The Unexpected Link Between Working out and Business

People often ask me how I manage to balance my professional life with my passion for running. To many, the two seem unrelated—numbers and spreadsheets during the day, lacing up to hit the Gym at dawn. But for me, the two have always gone hand in hand. In fact, what I’ve learned through constantly working out has deeply shaped how I approach challenges in my career. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that while physical strength might help you get started, it’s mental endurance that keeps you going—whether you’re pushing through a tough gym class or a marathon or navigating a tough season in business.

Trainingg is more than just exercise to me. It’s a daily mental practice, a ritual that builds discipline, focus, and the ability to keep going even when I want to stop. These are the exact same traits I’ve leaned on in my work supporting real estate agents. Whether it’s a challenging market, a logistical headache, or a new initiative that demands long hours and patience, I’ve found that mental stamina is my most valuable resource.

Learning to Stay the Course

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned—both on the road and in the gym and in business—is that there are no shortcuts. You can’t fake endurance. You can’t talk your way through a race or tough workout you haven’t trained for, and you can’t wing it through professional responsibilities that require planning and resilience. You show up, day after day, even when motivation dips or things don’t go your way.

There were times early in my running life when I would push too hard too early and burn out. It didn’t take long for me to realize that success isn’t about who starts the fastest—it’s about who can sustain the effort over time. That idea mirrors so much of what I’ve experienced in my career. Growing a business, maintaining strong relationships with clients, and staying relevant in a competitive market all require long-term consistency. You need to pace yourself. You need to train your mind to embrace discomfort instead of avoiding it.

Building Mental Muscles

I believe that mental endurance is like a muscle—it grows the more you challenge it. Every time you push yourself in a workout , or when I don’t feel like getting out of bed, I’m training my brain to push through resistance. And the payoff goes far beyond a good workout. That same resolve shows up when I’m working through a complex issue at the office, or when I’m facing a long week of travel and meetings. Instead of becoming overwhelmed, I’ve learned to break things down, breathe through the stress, and trust that I can get through it one step at a time.

Of course, I’ve had moments of doubt. Every runner has hit what we call “the wall.” In business, too, there are days when the finish line feels invisible—when projects stall, when goals seem out of reach, or when outside pressures mount. But it’s precisely in those moments that mental endurance shines. Instead of giving up, you slow down, reset your thoughts, and keep moving forward.

Routine is the Secret Weapon

Something that has helped me develop mental strength is having a daily routine. I don’t just hit the gym when it’s convenient or when I’m in the mood. I work out because it’s part of who I am. The routine itself becomes an anchor. The same goes for my work schedule. There’s value in routine—not because it’s glamorous, but because it removes decision fatigue. I don’t waste energy deciding whether to work out or work through a task; I just do it.

There’s a certain freedom that comes from removing the option to quit. When you commit fully—to a training plan or a business goal—you stop negotiating with yourself. You stop looking for excuses. And once you get used to pushing past that inner resistance, it becomes easier to take on even bigger challenges.

Inspiration From the Unexpected

I find a lot of inspiration in watching others go through their own mental battles—especially in sports. As a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, I’ve seen my share of dramatic wins and crushing losses. But what sticks with me most is the way great players bounce back. It’s not just about skill. It’s about mindset. Players who show grit, who rise after setbacks, and who stay focused under pressure—they’re the ones who last.

That same grit is something I aim to bring into my daily work. Whether I’m helping agents access commission advances or working on process improvements behind the scenes, I’ve learned to value the slow burn over the quick win. You don’t need to be the flashiest. You just need to keep showing up.

At the end of the day, I’ve come to believe that mental endurance is the most important kind of strength a person can build. It’s what helps you stay grounded during chaos. It’s what lets you push forward when energy runs low. And it’s what separates those who burn out quickly from those who keep going, year after year.

Larry Weltman might be known for working with real estate professionals, but the foundation of that work—resilience, routine, and a strong mind—has been built one mile at a time. I don’t train and work out to impress anyone. I do it because it teaches me how to show up stronger in every part of my life. That’s the kind of strength I believe really matters.