(REEDSBURG, WI April 28, 2011) – The tax season is over and, if you’re lucky, you may have already received your refund. Three quarters of Americans who filed tax returns will get a check back from the government this year – the average amount, the IRS says, will be a little bit over $3,000.
In a just-released survey, more than a third of taxpayers said they will spend this year’s refunds primarily on new clothes, vacation and electronics. “Here’s a thought – why not invest some of this cash into your health and fitness?” asks Chad Moeller, personal trainer at ShockBody Fitness in Reedsburg, WI. “So many people say they can’t afford a gym or a health club membership and yet, when they get some money, they go squander it on less important things.”
Moeller says one of the reasons may be that people don’t fully realize the value they can get from a fitness instructor – or, for that matter, from regular exercise.
“Think about it – your clothes and your electronic gadgets will probably be outdated a year from now and ready to be discarded, but health benefits you will get from working out with a personal trainer will be long-lasting,” he notes.
Among the many advantages of exercising with a fitness coach, Moeller says, is the guidance and support he or she can provide. “This professional will create a specific exercise program best suited to your physical condition and your goals,” he points out. “Also, a trainer will make sure you exercise safely and don’t injure yourself. This is especially important for people who have medical conditions.”
But what if you are not getting a tax refund this year and money is tight? Moeller says there may be other ways you could invest into a training program. His suggestions:
Many insurance plans have an allowance for health club memberships.Depending on the insurance carrier you have, you may find that they do cover gym membership as a reimbursable service. Check your health insurance policy to see whether you are eligible to receive compensation for hiring a personal trainer.
Plan for the future.If you don’t currently have insurance, under the new health care law you will have to get coverage within the next three years. Shop around for a plan that will cover health club memberships and supervised training. That’s one area where you shouldn’t cut corners.
Health Savings Accounts. If you are one ofan increasing number of Americans who have this plan, you can use some of the money towards fitness benefits.
“The important thing is to understand the health advantages of working out with a trainer and get creative about making it happen,” Moeller adds.
About Chad Moeller, BS, CPT, Fitness Expert:
Moeller, owner and trainer of ShockBody Fitness out of Reedsburg, WI, is a certified personal trainer/sports nutritionist with a BS degree in Health & Human Performance. ShockBody Fitness is a full service, cutting edge personal training business offering one-on-one and small group training. Moeller has over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry and specializes in body transformations. Client testimonials and program information are available at www.ShockBody.com.