Do you neglect your health?
Finding the time to stay in shape could save you money.
According to research from Scottish Widows, almost half of British people believe they do not spend enough time keeping fit.
More than a third (36%) of those neglecting their fitness admit they are simply not worried about their health at the moment and 23% said they would prioritise their family’s well being above their own.
Shockingly, almost a quarter of respondents would only start to worry about their body if they became seriously ill.
Fitness and your finances
Even if your health isn’t a priority at the moment, could you be tempted to stay in shape to improve your finances?
Certain insurance policies will almost certainly charge you less if you’re in peak physical condition. Not smoking, cutting your alcohol intake and losing weight could all cut the cost of private medical and life insurance.
In your insurance company’s eyes, these good habits mean you are less likely to need to put in an expensive claim on the policy. Further, you may be able to get a reduction on your existing policies if you give up these bad habits.
If you think getting in shape might be too pricey, check out ‘How to get fighting fit on a budget’.
Exercise tips for busy people
Find an exercise buddy: It can be hard to find the motivation to go to the gym after a ten-hour day at work. However, it could be easier to motivate yourself if you make a regular appointment with a friend every week.
Exercise at lunch: How do you normally spend your lunch break? If the answer is trawling around the internet or gossiping with colleagues, you could devote this time to your fitness regime.
You could join a gym near your office if you can afford to do so. Alternatively, you could go for a jog in a local park.
Get creative: No matter how busy you are, there are ways to build exercise into your daily routine – get off the bus one stop early or take the stairs.
Also bear in mind, fitness fanatics often seem to have more energy than the rest of us. You may find your productivity soars after an hour at the gym.
Reassess your priorities: Despite a busy schedule, most of us manage to make time for our family and careers. Once you’ve made the decision to get fit, make it one of your top priorities when budgeting your time.
**This material is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly encourage our readers not to rely solely on this content, but to seek independent advice when making financial decisions.**

