An interesting question came up last night - why do so many people watch Food Network at the gym? We watch it because we don't get cable at home and occasionally need a fix of Alton Brown. But we're not the only ones - Rachael Ray, Ina Garten, Emeril and the Next Food Network Star are often playing on the next treadmill over.
Is it motivation to hit that extra mile? For hardcore dieters and gym rats is it perhaps the perverse pleasure of watching something that they're denying themselves? Or is it the sheer wordless entertainment value of exotic travel and Iron Chef throwdowns that have taken over the channel? Tell us...
Sometimes you need to dangle a carrot in front of a bunny to make him run. Food porn is great for that! It definitely motivates me to run that extra 20 minutes so I can indulge in a double chocolate fudge cake later that night.
view darlyn's profile
I also listen to food-related podcasts while I'm out walking or biking (i.e., the Splendid Table). It puts me in a healthful frame of mind -- which tends to lead me to better choices for upcoming meals.
view Kelly H's profile
My sister loves watching the Food Network at any time, partly because you can drop into a show at any point because there's no "plot" to follow and you can even get something out of the program if you only catch the last few minutes.
view Michelle of Montreal's profile
It makes me want to run away! run away! There is nothing on Food Network that I want to watch.
view A Nony Mous's profile
I think people who are into fitness and exercise are also into healthy eating. (Garbage in, garbage out, etc.) Those who watch what they eat tend to cook more at home in order to control their dietary intake, and therefore, are more interested in cooking shows.
view MEP's profile
My gym sadly only has either sports or cnn on when I am there, not they that are bad channels, but I would much rather watch Food Network then those choices. Mainly b/c they are 30 minute shows, when it ends get off one machine and move to the next one.
view Sarah's profile
Whenever I'm on the treadmill, the only other options are Friends reruns and CNN, so Food Network is the only tolerable option.
view AnnaO's profile
Total motivation. To work out, to cook. When I have time to go to the gym, that is!
view thebkk's profile
Yes, I agree with Sarah- I watch Rachel Ray cook a 30-minute meal and I've just finished my 30 minutes of cardio!
view kkf's profile
It's fun to watch food prep programs anytime. But I echo the sentiment of the other poster who mentions that since it doesn't really need to be viewed too sequentially, it's fun to watch. Food porn! We all want to make delicious things. Plus, exercise always gets the appetite going anyhow...!
view GeorgeG's profile