Brits to splash out on keeping fit
Many Brits have made keeping fit their new year's resolution for 2006, and they are backing this vow up with cash, according to a new report.
Virgin Money's survey found that Brits are willing to fork out £19.8 billion of their money a year on activities to improve their health, with an estimated £3.7 billion to be spent on gym memberships alone.
Brits will also collectively shell out billions of their finances on cycling (£3.4 billion) and golf (£3.05 billion), with these figures rising further if the cost of biking and golfing holidays is taken into account.
A Virgin Money spokesman said: 'The amount of money that we invest in sports every year in incredible when you add it all up.
'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.'
Hundreds of millions will be spent on activities such as yoga, badminton, football, skiing, fishing, rugby and squash.
Brits are also expected to spend an astronomical £4.5 billion on sports clothes. | 
