Easter excess kick starts surge in gym membership

As many of us crack through several chocolate eggs this Easter, the guilt felt afterwards is demonstrated in the eggstra-ordinary surge in gym membership according to research from Quidco.

Figures from the cashback and voucher site identified the significant increase in gym memberships (immediately after Easter), are the highest experienced all year round. In April 2010 chocolate lovers contributed to a 215% surge in gym sales and last year, the sector enjoyed a further increase of 187% after the long, sugar filled weekend.

Remarkably these figures far exceed gym membership increases experienced immediately after Christmas, following on from mince pies, turkey and trimmings.

Those feeling the pinch (around the waistline and in their purse) can take advantage of the following offers from Quidco, that could help negate chocolate excesses:

£24 cashback when joining Fitness First
1st meeting absolutely free + up to 10% cashback with Weight Watchers
4% cashback on Slimfast's 4 week pack via Argos
10% cashback on all sales with Slendertone

Jo Roberts, Head of PR at Quidco said: "Our research suggested many chocolate lovers experience guilt after the Easter break and make moves to address this. For those wanting to shift a few pounds without spending too many, can take advantage of many offers on our site from slimming aids, toning equipment and gym membership. With a broad range of health and fitness options available from Quidco, we are confident there is help for everyone who ‘over-egged' this Easter."

Quidco pays ‘cashback' when people make a purchase from any of the 3,200+ retailers listed on its website, by paying the retailers commission directly to the shopper. In addition to cashback offered (both online and in store) Quidco also offers printable vouchers, voucher codes and a car insurance comparison tool. It has 1.9million users and returned £45m worth of member's cashback last year.