Experimental and non-experimental evidence on limited attention and present bias at the gym

Paul Muller and Wolfgang Habla

No 743, Working Papers in Economics from University of Gothenburg, Department of Economics

Abstract: We show that limited attention and present bias contribute to low levels of exercise. First, in a large randomized experiment, we find that email reminders increase gym visits by 13 % and that they benefit nearly all types of individuals. Limited attention can explain these effects. Second, using a novel dataset, we find that many bookings for gym classes are canceled, and that bookings are made even for classes that never have a waiting list. Comparing these findings to the predictions of a dynamic discrete choice model, we conclude that many gym members use bookings to commit themselves to future attendance.

Keywords: health behaviour; randomized experiment; reminders; nudging; habit formation; limited attention; time inconsistency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C93 D91 I12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 57 pages
Date: 2018-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-exp
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Working Paper: Experimental and non-experimental evidence on limited attention and present bias at the gym (2018)
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