I work out all the time, and the ONLY time I allow my hair to influence my workout is the day before my relaxer so I don't burn. I feel more confident from my body being on point than I do from my hair being on point (not that you have to choose, because I strive for both, but if I have to choose, I choose my body every day). I have family members with health issues from being overweight, so I am very food/exercise conscious. Plus, I too am in the military, so my hair is back 5 days/wk anyways.
I thought the article was interesting, though...I think both her hairstyles are professional...white women have curly hair and go into the boardroom, so why is our hair unprofessional when it is curly? If she hadn't pointed out that her hair was different, I actually would not have thought anything about it. Neatness and natural color, in my opinion, is what determines if it is "professional" or not, not curly or straight.