RUNNING coaches will jog with television screens on their backs...in a bid to entice lazy box set lovers to do some exercise.
The wacky fitness concept has been launched by the David Lloyd leisure chain, which has a gym off United Way in Colchester.
The coaches, known as PTVs, will run outdoors with digital screens strapped to their backs.
Telly addicts simply run after the coaches and watch even more of their favourite shows at the same time.
A brand spokesman said: "Although gym-goers can prop a digital tablet on a treadmill, no ‘binge while you exercise’ option exists for people that like to run in the great outdoors.
Catch up - Runners could watch Game of Thrones on the go Credit: HBO/Sky/PA Wire
"Now, anyone that’s ever wanted to watch an episode of Game of Thrones or Westworld while also enjoying a park run can realise that burning ambition."
People interested will need to book a free one-to-one session with a PTV running coach and choose the TV show they want to watch while they run - whether it’s on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Now TV or Amazon Prime.
In advance of the session, the PTV will map out an appropriate off-road running route adjacent to the gym that is tailored to the client’s running pace and the length of one episode of the chosen show.
Westworld - another popular choice for telly addicts on the move Credit:PA Photo/Home Box Office, Inc.
Each PTV will sport a custom-made running vest with a digital screen on the back and, upon arrival, the client will be supplied with a pair of wireless headphones.
The binge-run will then start and the client will need to keep up with their running coach if they want to watch their TV show uninterrupted.
PTV sessions are to initially be trialled at David Lloyd Chigwell this weekend.
Westworld - a robotics engineer works on the construction of “Fred” to launch Westworld Season Two. Picture: Matt Alexander/PA Wire
Depending on the success of the trial, David Lloyd Clubs will look into rolling out the service across the UK over the spring and summer months.
David Lloyd researchers say one in five people find time to watch more than 31 hours of TV a week yet scientists say prolonged inactivity has a negative impact on a person’s short and long-term health.
Binge-watching can, according to the research, make people eat more, cause them to feel lethargic during the day and have a negative effect on their sleeping patterns.
Example PTV runs and TV shows (distances based on UK average running paces and the episode lengths):
•Lost In Space: 6.5K run / 48 minutes
•Game of Thrones: 7.5K run / 56 minutes
•The Crown: 8K run / 59 minutes
•The Good Place: 3K run / 22 minutes
•The Marvellous Mrs Maisel: 6.5K run / 49 minutes
•Stranger Things: 7.5K run / 55 minutes
•Westworld: 8K run / 59 minutes
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