Fit and Informed

Are you a junkie for exercise, the Internet and politics, but can’t find the time to keep up with all three? Just in time for the sprint to the election, there’s a means of addressing your passions simultaneously.

San Francisco-based Netpulse Communications Inc., a San Francisco maker of Internet terminals attached to exercise machines in health clubs, has begun taking political advertising linked to the sites of various campaigns. Netpulse terminals, which connect via high-speed T1 lines to the Internet, allow you to Web-surf, send e-mail and now view the latest political pitches while you burn off those love handles.

Beginning Wednesday, ads for U.S. Senate candidate Matt Fong; gubernatorial hopeful and state Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren; ballot Proposition 1A (a school bond measure designed to raise funds for class-size reduction and infrastructure needs, among other things); and Proposition 5 (pertaining to gambling operations on Native American land) will run on Netpulse terminals. The machines are attached to stair climbers and stationary cycles in fitness centers throughout the state, including the 24 Hour Fitness chain.

“People who work out in health clubs have a great likelihood of voting. It’s a unique and creative way of reaching out to them,” said Steve Schmidt, Fong’s press secretary.

But if you get tired of the propaganda before you’re tired of pedaling, don’t worry. You can always switch to “Seinfeld” on the TV portion of the system.