I have a subscription to shape magazine and I was reading this article today while in the gym. I thought I would share its meaning in the hopes that it INSPIRES at least one of you to make yourself and your health a priority this year!

"Working out improves your life expectancy (and makes those years more enjoyable), but let your sneakers collect dust and you'll drain up to $2,460 from your bank account each year. Here's why (Stacy Baker)

1) You will need TWO new larger pairs of jeans. Why? from ages 24-44 sedentary women gain 1 to 2 pounds of fat per year, typically in their midsection, but strength training may reduce that increase, according to research from the University of Pennysylvania.
You'll pay $80-250

2) You will need a blood pressure-lowering drug. Why? Nearly one in three adults has high blood pressure, but your risk drops by 17 percent if you burn 1,500 calories a week through exercise say researchers at the University of Minnesota.
You'll pay $240 ($20 co-pay per month)

3) You will need a stocked medicine cabinet. Why? Women who don't exercise may have three times the risk of colds than those who do a 45 minute workout five days a week (based on research in The American Journal of Medicine). You'll pay $170 (cold remedies, tissues, etc)

4) You will need monthly time with a sex therapist. Why? Nonexercisedrs feel less sexually desirable and report a lower frequency of sexual intercourse than women who are phyiscally active, according to a study at the University of Arkansas.
You'll pay $1,800"



These points are pretty eye openning don't you think?

Can you think of others to add to this list of the REAL Costs of NOT exercising?

I guess I am lucky!! I buy my jeans for $10 at WalMart and our co-pay is only $10. I don't take cold medications either and my dh thinks I am sexy even with my fluff!!!!

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~Happiness is a large family~

here here

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Mary

I see the idea of the article and even agree that there are financial costs to being unhealthy, but I have no clue WHERE on earth they're coming up with the costs they listed.

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I can't come up with a number- but the extra cost of groceries- I know when I am really focused on exercising- I don't want to eat all of these fattening food (that usually cost a lot of money) to destroy whatever good I do by exercising!