Netflix: Americans set to binge watch while exercising
December 30, 2013
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 Internet entertainment streaming service Netflix , more than 50 per cent of respondents were willing to exercise while binge watching instead of slouching on the couch.
In the same survey, nearly half (45 per cent) of respondents agreed they would be more motivated to exercise if they had access to their favourite TV shows on-demand and commercial free while working out. Sitcoms come out on top as the favourite genre to watch while working up a sweat, with more than one in three (36 per cent) choosing humour over serialised dramas (27 per cent), Sci-Fi/fantasy (24 per cent) or reality shows (20 per cent).
That makes sense, as multiple studies show that watching entertainment, such as Netflix, while working out makes people more likely to exercise for longer periods of time and stick with their fitness regimen.
Harley Pasternak, celebrity fitness expert and New York Times bestselling 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 superstar 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.”