Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/183152 
Year of Publication: 
2018
Series/Report no.: 
ZEW Discussion Papers No. 18-041
Publisher: 
Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung (ZEW), Mannheim
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.
Subjects: 
health behavior
randomized experiment
reminders
nudging
habit formation
limited attention
time inconsistency
JEL: 
C93
D91
I12
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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