Study reveals that 93% of women dislike the gym

Three times more people join a gym in January than at any other time of the year, but a recent survey* shows that a staggering 54% of women and 42% of men give up on their new exercise regime within the first 4 weeks.  This figure is not so surprising when it is revealed how many people feel de-motivated by working out at the gym: 93% of women and 90%** of men admit that they disliked this form of exercise regime, with half of those questioned saying it only took a matter of days for them to give up on their new year good intentions.

“Failing to enjoy your chosen form of exercise is the single biggest reason for giving up on your new fitness routine” says Duncan Lawson, MD of Instyle Fitness.  “It is vital that you pick an activity which keeps you interested and motivated otherwise failure is inevitable.”

Duncan’s company is currently pioneering WebRacing™, a revolutionary new technology which combines high-action gaming with a thoroughly effective workout.  A WebRacing™ machine (Nordic skier, treadmill or bike) connects to the internet to allow the user to compete against fellow users from all over the globe.  The user can view the action on their pc, seeing themselves as a virtual avatar racing in some of the most famous athletic events in the world from the Boston Marathon to the Sydney 2000 trial bike course.

If the element of competition doesn’t appeal, there is a ghost rider option which allows users to test themselves against their own personal best.  WebRacing™ records personal fitness data to enable users to monitor their improvements.  It ensures a fantastic workout is achieved while the presence of other participants and authentic scenery keep your mind engaged to the point that you can easily forget how hard you are actually working.

“This is great way for the family to keep fit together – adults and kids love it” says Duncan.  “Traditional exercise equipment offers no interaction or mental stimulation, whereas WebRacing™ keeps you focused and psychologically engaged, meaning you burn more calories and achieve greater muscle tone over the same period.

The presence of other riders provides a competitive and motivational element and ensures that you stay focused for longer.  In fact, research shows that 86% of users prefer this interactive addition to their workout with repeat usage standing at over 90%.”

WebRacing™ will be available for home use from April 2010 with prices starting at approximately £500.  Visit www.webracing.co.uk.

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Media contact:

If you would like to test WebRacing™ yourself or request images please contact Mark Prevett.  Interviews with Duncan can be arrange on request.

E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it         M: 07540 359840

*Survey commissioned by TOTAL 0% Greek Yoghurt
**Survey conducted on behalf of Marks and Spencer