Save money by exercising

The nation's wallet is being hit along with its waste line as we would rather relax than exercise.

16:43 31 May 2004

The nation's wallet is being hit along with its waste line as a new survey shows we would rather relax than exercise.

The research, done on behalf of Churchill Insurance, showed that one in five adults do not consider that they lead a healthy lifestyle - and even more worryingly two-thirds of those are not concerned about it.

Sedentary pastimes such as listening to music, watching TV, cooking and pub visiting are now much more popular than anything physically demanding.

The life insurance manager at Churchill, Andrew Beard, commented on the results: "This research shows that less than two in five of us proactively undertake exercise on a regular basis. We all have busy lifestyles these days and our first instinct in our spare time is to flop."

Mr Beard gave advice on simple ways to improve health and fitness: "Try and complete local journeys on foot instead of in the car and get out and about in the evenings and weekends instead of lounging in front of the TV. Working on the garden or doing the housework is also a good way of burning calories."

It would seem from the research getting fit could actually save people money.

There is a considerable difference in premium between those who are healthy and those who smoke, drink or are obese. For example, a 40-year-old male non-smoker will pay 16.56 a month for 100,000 life cover compared to 50.00 for a 40 year old obese smoker.

On a 25-year policy that means a heathier person will save 10,032.