Television screens are common in commercial gyms. In the survey, participants were asked what content they watched when using the screens at the gym. The results are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With music videos most commonly watched, participants commented that music was used to motivate them to exercise harder. Respondant 2 explained: "I feel I'm more motivated when I listen to music, you think about the beat and song when working out rather than the strain in your body, and can use music tempo changes to increase or decrease your speed" (2015). 

 

There was also the positive that they could pass alot of time if doing a monotonous routine such as walking or running: "It generally enhances my workout. It keeps my mind focused on something other than my workout, which allows me to ignore fatigue and work out longer and harder." (Respondant 32).

 

In Catos' experience, the television is another distraction.

"They are set at a certain megahertz to distract us, there are certain frequencies that set the brain to become quite translike when it comes to watching TV. The multitasking will reduce the intensity of the workout and changing from one activity to another will cause lag time. "If you go from watching the television to lifting dumbells to watching the television I don't know if that's an efficient use of time.

 

At URAC. Jess explains that the type of content will impact on the intensity of the workout. "If you are investing attention in another activity you're not going to be exercising as intensely.  It is great if you aren't doing cardio or other exercises where you have to keep changing moves."

 

Jess' experience also demonstrates that working out with technology is ideal for those not planning an arduos routine. 

"If I don't want to do that sort of routine i'll jump on the step-up, watch an episode of Orange is the New Black and before I know it i've stepped an hour. In this instance, television does have a place if you know you're not going to move and the only motivation you may have to exercise that day is watching an episode of your favourite show. At the end of the day, if you're moving over the alternative of not moving that's a better decision." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"We also provide lifescape screens where someone can listen to music, watch TV or do a workout. URAC has indents on some of the machines so people can still work out at eye-level and maintain good posture." *see above*

 

According to Weed, activities such as reading or watching a complex drama are likely to slow an athlete’s pace because the mind is more focused on more than one thing (Weed, 2010). Thus, trainers advise their clients to watch light comedies rather than complicated mysteries or depressing news programs.

 

The difference in the stories reaffirms that what kind of media and place is suitable for which audience; an environment with more devices is suitable for gym-goers who want to move and multi-task, although not as intense, whilst a private gym devoid of these devices touts a distraction free environment where goers want to change their shape and/or improve their strength.