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A colleague and I were talking last week about the work we both do providing coaching and leadership development to executives and their teams, and we agreed that today's corporate leaders are operating in what has to be one of the most challenging times we have seen - at least in our lifetime (and we've both been around awhile).

While their appears to be an upturn in the economy, hiring is still lagging the turnaround and leaders continue to be asked to do more (much more) with less resources. My colleague calls it "The Peanut Butter Effect". Leaders are really spread thin; they are being asked to take on more responsibility, manage more people, inspire their teams and continue to innovate.

The result is a population of corporate leaders who are stressed and stretched; who don't feel they are doing anything well; who are not feeling challenged or fulfilled in their jobs and who don't feel that they are supported in their careers. They would plan their exit strategy if they could but they are fearful to make a move in this weak job market - and who says it would be better anywhere else? They are corporate hostages - at least for now.

There are no easy answers on how to navigate through these difficult times, but I am absolutely certain of one thing: there has never been a better time to explore how the benefits of fitness can help you be more effective in your position, be a role model for your team and give you the competitive advantage you need in your professional and personal lives.

Fitness means different things to each of us; you don't need to launch a major program that requires several hours a week, gym memberships and the latest gear. Just make the commitment to yourself to start - with small steps, today, for you. The truth is - you can't afford not to.

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