Physical fitness means different things to different people. Physical fitness is defined as “a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity”. It includes muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardio respiratory endurance, body composition and flexibility. Physical fitness is generally achieved through exercise, correct nutrition and enough rest. It is an important part of life.
What we consider “exercise” today is really a natural part of life, but in our current world, we have to make a conscious effort to make it part of our daily routine. Just a few generations ago, walking was a major form of transportation! Our evolution from hunters and gatherers, who walked to get from one area to another, to a sedentary automobile/train/plane civilization has forced us to look at exercise in a different way.
According to the Franklin Institute, “walking is especially good for your brain, because it increases blood circulation and the oxygen and glucose that reach your brain. Walking is not strenuous, so your leg muscles don’t take up extra oxygen and glucose like they do during other forms of exercise. As you walk, you effectively oxygenate your brain.” The research suggests this is why walking can “clear your head” and help you to think better.
The benefits of physical exercise are well-known: greater life expectancy, lowered risk of sickness and disease, greater energy and endurance, reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, improved quality of work, reduced insurance costs and many others. Less often noted is the direct connection between physical exercise and leadership. One of the obvious places to find that direct connection is in the military. But, Physical fitness is a key to leadership, and not just for soldiers.
There is a growing interest among corporations in improving management and employee muscle. More and more organizations are establishing physical fitness programs for their managers and employees every day. There was a study which focused on finding the personality and behavioral changes which result from improved physical fitness. The results indicate that improved physical fitness can significantly affect the individual in terms of changes in personality and behavior. The changes also appear to have a significant positive effect on individual leadership traits.
In conclusion, there is an inseparable connection between physical fitness and leadership. So why not include these programs in the schools which will help in creating leaders?