Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is a current, and growing, problem across the United States for its impact on personal health and corresponding workplace and personal performance. Metabolic syndrome encompasses conditions related to diabetes, obesity, and negative blood lipid profiles. In an attempt to investigate and propose a real-world solution to metabolic syndrome, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between vigorous activity participation (a known effective combatant of metabolic syndrome) and servant leadership. The quantitative investigation was performed to provide empirical evidence for health care professionals, coaches/trainers, and community and organizational leaders to further develop programs, recruit participation, and foster environments that promote positive cognitive outcomes and physical activity behaviors in the daily lives of individuals. The variables of vigorous activity and servant leadership characteristics were collected, compiled, and studied for a possible relationship through statistical correlations in a local population. While a directional relationship between the variables was not able to be established, it leaves open other possibilities for the successful implementation of physical activity in today’s personal and professional environments. The gathered evidence supports a number of possible solutions. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to continue asking about physical activity as a vital sign. Coaches and trainers are encouraged to promote physical activity participation through holistic benefits and shift away from promotion through aesthetics. These fitness professionals are also encouraged to lower barriers of entry into physical activity. Community and organizational leaders are encouraged, irrespective of leadership style, to create and foster environments that promote physical activity by cultivating healthy cultures and removing barriers for physical activity participation.