Have you ever thought that if you made as much money as J. Lo or Russell Crowe that you could spend more time exercising? After all, they virtually get paid to exercise to keep their bodies Hollywood ready. Would you exercise more if you got paid to? What if I told you that you can and do get paid to exercise?

Okay, so no one will pay you or I each time we get on the elliptical trainer (darn it). Most of us are not in line for a 4 year, $32 million contract. But have you ever thought about the payback that you do receive? Corporations know the financial benefits of exercise and the savvy ones implement corporate fitness programs. These companies have documented results on reduced absenteeism, reduced turnover, reduced health care costs and improved productivity.

If companies reap these benefits, think about how that applies to you as an individual. How much more productive (translate earn more money) could you be in your business or at work? How much less sick time would you need, that you could put to use in work or even play? How much happier would you be and how much more fun to be around? One company showed a $6.15 return for every $1 it spent on corporate fitness. What could being more fit mean to your pocket book?

You know exercise can prevent a myriad of diseases, but have you thought about what that means financially? The premiums for health and life insurance go up dramatically simply for elevated cholesterol and blood pressure levels. With further deteriorations in health, you might not even be able to get insured. Simply being in good health can save you thousands of dollars per year. When you also consider co-pays and prescriptions it adds up to big money out of your pocket.

If what they say is true, time is money, then time spent in doctors offices and being sick or disabled also cuts into your personal profits. So the next time you think you cant afford the time to exercise, think again. You cant afford not to!