Experimental and Non-Experimental Evidence on Limited Attention and Present Bias at the Gym

59 Pages Posted: 17 Oct 2018 Last revised: 9 Jan 2019

See all articles by Wolfgang Habla

Wolfgang Habla

ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research - Environmental and Resource Economics, Environmental Management Research

Paul Muller

University of Gothenburg

Date Written: October 1, 2018

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 behavior, randomized experiment, reminders, nudging, habit formation, limited attention, time inconsistency

JEL Classification: C93, D91, I12

Suggested Citation

Habla, Wolfgang and Muller, Paul, Experimental and Non-Experimental Evidence on Limited Attention and Present Bias at the Gym (October 1, 2018). ZEW - Centre for European Economic Research Discussion Paper No. 18-041, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3264571 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3264571

Wolfgang Habla (Contact Author)

ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research - Environmental and Resource Economics, Environmental Management Research ( email )

P.O. Box 10 34 43
L 7,1
D-68034 Mannheim
Germany

Paul Muller

University of Gothenburg ( email )

Box 640
Vasagatan 1, E-building, floor 5 & 6
Göteborg, 40530
Sweden

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