A unique September 2023 is unfolding for GymTV, Zoom Media's out-of-home venture that offers video content for display in more than 5,000 gyms and fitness centers across the United States, Canada and the UK. For the month of September GymTV is programming its content around the importance of self-care.
"Self-Care September" is the campaign playing inside gyms owned by L.A. Fitness, Gold's Gym, Crunch and other U.S.-based exercise franchises, along with GoodLife Fitness in Canada. From now until the end of the month, customers can view a variety of awareness-raising videos on personal health and lifestyle subjects while engaged in their workout routines. Large screens at each location display GymTV's self-care segments, integrated with a regular menu of music videos, weather updates, sports news, pop culture updates and -- of course -- fitness and nutrition tips.
"We like to keep our members motivated," explains Hillary Farber, GymTV, and parent Zoom Media's North America Senior Director of Marketing and Creative, North America. The motivation for launching this initiative: increasing concern among customers about burnout. "It's been a big deal in the last three to four years," she adds. "Everyone's just kind of been stressed, and mental health awareness has been trending. We believe it's crucial to address these issues and provide a holistic approach to self-care. It's not just about physical fitness. Self-care is important for everyone."
More than 50 video segments were created and produced for the "Self-Care September" presentation, divided into six categories: hydration, rest, fitness, health and beauty, mental health and travel. Each set of segments encourages gym users to adjust their routines for better well-being, such as taking more rest time between strenuous workouts or not going overboard on a particular cardio exercise.
The beauty segments are "about making yourself feel good on the outside, treating yourself and taking care of your skin," Farber elaborates. Travel-centric videos extend an invitation to "take time to reward yourself, disconnect, focus on yourself and travel to retreats and resorts where you can unplug and rejuvenate yourself."
In addition to the TV Screens inside centers, many of GymTV's self-care videos will be available to view on the venture's LinkedIn and Instagram social media sites through the end of September. Follow-up articles with more tips and recommendations will be posted at both sites.
Farber envisions "Self-Care September" as an annual campaign, as part of the national "Self-Care Awareness Month" activities. What's more, count on more theme month programming in 2024 and beyond.
GymTV has also explored entering the arena of interactive home exercise and fitness channels available through smart TV sets and devices. "It's on our radar. We understand it's a growing market," acknowledges Farber. "It's under consideration, and we don't have anything official yet to announce. Right now, our focus is reaching people in the gym while they're working out."
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