Want Better Pay? Hit the Gym

Here's a piece from CNN Money that says working out can pay off big-time. Their thoughts:

Exercising three or more times a week leads to 6% higher pay for men, on average, and 10% for women, Cleveland State researcher Vasilios Kosteas reported recently.

The hike is due to exercise-induced productivity boosts, he says, and is separate from the well-established link between obesity and lower earnings.

6% is a nice chunk of change over the course of a career. Let's take two guys, each starting their careers at age 22 earning $30,000. One works out and thus his salary is 6% higher than the other's. They each average annual raises of 3%. At age 65, the guy who works out has earned $160k more, plus likely has all the added benefits of better health and lower costs (medical bills, life insurance, etc.) that those who work out get. Pretty sweet, huh?

Of course there's more money in simply growing your career a "meager" 1% a year, but why not do both -- grow your career PLUS workout for an extra 6%? It all adds up, right?

Comments

[Mandy @ MoneyMasterMom]

I'm curious how much guy #1 spent on his gym membership. That will cut in on that 6%. You can exercise on the cheap, but it takes more dedication and creativity :)

[Ross]

I love this. I credit "exercise induced productivity boosts all the time. I had no idea it was a measurable thing!

And a 10%good boost for women, wow!

[Bill]

I think this is not true. They've confused correlation and causation.

Highly productive people are more likely to exercise regularly not the other way around. Also higher earners are going to have more disposable income available to put towards the cost of exercise. Again the higher earnings are the cause of the exercise not the reverse.

[Joan]

I don't think it matters your size. It all depends on the company and if they want to reward their employees.

[RobF]

For people with ADD, regular exercise helps them concentrate and work more effectively. For one of my sons that has been very true. Research shows that regular exercise helps thinking, combats depression and improves self-confidence. I think someone who is fit - not skinny - commands more attention

That being said, I need to haul myself out of this chair and get moving!

Bobbi

[Kim@Eyesonthedollar]

I have come up with some of my best business ideas while working out. Maybe it has something to do with the endorphins?

[Steve]

Want to hit the Gym? Get better pay.