Get paid to work out? No sweat!

by Brittany Anas · June 11, 2014

(Boost your workouts by monitoring your target heart rate with a specialized watch).

By Brittany Anas

Drop pounds and fatten your pocketbook? Um, yes, please! That sounds like a winning workout equation in our book.

Whether you’re taking advantage of employee health insurance programs or making bets on your own commitment to hit the gym, there’s a few ways that you can get the universe to pay you to work out. Here’s how to (legitimately) scam your way to a healthier you.

Bet on your workout or your meal plan: Seriously, the Internets will pay you to work out and eat your veggies. Pact is an app that allows you to make a weekly “pact” to exercise more or eat healthier. It’s a gamble: Set what you’ll pay other Pact members if you don’t reach your goals. (If you’re like us, the mere thought of paying strangers if you don’t work out is just the extra kick in the tush we need to get to the gym). The app uses GPS and photos to keep you honest. You can also make pacts for logging your food and for eating more veggies. You’ll earn rewards based off the number of days you commit and complete your “pacts.” If you meet your pact, you get a cash reward for each day paid — sponsored by others in the Pact community who didn’t follow through. Rewards typically range from 30 cents to $5 per week. Find out more information here. You need an iPhone or Android phone to participate. Tip: Boost your workout with a heart-rate monitor that will let you monitor your pulse to make sure you’re in your target zone. Some of our faves at a reasonable price? This Polar FT4 Women’s Heart Rate Monitor or this Polar FT7 Men’s Heart Rate Monitor, both from Best Buy, where you’ll earn 1.5 percent Cash Back on your purchases with ShopAtHome.com.
Check into your insurance plan: A major trend in health insurance these days is companies offering incentives to employees to go to the gym or lose weight. Check in with your insurance plans to see what kind of incentives you have that might be going untapped. Things to ask about: Are there any discounts for individuals who work out? Are there discounted gym deals with your insurance plan? Can you lower your rates by losing weight? As an example, the Cleveland Clinic — an academic medical center — offers nutrition counseling and weight management programs and participants get a rate deduction on their insurance premiums.
Teach a workout class: If you love group exercise and feel that you’ve mastered the Zumba moves or are ready for a new challenge in your kickboxing class, look into getting certified to be a trainer. That way, you’ll get paid for leading workout classes — on top of discounts or free membership at the gym.