Want a 9% Raise? Hit the Gym

[onehandle]

Stagnant wages and shaky investment markets are enough to make workers want to hit the gym to forget about their money troubles. They might just find that the treadmill offers better financial returns than Wall Street.

Workers who exercise regularly earn 9% higher pay on average than those who don’t, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Labor Research.

Past studies have linked exercise with higher earnings, but the direction of cause and effect wasn’t clear. If gym-goers are more disciplined than their slothful coworkers, they might earn higher pay simply because they’re better workers, not because they exercise.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/want-a-9--raise--hit-the-gym.html

[spinbaby]

1. Yeah, that's it

We're all earning lower wages because we haven't embarked upon enough self-improvement projects.

[lapislzi]

2. I would be interested in a correlative study

Between obesity and earnings. My guess would be that overweight persons are not paid as well as their thin counterparts, all else being equal.

[Hoyt]

4. Except for the "fat cats."

[IndyPragmatist123]

6. I think you are correct

Nothing is more influential these days than good looks. When I was in college, I interned with the state legislature. All the girls that got the internships were extremely attractive. I went to school with most of them. This was a very competitive internship, yet some of the smartest and most qualified people didn't get the spot, while the dumb blond ditz and former all-state linebacker got the internships.

I see the same thing with my friends. It seems like the more attractive the person, the further they are in their career at this point. My less attractive friends haven't experienced nearly the same amount of career growth.

I would think that this study is nothing more than physically fit people getting a bit further in their careers than the less fit individuals.

[unblock]

3. or maybe people who earn 9% more can better afford gym memberships?

[RZM]

5. Probably a lot of factors go into this

Somebody with the discipline and wherewithal to exercise regularly might also benefit from having these qualities in the workplace

But it's probably also connected with overall health too. People who exercise are often better rested and have more energy than those who don't. This would also be a plus in the workplace.

There are also class and wealth issues. Those with more money can afford nicer gyms and personal trainers. And obesity does correlate with class/income level, etc.

Lastly, there's the issue of physical appearance. Fit people are often considered better-looking and there's probably a connection between pay and good looks as well.