How Much Money Do You Spend to Exercise?

Every year, the US spends $19 billion on gym memberships. For the 64 million Americans that have these memberships, that’s about $300 per year for the average gym goer. 

BUT, if you use your gym membership regularly, this expense is actually a positive investment in both your financial and personal health. The American Heart Association performed a study that showed that inactive lifestyles cost the world $68 billion per year in healthcare costs, of which $28 billion are incurred in the US alone.

A lot of these expenses directly go to governments and companies, but we indirectly pay for these costs through taxes or sales prices. Putting governments and corporations aside, the American Heart Association study showed that just by walking for 30 minutes per day for 5 days a week, you save $2,500 per year out of your own pocket on healthcare-related expenses. 

This is exactly why health insurance companies will give you a discount on your insurance if you lead an active lifestyle. This insurance discount just adds on to the $2,500 you already saved in healthcare costs, so paying $300 for an annual gym membership is definitely worth the savings.

How Can You Save Money While You Exercise?

Stay Motivated

Gym memberships only save you money on healthcare costs IF you use the gym regularly. If you’re much more motivated when you’re at a more expensive gym, it’s probably worth it to pay more for your membership to ensure you’re seeing all the long-term financial and health benefits. 

Reduce Your Transportation Costs

Ideally you can find a gym that you can walk, run, or bike to. Then you can avoid all transportation costs, PLUS exercise on your way to and from the gym. But if there is no gym nearby, public transportation can be cheaper than the gas money and maintenance expenses you’ll have to pay by driving your car.

It’s always nice when there is a gym where you live or work. Paying a little more in rent to live in an apartment with a gym can provide long-term savings, especially when you consider how much money you’ll save in gym membership fees and transportation costs to get to the gym. 

Workout at Home or Outside

The best way to save money on exercise is if you can find ways to exercise without a gym membership. As long as you’re able to stay motivated to regularly exercise without a membership, this is definitely the way to go, especially if you find ways to workout that don’t involve purchasing expensive home exercise equipment.

Home fitness is easy with the use of YouTube exercise videos or body weight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups. You can do jogging and circuit exercises outside, which let you soak up some Vitamin D as well.

Combine with a Healthy Diet

Your exercise performance is maximized when you pair it with a healthy diet. Check out our episode What’s for Dinner? for tips on healthy meal options. Many people spend a decent amount of money on supplements like protein powder, but be sure to consult with a professional nutritionist before investing in these. Many times, you can get all the nutrients you need by maintaining a healthy diet, so you don’t need to waste money on supplements.

And make sure to drink enough water while you exercise to maintain good hydration levels. It’s also good to bring your own reusable water bottle when you exercise. This avoids wasting money on plastic water bottles every time you exercise. 

Disclaimer: Please consult with a professional before making any changes to your fitness routine or diet. Any and all changes should maintain proper health and safety within your daily life. It All Adds Up and its affiliates are not responsible for any property damage or personal injuries that should occur from following any suggestions from It All Adds Up.

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