Spending Money On Those Fitness Classes Is Saving You Money

ClassPass and boutique gym members, have we got some good news for you: you’re saving up to $2,500 a year. We know, it sounds suspicious. But according to a recent study from the American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report, it’s true.

So where are those savings coming from? Medical costs. The 2012 national survey sample contained more than 26,000 Americans age 18 or older (excluding people who were underweight, pregnant, or unable to walk up to 10 steps). “…those patients who regularly exercised at recommended levels logged average healthcare costs more than $2,500 lower than those who didn’t meet exercise guidelines.”

RELATED: Believe It Or Not, Eating Healthy Can Save You Money

Obviously you don’t necessarily have to spend money to exercise—thanks to body weight strength moves and running you can work out with little cost involved—but it’s good to know for those of us who can’t kick that personal trainer habit.

The healthiest patients weren’t saving quite as much per year (as their yearly costs are already relatively low), but according to the study: “Among the healthiest participants, with no heart disease and at most one cardiovascular risk factor, those that exercised regularly had yearly medical costs averaging about $500 lower than those who didn’t exercise.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week and the American Heart Association recommends that for cardiovascular health, you get 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least five days a week.

RELATED: 5 Ways to Save Money on Running Expenses

Now you can get in your exercise and save money in the time it takes to watch a TV show.