Office or Remote? Your Workout Style Might Hold the Answer
There are two versions of me when it comes to fitness: the one who drags her feet about putting on sneakers and getting to an exercise class, and the one who has to dig deep to push further on a solo run.
Both experiences challenge me in different ways, and they perfectly mirror the difference between working in an office and working remotely.
The Hardest Part is Getting Out the Door
Working in an office is like going to a workout class. The toughest part? Just getting there. The commute, the prep, the act of showing up—it requires commitment. But once you’re in the space, the structure takes over. The instructor calls the shots, just like a manager sets the pace. There’s built-in accountability—colleagues, meetings, a rhythm to the day that keeps you moving forward. Even if you’re not feeling 100%, the collective momentum pulls you along.
The external structure of an office is a powerful force. Just like an instructor cues the next move, an office environment cues the next action—the next call, the next pitch, the next deal. The energy, the competition, the conversations—it fuels progress in a way that’s hard to replicate alone.
The Solo Run of Remote Work
Now, contrast that with remote work—the independent run. No one is telling you to pick up the pace. No one is watching your form. The challenge isn’t getting started; it’s keeping yourself accountable when no one else is around.
Remote work gives you flexibility, autonomy, and control, but it demands a different level of discipline. You set the goals. You determine when to push harder. Some days, it’s effortless—you hit your stride, deep in focus, crushing your goals. Other days, it’s a grind—every email, every decision feels like an uphill battle. Without the external pressure of an office, the drive has to come from within.
Which One Wins?
Neither office work nor remote work is inherently better—just like neither an exercise class nor a solo run is superior. It depends on how you operate and where you perform best.
Some people thrive in an office, where energy and competition fuel their drive—just like some perform best in a high-intensity workout class where the instructor pushes them beyond their comfort zone. Others excel in the quiet autonomy of remote work, where they can run their own playbook, uninterrupted—the ultimate self-starter, just like the elite runner who sets her own pace and finds her own breakthroughs.
The Hybrid Advantage
The real win? It depends entirely on the individual.
Some people thrive in an office environment, energized by collaboration and structure. Others vow never to return, embracing the freedom and autonomy of remote work.
For many, the best approach may be a hybrid one.
Just like balancing structured workouts with solo runs, many professionals and companies are embracing a mix of office and remote work. The office provides structure, energy, and accountability. Remote work offers deep focus and flexibility. The key is knowing when you need which environment and leveraging both to maximize performance.
Whether you’re lacing up for a run or heading into a class, logging into Zoom or walking into the office, the goal is the same: show up, push your limits, and keep moving forward.
Progress isn’t about where you work—it’s about how you work.
