5 Inspiringly Successful People Who Use Exercise To Boost Their Energy And Stay Disciplined

Exercise isn't only good for your health, it's also good for your career. If you want to make it in this world, you have to be comfortable with competition. You must constantly strive to be better and to rise above your own expectations.

It takes discipline to exercise, particularly when you're young and coming up in the world. There are so many distractions: new jobs,  significant others (or lack of one), parties, paying your bills (and student loans) on time.

A lot of young people who don't exercise seem to use the excuse that gyms are "too expensive" or they "don't have time" to work out. Well, you have to make the time, just as you would for an important assignment at work.

You have to be disciplined enough to get up 40 minutes early to go for that run, or to do those push-ups.

Even the smallest effort makes a world of difference over time -- and that's true for both your physical activity and your profession. Exercise provides you with the energy and stamina you need to last through the work week.

People who work out every day are hardly falling asleep at their desks by 3 pm. Instead, they have the drive to power through, like the final stretch of a long run where you find the strength to sprint until the end.

Fundamentally, entrepreneurship is a product of discipline, energy and drive. The mental focus it takes to push yourself forward during a tough workout is the same fighting spirit that will get you ahead in the world.

Some of the most successful people in the world have extremely regimented schedules, all of which are structured to accommodate their exercise routines:

President Barack Obama

President Obama was not always disciplined about exercise. He once admitted that he used marijuana quite a bit when he was younger:

Look, when I was a kid, I inhaled. Frequently. That was the point.

Yet, when he got older he realized the importance of exercise for purposes of both health and longevity. Now he works out for 45 minutes, six days a week, doing both strength and cardio routines.

He's also an avid basketball player; it's his favorite sport. He's proof that exercise doesn't just have to be about staying in shape, it can also be something that enriches your life.

 Oprah Winfrey

Oprah is one of the most successful women in history -- and she didn't get to where she is by sitting around all day. To get through her grueling schedule, Oprah does cardio six days a week.

She also understands the importance of fostering a healthy mind and spirit, which is why she meditates. Sound body, sound mind and vice versa.

Richard Branson

Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, is worth billions of dollars. He claims to get four additional hours of productivity each day as a result of his exercise routine.

Branson incorporates a variety of activities into his workout routine including Bikram Yoga, rock-climbing, running and weightlifting.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres is one of the most energetic comedians in the world. A great deal of that comes from the 60-to-90-minute power yoga routine she does every morning. Even funny people take their fitness seriously.

President Bill Clinton

When Bill Clinton was President, he used to drive his Secret Service detail crazy with his love of jogging. Apparently, he used to jog across the White House grounds about three days a week for around 40 minutes.

Because his body can't take the stress of running now that he's getting older, Clinton stays fit and energized by taking long walks on a regular basis. Staying active while you're still young ensures that you'll still have energy as you add on the years.

Exercise isn't just about looking good now, it's also about living a fulfilling life for many years to come.

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