New York  - A large US fitness studio chain is attracting members with a full cinema experience in its studios.

Instead of comfortable plush seats, treadmills are installed in the studio's Cardio Cinema areas, which are dark, just like regular cinemas. While exercising, members can watch movies such as Superman Returns or The Love Guru on a large screen. The programme changes daily, but for health reasons, no popcorn is served.

Apart from the perfect distraction of watching a movie, there is also a nice side effect. About 20 per cent of Americans say they do not go to a gym because they feel uncomfortable when they are being watched while exercising, CNN television broadcaster reported. In the dark Cardio Cinema, they no longer have an excuse not to go. (dpa)