---
title: The Salary Boost of Working Out
description: Exercising three or more times a week leads to 6% higher pay for men, on average, and 10% for women, Cleveland State researcher Vasilios Kosteas reported recently.
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published: '2012-10-05T14:18:55.000Z'
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> **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/).

![121003070019-fsa-salary-boost](https://img.money.com/2012/10/121003070019-fsa-salary-boost11.jpg)
*Working out regularly pays off, in more ways than one.*

Get fit and get a raise?

Exercising three or more times a week leads to 6% higher pay for men, on average, and 10% for women, Cleveland State researcher Vasilios Kosteas reported recently.

The hike is due to exercise-induced productivity boosts, he says, and is separate from the well-established link between obesity and lower earnings.

### Fiscal fitness plans

**Start at the office.** A health club can cost more than $500 a year, but your health plan may give you a break. Customers in 23 Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans (see [blue365deals.com](https://www.blue365deals.com/publishers/bcbsa-national/deal-of-the-day) for details) can buy memberships for only $300 a year.

Plus, one in five employers subsidize gym costs, says Aon Hewitt.

**Join forces.** Two-thirds of trainers lower their prices for groups, so team up with friends to request a per-person rate that's 20% to 30% less than for a one-on-one session, advises fitness industry consultant Bryan O'Rourke.

An extra payoff: Exercising with pals gives you accountability and support -- not just a deal.

[Related: When not to call your doctor](http://money.cnn.com/2012/09/13/pf/health-care-advocate.moneymag/index.html)

**Buy a gym**. For less than $200, you can get a gym bag's worth of essential exercise gear: dumbbells, resistance bands, a jump rope, and a fitness ball. Then use Nike's free Training Club iPhone app to guide you through your workout.

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