5 ways that you can make money by joining a gym!

Did you know that working out regularly can actually put more money in your pocket? So that you enjoy the benefits of being fit and healthy, and at the same time have more cash for the things you really need or want.
By
Coach Gary
January 13, 2025
5 ways that you can make money by joining a gym!

Coach Gary

   •    

January 13, 2025

1. Improved Mental Acuity  

Exercise has long been shown to enhance mental acuity, helping individuals improve their problem-solving abilities and generate innovative ideas. Regular physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, increases the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and promotes neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to form new neural connections. This leads to enhanced cognitive function, including better focus, memory, and creativity—all critical for effective problem-solving and innovation.

Entrepreneurs, who often face complex challenges and need to come up with new ideas quickly, are prime examples of how exercise can positively influence mental performance. In Australia, studies have demonstrated that physical activity can lead to improvements in mental clarity and decision-making. For instance, research from the University of Western Australia found that physical activity improves executive function and cognitive flexibility, which are vital for entrepreneurs who must adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

A well-known example is Australian entrepreneur Janine Allis, the founder of Boost Juice. She credits her success partly to maintaining an active lifestyle, stating that exercise helps her clear her mind, think creatively, and tackle business problems more effectively. It's very evident therefore that exercise can directly contribute to  success in business, or developing an upwards career trajectory - by sharpening the mind and enhancing innovative thinking.

2. Increased Energy and Immunity

Australian research consistently shows that people who exercise regularly are more productive at work compared to those who don’t. Physical fitness not only enhances mental acuity, focus, and energy levels but also boosts overall well-being, leading to higher productivity. A study by the University of Sydney found that employees who engage in regular physical activity experience less fatigue, stress, and burnout, contributing to better performance on the job.

Additionally, these individuals tend to miss fewer days of work. Regular exercise strengthens the immune system, reducing the likelihood of illness and improving overall health. As a result, they are less likely to take sick leave, which contributes to greater consistency in the workplace. This lower absenteeism is a key factor in sustained productivity.

Moreover, reduced absences and improved productivity can create more opportunities for career advancement. Employees who are consistently present and perform at a high level are more likely to be noticed by employers, potentially leading to promotions, increased responsibilities, and higher income. The benefits of physical fitness extend beyond health, positively impacting job performance and long-term career prospects. By improving physical health and mental resilience, regular exercise supports a productive work environment, ultimately boosting both personal and professional success.

3. Health-Care Savings

Regular exercise offers significant benefits to health, and in Australia, it can lead to substantial savings by reducing the need for medication and serious healthcare support. The cost of healthcare in Australia is high, with expenses related to hospital visits, surgeries, and long-term medication for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. By engaging in regular physical activity, individuals can reduce their risk of developing these conditions, leading to fewer healthcare costs and less reliance on expensive treatments.

Studies have shown that exercise can improve cardiovascular health, regulate blood sugar, and reduce inflammation, all of which help prevent chronic diseases. For instance, research conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveals that physical inactivity is linked to higher healthcare costs, while active individuals tend to have lower medical expenses. Exercise reduces the need for medications, which in turn lowers both personal and public healthcare spending.

In Australia, where public healthcare costs are shared by taxpayers, the savings from improved population health could be substantial. Fewer people with chronic diseases means fewer hospitalizations and less demand for high-cost treatments, helping reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system. By prioritizing physical activity, Australians can improve their health while potentially saving millions in healthcare costs over time.

4. Lower Health Insurance Premiums

In Australia, private health insurers often offer discounts or benefits for individuals who maintain a healthy lifestyle or participate in certain wellness programs. While these programs are not as widespread as those in some other countries, there are emerging opportunities for healthy policyholders to benefit from lower premiums, including:

  • Health and Fitness Programs: Some private health insurers in Australia offer programs that reward members for staying healthy. This can include rewards for regular exercise, monitoring healthy habits, or completing fitness challenges. Examples include partnerships with fitness trackers or apps where members can track steps, workouts, or active minutes to earn rewards or premium discounts. Insurers such as Bupa, Medibank, and HCF have been known to offer wellness programs, including fitness-related rewards.
  • Medibank's “Live Better” Program: This program offers members the opportunity to earn points by engaging in healthy activities like exercising, completing health assessments, or attending health screenings. These points can be redeemed for discounts on health insurance premiums, gift cards, or other rewards.
  • Bupa's "Everyday Rewards": This is a Wellness Program where members can track their health activities through a fitness app. Members may be able to receive discounts on their health insurance premiums by achieving certain health goals, such as increasing physical activity or completing preventative health checks.
  • HCF’s “My Health and Wellbeing”: This is an incentives program where members can track their fitness levels, attend health screenings, and more to earn rewards. This might result in discounts on premiums or even additional services.

5. Cut Out Fast-Food

Not eating takeaway food and fast food in Australia can lead to significant savings over time. On average, a takeaway meal costs between $10 to $20, depending on the type of food and location. If you opt for fast food, you could be spending more frequently, sometimes daily, which adds up quickly.

Let’s break it down:

  • Daily Fast Food: If you buy takeaway or fast food for lunch or dinner every day, spending $15 per meal on weekdays, that’s $75 per week. Over a month, that totals $300.
  • Home-cooked Meals: Cooking at home can be far more cost-effective. A nutritious home-cooked meal may cost you $3 to $7 per serving, especially when buying in bulk. Assuming you cook 5 meals a week, you’ll spend around $35 to $70 per week, which is a significant saving compared to takeaway.

Weekly Savings: If you cut out takeaway meals and cook at home instead, you could save $40 to $100 each week. Over the course of a year, that’s anywhere from $2,080 to $5,200.

In addition to saving money, preparing meals at home allows you to control portion sizes and make healthier food choices, leading to better long-term health and financial benefits.

Addendum: we drink insane amounts of coffee in this country per person but these numbers don't include coffee consumption. Not saying coffee is bad at all (sacrilege!). But do you know how much you actually consume and how much it's costing you per week if you're paying your favourite barista for your daily dose? Limit coffee, and experience the benefits.

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