Cycflix forces you to workout to keep watching Netflix
It can be hard enough to summon motivation to work out at the best of times, but when you’re in the middle of a Netflix marathon? Forget about it.
However, Irish student Ronan Byrne appears to have found a solution. Cycflix is guaranteed to keep up your incentive all while allowing you to watch Netflix in your living room simultaneously.
The project involves hooking up an exercise/stationary bike up to a Netflix account, via an Adriuno Nano micro-PC and a custom python script on a connected PC.
Next it was necessary to set the workout type, with speed, sets, rest periods and active time. Then he chose something to watch on Netflix using Firefox browser before commencing the workout.
However, in order to keep the on-screen action Ronan is required to keep pace with his pre-set fitness goals.
Should the viewer fall below the pre-set workout goals, the action on screen is automatically paused.
However, given the dramatic tension in your average episode of Stranger Things, you’re probably more likely to end up smashing your personal best.
If this sounds like your dream fitness project, the Dublin Institute of Technology student has posted his methodology and code to Instructables (via TNW).
As far as exercise and reward schemes go, this one is up there with the best of them. It certainly beats the few pints and carton of ice cream we promise ourselves after embarking on gym visits against our own will.