“Exercise is wonderful,” said Louis. “I could sit and watch it all day.”
― Larry Niven, Ringworld
Ok, I confess: I have not always done the right thing and gotten exercise. In fact, I decided to take a break from going to the gym. Unfortunately, the break lasted the better part of 10 years.
Over that time, things began to go wrong. I began to gain weight. I felt sluggish–mentally and physically. I was not strong and was not reacting well to stress on the job or anywhere else.
What I felt was more than a gut reaction (no pun intended ;))–it was an accurate description of reality.
Inactivity was the wrong path. The exercise habit is not only essential for your health, it is nearly a requirement for those who achieve success. In his groundbreaking book Rich Habits, The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals author Thomas Corley noted that about 75% of the wealthy engaged in cardiovascular exercise 3-4 times per week. And, most of the wealthy avoided more than 300 empty/junk food calories per day.
So, when common sense finally prevailed, I got off the couch and back into the gym. And brother, it was hard. Younger people snickered. And I started badly and only improved a little at a time. My muscles ached. Even now it is still hard to exercise, but a consistent routine makes it easier. And I miss eating all those packaged cheese snacks…
But what is the direct financial gain that comes with exercise? What is the big picture here? Why does cardiovascular fitness matter? How is mental acuity improved?
Read on. It turns out there are four distinct benefits.
APPEARANCE AND IMPRESSIONS
There are many reasons the wealthy exercise. Of course, they exercise for health. But sorry, it also does have to do with a shallow, insubstantial, purely appearance-based reason we have already considered: how you look matters for your wealth. In an earlier post, I noted that fit people are usually considered more attractive and make more money than their pudgy counterparts. So, exercise is a way of defending your wallet too. It is not fair, but that is life.
You see, at times appearance is considered a shorthand indicator of competitiveness. Exercise and competition seem to have to do, at least a little, with an inborn character feature that many of the wealthy have. For instance, according to a lot of anecdotal sources, many CEO’s have taken on extreme exercise routines. A disproportionate number are also former athletes. One study noted that people who participated in high school athletics generally did well in the business world (Kniffin, 2014). It is hard to say whether the socialization, teamwork etc. learned during sports activities are also factors.
MONEY SAVINGS
So, what tangible connection is there between wealth and exercise? Well, it turns out that people who exercise are actually saving money too.
Yes, it costs money to go to a gym. And yes, you have to get sweaty and uncomfortable. If you are out of shape, you are juxtaposed with people who are attractive, in shape and often younger. That is depressing, but the payoff for being healthier is big over a lifetime.
In a recent study from hospitals and national universities, the estimated annual savings from avoiding cardiovascular problems alone was $2,500 annually (any other health savings should be added to that). To get the data, the researchers examined the annual Expenditure Panel Survey from 2012.
In a Money article (April 2018) it was noted that people with medical conditions could save themselves $2,500-3,500 per year simply by exercising, taking their medicine and following their doctor’s advice. (Some regular readers of MMH from the medical profession I know are grinning at this moment).
As important as that is, there is an even more profound reason why exercise plays such a large role in financial independence: it helps preserve salary income by keeping you healthy and on the job in the first place. Making sure that money is coming in from your job is one of the keys to economic survival.
BRAIN FITNESS
While the research is in its infancy, it also appears that cardiovascular exercise helps people retain mental sharpness and the ability to learn. That is a direct help as you compete on the job and in other endeavors. For instance, Sir Richard Branson, owner of the Virgin Group exercises early each day. He credits this habit with much of his success and thinking.
And, it turns out he is on to something. According to Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a noted neuroscientist, cardiovascular exercise causes the release of three neurotransmitters that immediately help the brain function better. Moreover, it allows two areas of the brain, the frontal lobes, and the hippocampus, to increase the numbers of new cells in those regions. The cell increases within those brain structures help with concentration, acuity and the ability to shift and focus attention.
BRAIN DEFENSE
I want to put off the day when I cannot function well, and cannot use my brain properly. Exercise will not keep brain degenerative disease away forever, but the growth of those cells I noted previously will help to keep my brain healthy longer. It will help you too.
CONCLUSION:
I know some of you may be thinking: this sucks. Excercise is not fun (OK, for some people it is, but the rest of us think they are abnormal). Still, there is some good news.
For instance, it is not true that you must go to the gym every single day. And upon return, from the gym, you do not have to be so tired that you come out on your hands and knees. That level of effort is not required. Those 3-4 half-hour cardiovascular sessions per week that Corley noted? That is enough. If you can’t make it to the gym, take brisk walks and do some strength work, and you should be fine.
As for those tasty cheese snacks? Well, they still call me. And sometimes I answer. Still, while I want to be alone with a full package for a while, I somehow stop myself.
And no, it is not easy. Virtue hurts.
SUMMARY:
- Exercise helps with stress management and mental acuity.
- Regular exercise keeps you healthy.
- In the long run, exercise will save you money.
ACTION STEPS:
- Put together an exercise program, and stick to it.
- Check to see if your health program gives any incentives for your exercise routine.
- If you stick to an exercise program, reward yourself—with an experience. Don’t reward yourself by having cheese snacks.
Disclaimer: consult with a financial professional before taking any steps outlined here. Not all advice is suitable for your circumstances or investment style. And please don’t confuse fitness trainers with financial professionals. There is a difference.