Tapping Into Our Inner Couch Potato: In-Game Advertising By Fitness Firms

Ah...those annoying commercials have finally ended; you can now get back to watching your favorite crime fighter, heart breaker, and/or prankster go about his or her business during this week's episode of your T.V. show of choice.  But then again, are the advertisements really gone?  If you have not noticed, many popular brands and company products tend to pop up during popular television shows and hit movies, and not by coincidence, either.  Businesses spend considerable amounts of money to have their drinks, clothing, and other branded items appear before your eyes on the tube and the big screen, an age-old tactic known as product placement.  In recent years, due to the growth in the video game industry and online platforms, product placement has expanded into the virtual realm as well, taking on the form of a new promotional technique: In-Game Advertising (IGA).  In fact, IGA has become so increasingly common that Massive Inc. (an IGA provider) predicts its use will expand to a $1 billion dollar market by 2014.  Big Business really is everywhere.

Fun Fact

The Head Honcho himself has also experimented with In-Game Advertising.  During his 2008 campaign, President Barack Obama spent approximately $44,500 on IGA.  To encourage voter turnout, Mr. President purchased advertising space in 18 video games such as Burnout Paradise, Skate, and a few members of the EA Sports franchise.  Online gamers living in 10 "battle ground" states witnessed the billboard like ads as they played the various titles on Xbox Live or Playstation Network.  Take that Campaign Finance Reform.



Obama Billboard in Burnout Paradise.  Even in
the virtual world we still take our eyes off the road.



Big Surprise

You probably guessed it.  Yes, Health and Fitness firms also use In-Game Advertising as a means to promote their products.  I know that sounds somewhat ironic, or even hypocritical, given that sitting on your couch and button mashing for hours on end is not the ideal route to a healthy lifestyle.  However, if you consider the goal of IGA, or any promotional strategy for that matter - to make a positive connection between your product and the target audience - its use by Health and Fitness companies represents a logical marketing tactic.  For many individuals, video games provide an outlet to have fun and relieve stress, especially after crushing someone in Madden, or after defeating a hoard of zombies in COD: Black Ops.  By tapping into such an emotional experience, businesses can associate their fitness-related brands with the enjoyment of playing video games, an effect that becomes amplified when the user accomplishes some sort of goal, such as winning the championship game or beating level 99 on expert difficulty.  I mean, if my character in NBA Live sinks a half-court shot while sporting a pair of fresh Nike's, that means I can do the same if I buy those shoes, right?

Although most Health and Fitness firms focus their IGA efforts on sports titles, many companies promote their products in other video game genres as well.  To give you an idea of what health- and fitness-related IGA looks like, I have displayed a few examples below:

Everyone Loves the 90s

Company: Adidas

Game: FIFA International Soccer (Sega CD)

Release: July 1993



There it is, the ever famous shoe manufacturer.  Although the game's graphics seem inferior in today's world, in 1993 this little 16-bit ad probably resulted in a spike in Adidas' shoe sales.

Blood Bath

Company: Bio-Engineered Supplements And Nutrition (BSN)

Game: UFC Undisputed 2010 (Xbox 360, Playstation 3)

Release: May 2010

I feel a sense of comfort knowing that the supplement company, BSN, supports my desire to beat my opponents to a bloody pulp.  Score.

The Greatest

Company: Everlast

Game: Fight Night Round 3 (Xbox 360, Playstation 3)

Release: February 2006

When you think boxing gloves, you almost always think Everlast.  Therefore, it only seems natural that the firm's gloves appear in this famous boxing video game.  By the way, I accept any challenge to Fight Night Round 3 for Xbox 360.  You will lose.

Search And Destroy In Style

Company: Under Armour

Game: Tom Clancy's Rainbow 6: Vegas 2 (Xbox 360, Playstation 3)

Release: November 2008

That Under Armour cap sure comes in handy as you save hostages, diffuse bombs, and execute terrorists.

If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em

Company: Gold's Gym

Game: Gold's Gym: Cardio Workout (Wii)

Release: March 2009

Although I question the game's ability to produce any significant results, the worldwide fitness equipment manufacturer definitely bent the rules a little bit with this one.  And, if anything, it stands as a worthy attempt to get people off the couch and into an exercise program.  Kudos.

As the video game industry expands and the playing experience becomes more realistic, I suspect that an increasing number of firms in the Health and Fitness industry will "ad" IGA to their marketing arsenals.  And, given the popularity of motion control platforms such as Playstation Move, Xbox Kinect, and Nintendo Wii, it seems likely that games like Gold's Gym: Cardio Workout will make their way into living rooms across the globe.  I just hope that nobody forgets the value of a good, old-fashioned run or weight training session...

Andrew's Advice - Training Tips, Nutrition Notes, And Healthy Habits

Training Tip (September 26, 2011):

Blast some tunes to boost your workout.

If you have a difficult time sustaining your momentum while training, try listening to some up-beat music.  If you already have a workout playlist constructed, consider adding a new artist or genre to your set of favorites.  In my opinion, you can never go wrong with some straight-up, in your face metal.  Need a few ideas in this regard?  Take a look at what I have been spinning as of late:

1.  All Shall Perish: This Is Where It Ends (2011).  I actually just snagged this album last week.  You should have seen the mess of broken stuff I had to clean in the weight room after raging to this brutal CD.

2.  The Acacia Strain: Wormwood (2011).  I tend to use my emotions as a fuel source when exercising, and this epic release has everything I need to let off a little steam.

3.  White Chapel: A New Era Of Corruption (2010).  One word: Angry.

4.  Three Inches Of Blood: Advance And Vanquish (2004).  Hard and fast, with a hint of 70's stylization.  This bad boy pushed me to a Half Marathon PR at the Park 2 Park Running Festival (9/10/2011).

Whatever artist or music variety you choose, make sure it has the potential to keep you pumped up and motivated.  Also, do not select something you will want to change within 5 minutes of hitting the play button - you do not want to waste your time at the gym fiddling with your iPod.  I can assure you that sliding your finger on that touch screen or turning that click wheel with your thumb will not improve your health or fitness level.

Before I sign off:  I was dead serious about that Fight Night Round 3 challenge.  Bring it.

Share Your Thoughts!  Message me via E-mail (snydeaab@uni.edu), Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!  Or, leave a comment below!

Andrew Snyder 

Viral Video Gone Wrong: The Amazing Swedish Diet

“Lose 10 Pounds In 10 Days!”  “Get Fast & Easy Results!”  “Trim Your Body Without Skipping On Dessert!”

These and many other taglines have appeared on countless television commercials, magazine inserts, and company websites.  Not only do such headlines accompany ineffective, worthless products, they belong to sub-par advertisements as well.  Thanks to the growth of Youtube traffic and the success of viral marketing, “Super Diet” businesses and their plethora of drinks, pills, and other “nutrition” aides now permeate the online video market.  One firm in particular, The Swedish Diet, has created a 1 minute Youtube video for its meal replacement shakes that belongs in the Recycle Bin or the Trash, depending on whether you use Windows or Mac OS.  Unfortunately, I can’t give you back the 60 seconds you are about to waste watching this video, but I believe it is my utmost duty to inform you of this digital advertising downfall.  Please forgive me:

 

One of The Swedish Diet's
"scientists." - The image
of credibility...

I don’t know if I should laugh, cry, or find the video’s director and give him/her something to “Ja” about.  Don’t get me wrong, as a proponent of weight loss and fitness, as well as digital advertising, I think the use of viral video is a creative and meaningful way to promote exercise and nutrition products - when they’re healthy and effective.  The Swedish Diet and its Youtube advertisement, on the other hand, leave me with quite a bit of skepticism.  Not only does the video make me want to jump off the Swiss Alps, the diet it promotes belongs in the “too good to be true” category.  Without getting into details - I could go on for hours (pages in this case) - cleansing and meal replacement shakes are notoriously ineffective (and frequently unsafe), and I suspect that the “Jamazing” Swedish Diet is no different.  Yet, the video has enjoyed approximately 47,000 views, which hopefully did not result in a profitable number of sales.  But, then again, we all certainly want “to look great in those cute new tights” we just bought online, don’t we?       

Andrew’s Advice - Training Tips, Nutrition Notes, And Healthy Habits

Nutrition Note (September 24, 2011):

When choosing a protein supplement, select the one that’s right for you.

Protein is a essential nutrient required by our bodies to build and maintain muscle tissue.  At basic levels of physical activity, one can easily consume enough protein each day by following a proper nutrition regimen.  However, whenever we increase our daily exercise, or reduce our caloric intake, it can become quite easy for a protein deficit to occur.  Although supplements should never take precedence over the consumption of healthy, nutrient-dense foods, many bodybuilders, professional athletes, and general fitness enthusiasts have found a considerable amount of value in adding a protein powder to their daily consumption pattern.  Despite such benefit, not every protein supplement is created equal.  Most have been designed to include ingredients for a specific type of fitness goal, so you need to select the type that best fits the objectives you have set for yourself.  To help you sort through such a wide and somewhat confusing assortment, here are four broad protein powder categories that you should bear in mind when considering your next purchase:



One of my personal
favorites!

1.  General Whey Protein.  Whey protein offers both rapid absorption and convenience, making it a superior alternative as a pre- and/or post-workout beverage, or as a quick snack when on the go.  Although multiple categories of Whey protein exist, most manufacturers offer a “basic” version that is loaded with protein and amino acids, while containing moderate levels of carbohydrates and minimal fat.  Whey protein is apt for all goal types, including weight loss, muscle building, and general health and fitness.

 

Another favorite!

2.  Weight Gainer/Mass Builder.  Weight Gainer/Mass Building supplements usually contain a substantial amount of whey protein and carbohydrates, moderate levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat (i.e. healthy fat), and anywhere from 500-1200 calories.  The high nutrient values in this form of protein make it a great source of fuel for individuals who have a hard time gaining weight and building muscle, or for long-distance endurance athletes who need to recover after a long training session.

 3. Soy Protein.  Somewhat unknown and underestimated, Soy Protein supplements possess an abundance of protein and amino acids, contain extremely low levels of fat and carbohydrates, and are often cholesterol-free.  Also, because Soy Protein is derived from plant sources, it stands as a viable alternative for vegetarians who still consume dairy products, and also supports a healthy heart.  Due to its high protein and relatively low carbohydrate/fat content, Soy Protein can help individuals seeking to lose weight ensure that they still consume adequate amounts of amino acids, despite a reduction in their overall caloric intake.

4.  Casein Protein.  Casein protein offers all of the benefits of standard Whey protein, but our bodies absorb and digest it at a significantly slower rate.  Because of its time-released effect, Casein protein supports long term muscle development and tissue repair, making it an ideal choice as a post-workout supplement or a healthy bed time snack.  Although anyone can benefit from the use of Casein Protein, it is most often reserved for serious athletes who must maintain their muscle density due to performance requirements, or for individuals who frequently miss meals due to long work hours or other outside obligations.

Consuming an adequate amount of protein is a fundamental component of any nutrition regimen, and many protein supplements exist on the market that can help you meet your body’s requirements for this vital nutrient.  When choosing the supplement that’s right for you, always consider the goals you have set for yourself - for weight loss, improved performance, or general health and fitness - as well as your monetary budget and flavor preferences.  Speaking of taste, most protein product companies have now crafted their formulas to deliver exceptional taste without sacrificing nutrient quality, meaning you no longer have to worry about choking down a glass of blended “chalk water.”  No matter what form you choose, always remember that a protein supplement is just that, a supplement.  A major portion of your daily protein intake should always come from lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and seeds; use your supplement(s) to fill in the gaps as needed.

By the way, if you did not notice, I am quite partial to protein supplements from Optimum Nutrition and CytoSport.  Both companies have formulated top of the line protein powders that support healthy muscle development and taste great.  And, to top it off, a majority of their products can be found and purchased at almost any nutrition outlet for a fairly reasonable price.  #Winning

Don’t forget: I want to hear from you!  Leave a comment below, send me an E-mail (snydeaab@uni.edu), or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!

One more thing, if you plan on going to CVS Pharmacy in the near future, do not say “Ja to the amazing Swedish Diet.”

Andrew Snyder



A Well Known Swamp Monster Solidifies Its Reign As Market Leader

Want to know how to create a successful website for your nutrition product?  Simply follow "The Gator" into the bayou, or onto the Internet in this case.  In a June 2010 issue of Ad Week, author Elaine Wong documented the creation of the Gatorade Performance Center, an interactive web portal generated through an agreement between Gatorade and Stack Media - a nationwide producer of sports, training, and lifestyle content for athletes.  Not only has Gatorade's online outlet allowed the sports drink manufacturer to build on its cult-like following amongst teen athletes, it has also served as a means to successfully combat increasing competition in the market for electrolyte replacement beverages and other similar products.  Oh yeah, and Gatorade did all for under $1 million.  Despite my September 13th Nutrition Note, I guess Coach Klein was right Bobby Boucher, water really does suck.



Click The Icon For Online Access!

The Gatorade Performance Center acts as more than just a promotional tool for "super water" and "wicked liquid."  The website also serves as an online resource for high school athletes, a fundamental reason for its impressive success, which I will discuss shortly.  Users who access the Gatorade Performance Center can choose from many features to help them augment their abilities, both on and of the field, track, or court.  Some tools in particular include:





• "Ask The Experts" - Training/Nutrition blogs, videos, and articles

• Custom daily workouts

• "My Performance Tracker" - Exercise monitoring and athlete comparisons/discussion forums

• Real-Time chatting with fitness professionals and coaches nationwide

• Tip Of The Day" - Daily exercise/nutrition advice

• "Featured Athletes" - Athlete profile sharing

• "The Science of G-Series" - Information about Gatorade's newest products

Now, although Gatorade is not necessarily my cup of tea - most of its flavors and options contain too much sugar and extra "fluff" for my tastes - I cannot argue with the creativity and success of the Gatorade Performance Center.  And by success, I mean success.  Although dated, consider some statistics, identified as Key Performance Indicators in the Digital Advertising world, from the website's first 3 months of operation:

• 100 million site visits (Initial goal: 62.5 million visits)

• 15 million "Performance Tracker" registrations

• 1000 inquiries inside the site's "Ask The Experts" feature

Campaign manager Bob Porcaro (OMD, Chicago) attributes such achievement to the website's targeting specificity.  Obviously, connecting with the right audience in the right place can go a long way, and the Gatorade Performance Center does just that.  In fact, the online portal offers such a high degree of athlete affinity that it has almost taken on the form of a Social Media outlet.  Such "GatorBook" features include interactive athlete profiles, "The Wall" (i.e. comment sharing), and the "Coaches Corner" - a tool that allows coaches to communicate with their team members via e-mail or real-time chatting.

Well Mr. Bobby Boucher, the verdict's in and Mama was wrong; alligators are not "ornery because they have all them teeth and no toothbrush."  The way I see it, Gatorade's success with the Gatorade Performance Center leaves them without a care in the world.

Andrew's Advice - Training Tips, Nutrition Notes, and Healthy Habits

Nutrition Note (September 21,2011)

Eat your damn breakfast.

Please pardon my french, but your kindergarten teacher was right - The best way to start your day is with a balanced breakfast.  And by "balanced" I do not mean pouring your bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch while hopping on one foot and juggling donuts, coffee cake, and leftover pizza.  To give you the energy you need throughout your day, your morning meal should contain healthy choices.  Need some ideas?  Here are a few items that typically appear on my A.M. menu:

1.  Eggs.  Whether they came before the chicken or after it, eggs will give you the strength needed to come in first place.  Eggs contain essential proteins and amino acids that help your body re-build after a night full of "beauty sleep."  If the fat content of eggs worries you, skip the yolks and go for an egg-white omelet instead. 

2.  Cottage Cheese.  High in protein and low in fat.  Need I say more?

3.  Fresh Fruit.  Bananas, oranges, apples, etc. not only provide your body with fast-acting carbohydrates that boost your energy levels, they can also help satisfy your sweet tooth.  In addition, most fruits possess a considerable amount of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants, which help deter illnesses and fight infection.

4.  Whole Grain Oats.  My personal favorite, and by favorite I mean I eat it like I would cake.  In contrast to fresh fruit, the slow-acting carbohydrates in oatmeal serve as an energy source for an extended period of time, allowing you to tackle your daily activities with ease.  Also, because of oatmeal's high fiber content, consuming a bowl at breakfast will aid your body's digestive processes, and will make you feel full for hours.  By the way, when referring to oatmeal, I do not mean those "instant" packets that come in a wide range of "fruit" or "spice" flavors.  Although they offer convenience, pre-packaged oatmeal varieties usually contain a significant amount of sugar and other additives that contradict the idea of a healthy breakfast.  Instead, choose real, whole grain oats.  You can find them at virtually any grocery store, just look for the silo that has a friendly old man in a blue hat on it.  If you have yet to come in contact with this saintly gentleman and his hearty rations, here's a beautiful portrait of him to aid you in your search:

No one wants to grind their way through the day.  By consuming a healthy breakfast each morning, you can supply your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to tackle all of your daily activities, both large and small, with ferocity and ease.

Don't forget to share your ideas with me via E-mail (snydeaab@uni.edu), Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, or by leaving a comment below!

Now, Go Find Mr. Quaker!

Andrew Snyder

Ad Week Article: Elaine Wong (6/14/2010) - Less Than $1 Million: OMD/Gatorade





   



2015? You Mean We're In The Future?

While surfin’ the net for potential Blog topics, I just so happened to stumble upon (No, not by using StumbleUpon) this little gem:

After shooting myself in the foot for not discovering these awesome shoes before their September 8th release, I decided to see what the Back To The Future buzz was all about.  As you can see in the video, the Nike MAG is an exclusive shoe modeled after the footwear worn by Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) in the movie Back To The Future II.  According to Nike, “They feature an electroluminescent outsole, space age materials, and a rechargeable Internal battery good for 3,000 hours.  And while they are not recommended for playing sports, these highly limited shoes will very likely command attention wherever they are worn.”  And, to top it off, in 2015 the shoe-giant will release a pair that includes power laces.  Yes, Doc Brown, Great Scott indeed. 

So What, Andrew?  How Does The Nike MAG Relate To Digital Advertising In The Health And Fitness Industry?

First, consider the production mastermind behind the MAG shoe—Nike Corporation.  Nike has asserted itself as a leader in the market for fitness and athletic apparel, namely footwear.  We all grew up with the Nike “swoosh,” and when most of us think of superior shoes for athletic performance and exercise, Nike usually sits at the top of the list.

The second, and most important, reason for my discussion of the MAG shoe pertains to Nike’s approach to marketing its new product.  The company has obviously done its homework, and has developed a marketing plan for the MAGs that properly addresses what us marketers like to call "The 4 Ps Of Marketing"—Product, Price, Place (Distribution), and Promotion.  Nike’s success in the product area speaks for itself, as indicated by the MAG’s distinctive, futuristic design that has appealed to many buyers around the world.  Product aside, Nike’s unique, entirely online, and completely digital approach to the other 3 Ps—Price, Place, and Promotion—warrants further analysis.

Price and Place

Rather than utilize typical brick and mortar stores, magazines, or even online retailers, Nike has employed another means to price and sell the MAG shoes: E-Bay.  In total, Nike has created 1,500 pairs of MAGs, and will auction off 150 of them per day throughout a specified sales period, which began on September 8, and will last until September 18.  To obtain a pair of the coveted McFly moccasins, simply place the winning bid on E-bay.  100% of the proceeds will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research, thus allowing Nike and its sponsors to fulfill their goals for corporate philanthropy.  Oh yeah, if you do decide that the Nike MAGs are for you, prepare yourself to spend roughly 2-4 thousand dollars for a pair.  At the time of this writing, most bids held a value of over $2,000, with some in the $6,000 range.  But don’t let that scare you away, as Nike has decided to offer complementary, free shipping with each new purchase! 

Promotion

Can't Get Enough?
Visit The Nike MAG Online Gallery!

Like its approach to pricing and distribution, Nike has developed a promotional strategy for the MAGs set apart from most other marketing tactics.  Instead of relying on traditional media outlets such as television and print, Nike has generated both a microsite (basically a mini-website) and a Youtube account for its new footwear release.  The microsite—Back4TheFuture.com—is a work of art in and of itself.  Upon entry, users may opt to watch a short ad about the shoes (shown above), or obtain direct access to the actual site.  Upon reaching the home page, visitors can view a banner modeled after the timer in Doc Brown’s DeLorean time machine.  The clock displays the current date and time, the number of remaining pairs of shoes left in the auction, links to “Bid Now” or “Donate,” and an interesting AM/PM switch, which changes the site’s appearance from light to dark, and vice versa.  Another innovative feature of the microsite is its interactive background.  Rather than choosing a simple color, picture, or some combination thereof, Nike has utilized a constant video loop of various individuals who stop and regard a displayed pair of the MAG shoes with awe, including a young girl, security guard, a thief, and even Doc Brown himself.  Via links at the bottom of the microsite, users can also enjoy instant access to the E-Bay website, the Nike store, and various other web pages that describe both the MAG shoe and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Here's a little screenshot of the microsite home page:

How many Gigawatts, Doc?

To support the BackForTheFuture microsite, Nike has also created a Youtube profile for the MAG shoes.  The account hosts the short commercial shown above, videos that provide an up-close look at the shoes and their history, as well as a short spot from actor Michael J. Fox.  Apart from actual videos, the MAG Youtube page also gives users the opportunity to proceed to the E-Bay auction, the Back For The Future microsite, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research.

As expected, Nike’s online campaign for the MAG shoes has also enjoyed extensive (free) coverage and Word of Mouth on Social Media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter.  Facebook Fan Pages for the MAG footwear abound, and the E-Bay auction page has earned approximately 60,000 Likes.  I guess some consumers really do "like" to spend more money in one sitting than most of us can shake a stick at. 

Twitter has also produced buzz for the MAG campaign, as seen by the ecstatic celebrity Tweet below: 

All in all, I  must tip my hat to Nike.  Not only has the world-wide corporation met an apparently unmet consumer need with the Nike MAGs, it has also employed an innovative marketing strategy to price, promote, and distribute its limited edition shoes.  Now if only I had the opportunity to buy a hoverboard…



Andrew’s Advice-Training Tips, Nutrition Notes, and Health Habits

Training Tip/Nutrition Note (September 16,2011):

Find something that motivates you to succeed.

Starting a new fitness plan or nutrition regimen requires both hard work and discipline.  To help you ensure that you take the steps towards success, find a goal that motivates you to stay on track.  Choose something that pertains to your life personally, and use that as a fuel source when things start to get bumpy.  Whether it is a weight loss target, a running/biking/swimming PR (Personal Record), bench press goal, or just a general health objective, having a desired end in mind will keep you both focused and inspired.

Feeling a little sluggish today?  Then watch the following video that the crew at Spartan Race posted on their Facebook profile in early August; it will certainly give you the boost you need.

Don't forget, I would love to hear your ideas!  Feel free to send me a message via E-mail (snydeaab@uni.edu) Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn! 

See you in the future?

Andrew Snyder

The Social Media Saga: Twitter 1 - Can Health And Fitness Firms Tweet Their Way To The Top?

To get things started, here’s a little bit of insight from a certain family man you may know:

Although humorous, Peter Griffin’s recital of “Surfin’ Bird” by the Trashmen does offer a piece of factual information about the technological world we live in: The bird is the word.  Of course, the bird on my mind is not “of the avian variety,” but rather is a Social Media outlet that has grown exponentially in popularity over the past few years: Twitter.  In case you haven’t heard about this particular bird, Twitter allows users to post 140 character (or less) “Tweets” - similar to Facebook Status Updates - about current events, ideas, popular trends (displayed in the form of a “Hashtag,” denoted by the “#” symbol), or just general gossip.  Members can “Follow” each others’ Tweets and join lists; post links, pictures, and videos; and perform numerous other actions, all via a simple mouse click.  With more than 100 million active users, and over 230 million daily Tweets, just about everybody—people and businesses alike—knows that the bird is the word.

In the spirit of Twitter, the rest of this post appears as a series of 140 character or less statements, or "Mock Tweets," if you will.  Enjoy!

• Like its’ big brother, @Facebook, @Twitter represents a marketing #oasis – millions of people sharing opinions and preferences.

• Why @Twitter?  #Business Account = Free access to consumer preferences/opinions (valuable information) + Free W-O-M.

• Companies amass followers, Tweet about their products and services, generate awareness, and engage with customers.

What about the #Health and #Fitness Industry?
Health and Fitness firms also see the value of creating @Twitter accounts, and utilize them for many common purposes.

• Businesses Tweet about new products, services, and information, as well as company-sponsored events and public appearances.

• Many organizations “Re-Tweet” and reply to the Tweets of their followers, allowing for a more #personal connection with customers.

• Health and Fitness companies use Tweets to share exercise/nutrition tips,motivational quotes, and informational resources.

• Businesses employ Twitter to promote special online discounts, coupons, and other exclusive offers.

• Company profiles contain brief (140 characters or less) organizational information, website links, and photos.

Other Twitter Tactics exist, and the website’s growing popularity may in fact allow some Health and Fitness Firms to Tweet their way to the top.

Next Issue: To Be Determined

ANDREW’S ADVICE – Health Habits, Nutrition Notes, and Training Tips

(Twitter Format Continued)

Nutrition Note (September 13, 2011)

When grabbing a drink, choose water over soda.  Your body (and wallet) will thank you.

I'll give you 4 reasons why

1. Typical 20 oz. bottle of soda: 70 grams of sugar and 250 empty calories.  Now multiply those figures by 2-3 bottles/day…you get the point.
2. The added caffeine may "pep you up" when you need a boost, but may also lead to the ever-famous "caffeine crash," anxiety, or even dependency.
3. Soda's carbonation and acidic properties drain your body of calcium, weakening your bones and increasing your chance of injury.
4. Don't let diet soda fool you.  It often contains just as much caffeine, in addition to artificial sweeteners that may pose health risks.

When we sense thirst it means our bodies require hydration, and water is the purest way to fulfill that need.

TTFN – Tweet Tweet For Now!

Andrew Snyder

Don't forget to share your ideas with me via E-mail (snydeaab@uni.edu), Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!