Mischa Sigtermans

Thoughts
· Health

How working out 5 times a week has changed my life

This simple realization changed everything about how I approached workouts. Trust me, it's so easy—you can start doing it today.

I used to be an inconsistent fitness enthusiast. I struggled with erratic workout habits, citing busy work schedules and lack of consistency. My turning point came from recognizing that when I worked out, I used to experience bursts of energy and increased productivity.

The key insight involved shifting focus from results-oriented goals (weight loss, strength) to making the gym visit itself the primary objective. This mirrors how I learned to manage perfectionism: systems over outcomes. This allowed me to track daily progress directly rather than waiting for visible physical changes.

Current benefits I've experienced

  • Enhanced alertness and mood
  • Improved productivity (completing 8-hour tasks in 6 hours)
  • Better impulse control
  • Visible fitness improvements despite prior struggles

My workout structure

  • Monday-Wednesday: Push, Pull, Legs splits
  • Thursday: Rest (sometimes HIIT)
  • Friday-Saturday: Upper body and Legs
  • Sunday: Rest
  • 5-7 days weekly training

Additional practices

  • Strict dietary tracking via MyFitnessPal
  • Calorie management (3200kcal bulking phase to 2000-2200kcal cutting phase)
  • Accountability partner meeting daily at 10 AM
  • Post-workout routine of dressing for work

I emphasize the importance of consistency, having a workout buddy for accountability, and keeping the routine simple for sustainability.

thanks for reading

Hi, I'm Mischa. I've been Shipping products and building ventures for over a decade. First exit at 25, second at 30. Now Partner & CPO at Ryde Ventures, an AI venture studio in Amsterdam. Currently shipping Stagent and Onoma. Based in Hong Kong. I write about what I learn along the way.

Keep reading: Stagent and Artwin join forces for the future of bookings.

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