Britons ‘to skip gym and save cash’

Britons will be seeking to cut costs in 2012 by avoiding the gym, a new survey has found.

A poll by Moneysupermarket.com have revealed two-thirds of consumers think such venues are a waste of their money and that there are alternative ways of improving health and fitness.

The study found 68 per cent would not be renewing their membership or taking up a new one in 2012, compared with 46 per cent last year.

Such a move could help those who have credit card debts to put more cash aside to pay them off.

Commenting on the findings, head of protection at the website James Clarke said: "Joining a gym can be a huge financial commitment and with many gym-goers admitting to rarely using their membership, it's important to consider whether their hard earned cash can be used more effectively."

The poll also found five per cent of people wish to stop smoking this year, while 13 per cent did so last year, something that can improve both physical and financial health.

Mr Clarke noted that this can also help save money on life insurance, as premiums are lower for non-smokers.

Saving money may be a priority for many people after a November survey by the Bank of England and GfK NOP showed consumers still expect the next year to bring Consumer Prices Index inflation of over four per cent.

This is despite the Bank's most recent inflation reports forecasting significant easing in the rise in the cost of living in the next few months.

By Joe White