How Working Out Might Get You a Higher Paycheck
Conventional wisdom says fitness boosts health, mood, and energy. Increasingly, according to recent studies, it may also boost your paycheck and your company’s performance.
What the research says
Peer‑reviewed economics research has linked regular exercise with a wage premium. In a Journal of Labor Research analysis of US workers, individuals who exercised regularly earned about 6–10% more than non‑exercisers Journal of Labor Research. A summary from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the association appears particularly strong for women in some models Monthly Labor Review précis.
Surveys point in the same direction and hint at a dose–response effect. In a nationwide survey of 2,000 Americans conducted for the Freeletics app, regular exercisers reported earning roughly $25,000 more per year than non‑exercisers. And those doing higher‑intensity workouts reported the highest salaries ($54k for low‑intensity vs. $67k for medium and $83k for high intensity) Brit + Co.
Why might this be? Beyond correlation, fitness is consistently associated with higher productivity, fewer missed workdays, and lower medical costs—advantages that can compound into career and business gains. As Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, summarizes, research finds regular exercisers are more productive and miss fewer days. Further, adults who meet the 150‑minutes‑per‑week activity guideline spend about $2,500 less annually on medical expenses on average U.S. News Health.
Important note: correlation does not equal causation. Higher earners may have greater access to fitness. That said, the best‑designed studies account for many confounders and still find a meaningful “fitness premium,” so the business case for encouraging movement is strong.
The case for corporate fitness training
The ROI is for employers as much as it is for employees:
Higher on‑the‑job performance: Teams that exercise regularly tend to report better focus, energy, and resilience—the raw materials of productivity U.S. News Health.
Fewer absences and lower health costs: Even modest adherence to activity guidelines is linked to fewer doctor visits and lower spend, easing pressure on benefits budgets U.S. News Health.
Talent attraction and retention: Wellness benefits are now table stakes for top performers. A visible, well‑designed program signals a high‑performance culture.
Why it works for our current corporate clients
Built for busy calendars: Coach-led sessions are offered in efficient 30- or 45-minute formats that deliver the structured intensity associated with outsized benefits—all without derailing the workday.
We come to you: All you need is a workout space and some equipment.
Individualization at scale: Within each small group, every participant follows a tailored plan aligned to their goals, training age, and any limitations. This preserves safety and accelerates progress while keeping a high-energy team atmosphere.
Executive-friendly programming: Emphasis on posture, mobility, and anti-sitting protocols reduces aches and overuse issues. Targeted strength and conditioning builds resilience, stress tolerance, and cognitive sharpness with minimal time investment.
Culture building without the time tax: Short, onsite sessions create positive touchpoints across teams, strengthening networks while respecting calendars.
1-on-1 executive training: If anyone needs more on an individualized plan, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to see for yourself?
Whether you’re an individual professional looking to sharpen your edge or a business leader seeking a proven lever for productivity, a smart training routine is a high‑ROI investment. We partner with companies to design corporate fitness programs that meet your culture, schedule, and goals.
Let’s design a program that helps your people feel and perform their best. Reach out to explore how onsite fitness training can benefit your work team.