The Healthy Trader, Part 2

Trading can be a lifelong profession. The physical demands are minimal, but the alertness and analysis are critical.

You are trading other traders and market makers. You need to be at least as mentally fit as your competitors, and a vibrant body is a bonus. Along with a clear mind, as described in Part 1 of this series, a solid physical structure is certainly an advantage. In that previous article, I laid down my three characteristics for traders to emphasize for a healthy professional trading experience:

1. A clear mind.
2. A vibrant body.
3. Consistent energy levels.

For the most part, this is a seated profession, although standing desktops are available. Either way, traders aren’t expending much physical strain tapping on a keyboard. The risk factors for seated professions are now well documented, and you may have heard that sitting is the new smoking when it comes to health risk factors.

While this is not the best place, due to space constraints, to describe a regular workout routine, some physical exercise on a regular basis is highly suggested. I personally weight train my whole body. It’s something I have grown up with and it’s rather routine for me.

It’s important to train your overall body in some fashion. Getting outdoors is a bonus! Walking, biking, hiking, gardening, and a host of other activities are all great, and the one you like the most will likely be your best candidate. That is the one you will persist in.

Regardless of which activity you choose, be sure to address your entire body, with emphasis on your core around your midsection. Back pain from seated professions is rampant. The more your abdominal obliques and spinal intrinsic muscles are developed, the fewer back problems you will have.

One easy way to consistently work on your core abdominal muscles is an exercise ball right next to your trading desk. I’ve had one next to me for years. A few minutes’ break on the ball will be refreshing. While planks and other ball exercises are easily found online, one essential every day is simply stretching to relieve the forward-flexed posture accentuated by seated professions.

A few minutes of extending your back over a ball relieves the tension built up from sitting in a flexed position for extended periods of time. You will eventually find you look forward to getting on the ball every day, as it is very refreshing!

So there you have it, nothing complicated. Get some full-body exercise in regularly, and have a ball next to your trading platform that will entice you to take a few minutes for your health now and then.

Enuf said.