You can save money by being in shape.

As someone who has struggled to stay fit, I realize that eating healthy and being in shape is easier said than done. But for those who are in good shape, you can save a lot of money on life insurance and individual health insurance plans. And as an added bonus, you’ll feel better and have more energy.

Being is shape can benefit your health in many ways—reduced risk of disease, more energy and a longer life, just to name a few. But enjoying a healthy lifestyle and keeping fit could also lead to a healthier bank account.

While you may think that the road to fitness is an expensive one—personal trainers and gym memberships don’t come cheap, after all—working out at home and incorporating more activity into your daily routine will get the job done for a fraction of the cost. And the long-term savings add up, too.

Here are five ways being in shape can help save you money.

You can save money on clothes

If you find yourself going up and down a clothing size every six months, you know that the cost of new clothing can really start to add up. Whether you’re a size 6 or a 16, keeping your weight—and clothing size—consistent means that you’ll be able to wear your favorite pieces longer, and can avoid the financial stress of repeatedly replacing your wardrobe.

Plus, bigger clothes cost more.

You’ll spend less money on transportation

Get your energy boost in for the day by walking or riding your bike to your destinations.  You’ll save on fuel, vehicle wear & tear, parking, etc…

You’ll spend less money on unhealthy vices

Whether your vice is smoking, alcohol, or fast food, cutting those things out of your life can not only help you to be healthy, but it will save you money!  If you smoke a pack of cigarettes per day, you’re throwing away approximately $3,600 a year.

Giving up unhealthy vices can cut your heart attack risk after one year. You’ll also have more cash in the bank—and who could argue with that?

You’ll spend less money on medication

The cost of medications for chronic health conditions, like heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can really add up.   Adults who participate in regular physical activity will decrease their risk of more than 25 chronic health conditions. Keeping illnesses under control means less trips to the pharmacy and, less money being spent on medication for chronic health conditions each year.

Do you frequently find yourself buying sleep aids or headache medication?  Being in shape is also linked to better sleep habits, which may save you money .

You’ll save money on your grocery bill

Over the past couple of years I have lost over 60 pounds with Weight Watchers. One thing I have learned is that being in shape isn’t just about how far you can run or how much weight you can lift. To enjoy a truly healthy lifestyle, you need to keep your diet in shape, too. When you are trying to be healthy you find that spending money on take-out and unhealthy restaurant grub seems like less of a good idea. The notion that fast food is less expensive than making a fresh meal is a common mistaken belief. With a little meal planning and smart shopping, you can eat healthy homemade meals all week for less than you would spend to take your family to the local fast food shop.  If you do go out, just make wise choices on what you order, both in health and the cost.