How Getting Fit Can Save Money

It’s almost that time of year again for many Americans: time to start a new diet. While I’m not necessarily joining them, I do plan to go back to a healthier eating style. At the same time, I am going back to my personal trainer and getting back into shape.

The last few years I’ve slowly slacked off in both exercising and eating healthy. Therefore, I’m rebooting myself this year. My hope is that it will help me not only physically, but financially as well.

If you’ve been considering doing the same thing, did you know getting fit can save money? Here are some of the ways it can help your finances and save you hundreds each year.

Food

When you change your eating habits, you generally eat less processed foods. Making this change also requires you to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables. In other words, you are replacing high calorie convenience foods with the good stuff. This not only has a positive impact on your health, it can save money.

Some may argue that fresh fruits and vegetables are more expensive than cheap convenience foods. Although that may be true in the short term, it probably isn’t in the long term. The reason I say this is because you may change some other things about how you eat.

As an example, you may eat out less often and cook at home more. That will save you money in the long run. You’ll also probably eat less since you are trying to also get healthier. These positive changes show you that getting fit can save money.

Automobile Gas

Saving on automobile gas is another way getting fit can save money. I can think of two ways this could make your finances better.

If you are close enough to your workplace you could bicycle to work each day. Taking an alternate mode of transportation like this saves gas and also money.

Exercising as you go to and from work each day might even be enough to replace going to a gym. If you wish, you could use a Fitbit to keep track of home much exercise you get. Instead of paying expensive monthly membership fees, you’ll save money that way, as well as on gas.

But did you also know that when you’re using your car you’ll spend less doing it when you’re fit? Multiple sources, including the New York Daily News, say that weighing less makes your vehicle more fuel efficient. This means you’ll get further on the same amount of gas and spend less money doing it.

Health Care Bills and Medications

You may have already thought about the fact that getting fit can save money on doctor bills. Being fit helps you to keep your body in shape which means less chance for health issues.

For instance, you’ll have lower blood pressure and less of a chance of being overweight. Furthermore, many other health problems that cause repeat doctor visits and hospital stays can be avoided.

Some routine medications, like blood pressure prescriptions, can be eliminated altogether when you’re in better physical shape. Rather than pay for expensive pills each month you will be able to use the money elsewhere in your budget.

Clothing

Have you ever had to buy larger clothing because you gained weight? It’s a common thing for many people to have to do, including me. That’s another reason one of my goals this coming year is to get fit and stay fit.

When I’m in better shape I keep wearing the clothing I already have instead of buying larger items. Also, I’ll be able to spend money in positive ways and avoid making budget mistakes. I can use the money to pay debt, invest, or take a vacation since I won’t need it for bigger clothes.

As you can see, overall, getting fit can save money because you can avoid all of these extra expenses. I’m going to make 2019 my year to get fit and save money.

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Will you be trying to get fit in the new year too?