The chart below, showing the distinct seasonal pattern in American exercise activity, with a summer (May-September) peak among those who train for 30 minutes at least 3 times per week, is not surprising.
What is surprising is the near uniform 1% decline in working out Americans in 2013 compared to 2012.
Why the pervasive behavioral change? Has the Fed's QE 3 launch in December 2012, in addition to once again locking up markets in a centrally-planned vice, also imposed a regime of quantitative eating, as more Americans focus on their E-Trade accounts with the associated sedentary lifestyle, instead of being engaged in healthy activities? Is Bernanke to blame for the next health crisis? Inquiring minds want to know.
