Aussies to spend $200m 'on health and gyms' in 2010

Aussies are set to spend millions on health and gym treatments next year, according to one expert's comments.

Aussie consumers will access their credit card or current account to spend a collective $200 million on health programmes and gyms next year.

This is according to Ibis World, which predicts that people will spend $112 million on weight-loss methods in January alone.

Reported in the Australian, the figures also suggest that gym membership costs will reach $93 million.

Despite a year of economic turbulence when many people gave up luxuries such as spas and professional health advice, an upturn in sentiment will see a quick return to the days of old, said Ibis World general manager Robert Bryant.

However, those looking for an alternative way to de-stress in the new year could try aromatherapy.

Sue Mousley is chair of the International Federation of Aromatherapists and said various conditions can be treated - from bad skin to irritable bowel syndrome and insomnia.

"You give relief to symptoms, then you start working on the real problem which is the deeper problem below. That is the benefit of the treatment," she added.