Before designing a program for an executive, Louis looks at three things: how well they sleep, their stress level, and how much energy they actually have during the day. It is these three factors—more than motivation or available time—that determine a person’s ability to train and make progress.
In a nutshell
- Sleep: Aim for at least 7 hours a night.
- Chronic stress: if not managed properly, it can lead to burnout, which the WHO has recognized as a work-related condition since 2019.
- Energy: Throughout the day, it depends primarily on sleep and stress, even more so than on the workout itself.
- A good schedule takes the manager's schedule into account—not the other way around.
Why start with sleep, stress, and energy?
A training program doesn’t work in isolation. An executive who sleeps 5 hours a night and goes from one stressful meeting to the next won’t recover properly, even with the best program. So before we talk about sets and weights, we need to understand the body’s starting condition. For an overview of our support for executives, see also our article on sports coaching for executives in Paris.
How many hours of sleep are needed?
Health authorities recommend at least 7 hours of sleep per night for adults. With less than that, physical recovery is incomplete, and cognitive functions (concentration, decision-making) begin to decline even before fatigue is clearly felt. For a manager, this often means days that seem longer but yield fewer results.
What does chronic stress do to the body?
Since 2019, the World Health Organization has classified burnout as a work-related phenomenon characterized by a depletion of energy, a growing mental detachment from work, and reduced professional effectiveness. Chronic, poorly managed stress also affects sleep, appetite, and recovery after physical exertion. This doesn’t have to be inevitable: regular physical activity is one of the strategies that can help manage it better—though it should not replace medical or psychological advice if the symptoms persist over the long term.
How does energy build up throughout the day?
Available energy depends first and foremost on sleep and stress levels—even more so than diet or exercise. Regular workouts, even short ones, help stabilize energy levels throughout the day rather than further depleting them. That’s why consistency matters more than intensity for this client profile.
How does a coach tailor the program to a executive's schedule?
The program should accommodate travel, busy weeks, and unexpected events—not the other way around. For executives based in La Défense or Courbevoie, see also our article on personal training near the office. The studio is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, allowing you to schedule sessions around your work commitments rather than adding yet another one.
How do I get started?
The first step is a 60-minute personalized assessment covering your goals, schedule constraints, stress levels, and sleep patterns. This assessment serves as the foundation for developing a realistic program. For package options, visit the Services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you exercise when you're under a lot of stress?
Yes, as long as you adjust the intensity. A moderate workout often helps relieve tension. On the other hand, a workout that’s too intense for an already tired body can add physical stress to the stress you’re already experiencing.
Does a lack of sleep hinder progress in training?
It slows down recovery and strength gains over time. A few occasional short nights don't make much of a difference; repeated sleep deprivation over several weeks, however, does.
Can an executive train effectively with a busy schedule?
Yes, with a schedule that takes real-life constraints into account: two set sessions per week are better than four scheduled sessions where every other one gets canceled.
Is exercise enough to reduce stress?
It helps, but it is only one factor among many (sleep, organization, professional support). If there are signs of established burnout, a medical or psychological evaluation is still necessary.
To learn more: sports coaching in Paris, or contact me.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FastStats: Sleep in Adults, accessed in 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data-and-statistics/adults.html
- World Health Organization, "Burnout: An 'Occupational Phenomenon'": International Classification of Diseases, 2019. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
- McKinsey & Company, " Sleep More, Work Better: Tips on Getting More Zzz's." https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organization/our-insights/the-organization-blog/more-sleep-could-impact-your-performance-tips-on-getting-more-zzzs
About the Author: Louis Fabre is a former tennis player (Roland Garros, NCAA Division I at Texas Tech) who holds dual master’s degrees in physical training and sports nutrition, with over 10 years of coaching experience and more than 2,000 clients.
