Bodybuilding.com strengthening podcast and webcast offerings

E-retailer Bodybuilding.com is continuing to build up its stable of podcasts and webcasts, using the technologies to provide shoppers training resources and foster customer loyalty.

“We’re constantly adding new podcasts and video content to our site,” says Ryan DeLuca, CEO of Bodybuilding.com. “How cool is it, for example, that you can download a personal trainer onto your video iPod and take those videos to the gym for reference in the weight room?”

The personal trainer program, with a working title of Virtual Training, is in development along with ones on yoga and plyometrics. Similar training references already online include kettlebell and stretching databases that feature 482 specific exercises and stretches with photos, descriptions and video demonstrations in multiple mobile and other media formats.

“Most people learn better by seeing something done as opposed to simply reading about it,” DeLuca elaborates. “When it comes to doing exercises, for example, it’s much more effective to see it being done correctly with proper form. We want to be people’s virtual personal trainer.”

The company, No. 163 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide to Retail Web Sites, also is increasing the number of its professional bodybuilding live webcasts. It has done four this year with more to come before year’s end. “The demand for real-time coverage of shows is great because distance is a deterrent to many fans seeing shows in person,” DeLuca says. “We’ve registered thousands of viewers watching the live feeds on our site, simultaneously discussing the shows in our live chat room.”

Bodybuilding.com podcasts are grouped into 4 categories: interview, seminar, motivational and workout, says Richard Barnet, Web 2.0 guru, who is the brains behind the brawn of the company’s podcasting efforts. Its eight audio and one video podcasts include: Performance Nutrition Show, Family Fitness Podcast, Viva La Fitness, Uncensored Bodybuilding Secrets, Fitness & Nutrition Hour, What I Want Fitnesscast, Fitness Business Radio, Awesome Muscles Seminar and Pro Bodybuilding Weekly.

The company’s customers are avid users of portable MP3 players, video iPods and similar technologies, DeLuca says. “We’re taking customer service to the next level by offering this content. Podcasts offer automatic delivery of important content to subscribers at no charge, which makes it easy for our customers to access helpful resources.”