Physical fitness to lose debt May 10, 2008
Posted by BDO in Descriptions, Money Spent.Tags: America, Debt, fitness, physical
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I came across a very interesting article on MSN.com that poses the question “What if no one were fat?“. I bring this question up in this forum, because the marketing direction we are taking at BeatingDebt.org symbolizes reducing debt as running in a race and beating debt. I believe physical fitness is a large byproduct in the total makeover that is created on the journey to beat debt. There are so many negative aspects to holding onto and growing debt in our lives. However, once we commit to beating debt and start reducing our debt load, we find a renewed energy in our financial life, relationships, self-esteem, and even our physical fitness. The article went further and estimated that if no one in America were obese that the resulting savings per year to the economy would be $487 billion. On an individual level this calculates to an extra $4,000 a year.
What would you do with an extra $4,000 a year from being physically fit?
So, I believe that not only can physical fitness be a marketing direction for BeatingDebt.org, it can also be a real tool to beating debt. People talk about ways to reducing spending like changing out inefficient light bulbs, lowering the thermostat in the winter, or not eating out as much. However, we forget that huge savings to our budget can easily be attained from getting physical fit.
Here are some ways that you can put more physical fitness in your lifestyle:
-Stretching.
-Push-ups, sit-ups, and chin-ups in your home.
-Coordinate your next meeting as a walking or running meeting.
-Join an intramural sports league.
-Borrow exercise books or DVDs from the library or a friend.
-Swimming at the beach or local pool.
-Yard work.
What are some other ways you can help yourself be healthier and physically fit, thereby reducing your long term expenses?
Can being physically fit help you lose debt and help you achieve your debt payment goal?
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Thanks for making this post and including the article on MSN. I just read it and it is very good and timely. Thanks :)
What’s also good to keep in mind is that psychological studies have shown that if you’re considered overweight, you are more likely to be passed up for managerial promotions/ rent / scholarships … etc. The list goes on and on. So, in essence, it’s not just that you’d save money by being fit — you’d also make more money at the same time.
Thanks for this post and for including the article.
Your blog is great. Debt is such an issue for so many people and we keep being encouraged to get into more . . . its nice to see people like yourself working to reverse the trend.
Keep up the good work!!
Thanks for the comment, BDO–and I agree that physical fitness and financial fitness complement each other!
I eat healthier and save money by cooking more from scratch and not eating out.
And Mister and I recently took up running. It’s free, we get out of the house and the “pay off” is great now and later.
Anyway, great blog–I’ll be following it!
Wow, just read the article and the comments, Good, good stuff