In a trial with 226 people, gym-only audiobooks initially increased visits by 51%

A study involving 226 participants tested “temptation bundling,” a behavioral strategy that pairs an immediately enjoyable activity with an action that offers longer-term benefits. Participants who could listen to engaging audiobooks only while exercising at the gym initially visited 51% more frequently than members of the control group.

The research, conducted by CHIBE experts Katherine Milkman, PhD, and Kevin Volpp, MD, PhD, with Julia Minson, showed how immediate rewards can make exercise more appealing. However, the effect weakened over time, particularly after the Thanksgiving break, highlighting the importance of designing behavioral interventions that help people restart routines after an interruption.