Catch up on TV while on a run thanks to personal trainer with a screen on their back
EVEN the most dedicated fitness fan would admit there were times they would rather watch television than go for a run.
Now they can combine the two. David Lloyd Clubs is enabling personal trainers to run with television screens on their backs allowing people to watch as they work out. The club hopes their new “PVT” classes will al- low their members to stay up-to-date with their favourite shows while keeping fit.
Bur the scheme has prompted concerns from running professionals who said they fear the screens may be a distraction for runners and could be a safety hazard.
Rhys Williams, the 400m hurdles European Champion, praised the scheme saying “anything that gets people out doing exercise and running is fantastic” but added that there were some safety issues which would need to be addressed.
“I would say that there are clearly some safety concerns to consider, especially in terms of tripping and not looking out for traffic, but I’m sure the trainers will address those and I hope pick suitable running routes,” he said.
Roland Gibbard, vice-president of the British Association of Road Races, said: “In honesty I think it is ridiculous and completely defeats the point of running outside. You may as well just stand on a treadmill. The whole thing seems a bit pointless to me, and that’s without considering the safety implications.”
A spokesman from runbritain said that from “a health and well-being perspective running outside gives people an opportunity to connect with their environment which may be lost if they are watching TV”.
A spokesman from David Lloyd Clubs said all routes would be carefully mapped out “in green spaces that are well away from all roads and vehicles”, adding that the personal trainer would ensure that runners were “extremely familiar with the route”. They added: “We want to remind people in an original way of the importance of staying active and healthy – even during a binge-watching marathon.”
PTV sessions are to be trialled at David Lloyd Chigwell next weekend. Depending on the success of that, the firm will look into rolling out the service across the UK over spring and summer.