Walking Meetings: The Executive’s Secret Weapon: Combining Productivity with Movement
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In the modern corporate world, the "meeting" is the default unit of work. We bounce from one conference room to another, or from one Zoom call to the next, often spending six to eight hours a day tethered to a chair. We know that sitting for long periods is detrimental to our health, yet we feel like we have no choice. The work has to get done, and the work happens in meetings.
But what if you could change the venue without losing the value?
Enter the Walking Meeting.
At Legacy Fitness, we often talk about "NEAT" (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis), which is the movement you do outside of the gym. For a busy executive, the walking meeting is the ultimate "two-birds-one-stone" strategy. It allows you to maintain your professional output while simultaneously investing in your physical health. It is a secret weapon that can improve your creativity, your connection with your team, and your waistline.
Breaking the "Stagnant" Mindset
When we sit in a traditional meeting room, our bodies enter a state of stagnation. Our heart rate slows, our posture slumps, and our blood flow to the brain decreases. It is no wonder that by the third meeting of the day, we feel sluggish and uninspired.
When you stand up and start walking, everything changes. Your heart rate increases slightly, sending more oxygenated blood to your brain. This physical "spark" leads to better cognitive function. In fact, a study from Stanford University found that creative output increased by an average of 60% when people were walking versus sitting. If you are trying to solve a complex problem or brainstorm a new strategy, the best thing you can do is get moving.
The Power of Side-by-Side Communication
There is also a psychological benefit to walking meetings. In a traditional meeting, you are often sitting across a table from someone. This can sometimes feel confrontational or overly formal. It creates a "me vs. you" dynamic.
When you walk together, you are moving in the same direction, side-by-side. This shift in physical orientation changes the tone of the conversation. It feels more collaborative and less hierarchical. Many leaders find that their team members are more open, honest, and relaxed during a walk than they are in a sterile office environment. It builds a deeper level of trust and rapport that is hard to replicate in a cubicle.
How to Implement the Walking Meeting
You don't need to hike a mountain to have a productive walking meeting. Here are a few practical ways to start:
The 1-on-1 Walk: This is the easiest place to start. If you have a weekly check-in with a direct report, suggest doing it while walking around the block or through a nearby park.
The "Internal" Call: If you have a conference call where you are mostly listening or don't need to share your screen, put on your wireless headphones and take the call while walking. You don’t need to be at your desk to be present.
The "First 15" Rule: If a full walking meeting isn't possible, try spending the first 15 minutes of a meeting walking and then head back to the office to wrap up the "paperwork" or technical details.
Overcoming the "Logistics" Hurdle
Many people worry about taking notes. If a meeting requires heavy data entry, a walk might not be the best choice. However, for 80% of business conversations, brainstorming, status updates, and relationship building, you don't need a laptop.
Use the "Voice Memo" feature on your phone to capture key takeaways as you walk, or spend three minutes at your desk immediately after the walk to type up your notes while the ideas are still fresh.
Leading by Example
A "Legacy Leader" understands that their health and their team's health are vital to the company's success. By initiating walking meetings, you are signaling to your organization that you value movement and well-being. You are giving your employees "permission" to step away from their desks and take care of their bodies without feeling guilty.
This April, look at your calendar. Find one or two meetings each day that can be taken on the move. You will be amazed at how much better you feel, how much sharper you think, and how much your team appreciates the fresh air.
