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A new gym has opened its doors in the neighborhood. The newcomer to River West, called Jaguar Fitness and Nutrition, is located at 770 N. Halsted St., Suite LL-3.

Jaguar Fitness and Nutrition specializes in functional exercises, unconventional training techniques and nutrition, according to the website. Services include nutrition coaching and human optimization workshops.

With a five-star rating out of five reviews on Yelp so far, Jaguar Fitness and Nutrition is on its way to developing a local fan base.

Yelper Kevin A. wrote, This is the hottest new gym in downtown Chicago! Great workouts with very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and encouraging coaches! The equipment is top of the line."

And Veronica L. wrote, "Kicked my butt! Matt is a great teacher and pushes you to achieve your potential in the best way. The workouts are fun and unique. I learned so much and will definitely be back again!"

Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Jaguar Fitness and Nutrition is open from 5:15 a.m.7:30 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 5:15 a.m.6:30 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m.1 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.1 p.m. on Sunday.

Want to keep your finger on the pulse of new businesses in Chicago? Here's what else opened recently near you.

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

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New River West gym Jaguar Fitness and Nutrition opens its doors - Hoodline

As we recover from the holiday frenzy of parties, get-togethers, and gift giving, we often turn our attention to the new year. It's the time for a fresh start and those pesky new year's resolutions.

Fitness and health goals are often among the top 4 resolutions people make. According to a 2018 poll, Americans in 2019 resolved to exercise more (13%), quit smoking (12%), lose weight (10%) and eat healthier (9%). Resolutions are not just for the young. Older adults who live their life with purpose are less likely to develop Alzheimer's and also retain strong hand grips and walking speeds.

'Fitness-Palooza' is Jan. 10, 2019That's why San Diego Oasis, a nonprofit organization whose mission to change the way people experience aging, hosts their annual "Fitness-Palooza" event on Friday, January 10, 2019 at their locations in Grossmont Center and in Escondido. This year's theme, "Let's Get Physical," encourages adults 50+ to find their groove and try new fitness activities offered by the nonprofit throughout the year. Joining in the fitness fun not only provides physical benefits, but also motivation, accountability, and inclusion. "Social isolation among adults age 55 and over is a growing epidemic which can cause debilitating health issues such as a higher risk of high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even death," says Simona Valanciute, CEO and president, San Diego Oasis. "We offer more than 3,000 classes each year to improve mind, body, and spirit and bring people together who may not normally feel connected to the greater community at large."

Co-sponsored by AARP-United Healthcare, Palomar Health, and Sharp Grossmont Hospital, the San Diego Oasis Fitness-Palooza spotlights exercise demonstrations that support successful aging and are offered throughout the year at San Diego Oasis locations in La Mesa and Escondido. Attendees can participate in 20-minute sessions of various activities led by experienced instructors. The classes are specifically designed for all levels. There will be opportunities to meet some of the most popular fitness instructors who lead classes at San Diego Oasis, as well as one on one with health and fitness specialists.

Meet Ed Griffith, Soul Line Dancing instructor, San Diego OasisOne instructor is Ed Griffith, who leads the Soul Line Dancing classes offered by San Diego Oasis. An entrepreneur, military veteran, and master 'Fan Popper,' Griffith's classes have been full every semester since he began teaching at San Diego Oasis in April 2017. As CEO of Verlosity, Griffith teaches dance workshops for all ages throughout San Diego County and beyond with dance music based in Jazz, Latin, R&B, and Gospel music themes. He's participated in showcase performances in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Baltimore, New Orleans, Cabo San Lucas, and other locations. He creates and choreographs his own dance routines, adding the unique tool of 'Fan Popping', using an expanded handheld fan to emphasize the music beat and add bling to the dancing, which has increased demand for his work.

Griffith's passion for dancing is his second career. As a native Californian, Griffith served three years in the U.S. Navy, and 33 years working for the federal government as a utilities supervisor working with the military ship to shore hotel services, to make sure that U.S. ships operated while in port here in San Diego. A friend suggested he take Country Line Dancing classes, which he turned into part-time teaching free of charge until he retired. He created his company, Verlosity, in 2010, and launched his dancing career, starting at Eastlake Community Church in Chula Vista. He now teaches in churches, senior and community centers, and for San Diego Oasis.

Griffith says his students tell him the dancing has helped them to relieve stress, increase balance, and most important, meet new friends. "I love teaching adults and seniors because just watching the joy on their faces as they have fun is truly special," says Griffith.

Griffith along with the hundreds of other students and instructors at San Diego Oasis, are breaking the stereotype of the senior citizen, who are often seen as frail and helpless. "The public's perception of aging needs to change," says Valanciute. "Older adults see themselves differently than generations before and don't want to be described as a senior or elderly. And, it's never too late to make a fresh start, especially as we head into 2020."

Confirmed Schedule for San Diego Oasis 'Fitness-Palooza'

San Diego Oasis Wellness Center5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La MesaCall 619-881-6262 with questionsFree Admission, No Registration Required

Escondido Senior Center210 Park Avenue, EscondidoCall 760-796-6020 with questionsFree Admission, No Registration Required

To learn more about upcoming workshops or to make a donation, visit http://www.sandiegooasis.org.

About San Diego OasisSan Diego Oasis, an award-winning nonprofit organization, is on a mission to change the way people experience aging and pursue vibrant, healthy, productive and meaningful lives through education and community service. The community-based organization hosts over 3,000 workshops annually at over 40 locations to 5,600 active participants throughout San Diego County. The nonprofit's Intergenerational Literacy Tutoring Program matches an older adult in the life of an at-risk, low-income student in grades K-4. Their flagship center, located in La Mesa's Grossmont Center, is an exemplary model of engagement for people age 50 and better. Learn more at http://www.SanDiegoOasis.org, connect on Facebook or call 619-881-6262.

Originally posted here:
San Diego Oasis Rings in the New Year with Fitness-Palooza - Patch.com

Research notably found that:

"The fitness industry has focused on the fit getting fitter for far too long, ignoring and even demotivating the roughly 80 percent of Americans who don't yet belong to a gym," said Chris Rondeau, Chief Executive Officer of Planet Fitness. "At Planet Fitness, we believe people can work out on their own terms and live healthy, happy lives, versus perpetuating certain myths that you should be 'living to work out'. It's this mentality that has kept the majority of Americans from believing that they, too, can take that first step toward better health. You don't have to work out seven days a week, two hours a day, to get healthy the truth is that fitness can be fun, affordable, non-intimidating and not all consuming. The key is to just get started and know that every minute truly matters, and over time, can have a significant positive impact."

Moreover, as Americans look ahead to January and rewriting their own rules by setting realistic and attainable goals for the New Year, Planet Fitness also found that:

Planet Fitness offers extremely low membership fees starting at just $10 a month and a variety of benefits, including a hassle-free, non-intimidating environment, free fitness training included with every membership, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully-equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions and much more. The PF Black Card membership includes additional perks such as the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge, access to 1,899 Planet Fitness locations, as well as access to massage beds and chairs, and more. To find a Planet Fitness club near you, visit PlanetFitness.com.

About Planet Fitness Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of September 30, 2019, Planet Fitness had more than 14.1 million members and 1,899 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Mexico. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

* Online survey conducted by Innovate MR to 2,207 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and over, with a margin of error of +/- 2 percent.^ Online survey conducted by Kelton Global to 1,004 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and over, with a margin of error of +/- 2.1 percent.** U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2018, November 18). HHS Releases Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2018/11/12/hhs-releases-physical-activity-guidelines-americans-2nd-edition.html. *^ International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) (March 28, 2019). Latest IHRSA Data: Over 6B Visits to 39,570 Gyms in 2018. Retrieved from https://www.ihrsa.org/about/media-center/press-releases/latest-ihrsa-data-over-6b-visits-to-39-570-gyms-in-2018/.

SOURCE Planet Fitness, Inc.

http://www.planetfitness.com

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Planet Fitness Calls "Bullfit" on the Fitness Industry - PRNewswire

Fitness is always a major talking point in January, but 2020 will be all about the face, rather than the body.

Face fitness' is set to be one of the biggest skincare trends over the next year, according to the online platform Beautypress, as brands roll out a slew of new tools and applications to tighten, brighten and firm the skin.

At the forefront of the trend are face rollers, which are getting an update for 2020. According to Beautypress, in addition to the already popular models made from rose quartz or jade, the new year will see a demand for rollers with metal ends designed not to roll, but simply massage the forehead, T-zone and eye area instead. The purpose of this is to reduce puffiness and keep the skin looking toned.

Cupping, the popular body treatment loved by celebrities, is also coming to facial skincare, thanks to the invention of small cups that are specially designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness, leaving the complexion looking revitalized.

As with all fitness regimes, downtime is essential. Beautypress predicts that sleeping eye masks -- particularly the self-warming kind activated by the touch of skin -- will become a popular way to rest the face next year, following all that tightening and firming activity.

If it all sounds like too much work, however, you might want to consider this trending hack: using face tape for an instant, non-surgical face lift. This special tape works with a thin headband whose ends are stuck to the temples, in a procedure that promises to give the eyes a feline shape immediately.

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Will 2020 be the year we embrace face fitness? - Yahoo Singapore News

MEDIA CONTACT

Available for logged-in reporters only

Research Tip Sheet

MEDICINESCIENCE

Is Extra Sleep the Key to Better Endurance Performance?

Newswise Most athletes believe sleep is important for recovery, yet the importance of sleep for endurance athletes has remained unclear. This study examined nine endurance athletes under three experimental conditions: normal sleep, sleep restriction and sleep extension. Each condition required endurance cycling time-trials to be undertaken on four consecutive days, whereby nightly sleep was manipulated on intervening nights. Results showed that athletes better maintained endurance performance after three nights of sleep extension (8.5 hours per night). Compared with normal sleep (7 hours per night), an extra 90 minutes of sleep per night, over three consecutive nights, improved performance by an average of nearly two minutes (58.7 minutes vs. 56.8 minutes). This study also found that endurance performance was impaired after just two nights of sleep restriction (5 hours per night). This study is the first to show the benefits of sleep extension for endurance performance and highlights the importance of cumulative sleep time for endurance athletes. Findings are particularly pertinent for endurance athletes required to compete over consecutive days, including cyclists during multi-day stage races. More broadly, other athletes competing over consecutive days (e.g., baseball players) or undertaking congested competition schedules may also benefit from sleep extension. View the abstract or contact the investigator.

Are Females Strong Enough to Drive a Race Car?

Driving a race car is stressful. Drivers must make split-second decisions at speeds in excess of 200 mph while being exposed to vibration, noise, three-to-four times the force of gravity and cockpit temperatures in excess of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. During competition, racing drivers will have heart rates of 170 beats per minute, core body temperatures of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and three-to-seven pounds of sweat loss. Popular media has suggested that this stress is too fatiguing for females, and women should not drive race cars. In this study, investigators measured heart rate, skin temperature, core temperature and calculated physiological strain of male and female race car drivers during competition. Investigators found that closed cockpit cars are more fatiguing than open cockpit cars. However, females did not fatigue more than the males. Thus, there is no physiological reason why females should not drive race cars nor compete against males. View the abstract or contact the investigator.

Balance Lose It to Use It! How Tripping on a Treadmill Can Help Reduce Falls

Falls are a global problem. Exercise reduces falls in older adults, but usually requires balance, strength or aerobic training. Researchers discuss treadmill-based balance training, which mimics real-life balance challenges (e.g., trips and slips) in a safe setting. Adults practice and learn from these simulated real-life situations. Benefits from only one to four training sessions can last more than a year. This is much more efficient and feasible than traditional strength, balance and fitness exercise over several months. Researchers focused on treadmill-based balance training in healthy older people and in patients with neuropathology (e.g., stroke and Parkinsons). They provide a new view on how small amounts of this perturbation-based balance training will relate to the effects on falls in daily life. Researchers argue that in neurological populations, more training is required to see improvements in reactive balance. This includes how people can transfer what they have learned in the lab to their home settings. Overall, treadmill-based balance training is a promising option for populations with an increased fall risk. View the abstract or contact the investigator.

A Time to Eat and a Time to Exercise

Modern-day lifestyle permits access to food around the clock. Concurrently, we spend much of each day inactive, often sitting for prolonged periods. Such a lifestyle disrupts the bodys internal rhythms, predisposing many individuals to chronic metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes. Compliance to current diet and exercise guidelines is low. A recent variation of a fasting diet for weight control, known as time-restricted eating (TRE), where all food is consumed within eight-to-10 hours during waking, has been associated with many positive effects on metabolic health, including reductions in weight and improvements in blood pressure, glucose and insulin levels. Exercise induces multiple and comparable benefits as TRE. If these effects are additive is not known. View the abstract or contact the investigator.

Poor Fitness among Students Attending Schools in Deprived Neighborhoods

Large differences in health exist across U.S. communities. Some are linked to environmentthe places where we live, work and play. People in more deprived places tend to have a greater risk of heart disease, shorter life expectancy and poorer fitness levels, a strong health marker. In this study, researchers examined the relationship between poorer places and fitness in a diverse sample of more than 44,000 school-aged youth. This research, led by the University of South Carolina, looked at school and fitness data from the South Carolina FitnessGram project for the 2015-16 school year. The findings showed that nearly one out of two students had an unhealthy fitness level. Additionally, fitness was related to poorer places. The odds of having a healthy fitness level was 25-34% lower among students attending schools in poorer places compared to students in affluent locations. Findings were observed for boys, white students and high school students. The findings were not observed for students of other gender, race and grade level. Efforts to increase youth fitness are needed, especially among students attending schools located in poorer places. View the abstract or contact the investigator.

Greater Health Benefits of Physical Activity with Better Measurement

Does anybody REALLY remember how physically active they were in the past year, or even past month? Researchers have long recognized this problem of remembering past physical activity; however, using a questionnaire where people self-reported was the only practical way to measure physical activity in large groups. Now, researchers can collect physical activity through wearable monitors like accelerometers. This new tech raises the question of whether the widely accepted health benefits of physical activity are even greater than previously thought, given more accurate measurement. To answer this question, researchers had 2,291 healthy black and white men and women, ages 38-50 years, complete a physical activity questionnaire and wear a monitor for seven days. Data from the monitor showed that the most active people had a lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes and a somewhat lower chance of developing high blood pressure during the next 10 years. These decreased risks were not detected with the questionnaires. Thus, using a monitor to collect information may lead to a better understanding of the importance of physical activity in disease prevention. View the abstract or contact the investigator.

Lung Abnormalities Limit Exercise Capacity in People with Hear Failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to supply the body with needed amounts of oxygen. People with heart failure have trouble doing daily activities like exercise. This limitation to exercise advances the progression of heart failure. In this review, authors state that, contrary to expectations, the heart is not responsible for the exercise limitation. Instead, evidence shows that lung disorders contribute to the poor exercise capacity. Interventions to treat lung disorders may improve exercise tolerance for those with heart failure. View the abstract or contact the investigator.

Originally posted here:
Sleep & Endurance Performance, Female Racers, Reducing Falls, Youth Fitness & More from the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports &...

Prince William Countys Planning Commission voted in favor Wednesday of a special-use permit and proffer amendment to pave the way for a new Planet Fitness in the shopping center at Prince William Parkway and Hoadly Road.

The new, 14,750-square-foot gym will fill six of eight existing vacancies in the shopping center, known as the Shops at County Center.

The gym will not require the construction of any new buildings. The project requires a special-use permit and proffer amendment because of the size of the new facility. The developments current proffers limit any one tenant to 8,000 square feet with the exception of the grocery store.

The gym will displace several stores in the shopping center that will relocate to other vacant storefronts in the same shopping center, according to a spokesperson for the applicant, Hoadly Regency LLC.

The countys planning department recommended approval of project, and said the Planet Fitness will increase use in the shopping center space because existing tenants will relocate to vacant spaces.

Several county residents expressed concern that the new gym would bring more traffic to the area. Annette Van Kleeck, a resident of the Coles District, said the additional traffic that could come with a building of that size would take away from the kind of neighborhood we want to have in this area.

Zach McBride, a resident of Neabsco District, said the increased traffic could be a safety hazard for people who ride their bikes or walk to work on Hoadly Road.

I dont think people consider the traffic thats going to come from Planet Fitness, McBride said. Its a large establishment and it will bring a lot of people from outside the area.

Planning Commissioner Austin Haynes, who represents the Coles District where the shopping center is located, voted to approve the measure. But he said he has reservations about the project because of the potentially high number of customers that the gym could attract.

The intensity of uses being replaced are not comparable. This is a much denser use, Haynes said.

Only Commissioner Richard Berry (Gainesville) voted against the special use permit and proffer amendment for the project.

The plan now heads to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors for final approval.

Read the original here:
Planning Commission OKs new Planet Fitness Gym on Hoadly Road - Prince William Times

Bournemouth will check on forward Joshua Kings ankle injury ahead of the Premier League match against Burnley.

Midfielder Andrew Surman is also a doubt after picking up a calf problem during last weekends win at Chelsea.

The Cherries remain without several players as defender Nathan Ake (hamstring), Adam Smith (foot), Steven Cook (hand), forward Callum Wilson (thigh), Arnaut Groeneveld (foot), Harry Wilson (thigh), Charlie Daniels (knee) and Lloyd Kelly (thigh) all continue their own rehabilitation.

Burnley have doubts over midfielder Ashley Westwood and striker Chris Wood.

Westwood returned from a groin problem for last weekends victory over Newcastle, but the issue has resurfaced while Wood (Achilles) has also missed training this week.

Charlie Taylor (hamstring) and Kevin Long (hip) are fit, but fellow defender Ben Gibson (groin) is set to miss out. Winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson (hamstring) continues to build up his fitness after being sidelined for more than two months.

Bournemouth provisional squad: Ramsdale, Francis, Stacey, Rico, Mepham, Gosling, Lerma, L Cook, Fraser, Billing, King, Boruc, Simpson, Surman, Stanislas, Kilkenny, Dobre, Solanke, Ibe.

Burnley provisional squad: Pope, Hart, Lowton, Taylor, Tarkowski, Mee, Long, Pieters, Bardsley, Cork, McNeil, Westwood, Brady, Hendrick, Drinkwater, Lennon, Wood, Barnes, Rodriguez, Vydra.

Originally posted here:
Bournemouth to check on King fitness ahead of Burnley clash - FourFourTwo USA

Looking to get fit?

From rock climbing to car racing, there's plenty to do when it comes to sports and fitness activities coming up in Milwaukee this week. Read on for a rundown.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

From the Milwaukee Turners deal description:

Where: 1034 Vel R. Phillips Ave., Kilbourn TownPrice: $7-$18Click here for more details, and to take advantage of this deal

From the Lightning Athletics deal description:

Where: 7830 Fairview Ave., Honey Creek ParkwayPrice: $77-$109Click here for more details, and to get this deal

From the J.K. Lee City Youth Martial Arts Program deal description:

Where: 510 E. Burleigh St., RiverwestPrice: $20-$25Click here for more details, and to score this deal

From the Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Wisconsin deal description:

Where: 625 E. St. Paul Ave., Downtown MilwaukeePrice: $22-$43Click here for more details, and to take advantage of this deal

From the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience deal description:

Where: 640 S. 84th St., Fair ParkPrice: $122-$262Click here for more details, and to score this deal

This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

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Sports and fitness is hot in Milwaukee this week - Hoodline

New National Study Finds "FITSPO" Culture, Competitive Nature of Fitness Fads Demotivating; The Average American Falsely Assumes a Daily Workout Must be 95 Minutes or More to be Impactful

HAMPTON, N.H., Dec. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Fitness, Inc.,one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S., is calling "bullfit" on the current state of the fitness industry with bold new research that uncovers Americans' true feelings and misperceptions about health and wellness. In the aptly titled "Bullfit Report," independent studies from Planet Fitness, Innovate MR* and Kelton Global^ expose a growing frustration with fad fitness, social media "fitspiration" and the many myths Americans believe to be true about health and wellness and uncover just how much of a toll it may be taking on getting America moving.

Research notably found that:

"The fitness industry has focused on the fit getting fitter for far too long, ignoring and even demotivating the roughly 80 percent of Americans who don't yet belong to a gym," said Chris Rondeau, Chief Executive Officer of Planet Fitness. "At Planet Fitness, we believe people can work out on their own terms and live healthy, happy lives, versus perpetuating certain myths that you should be 'living to work out'. It's this mentality that has kept the majority of Americans from believing that they, too, can take that first step toward better health. You don't have to work out seven days a week, two hours a day, to get healthy the truth is that fitness can be fun, affordable, non-intimidating and not all consuming. The key is to just get started and know that every minute truly matters, and over time, can have a significant positive impact."

Moreover, as Americans look ahead to January and rewriting their own rules by setting realistic and attainable goals for the New Year, Planet Fitness also found that:

Planet Fitness offers extremely low membership fees starting at just $10 a month and a variety of benefits, including a hassle-free, non-intimidating environment, free fitness training included with every membership, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully-equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions and much more. The PF Black Card membership includes additional perks such as the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge, access to 1,899 Planet Fitness locations, as well as access to massage beds and chairs, and more. To find a Planet Fitness club near you, visit PlanetFitness.com.

About Planet Fitness Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of September 30, 2019, Planet Fitness had more than 14.1 million members and 1,899 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Mexico. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

* Online survey conducted by Innovate MR to 2,207 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and over, with a margin of error of +/- 2 percent.^ Online survey conducted by Kelton Global to 1,004 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and over, with a margin of error of +/- 2.1 percent.** U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2018, November 18). HHS Releases Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2018/11/12/hhs-releases-physical-activity-guidelines-americans-2nd-edition.html. *^ International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) (March 28, 2019). Latest IHRSA Data: Over 6B Visits to 39,570 Gyms in 2018. Retrieved from https://www.ihrsa.org/about/media-center/press-releases/latest-ihrsa-data-over-6b-visits-to-39-570-gyms-in-2018/.

Story continues

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Planet Fitness Calls "Bullfit" on the Fitness Industry - Yahoo Finance

A still from That Peloton Ad. Photo: Peloton

One of the frequent refrains I heard during the controversy over That Peloton Ad was who pays $2,000 for an exercise bike? But of course, you can say this about all sorts of ways people exercise. Peloton which makes high-end, internet-connected home exercise bikes that allow you to participate in video group fitness classes, for which it charges a monthly fee on top of the bike price has a high upfront cost but looks cheap compared to twice-weekly sessions with a personal trainer or SoulCycle twelve times a month, both of which are also things people pay for. Why do people do any of these things when they can run for free, or pick up a cheap home exercise bike for $200, or join Planet Fitness for $22 a month?

Of course, there are a lot of reasons, including that the expensive options may be more pleasant or more fun ways to get fit. But a big reason is follow-through: A $2,000 exercise bike youll keep using is a better value than a $200 one that youll use five times before turning it into a clothing rack, and people buy Peloton because (they believe) they will actually use it.

Lots of fitness spending is aimed at overcoming problems of intertemporal choice: We wish we had exercised yesterday, and we want to exercise tomorrow, and yet we often choose not to exercise right now and proceed to regret that choice the next day. Products and services that bring our current actions into line with our past and future preferences can be very valuable, even if they dont seem strictly necessary for the actual practice of exercise.

So, for example, 24-hour cancellation policies for fitness classes or personal training sessions help companies manage capacity and avoid leaving space unsold, but they also help customers by locking them into workouts: Since I have already paid for a SoulCycle class, I will feel silly if I do not go, even if I am tired and very tempted to skip working out. A Peloton customer may feel the same way about an expensive bike: Now that I have paid $2,000 for this thing, I had better use it.

But this strategy of upfront financial commitment is not foolproof. Unlimited monthly gym memberships are supposed to help us work out more, because we dont pay at the margin the more times we go. Yet a 2006 paper in the American Economic Review found members at one network of American health clubs paid over $70 a month to work out just 4.3 times on average spending more than if they had paid the $10 single-visit fee each time they went. Even a substantial and non-refundable per-class fee does not ensure completion of every planned-and-paid-for workout, as you know if youve ever shown up at a sold-out SoulCycle class without a reservation and watched the staff call out booked-but-unclaimed bikes for resale.

There are also more aggressive commitment strategies than simply paying upfront. Commitment contracts are designed to make not exercising more expensive than exercising. Participants agree to set aside money that will be released to them only if they complete a goal, such as a desired number of workouts in a month; otherwise, the money is given to charity. Such an approach appears to be modestly effective, and is available through services like StickK, but hasnt yet achieved wide uptake, maybe because it feels weird to punish yourself by donating to charity.

An alternative to financial accountability is interpersonal accountability. This is what That Peloton Ad was supposed to be about: A customer, using her expensive new piece of equipment to form and stick to a positive new habit, and demonstrating to those around her that she was doing so. Of course, this could be (and was) read in a creepy way: That her husband, whom the Internet decided was abusive, was pressuring her to work out or else, even though she was already thin. But as Amanda Mull describes in the most recent issue of the Atlantic, a more positive form of interpersonal accountability is a key part of what Peloton customers are intending to buy.

Mull writes in particular about one customer who started getting better use out of her Peloton bike after she found the right, supportive Facebook group to share her workouts goals with. This is at the core of Pelotons proposition: It takes the interpersonal networks that bolster the effectiveness of in-person group fitness, but moves them online. From Crossfit to yoga to bootcamps, one of the benefits of group fitness is developing social links with people both instructors and other participants who expect you to do something and may notice if you fall away. To the extent these networks reflect their participants own desire for interpersonal accountability, that is a good thing.

And besides the commitment aspect, merging an exercise experience with a communal or even spiritual one helps make the exercise seem like less of a chore, reducing the degree by which it looks more appealing to do tomorrow than today. That is the holy grail of fitness commitment: not finding a way to lock ourselves into doing today what we will wish we had done tomorrow, but changing our own preferences so they align across time making ourselves into the sort of people who actually want to work out today, right now. Of course, changing yourself is really hard. But many people will keep paying as they try to find the way that works for them.

Daily news about the politics, business, and technology shaping our world.

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Why Paying More for Fitness Is Part of Pelotons Proposition - New York Magazine

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