The science of fit-tainment: workout motivation on demand

Working out is an opportunity to energize your mind and body. But sometimes staying motivated is tough. The good news? There’s a science-backed solution: fit-tainment. By blending your favorite entertainment into your fitness routine, you’ll boost your enthusiasm, lower how hard your workouts feel, and turn exercise into a fun, lasting habit. Fit-tainment does more than entertain. It empowers you to transform every session into something you actually enjoy. Discover how to design a fit-tainment routine that makes your workouts both fun and sustainable.

The science behind fit-tainment 

Both working out and entertainment release feel-good chemicals like dopamine, making them powerful mood boosters. When you combine them, you’ve got a tool that keeps you on track. Listening to your favorite album or podcast during a workout distracts you from the physical stress of intense exercise.

More importantly, it reduces your perceived effort—how hard the workout actually feels. When exercise feels less intense, you’re more likely to enjoy it, do it more often and sometimes even push a little longer. That’s how fit-tainment boosts your performance and endurance. Plus, the more you look forward to your entertainment, the more likely you’ll stick with your routine. A consistent workout habit helps you better manage your metabolism, mental health and overall wellness.  

Getting started with fit-tainment responsibly

Here are some simple ways to enjoy fit-tainment: 

• Pick an audiobook to listen to only when you work out

• Build a playlist of your favorite high-energy songs to listen to while you work out 

• If you’re working out indoors or at a gym, bring a device to watch an episode or two of a show you enjoy. Only watch this show while you work out.

• Many gyms have TVs and play curated high-energy music for their members. You may consider joining a gym like this. 

• Pick one or two podcasts to listen to only when you work out. Pick something funny or engaging to keep your mind occupied.

• Pick an audiobook to listen to only during workouts 

• Use a fitness tracking app or device that gamifies your progress

It’s important to enjoy fit-tainment responsibly. Remember that fitness comes first, entertainment second. Here are some tips to stay on track: 

• Avoid bingeing—when the workout ends, so does the entertainment. Don’t listen or watch beyond your session

• Set healthy boundaries—plan for one or two episodes per session and stick to your time limits 

• Choose uplifting, energetic content that aligns with your fitness goals

• Mix it up—vary your entertainment across different types of exercise to keep things fresh 

Incorporating fit-tainment into your fitness routine turns workouts into an enjoyable habit. By maintaining healthy boundaries and choosing motivating content, you’ll boost your mood, build consistency and see real progress. Let entertainment enhance your exercise, not overshadow it. With this thoughtful approach, you’ll build a healthier, happier lifestyle you genuinely want to maintain.