Why is Physical activity important in Trading?

by | Jan 14, 2026 | Forex Articles

physical fitness

Why is Physical activity important in Trading?

I wrote this post on Friday, 28th November 2025, for future relevance and journaling..

I thought about this post while working out in the gym. I usually go to the gym about 4 times a week, but I don’t spend more than 45 minutes, so I end up taking fewer breaks between sets. Usually, most days I feel energetic and feel good during workouts, but Today I didn’t feel like it. I probably spent 15 min max, did 3 workouts, and I said, ” That’s it”. When I got home and sat down in front of the charts, I felt so reckless, I felt like entering a position which didn’t make sense because I know my rules and I usually don’t enter on Friday. So that’s the most important one, I would only take the trade if it makes sense, and I think I will be able to meet the target by the end of the day.

While analysing all this, I realised my psychology isn’t in the right place. I have been waiting to take a position for a whole week, and even though I got in one, it isn’t going anywhere, so I was trying to end the week in green. Then I realised I didn’t even feel like working out at the gym, which means my mind isn’t in the right place and probably needs rest.

I go to the gym because it’s a change of environment, and I also feel good when I work out, whether it’s 20 min or 45. Marc also told me I need to go out often and take walks or go to the gym. Since COVID, more people are working from home and have the freedom to spend their time however they like, as long as the work is done ;). It’s almost the same, but you have more time to trade, which can be dangerous because you have more time to sit in front of the screens. It’s a Blessing, but learn how to grow into it by making mistakes along the way.

As you progress in your trading, you slowly understand that it’s not about the number of trades, but it’s about the quality of trades. This will keep you in the game longer.

Now comes the ChatGPT part, I asked  the Benefits of Physical Activity in trading and here’s what it gave:

Here are the key benefits of regular physical activity specifically for traders, whose performance depends heavily on mental sharpness, emotional control, and stress resilience:

🧠 1. Enhances Cognitive Performance

Trading requires fast thinking, pattern-recognition, and decision-making under uncertainty. Physical activity:

  • Improves working memory

  • Boosts executive function (planning, impulse control)

  • Speeds up information processing

  • Increases neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, improving focus

Even a 10–20 minute brisk walk can temporarily elevate mental clarity.

🎯 2. Improves Focus and Attention

Exercise increases blood flow to the prefrontal cortex — the area responsible for:

  • Concentration

  • Risk evaluation

  • Discipline

  • Avoiding impulsive trades

Traders often report fewer distractions and longer periods of deep focus on days they exercise.

😌 3. Reduces Stress & Emotional Reactivity

Markets are stressful. Physical activity helps regulate:

  • Cortisol (stress hormone)

  • Anxiety levels

  • Mood swings that can lead to revenge trading or FOMO

Regular workouts make you less emotionally reactive, allowing more rational trade execution.

💪 4. Improves Discipline and Consistency

Trading success depends on routine. Exercising:

  • Builds structured habits

  • Reinforces discipline

  • Strengthens the “follow-your-plan” mentality

The discipline developed in physical training often carries into disciplined trading behavior.

🛌 5. Enhances Sleep Quality

Better sleep = better trading. Exercise:

  • Increases deep sleep

  • Helps regulate circadian rhythms

  • Reduces insomnia caused by screen time and late-night market watching

Strong sleep improves reaction time, patience, and clarity.

🧯 6. Reduces Physical Strain From Sedentary Trading

Traders spend long hours sitting and staring at screens, leading to:

  • Tight hips

  • Neck strain

  • Lower back pain

  • Eye fatigue

Regular movement helps prevent chronic pain and increases long-term sustainability in trading.

📈 7. Improves Long-Term Trading Performance

A physically active trader is more likely to:

  • Stick to their trading plan

  • Avoid emotional overtrading

  • Handle drawdowns calmly

  • Maintain long trading sessions with sharp focus

In short, physical activity boosts both peak performance and resilience.

🧘 Suggestions for Traders

  • Micro-exercise: 5–10 min every couple hours (squats, stretching, core)

  • Pre-market workout: light cardio or strength training

  • Midday walk: resets the brain, reduces stress

  • Post-trade cooldown: breathing or mobility work

 

Hope this helps in understand why daily exercise is important.

650x60 100 Free training course 4

 

Kind regards

Ashley

 

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