If you work out regularly, then it’s no secret to you that getting physically fit takes effort, discipline, and most importantly, the drive to better yourself. Sticking to a fitness plan, no matter how structured, certainly isn’t easy, which makes it that much more rewarding when you push yourself and reach the goals you carefully laid out and followed for yourself.
From participating in triathlons to the occasional jog through the park, moving your body regularly is incredibly important in the long run for your health—both physically and financially. In addition to the multitude of health benefits that come with being fit, working out has been proven to have a positive effect on your finances in the long run. You might be scratching your head, curious how in the world fitness benefits your finances, but it actually adds up in many ways.
Think about it: opting for a healthy lifestyle means opting for healthier choices in other aspects of your life besides fitness. When you put the work in at the gym to get healthy, fit, and strong, you don’t want to blow your progress on one-too-many beers on a Saturday night. While Happy Hour after work a few times a month is innocent enough (and even encouraged), after committing to a healthy lifestyle you realize there are much better ways to spend your time and money than out at bars every night of the weekend.
Regularly moving your body obviously leads to improved physical health, which comes with many more benefits than dropping a few pant sizes and gaining toned arms. It also means less frequent doctor’s visits, less expensive medication required to treat chronic health issues, and improved eating habits. Considering the staggering statistics associated with healthcare in the U.S., like the fact that the average American spends $5,000 annually on health-related costs, it’s a no-brainer that getting fit makes good financial sense.
Another surprising way that fitness can improve the health of both your wallet and yourself is in the area of productivity. Those who exercise regularly can earn up to 10% more than their sedentary coworkers, and are on average much more productive at work. This can lead to raises, better opportunities, and improved work performance; all because of fitness!
Not to mention how getting your finances in order leads to better performance in overall goals, including in the area of fitness. In fact, 81% of survey takers say that once their finances were in order, other goals instantly seemed easier and more attainable. Once your finances have been sorted out, taking on other challenges (like fitness!) feels easier than ever. Try using this as an incentive to get your debt paid off or financial habits improved the next time you’re feeling unmotivated.
It’s important to remember that just like improving your finances, getting fit takes commitment and overall dedication to improvement. While sticking to good habits, both physically and financially, might be tricky and difficult at first, just like with any goal keep the end result in mind. A happier, stronger, better you that makes better lifestyle and financial decisions could be right around the corner with a little hard work and dedication.
The team at Intuit Mint has put together a visual of eight data-backed ways that fitness has a positive effect on your finances (and vice versa). Keep in mind that both financial and physical fitness takes time, so don’t get discouraged and down on yourself if you aren’t rich and ripped after a week. The first step is the hardest part, after all!
Infographic source: blog.mint.com
