The fitness-finance connection

by. Gabrielle Leach, Banking You Can Trust

Many people strive for the same goal—to have their scales weigh less and their wallets weigh more. But could improving ones physical fitness provoke positive signs fiscally? Recent studies have shown a connection between living a healthy lifestyle and managing healthy finances.

More Exercise = More Productivity

Increasing your daily exercise can lead to an increased performance at work allowing you better opportunities for raises and promotions. A study, published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM), illustrates that workers who engage in moderate exercise have higher work-quality and better job performance than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. According to the study, physically fit employees get along better with coworkers, take fewer sick days, and often perform more work, using less effort. This means that getting in shape could lead to increased productivity and career growth.

Less Doctor Visits

Getting sick can ruin your day and your budget. As healthcare costs increase, it is important to lower your risk by creating a healthy lifestyle and getting daily activity. Dr. Brian Martinson one of the JOEM study’s lead investigators, explains that the study showed that increasing physical activity to even moderate levels was associated with declines in annual health care charges of $2,000 on average. Exercise is also a known stress reliever and can reduce your risk of getting diseases that require long-term treatment (and long-term costs), like diabetes.

 

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