Walks, gym sessions, and yoga: How do Malta’s top CEOs stay fit?

In order to steer a company towards success, a business leader has to be at peak performance, being ready to push themselves both inside and outside the office. This includes fitness.

Leading a business comes with hefty responsibility and the associated stress can and does take a toll on an individual’s physical and mental health. The benefits of physical exercise on an individual’s performance is well documented and uncontested.

And, while in the past there was less awareness about the need to ensure a healthy body and mind, in today’s world more business leaders have acknowledged the benefits from maintaining a steady fitness routine, making it an integral part of their daily routine.

In fact, as indicated through quick-fire questions first published in MaltaCEOs 2024’s print edition, the majority of local business leaders said they are staying fit one way or another.

Out of the 50 CEOs interviewed, 41 (82 per cent) said that they have a consistent exercise routine, ranging from daily walks to intense gym sessions.

The remaining 18 per cent stated that they do not have one in place at the moment, or simply do not have the time to exercise regularly.

Among the 41 who did say that they exercise, the most popular activities were walks, going to the gym, or relaxing yoga sessions.

AX Group CEO Michael Warrington noted that he goes on daily one-hour walks, which are then followed by more demanding workouts at the weekend.

“I started weightlifting a few months ago and I’m enjoying the challenge,” datalitiks CEO Ana Rubio said.

Bank of Valletta plc (BOV) CEO Kenneth Farrugia stated that he maintains a balance of different activities, ranging from high-intensity training, to walking and swimming.

There were others who practiced different sports, including MAPFRE Middlesea CEO Javier Moreno Gonzalez, who opted for a combination of padel, tennis, and biking.

Certain respondents also pointed out that they tend to get their fitness fix pretty early in the day, often before heading to the office to start their workday.

When speaking to MaltaCEOs.mt earlier this year, fitness trainers and health specialists backed early morning workouts, stating that many successful entrepreneurs opt for 5am or 6am exercises, as it is a time during which nobody will disturb them. It also enables them to get their daily exercise session out of the way.

Andrea Cassar, CEO at Cassar Marine Group, commented that she goes to the gym twice a week, while also trying to have 15-minute yoga sessions in the morning.

At the end of the day, each business leader has to go for the option that works for them and their schedules.

Effective time management is a key part of being a business leader, yet this should also include dedicating time to prioritise one’s physical and mental health. By doing so, business leaders are enhancing their productivity, creativity, and resilience.