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NBCUniversal hits fitness enthusiasts with mobile streaming yoga classes

NBCUniversal is catering to on-the-go fitness enthusiasts with the launch of a new yoga offering featuring on-demand content, including six yoga sessions and a plethora of instructional videos, that will be streamed on NBCSN and its convergent brand Radius?s iOS applications.

The ?Transcend? platform arrives on the heels of NBC Universal?s introduction of a new fitness brand, Radius, that provides consumers with unlimited access to a variety of lifestyle and workout programs. Yoga fans will be able to virtually exercise with Los Angeles-based expert Caley Alyssa during the sessions and videos that will instruct proper techniques and will be available for users on several digital platforms.

?A large proportion of our members are utilizing smartphones and tablets to experience Radius, whether via our app for iPhones and iPads or via our mobile-optimized site RadiusFitness.com,? said Nick Lehman, president of digital at NBCUniversal, New York. ?Radius also enables members the ability to use Airplay to bring the workouts to life on their big screens via Apple TV, which is a terrific experience even when you?re not on the go.?

Omnichannel fitness
Consumers interested in the fitness offerings will be able to access them across multiple platforms, including NBC Sports Network, the Radius Fitness mobile app for iPhone and iPad and RadiusFitness.com, which is accessible via mobile devices as well.

The platform will be eventually be brought to Xfinity On Demand.

Classes are optimized for every customer, from beginners to experienced yoga enthusiasts. On-the-go consumers can access lessons including ?Transcend Yoga Align,? a 30-minute course designed to teach and refine the fundamentals of yoga, ?Transcend Yoga Tone,? a class dedicated to toning and strengthening the body through movement and ?Transcend Yoga AM? for early-birds seeking to jumpstart their days with some relaxing exercise.

A nighttime class, a stretch class and a 40-minute sequence designed to build up body heat are also available to Radius members.

The Radius Fitness app for iPhone and iPad acts a personal trainer for users, featuring a constantly growing library of instructional videos from celebrity trainers. Members can also stay motivated by selecting goals, choosing a program and tracking their achievements, whether it is weight loss, increased endurance or all-around fitness.

Fitness goals can be shared with the Radius community for extra support.

?It?s a program that?s perfect for both experienced yogis as well as total beginners or anyone who?s ever been ?gym-timidated? from stepping into a yoga studio or class,? Mr. Lehman said. ?Transcend helps novices by offering a series of short instructional videos, which demonstrate proper technique, move-by-move. 

?It?s also a strong value proposition for consumers, who receive access both to yoga sessions as well as a broad variety of other workout classes through their Radius membership.?

Branching out
This rollout displays NBCUniversal?s commitment to branching out to the mobile health and fitness sector, which is increasingly becoming more popular with brands and consumers seeking to implement lifestyle changes in a way that suits their busy schedules.

Consumers can also watch ?Transcend? on NBCSN on Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. E.T.

NBCUniversal has plans to roll out additional mobile features related to fitness and health in the coming year. As time-strapped consumers turn to digital wellness programs for lifestyle and fitness tips, it makes sense for media organizations to tap into this increasingly lucrative sector as well.

?We have numerous new features and enhancements planned that leverage key attributes of mobile devices and that will be announced and released throughout the year,? Mr. Lehman said. "We are also developing specific workouts designed with the mobile consumer in mind, intended to be used in specific mobile situations, e.g., when a consumer is traveling, or in specific mobile locations, e.g. when a consumer is at the gym or exercising outside.

Final Take
Alex Samuely is an editorial assistant on Mobile Marketer, New York