Fresh off the overwhelming success of Cash for Clunkers, the Obama administration has just announced a new program designed to stimulate not only the economy but also American families to get off the couch and get moving. All consumers have to do is turn in a couch (in any condition) to a local bike shop, sporting goods, or fitness equipment store and receive up to $1000 toward the purchase of approved fitness equipment, (bikes, stair climbers, elliptical machines, etc.).

An administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said “We’re surprised at how many people are buying new cars… knowing they’ll only end up paying higher taxes down the road to finance the give-away. The Cash for Couches program should work the same way — give us your beat-up couch and we’ll give you cash!”

By tying the reward to exercise equipment, the administration expects not only to give the economy a much needed shot in the arm, but Americans a much needed kick in the behind. It’s widely reported that 2/3 of Americans are overweight or obese, with a big share of the blame resting on excessive time spent on the couch.

Not surprisingly, the furniture industry is behind the initiative as well. Sid N. Terry, a spokesperson for Furniture Laborers United — Builders, Buyers, and Recyclers (FLUBBAR) says “We think this is a great move by the government and long overdue. We would like to see the program extended to recliners, ottomans, and TV trays — all pieces of furniture that contribute to lack of movement.” Off the record, Terry confessed manufacturers are confident that individuals will tire of the fitness equipment quickly and purchase new furniture to replace the old.

Far Fetched?

No one would think this is a good idea, would they? Pay people to exercise? It doesn’t make any sense. What happens when the novelty wears off and people are no more motivated to exercise than they were before they cashed in their couch? Will Congress have to allocate another $2 billion to launch Cash for Clickers — an incentive to turn in old, or too-confusing remote control devices for money? (No doubt the Remote Engineering Employees Kinship Society (REEKS) would be all in favor of it.)

This tongue-in-cheek story is used illustrate a point: paying people to exercise makes about as much sense as paying people to buy cars. Cash for Clunkers has the short-term benefit of boosting the economy and saving a few jobs. But longer term it provides no incentive to build the cars people want to buy. Paying people to exercise provides short-term impetus to get moving, but if there’s no intrinsic motivation the behavior won’t stick.  

When you pay people to engage in any health behavior, you create an expectation of continued financial reward at best, and a dependency at worst.  

You hire and pay people for the contribution they make to the organization, not their percent body fat. It’s important they understand unhealthy behaviors hurt them and the bottom line, but don’t muddle the issue by paying for anything other than their contribution.