Staying Active Is Crucial for Founders

In the image above is Ronnie Coleman, known as an 8x Mr. Olympia or, more affectionately among gym enthusiasts, as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). While I'm certainly not Ronnie Coleman, I can offer valuable advice on staying active as a startup founder. My credentials? I can still deadlift over 640 pounds, placing me in the top 0.01% of lifters.

Recently, I spoke with a fellow founder who noticed his health rapidly declining due to his startup. He believed he didn't have "time" to exercise. After listening to his story, I identified several misconceptions about staying "healthy."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcomplicating Workouts: He thought effective workouts required 3-hour gym sessions, optimized splits, and a personal nutritionist. I advised him to simplify: 20 minutes on a treadmill, followed by one machine each for chest, shoulders, and back, plus 3 sets of squats. Surprisingly, within two weeks, he felt better than he had in the past three months.
Assuming It's Expensive: Gym memberships often cost around $20 bi-weekly. For an even more budget-friendly option, try running outdoors.
Prioritizing Work Over Health: Remember, if you fall ill or face serious health issues, no amount of coding expertise – be it in Rust or TypeScript or C++ – will save you.

The Takeaway

You don't need to aspire to be the next Ronnie Coleman. However, every founder should prioritize fitness and activity. The positive changes you'll experience will extend far beyond your startup, impacting all aspects of your life.