Can physical fitness fuel business success? Entrepreneur highlights a portfolio that suggests yes

Max Schalow, a Dutch entrepreneur who has co-founded several businesses in the Netherlands, recently featured a post on LinkedIn with an intriguing graph that shows a unique portfolio, dubbed the “Gym Portfolio.”

The graph comprises companies led by CEOs who actively engage in weightlifting or combat sports.

According to Max’s data, this unconventional strategy has significantly outperformed the S&P 500, generating 140 per cent more returns over the last four years.

In his post, Max playfully linked the physical discipline of CEOs to financial success, hinting at a possible correlation. “Lifting weights = 💰💰💰,” he remarked, inviting his network to consider whether there might be a connection between the CEOs’ fitness routines and their companies’ financial outperformance.

The “Gym Portfolio” trend taps into the broader conversation about the impact of physical well-being on leadership and decision-making. It raises questions about whether there is more than just coincidence behind the striking performance of companies with fitness-focused leaders, and what lessons might be gleaned for the future of executive leadership.

While the idea may initially seem unconventional, the data does suggest that there may be something to be said about the focus, discipline, and resilience that comes with maintaining a rigorous physical fitness routine—traits that are often crucial in the world of business as well.

Is it time for more CEOs to hit the gym?