Why Exercise Habits and Financial Habits Are Basically Twins (One Wears Lycra, the Other Uses Spreadsheets)
If I told you that your superannuation and your squats have a lot in common, you’d probably give me that “Brett’s lost it” look.
But hear me out.
I’ve spent years talking to clients about their money, and I’ve noticed something: the people who do well financially tend to treat it the same way people treat a successful exercise routine as a habit, not a once-a-year guilt trip.
And if you’ve ever joined a gym in January and stopped going by March, you’ll know what I mean.
1. The Magic Is in the Routine, Not the Burst of Inspiration
We all know someone who decides they’re going to “get fit” and runs 5 km on day one… only to be hobbling for a week and never lacing up their runners again.
Finance works the same way.
You don’t build wealth by making one big, dramatic move like dumping your entire pay into a volatile investment or going on a no-spend challenge that leaves you miserable.
You do it by small, regular actions: contributing to super, paying extra off the mortgage, building an emergency fund.
It’s not sexy. But it works. Just like walking every day beats one intense workout followed by a month on the couch.
2. You Don’t Need Hours a Day, You Just Need Consistency
The Australian Department of Health says adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. That’s 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Manageable.
When I tell clients to spend 15 minutes a week checking their budget, they look at me like I’ve just given them homework. But it’s the same principle — small, regular check-ins prevent big problems later.
You wouldn’t skip all your workouts and then try to make it up in one weekend. Don’t skip all your money maintenance and expect one marathon review to fix everything.
3. Both Require You to Get Over the “Too Hard” Hump
Let’s be honest: the first two weeks of any new exercise routine feel awful. You’re sore. You’re tired. You’re wondering if Netflix and the couch are a better investment.
Same with getting your finances in shape. The first time you track your spending or face your super balance, it might feel confronting. But once you push past that initial discomfort, it becomes part of your rhythm, and even satisfying.
The key? Start small. Walk around the block before you sign up for the marathon. Save $20 a week before you try to invest thousands.
4. Accountability Helps
Personal trainers keep you turning up to the gym. Financial advisers keep you turning up to your goals.
In both cases, having someone to guide you, cheer you on, and call you out when you’re slacking can be the difference between success and “I’ll start again next year.”
5. The Results Are Slow Until They’re Suddenly Obvious
Exercise doesn’t give you a six-pack in a week. Investing doesn’t give you financial freedom in a month.
But give it a year, or ten and the change is undeniable.
In health, the payoff is energy, strength, and longevity. In finance, it’s options, security, and freedom. In both cases, you’ll look back and think: Why didn’t I start sooner?
Final Word
If you want to feel good in your body and in your bank account, the formula is the same:
Start small.
Be consistent.
Get help when you need it.
Play the long game.
You don’t have to be a gym junkie or a finance nerd. You just have to show up regularly, and put in the reps.
At Financial Wellness Hub, we’re the accountability partner for your money. We’ll help you set up habits that actually stick, so you can enjoy the financial equivalent of being fit, strong, and healthy without the blisters.
Book your complimentary 20-minute session and let’s start building your financial muscles.