How Runtastic’s CEO Stays Fit Despite a Busy Schedule

Meetings, business trips and little free time. Despite all this, Runtastic CEO Florian Gschwandtner manages to squeeze in a workout almost every day. And it really pays off: “I believe that it makes you better, stronger and more focused in life and at work, “ emphasizes Gschwandtner. In this interview, the CEO reveals when he finds time to exercise, what his fitness goals are and what he is particularly proud of.

What does being fit mean to you?

Being fit is not a destination, it’s a way of life. To be honest, I can’t imagine not being fit. Knowing that your body and mind are working properly is more than just a good feeling. But in all fairness, I also have to say this doesn’t mean you have to exercise every day. I believe a good balance is what matters. I know for myself if I go a few days without exercising or I eat something really unhealthy, I have to – and want to – do something to make myself feel good again.

What do you do to stay fit?

The proper combination of exercise and nutrition is the key to staying fit. Since I have to travel a lot for work, I always pack my running shoes. Bodyweight training is also essential for success. There isn’t a hotel room small enough that you can’t do a few push-ups and sit-ups (of course, always with Runtastic apps). I’m convinced that 5 minutes of exercise is a thousand times better than doing nothing at all.

But in terms of the specific question, I go running two or three times a week. Mostly short distances between 5 and 10 km and then I hit the gym two or three times a week. There, I either work out with weights or do bodyweight exercises with Runtastic Results. My workouts never last very long and I’m almost always done in 60 minutes.

When and how do you find time in your schedule to work out?

I get asked this question a lot. It’s really easy. For all those people who say they can’t find time, either get up an hour earlier in the morning or go out for a run in the evening instead of sitting on the couch. I go for an early morning run once or twice a week. Between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. and I get a great jump on the day.

I also recommend exercising before difficult meetings and/or negotiations. In my experience, this makes you better, stronger and more focused during the meeting.

And when you are traveling?

Like I said, I always pack my running shoes in my suitcase, you can do push-ups anywhere and the rest is gravy. Another benefit of running is that it’s a great way to explore a new city or region.

How do you deal with training so much? Have you ever had any problems?

Like everyone else, I get the odd pain here and there. For instance, in 2016, my knee wasn’t a hundred percent fit and so I had to take a break from running. Since then, I’ve been going to physical therapy once a month. It has helped a lot. I also think it is important to take rest days and treat your body to a massage once in a while (even if I don’t get to enjoy one very often).

What about warming up and stretching – are they important to you?

Stretching is an important keyword. I try to stretch at least twice a week. I have also learned that warming up plays a big role. I never used to warm up because I never thought anything could happen to me. And then my shoulder started to ache, I got a sharp pain in my arm, etc. Since then, I warm up for at least five minutes, and I always take the first set easy. And then things usually go well.

What are you particularly proud of?

I’m proud that I can show that it is possible to stay fit and find time for exercise despite a busy schedule. Plus, I’ve set myself two goals for this year: first, to run 10 km in less than 40 minutes – which I’ve already achieved – and second, to run a total of 650 km – which I just completed in August. So, things have been going well, but I’m going to keep pushing on into fall and winter 🙂

What are your top 3 workout songs?

• Dreams (Will Come Alive) – Louis Bailar & Dimitris Kops Remix
• Wake Me Up – Avicii
• Red Lights – Tiesto

Can you name 3 exercises you can do that not everyone else can?

1. Pistols (one-legged squats)

2. Sit-to-handstand

3. Superman push-up

Florian’s personal bests

• 5K: 19:11 minutes
• 10K: 39:51 minutes
• Push-ups: 115
• Pull-ups: 25

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