Staying fit too tiring for many

Published on 08/09/2012 14:26

WHILE watching the Olympics and Paralympics has inspired one in four people to pledge to try more sports, as many as half will give up the race to keep fit within weeks, according to research.

The average person spends £678 a year on sports and leisure activities, but in many cases people will end up paying for things they do not use. While the average gym membership costs £38, only 38 per cent of people go regularly, according to the research from M&S Money.

Crawford Prentice, deputy CEO of M&S Money, said: “It’s wonderful to see such a high level of participation in sport across the UK – clearly people are being inspired this summer. Our study shows that although some sports are relatively costly and need some financial planning, there are plenty of activities which are low- cost and offer the same health benefits and enjoyment of competing and participating.”