The Simple Health-Related Tweak That Could Help You Earn $3,000 More Per Year
Woman holding money
We all know that exercise is good for us, especially as we age. While it certainly boosts our physical bodies and mental health, did you know that movement can reportedly increase our overall incomes as well?
That’s what a recent study says. In October, the publication Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research released research in which the connection between household income and mobility was studied among 19,430 adults aged 66 and older. The results found that there was a link between a drop in mobility and a loss in income—specifically, around $3,410.
After a decade, those who maintained their mobility had incomes that were $6,500 higher than that of individuals who were not moving regularly. The study concluded that better mobility was associated with more than $3,000 in annual income.
In other words? Regular exercise can have a “meaningful return on investment,” as the study says, and can result in longer working years.
So, is it really possible that your workout on the elliptical machine can make you more money? We asked two financial experts to share their opinions and further confirm if this is the real deal.
Related: Want To Get A Full Body Workout At Home? Here Are 75 Actually Fun Ideas for Making It Happen
Is There Really a Connection Between Exercise and Earning More?
Dr. Traci Williams, psychologist and certified financial therapist, believes that these results provide yet another example of the long-term benefits of exercise.
“Greater mobility not only benefits us physically,” she says. “Mobility exercises can alleviate stress. We know that people who have lower stress are more likely to be productive and experience higher work satisfaction. Our brain health also gets a boost from exercise, helping us with memory processing and concentration and warding off cognitive decline. These benefits then lead to us not only being able to work for a long time but be more effective workers into old age.”
Jen Reid, Financial Management Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, speaks from a personal standpoint, saying, “My opinion is that people who exercise and have greater mobility will absolutely earn more per year. As an athlete and avid fitness junkie and financial planner, I think our physical, mental and financial wellness are all interconnected.”
Reid believes that there’s a high correlation between healthy habits, like exercise, and higher levels of self-esteem and personal pride.
“When you are confident in yourself, what you are doing? How you are performing? You are more likely to ask for a raise, put yourself into opportunities that will strengthen and grow your career faster, be open and honest with others around you to talk about money, take steps to interview for a better job, start a business, start to invest or even seek financial assistance.”
And all of that, believe it or not, can at least, in part, result from including an exercise routine in your life.
Does the Amount of Exercise Matter?
As Dr. Williams points out, the study emphasizes that just exercising one day a week and adding resistance, such as weights, produced lucrative results.
“Maintaining your mobility does not require much effort,” she says. As with exercising for any purpose, meet yourself where you are and do what you can—any effort is great.
While that’s the baseline effort, according to the study, Reid believes that to maximize results, financial and otherwise, you should make it a goal to get your heart rate up two to four times per week.
“I think there are benefits to stimulating a response in the nervous system that you are challenging yourself, getting uncomfortable and able to achieve what you have set out to do,” she says, adding that a Zumba class or SoulCycle session may work to ensure those financial gains even more.
“Group exercise options where you can connect, socialize and network could benefit your income as it relates to practicing your emotional intelligence and social skills,” Reid says. “Networking and social skills are essential for increasing income overall.”
Apart from Making More Money, What Are the Benefits of Exercise?
Let’s say that money isn’t your be-all, end-all in life. That’s definitely fair, and maybe the idea of exercise to make more money isn’t all that motivating to you. Or you want to keep other gains in mind in addition to potentially increasing your income.
In either case, simply look to the benefits of physical activity listed by the World Health Organization (WHO):
Contributes to preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes
Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
Enhances thinking, learning and judgment skills
Improves overall well-being
And remember—you don’t have to be “perfect” at maintaining a regular exercise schedule or be an Olympic athlete. Again, whether you’re striving for more money or not, tailor any movement to your unique needs and abilities. And of course, if you have any physical limitations, be sure to consult with a medical provider before beginning any exercise program.
“Create a space where you have encouraging self-talk when you are working on increasing the exercise that you are committed to or patience and grace when you are just starting,” Reid says. “There is power in knowing that exercise is a benefit to not only your income and net worth but to your lifestyle overall.”
Next up, discover six mental health benefits of exercise.
Sources
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research: “Better Mobility Is Associated With Higher Incomes and Longer Working Years Among Older Adults”
World Health Organization (WHO): “Physical activity”
Dr. Traci Williams, psychologist and certified financial therapist.
Jen Reid, Financial Management Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner.
