Keeping fit is keeping Britons spending

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

The New Year's resolution to join a gym is a common one for Britons and this year is no exception with research estimating that £4.75 billion will be spent on the get fit measure.

This includes the cost of gym membership and activities such as aerobics and yoga, which people splash out money from their savings to pay for in a bid to stay in shape.

"The amount of money that we invest in sports every year in incredible when you add it all up," said a spokesman for Virgin Money, which carried out the research.

"But at least the people who invest in pastimes that involve sport and fitness know the money they spend will improve their health. There is a lot of concern about obesity, but this survey proves there are millions of people who love sport and that has to be a good thing."

Once other healthy hobbies and pastimes are added to the price, the amount British people will spend on keeping fit and in shape in 2006 totals a massive £19.8 billion.

Behind joining a gym, biking (at a cost of £3.4 billion) and golf (£3.03 billion) appeared next on the list of health and fitness activity spending, according to Virgin Money.

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