Café offers free meal to those who complete 6-minute HIIT workout

LONDON — A London café is offering patrons a free meal, but you’ll pay for it with a little sweat.

That’s right, instead of pulling out a wallet, those looking to enjoy the culinary offerings at the Run for Your Bun pop-up café have to pay with a six-minute HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout under the watchful eye of a trainer, according to The Huffington Post.

The pop-up is part of an effort by David Lloyd Clubs to “encourage workers to step away from their desks and be more active,” according to a news release.

“According to our research, British office workers spend almost 90 percent of the working day sat down being inactive and invariably eating lunch at their desks — an issue compounded by the huge popularity and convenience of food and shopping delivery apps,” David Lloyd health and fitness expert Elaine Denton said.

Here’s how it works: Customers hoping to score a free meal have to make a reservation at the restaurant, choose one of four menu items (meals include smashed avocado toast, couscous, grilled chicken burger or a pita pocket) and then complete a workout that involves a rowing machine, spin bike, treadmill, squats, sit-ups and lunges.

A steep price tag for some, but one that serves as an important reminder of the need to move.

“On an everyday basis people can be more active at work just by doing little things, often — whether that’s taking the stairs each day instead of the lift or leaving the office and walking to get their lunch,” Denton said.

Unfortunately for us Yankees, the deal runs through Friday exclusively in London’s Covent Garden, but Denton says she hopes the idea will inspire other health clubs to host similar events to promote active lifestyles across the globe.

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