The Price of Exercise vs. the Price of Health
At some point, just about everyone with a gym membership begins to wonder if the bill is worth it, contemplating their health-related spending habits. But a study published by the American Heart Association finally put a decisive number on it: Regular exercise saves you $2,500 a year.
Sedentary lifestyles and inactivity cost the U.S. billions (with a “b”) in medical expenses and lost productivity every year, and this analysis of 26,239 men and women found a strong link between exercise and health care costs.
The study found that those who met national exercise guidelines — five moderate 30-minute workouts a week — spent $2,500 less in annual health care expenses related to heart disease.
So, yes. Splurging on that fitness boutique class or new pair of running shoes is officially worth it.