According to Netflix, Watching Netflix Improves Exercise
According to a study from the United States Department of Health, about 35 percent of Americans qualifies as obese. However, the number of people who qualify as "extremely obese," (100 pounds overweight) has gone up. Americans, it seems, just can't stop getting fatter. What's the answer? Netflix, of course.
Netflix conducted a study to see if using their streaming service would get people motivated to exercise. They found that 50 percent of people would ditch their couch in favor of exercising while watching Netflix. The survey — of 1,000 "Internet using adults" — also found that most people — 36 percent — preferred watching sitcoms while working out. Dramas, like Breaking Bad, were the runner-up, at 27 percent. Science Fiction/Fantasy was second to last, at 24 percent, followed by last place reality shows.
The Netflix study reinforces previous studies that have shown that entertainment can improve exercise sessions. One such report, by researchers in Canada, found that watching TV and listening to music was the key to getting people to exercise longer, and more often. "The combined entertainment group had significantly lower dropout than either music alone, television alone, or a control condition, as well as a trend toward higher attendance," explained the study. "Also, the combined entertainment group participants completed significantly longer exercise sessions than either the control or television-only groups, and demonstrated cardiorespiratory improvements significantly greater than all other groups."
Another study, by doctors at the University of New Mexico, found that listening to music while exercising provides people with "A reduction in the feeling of fatigue, an increase in levels of psychological arousal, a physiological relaxation response and an improvement in motor coordination."
Of course the Netflix study is not about getting people to exercise more, it's about getting people to watch more Netflix. Which is why the company had quotes from Harley Pasternak, an author and celebrity fitness expert (she's trained Katy Perry, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, and more) included in its press release.
"I call it the Netflix fitness effect," explained Pasternak, of the study. "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."
Sure thing, Pasternak. Let's all note that Pasternak is listed as "working with Netflix," which means working for Netflix, which means Netflix is paying her a lot to say things like "Netflix fitness effect." But hey, we're not saying don't watch Netflix. We're saying go for it. Even while you're exercising. As we see it, Netflix and exercise are two great things, why not combine them?
[Image via Flickr - Esther Vargas]
