The era of working from home, which became the norm during the pandemic, is evolving as professionals seek innovative ways to balance productivity and well-being. As remote work continues to reshape traditional office dynamics, a new trend is emerging – working from the gym.
Meet Mike Bliley, an attorney from Fairfax, Virginia, who has found a unique way to merge work and workouts seamlessly. Bliley spends two days a week at a coworking space nestled within a rock climbing gym. This unconventional workspace has not only changed his daily routine but also boosted his productivity.
“I feel like I can put in a day that’s 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. And I can get a lot of work done and also stay active and stay physically fit,” says Bliley.
The symbiotic relationship between work and physical activity is evident in his routine. Bliley explains that the climbing sessions act as a mental primer, infusing him with creative energy that translates into increased productivity during work hours.
Jeff Shor, the marketing director of Sportrock Climbing Centers in Alexandria, Virginia, believes that working from a gym can significantly enhance employee productivity. According to Shor, getting the blood pumping, reconnecting with one’s body, and experiencing physical sensations can effectively break the monotony of an intense, cerebral workflow, resulting in a recharged and productive workforce.
Bliley sees working at the gym as a form of self-care, an essential practice in today’s demanding professional landscape. “The biggest stressor that I’ve been dealing with over the last few years is just trying to find that semblance of work-life balance, which is famously not great for attorneys,” he acknowledges.
Working from a gym offers the added benefit of convenience. Bliley notes that it’s easier to fit in a workout when you’re already at the gym, eliminating the need for separate trips and time allocation. “Being able to get all of these leisure activities in a day where I wouldn’t be able to do so really helps with that balance,” he affirms.
Jeff Shor hopes that more people will embrace the idea of working from the gym, recognizing the transformative impact it can have on one’s overall well-being. “We should all think about how much of our lives are spent sitting in a kind of stagnating way and how the integration of movement into our lives can be really impactful and beneficial. And I find great value in it,” Shor asserts.
As the boundaries between work and personal life continue to blur, working from the gym represents a creative solution that addresses both physical health and work performance. While it may not be the choice for everyone, this emerging trend offers an intriguing perspective on the future of remote work, where well-being is at the forefront of professional priorities.
