaff, Cicero, and Puckett (2017) showed that golf-playing CEOs correlated with lower firm performance, making it clear that high-intensity physical fitness, not leisure sports, drives positive outcomes.

Fitter leaders have better stamina, more mental clarity, and sharper focus, especially during challenging moments like negotiations or high-stakes meetings. The evidence is undeniable—when CEOs take care of their physical health, they can think faster, make better decisions, and, ultimately, make more money for themselves and their shareholders.

Physical Fitness in the Mental Health Crisis

We’re living in a time where mental health is a crisis across the world. As the pressure increases on leaders to manage stress, promote well-being, and model healthy behaviours, fitness emerges as a vital tool for managing stress and improving cognitive function. CEOs who prioritize physical fitness are also more resilient to mental fatigue, more emotionally balanced, and better equipped to lead their organizations through turbulent times.

When leaders prioritize fitness, it sets a tone for the rest of the company. Healthy leaders make healthier decisions, create a more energized culture, and inspire others to take care of their well-being. The ripple effect is undeniable—improved employee engagement, lower absenteeism, and increased productivity.

3 Ways CEOs Can Model Fitness as a Leadership Norm

1. Integrate Workouts Into the Workday CEOs should lead by example, taking time out of their workday for physical exercise. This could mean scheduling a daily 30-minute run or a mid-day gym session. By openly prioritizing fitness, leaders show that well-being is valued at all levels of the organization. Employees will feel empowered to do the same, reducing burnout and increasing motivation.

2. Encourage Company-Wide Fitness Initiatives Some companies already recognize the benefits of fitness, organizing team-building events like marathons, Tough Mudders, or half-marathons. Leaders who actively participate in these initiatives send a clear message: health and productivity go hand in hand. Whether it’s incorporating fitness challenges or upgrading office spaces with stand-up desks and wellness resources, CEOs have the power to embed fitness into the company culture.

3. Promote a Culture of Well-Being Beyond individual habits, leaders can advocate for environmental changes that support fitness and health. Encouraging movement throughout the day, introducing wellness programs, or investing in better workplace conditions (e.g., better air quality, lighting, and ergonomic workstations) will result in higher attention spans, greater productivity, and increased loyalty from employees who feel cared for.

If CEOs want to be at their best—and want the best for their companies—they need to be fit, not just mentally, but physically. Physical fitness directly influences firm performance, mental health, and the overall corporate culture. As leaders, it's time to prioritize fitness as a valuable asset for ourselves and our organizations.