TV while exercising?

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kms1104
kms1104 Posts: 110 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I didn't realize how much I depend on the distraction of the TV when using my apartment complex gym, until today. Let me start by saying that usually I'm not a "gym" person. I prefer being outdoors. However, I've gone through spurts where using the machines in the gym where I live become the best fitness option (i.e. middle of summer in North Carolina).

I've been using the gym for over a month, and I've found that even if someone is watching something I don't, I still read along w/ the captions while listening to my MP3. This has enabled me to bump my cardio from 30-45 minutes. This morning I got to the gym and someone was already watching something, so I hopped on my eliptical and got going. About 15 minutes through my workout, she left. The machine I always use doesn't have a "pause" button, so I just left it. A little while later another woman came in, so I decided to be polite and told her to feel free to change the channel because I'm not really watching the show... I must be careful with how I word things, because she turned the television COMPLETELY OFF! I only had about 15 min left of my workout, so I didn't say anything. They were the longest 15 minutes I've spent working out in a LONG time.

Do you guys find watching TV helps up you when using cardio machines?

Replies

  • Nerruse
    Nerruse Posts: 40 Member
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    Sometimes, it really depends on my mood. I do my workouts at home (we have a couple of machines), and usually I either read, listen to music or pop in a DVD. I do find that if I get really into the book/show, I tend to slow down a little bit, though.
  • JBV321
    JBV321 Posts: 21 Member
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    I don't like running on the treadmill (I feel like a damn hamster), but I'm in training and have no choice if I can't get outside. I LOVE watching TV while exercising! That is how I got hooked on Big Bang Theory! lol! Just reading the captions I was laughing out loud hysterically and everyone was looking at me! haha But it does make the time go by faster for sure. I also like watching the Food Network especially if it's stuff I can't have. It's like food porn for me. lol
  • CyberEd312
    CyberEd312 Posts: 3,536 Member
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    I work out at the YMCA and every cardio machine has its own TV but I never turn it on... I prefer to crank up my playlist on my Droid, turn on my wireless headset and get lost in my music... I feel I don't workout as hard if I am watch a show or sporting event or whatever..... Best of Luck.....
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
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    I find that if I can concentrate on the tv enough to know what they are saying, even a little bit, then I am not working out with enough intensity and need to turn it up. I've put my favorite shows on my phone and tried to watch them, only to cut them off after the warmup begins because I was missing everything. Turn up the intensity and not only will you not miss the tv, you'll have a more effective workout.
  • Lovely135
    Lovely135 Posts: 161
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    A good show is the only thing that keeps me going on the treadmill.
  • camrunner
    camrunner Posts: 363
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    I fall off the treadmill if I watch TV too much. :(

    It does help a lot to find a way to zone out, though. Staring at a spot on the wall works just as well for me as the TV.

    One winter I couldn't afford a gym membership and I definitely got most of my exercise running in place in front of the TV playing PS3.
  • kms1104
    kms1104 Posts: 110 Member
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    I don't like running on the treadmill (I feel like a damn hamster), but I'm in training and have no choice if I can't get outside. I LOVE watching TV while exercising! That is how I got hooked on Big Bang Theory! lol! Just reading the captions I was laughing out loud hysterically and everyone was looking at me! haha But it does make the time go by faster for sure. I also like watching the Food Network especially if it's stuff I can't have. It's like food porn for me. lol

    I LOVE Big Bang! And I agree, it's keeps me going!
  • kms1104
    kms1104 Posts: 110 Member
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    I find that if I can concentrate on the tv enough to know what they are saying, even a little bit, then I am not working out with enough intensity and need to turn it up. I've put my favorite shows on my phone and tried to watch them, only to cut them off after the warmup begins because I was missing everything. Turn up the intensity and not only will you not miss the tv, you'll have a more effective workout.

    For me it is the opposite. I bumped up the intesisty on the eliptical this week (increased time two weeks ago, intensity number this week), and when the TV went off, I found it hard to keep up. I was tempted to turn the intensity back to normal, but DID manage to push my way through b/c there wasn't too long left and I wanted the feeling of accomplishment. Almost like when I have something else to focus on, I don't realize that I'm pushing my body until the end when I realize the calorie burn and how much I did.
  • mkenz1
    mkenz1 Posts: 20
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    most of my workouts are youtube videos! i really hate working out with other people so i do a couple youtube vids a day! (don't get me wrong i also walk and bike but i can't run for the life of me) I just found some old 80's 8 minute abs/ 8 minute arms workouts that are HILARIOUS ("alright gang" is acommon saying lol) and always keep me entertained!
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
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    I find that if I can concentrate on the tv enough to know what they are saying, even a little bit, then I am not working out with enough intensity and need to turn it up. I've put my favorite shows on my phone and tried to watch them, only to cut them off after the warmup begins because I was missing everything. Turn up the intensity and not only will you not miss the tv, you'll have a more effective workout.

    That's me! hahaha! But I'm all for whatever keeps folks going at the gym.

    I will say that I'm not much good without my music. Love my running music.

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