Flat Screens = Fat Butts

We have a big message written on the mirror alongside our few cardio machines that reads: If you are reading or watching TV you are NOT burning fat! (We then give three sample workouts that can be followed)

This is not entirely accurate as any activity buns calories, but we are trying to remind clients of our emphasis on interval training. There is an overwhelming amount of research to support that interval training burns more fat than steady-state cardio. It's still a mystery to me why most folks are still stuck in the steady cardio mindset. I guess old habits are hard to break. While 30-45 minutes of steady-state cardio is better than no activity, I know our clients would like to make the most of their time on the hamster wheel.

I must admit that I am a bit of an enabler. I have two nice, flat screen TVs hanging just in front of the cardio equipment with the ability to listen on headphones. When we completed our 3rd expansion a few years back it was an inexpensive addition to our space that looked awesome. Fast forward and I can't wait to get them out of the gym!

We are planning another update of our space in the next few weeks and the wall that currently displays the TVs will be gone. I plan on removing them all together at that point, which may cause a minor uproar with a select few. Before you go postal, let me say that I understand. I mean, where will I watch Judge Judy and Maury? I can't go home and watch. The Mrs. don't play that!

We make decisions based on what is best for our clients. Most of the people we work with are seeking fat loss and time efficiency. If removing a few TVs will cause people to work a little harder, then we are helping them move just one step closer to their goals. Oprah be damned!

How about you? Do you watch the boob tube while you exercise? If so, I guarantee you that you will work harder if you shut it off and be a little more mindful of your effort level.

RM