Spending in gyms jumped 17% in the first two weeks of January when compared to the same time last year, new data shows.
The credit and debit card figures from Bank of Ireland reveal a 40% rise in spending in sports clubs including golf, tennis and football, as many people focus on their fitness and health for the new year.
The data also show that social spending was up 7% in the first half of January compared to the same period last year.
Spending in restaurants was up 9%, while spending on fast food increased 6% and pub spending rose 4%. Meanwhile, spending in off-licences fell 8% during the same period.
"New Year, New You has definitely taken off for many, with a significant year on year spike in spending on gyms and sports clubs," said Jilly Clarkin, Head of Customer Journeys & SME Markets at Bank of Ireland.
"But spending in the first two weeks of January is actually a mixed picture, as consumers also sought to keep the festive spirit alive and enjoyed themselves in pubs and restaurants.
"It will be interesting to see if the focus on health and fitness turns out to be a marathon or a sprint, and will those best intentions fall by the wayside as the year progresses?"
Overall, consumer spending rose by 9% in the first two weeks in January when compared to same time last year.
Consumers in Galway spent the most, followed by Longford, Wicklow, Kildare, Kerry, Mayo and Westmeath.
