Binge watching may be the new normal, but in 2014 a surprising number of people are willing to get off the couch for all that TV viewing. According to a recent survey among 1,000 US Internet users conducted by Netflix, Inc., more than 50% of respondents were willing to exercise while binge watching instead of slouching on the couch.
In the same survey, nearly half (45%) of respondents agreed they would be more motivated to exercise if they had access to their favorite TV shows on-demand and commercial free while working out. Sitcoms come out on top as the favorite genre to watch while working up a sweat, with more than one in three (36%) choosing humor over serialized dramas (27%), Sci-Fi/fantasy (24%) or reality shows (20%).
That makes sense, as multiple studies show that watching entertainment, like Netflix, while working out makes people more likely to exercise for longer periods of time and stick with their fitness regimen.
Harley Pasternak, a celebrity fitness specialist and author, is working with Netflix to remind people how incorporating entertainment into your workout can jump start your New Year’s resolution.
“I call it the Netflix fitness effect,” said Pasternak. “My clients have been working out with Netflix for years. It makes cardio feel easier and less boring. Whether you’re watching at home doing resistance exercises or taking your tablet or phone to the gym, Netflix gives people an extra reason to sweat.”
Pasternak, whose client roster includes Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Kanye West, Megan Fox and many others, recommends his clients find a show they love and make a pact to only watch it while working out. “Not only does it make your workouts easier, but you end up looking forward to them more,” Pasternak said. “If you can only watch ‘Breaking Bad’ when you’re on the treadmill, you’re going to find yourself wishing there were more hours in the day to workout.”
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