Well, if it’s good enough for Richard Branson... Richard Branson’s number one secret to productivity is to keep fit and exercise. Tim Ferris wrote in his book The Four Hour Body about a brainstorming session where Branson was asked, “How do you become more productive?” Branson leaned back, thought for a second and said, “Work out.”

He says that working out gives him at least four additional hours of productive time every day. I don’t know about you but I could certainly use extra hours in my day.

I played a lot of rugby during my 20s and never had to worry about my weight. When I substituted rugby for sailing in the late 80s I found that I piled on the pounds and have wrestled with my weight over the last 20 years.

I decided in 2004 that I had to make fitness part of my work life and ever since then I have religiously exercised three times a week.

I started by going to the gym but I found that after a few years that I became bored with the routine. Three years ago I took up running and although it is not a pretty sight I can be seen “Pounding the piers” (as described by my Newstalk colleague Tara Duggan) of Dun Laoghaire very early on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday mornings.

Personally, I’ve come to know and appreciate that exercise improves my energy levels, helps me sleep better and really increases my focus and my concentration at work.

We all work hard to get ahead – exercise is one sure fire way that I know to get that vital edge. That is why I have learned to make the time to ensure I’m incorporating exercise into my daily routine.

It is a continuous battle to stay in shape. I work out in the gym one morning a week and I run 3x10Ks every week without fail.

I try to sail on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons so I now have some form of exercise built into my life every day of the week. I find it really helps me to clear the cobwebs and get set up for the day - I know no better way for me to clear my head. Exercise gives you a fitter body and a sharper mind.

My biggest challenge continues to be “keeping out of the fridge” particularly after a long day I find that I often overeat in the evenings.

This along with my liking for a couple of pints over the weekend continues to be my greatest obstacle. But we have to live too don’t we!

If you want to get ahead in business it’s so important to make time to exercise – it’s not just going to boost your health and happiness, it’s going to increase your productivity. Want to get started? Here are my top tips for finding a routine and sticking with it:

• Find something you love to do. Once you find something that you love to do, something you really enjoy, exercise becomes a pleasure. For me its running, cycling and sailing competitively

• Schedule the time. Treat this like a business meeting. Commit to a time, put it in the diary and don’t cancel.

• Don’t make excuses. Notice if you find you’re making excuses or reasons not to exercise. Don’t think about it, just get it done. You will be glad you did.

• When you’re working, work hard. Once you’re training / running / working out give it 100 percent. There’s no point in doing a half assed job!

• Be in the moment. Use this as an opportunity to develop your mental clarity and be in the moment. Exercise and physical activity can be a wonderful way to get out of your head and focus the mind.

• Set Goals. If you’re competitive like me setting goals is a great way to keep yourself motivated and to monitor your progress.

• Change it up. Getting bored with your current routine? Try something new. We all need a little change every now and then. Trying new things is good for our mental development, and most importantly it’s fun.

Don’t believe me? If you’re not convinced that exercise can boost productivity don’t just take my word for it. Here are some of the proven benefits – try it for yourself and see.

• Exercise increases blood flow to the brain making you more alert.

• Improved physical health gives you more stamina to meet the demands of your job.

• Regular exercise has a positive impact on mental health. Serotonin helps you sleep better, improves your state of mind and helps you deal with the stresses of work.

• Regular exercise reduces your chance of developing illness and disease. That means less sick days!

• Exercise gives you energy – the more exercise the more energy you feel.

The early morning sight of a big lad like me pounding the pavement might not be a pretty sight, but it makes me feel great and as my wife Mary says - I’m built for comfort not for speed!

Read more advice from Bobby on www.bobbykerr.com - and hear him live on Down to Business from 11am, every Saturday on Newstalk.

Highlights, podcasts and more blog posts can be found on the show's page.