The Economics of Exercise: How Much for that Winter Burn

Apparently there is a pay-off linked to exercise aside from better health and physique. According to a recent study from Cleveland State University, men and women who exercise three or more times a week earn about nine per cent more pay than their colleagues stuck to their seats all day. The difference is due to a post workout productivity boost, say the researchers. And now with the holidays fast approaching, the countdown has begun to get in shape for the festive season and, for some, warm weather travel. There really is no excuse not to exercise except the extra costs associated with it. Here's a rundown of some winter workout options and how much you'll pay before you eventually feel the pay-off.

Gym membership
The fitness industry in Canada is worth over $2 billion a year and rising, suggesting that gym memberships are popular among a growing number of us with aspirations of hard bods and better blood flow. Often during the colder months, joining a gym is a way to stay physically motivated when outdoor activity isn't an easy option. Aside from fitness machines, there are usually exercise classes offered from Pilate's to hip hop that are free to members.
All well and good but many first-time members quit within the first two to three months after struggling to get out of a standard 12-month contract. With rates between $60-$100 a month, gyms are expensive and the only way to get any value is to be committed. Of course, access to new and modern equipment is an attractive selling feature -- so is the chance water cooler chat with that super fit trainer.





Yoga
Yoga is the national past-time for SUV-driving urbanites and when coupled with a good degree of commitment, a fantastic strength and toning workout. There's a wide range of yoga styles to match your experience and limitations (some yoga styles are in a heated room so you may want to avoid these if you find saunas suffocating). Introductory prices can run as low as $40 for unlimited classes for a month. Classes typically go for about $14 to $20 per session after that. But you can save a few bucks if you buy class packages on offer. You can also save by bringing your own towel, water bottle and -- if you're really committed -- you can invest in your own yoga mat (around $20). That way, you avoid the extra $2 yoga mat rental fee every time you go. If you feel the need to look the part, "yoga wear" can get expensive but you don't really need it.

Recreational Sports League
For many men and women, recreational hockey or indoor soccer or basketball leagues provide the best way to maintain any level of fitness and also can be a social outlet. Regular games allow you to keep your competitive juices flowing and maintain delusions that big league scouts may drop by to check out the local talent. Rec leagues aren't really that cheap though. Hockey in particular is a notoriously expensive sport for kids and the bills don't go down with age. Modern equipment will run you about $1,000 and dues are about $500 per season (although check out online sites like Craigslist for used equipment). Soccer dues are similar (though equipment costs aren't as high). Throw in gas money and about $20 a week for post-game beer and you better really hope those scouts are coming.

"Insane" workout videos
So you've convinced yourself you want to look like the model on the cover of the fitness magazine before you head off on your post-Christmas beach break. To pay for said break though, you can't splurge on gym fees. Enter "Insanity" and "P90 X". These are workout video regiments that promise to whip you into shape in two months. The videos run about $120, including an eating guide. If you stick to the workouts each day and eat well, you will get into shape. Sounds great but be advised: these things likely have a "consult your physician" warning on them for a reason.

Jogging
Good old-fashioned running. Yup, it really is a great way to get fit and maintain cardiovascular health. But, of all the workouts listed, it might require the highest level of commitment for pre-holiday fitness nuts. Superstorm Sandy is just one of the obstacles Mother Nature will throw in joggers' way. Snow, sleet, darkness -- all of these are serious deterrents. On the positive side, jogging is relatively inexpensive. Good shoes are about $120 and should last 6-12 months. Cold weather running clothes will run you about $120. All of these are up-front costs, so then it's up to you to decide how much value you'll get out of them.

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