Exercising Could Save You $2,500 A Year

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If you add up every fitness class and Equinox membership on top of accompanying organic grocery receipts, you may imagine crying into your empty bank account statement before heading to McDonald’s and crying into a large fry and chicken nuggets. Despite these fears, you actually save money exercising. In fact, according to the New York Times, you could save up to $2,500 a year.

No, this isn’t a ploy to get you to do more squats, though we’re happy to push you along however we need to. The Lancet conducted a study in which data from 142 nations were compiled based on time lost from work, insurance claims, health care billing and other costs.

Adrian Flores

The study concluded that inactivity literally costs the world economy approximately $68 billion per year in medical expenses and lost productivity, the United States absorbing $28 billion of the total cost.

After analyzing how much individuals were paying in health care costs per year, The Lancet found that individuals who met basic exercise guidelines paid $2,500 less. That is insane.

Essentially, they found that people who exercised regularly were healthier and were less likely to develop heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer or other long-term illnesses. This is not new information; in fact, this serves a reminder of how truly easy it is to avoid excess health care costs. Let this be a true motivator.

Whatever gets you on your feet to exercise, go for it. Lean into what drives you. But we’ll be the first to admit that $2,500 is enough of a reason for us to run to the gym ASAP.