Nation steps off the treadmill in 2013

Getting fit and healthy to work off the excesses of the festive period normally tops New Year resolutions lists across the country, but according to research by MoneySupermarket Brits will be shunning the gym in 2013.

The comparison site polled over a thousand site users and found two thirds of those polled (66 per cent) won't be a member of the gym in 2013. One in ten are cancelling their gym membership for 2013 after failing to make the most of it over the last twelve months, and a fifth (17 per cent) just don't do any exercise at all!

Almost 40 per cent of those polled don't bother with the gym as they keep fit and healthy in other ways, while just three per cent will join a gym for the first time ever in 2013.  A quarter will renew their gym membership - down from 29 per cent in a similar poll in 2009.

Emma Walker, Head of Protection at MoneySupermarket.com said: "As a nation we may emerge from a festive hangover with resolutions to eat less, drink less and get fit, but it seems gym membership is not top of the list for a New Year health kick.

"A few short moments spent pondering the calories consumed over the indulgent festive period could be the encouragement we need to get back into health-conscious ways, but 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."

"For all the treadmill, exercise bike and cross trainer enthusiasts out there, it's worth bearing in mind there are life insurance and critical illness policies that reward a healthy lifestyle.  Furthermore, kicking the smoking habit will also see savings on life cover as there is a vast price difference between policies for smokers and non-smokers. Brits turning their backs on cigarettes for good could see average savings of an impressive £3,201 over the term of the policy."