Research Shows Exercise Keeps Money in Your Wallet
And Other Great Reasons to Head to the Gym
Hampstead, Maryland (Grassroots Newswire) 12/27/08 -- In today’s uncertain economy, families are looking to cut back on any expenses that seem like a luxury or even the slightest bit frivolous. One of the items receiving scrutiny in many households -- and in the media -- is gym memberships. Yet a growing body of evidence suggests that cutting that gym membership may be exactly the wrong move for even the most cash-strapped family.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, inactive adults have significantly higher direct medical costs than active adults, and the costs associated with physical inactivity increase with age.
"To put it in perspective," said Lisa Singleton, owner of the Curves women’s fitness center in Hampstead, "for every dollar you spend on wellness, you save as much as five dollars on illness."
Curves has partnered with major health insurance and third party providers -- including Healthways SilverSneakers, AARP, and Blue Cross Blue Shield -- who see huge financial benefits in wellness programs and offer reimbursements and incentives on Curves gym memberships to their plan members.
For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota recently completed a
landmark study that found that people who went to the gym at least eight times a
month had significantly lower healthcare costs than those who did not. These
frequent gym attendees had:
· 39 percent fewer visits to the Emergency Room
· 41 percent fewer hospital admissions
· 18 percent lower overall claims costs
In an era where many have no health insurance at all and those who do have
higher copays, a gym membership may be the most affordable way to keep
healthcare dollars in consumers’ pockets. This will become even more important
in the near future, according to researcher IBISWorld: As baby boomers pass
through their 40s and 50s, healthcare costs are forecast to rise dramatically.
Everyone knows that the human body thrives on regular exercise, and that staying
fit and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to significantly reduced
risks for various cancers (by as much as 60 percent!), diabetes, heart disease,
hypertension and many other debilitating conditions. Here are some other great
reasons to head to the gym:
- Exercising with others can "greatly improve your exercise adherence". It’s much easier to stick to an exercise program when you have accountability -- from trainers and coaches, friends, or both. (University of Georgia Department of Kinesiology and Health)
- Exercise is like Miracle-Gro for your brain and can make you smarter by releasing chemicals that cause neurons to branch and connect in new ways. New junctions between neurons are the basis of learning. (Kristin R. Wehner Keffeler, Entrepreneur.com)
- Exercise may make you a better worker -- by as much as 15 percent according to a study presented to the American College of Sports Medicine -- and enhances time-management skills, mental performance, ability to meet deadlines, mood, and interactions with co-workers. (MSNBC.com)
- Exercise directly reduces stress by decreasing the production of stress
hormones and increasing the production of endorphins -- your brain’s "feel
good" neurotransmitters. (MayoClinic.com)
Exercise pays you back double: Each hour of exercise adds two to your life. (Harvard Alumni Study)
"The research is clear: Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can save not only your life but your money as well," said Lisa Singleton. "Your health is your most precious asset, and not taking care of it is going to cost you more in the long run."
To help women save even more money, Curves of Hampstead is offering 50% Off and 30 Days Free.
For more information, contact the following Curves locations:
Curves, Hampstead Maryland, 410-374-8386,
www.curveslocal.com/1133/
Curves, Manchester Maryland, 410-374-9032,
www.curveslocal.com/1146/
About Curves
Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that
combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe
and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also works to help women lose weight,
gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its
groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual
dieting. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the
express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to around 4 million
women globally, many of whom are in the gym for the first time. With nearly
10,000 locations worldwide, Curves is the world’s largest fitness franchise.
If you are looking to get Curves gym workout prices, or Curves cost, or Curves
membership information please contact your
community Curves
location.
Other useful Curves links and information
Curves Food Drive - bring a bag of food items to Curves in support of local food bank
FREE Weight Management Classes - Curves New Weight Management Plan
Curves Smart - CurvesSmart - Curves machines
Curves Success Stories - Curves has helped millions of women of all shapes and sizes take charge of their health and combat the effects of aging and disease. Find out how these women reached their goals with the support of the Curves community.
Curves Member Testimonials - Members come to Curves for many different reasons: to lose weight, to tone up or to get healthier. Learn more about what Curves is “really like” and the different ways it’s worked for actual Curves members.