I have been working in social media now for a while, and I see marketers, professionals, influencers, and even “self proclaimed gurus” state they have certain secrets for being productive and successful in the industry.
I will tell you something that is absolutely free of course!
My secret has been simple: exercise.
I know this sounds pretty broad, but it is true. I have been preaching for the last 10+ years on how this has benefited me not only as a track and field athlete in college and high school, but has continued in my journey into academia. I have even shared this w/ my students in my social media class.
Why should we consider this to be a secret to being productive and why now?
Mental health is so important. We have heard a lot (and I mean A LOT) about the role social media has played when it comes to mental health. This is a topic that has come up in discussions amongst professors, students, and professionals.
Having balance is critical. We have seen of course the hustle culture come and go, and there are professionals who say if you are not working 24/7 – you are not working hard enough. You have got to have some balance in store here – there is a time and place to be focused in your work, but there are times where you have to treat yourself and make sure you are enjoying life and what it has to offer.
Exercise teaches you humility, focus, and dedication. Exercise is not only physical in nature, but it is truly a mental task as well. When you are not feeling 100%, you want to quit or feel you are in a situation where the pressure is on and you have to perform – it all comes down to mental stamina and preparation. These are all important levels of experiences and skills needed in our industry.
So, you may be asking yourself – okay, Karen – why Orange Theory? I took my first class with my older sister Kristin in December 2017 when I was visiting her and my brother-in-law Scott out in Washington D.C. I thought I was in good shape (I had been exercising pretty much every day since I retired from track), but Orange Theory was at another level. I thought I was going to die!
However, I realized after going to a few classes – this was the PERFECT fit and exercise outlet for me as a professional working and teaching in social media for a variety of different reasons, such as:
Orange Theory classes are different every day, like social media. You never get the same class once – and you have to respond, adopt, and embrace the change each class you attend. This is the same in social media. We have to train our minds to be adaptive, so why are we not doing the same for our bodies in our exercise routines? We have to make sure we have balance here.
Persistence and dedication are both prominent in Orange Theory classes. You have to be able to push yourself to the next level – whether it is extra weight, incline or an increase in your speed on the rower or treadmill – it shows you (and no one else) has to push yourself. This takes mental strength to do this, but if you able to do this physically, you can do this as well mentally in your work.
It makes you focus on the task at hand. I have never been a person that has stared at a computer screen for hours with nothing written, or have worked all day without a break. I’ve always made sure to take breaks, but the time I do work – I have to be 1000% focused on the task at hand. Each Orange Theory class is 60 minutes (unless you want to do the 90 minute class – which is pretty brutal!) – and you have to have your full attention span focused on the exercises and workout at hand.
You can build it into your schedule. This has been so nice to have – I know exactly when I am to go and exercise without any extra effort in store. The hardest part of course is getting to Orange Theory – but then it is easy. Their classes work with my schedules and so I make sure to plan out accordingly when I am at my best for my work and classes/consulting and research, and when are the best times for me to workout. Even in my busiest times where I have multiple things going on – I always make time to exercise and take a class at OTF.
Orange Theory does a great job on social. I have found they have done a great job w/ their branding, customer relationships, user generated content, and other things they create and share on social. It’s been nice to see how they have become a global brand and who all is working out there.
I do think there is a HUGE opportunity to partner with events, conferences, and gatherings where their customers are located. I could see them doing some cool activations in places like SXSW and Cannes Lions. OTF – you have a TON of professionals working in social who would love to chat w/ you and discuss this further (hint, hint – I am one of them!).
In summary, whether it is Orange Theory or another gym or fitness program, I think exercise is the #1 secret I know many professionals and friends I know take advantage of to help them create balance in their work and personal lives. Exercise for me has been part of my life for nearly 20+ years, and it has been very helpful for me to keep things balanced as well.
It will be nearly two years since I have joined Orange Theory, and each day I love it even more. Well, perhaps not the endurance days – even though I am no longer a thrower, running is still not my favorite thing to do! But – it does work!
Major S/O to the St Matthews location in Louisville for being amazing and super supportive! They are the best!
If you do have any questions about OTF, let me know! Happy to chat and share more about my experience w/ them. Do know that the first class is free w/ them and they have a range of different packages they offer as well.
Have a great day!
Best Wishes,
