Treadmill + Music = a better/longer workout!

camperbc
camperbc Posts: 15 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I started here on MFP a couple months ago, after my doctor informed me that I have high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and am overweight. I immediately purchased a treadmill, and began eating healthier and walking a few kms/day on the treadmill. (this is about all I am physically capable of, due to a permanent spinal injury which keeps me bedridden much of the time) I have recently discovered that listening to music while on the treadmill (I am able to plug my mp3 player into it, as it has speakers built into the console) makes the time fly by so much quicker; it takes my mind away from constantly watching my speed, calories burned, minutes, distance, etc. I enjoy walking/stepping in time to the beat of each song, and with a wide variety of song selections, I match my speed accordingly, providing for a vigorous, fun and interesting workout that I thoroughly enjoy each day. Now, when I try to do my routine without any musical accompaniment, I find that I cannot go for nearly as long as I can with the tunes.

Anyway, I'm happy to report that since I began dieting and exercising in September, the pounds are steadily melting away. (34 lbs to date) I have much more stamina, and am feeling great for the first time in ages! And I know the music plays a big role in this, and it would otherwise be unlikely that I could stay on the treadmill for an hour or two at a time. Has anyone else here discovered the benefits of turning up the music to help pass the time on the treadmill?

Replies

  • joanthemom8
    joanthemom8 Posts: 375 Member
    I agree! If I forget my MP3 player to the gym, I DREAD the treadmill or any of the cardio machines. The music makes the time go by so much faster and yes, I'm not constantly "panel watching" -- the time, the distance, the calories burned, etc. I play a little mind game with myself - I only look at the panel or my heart rate after each song..... When I run outside, I don't usually use the MP3 because I'm afraid I won't hear something important (except when I run a 5k - I really need it then to get me through)!
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    If I use the treadmill, then yes I have to use music...as staring off into the mirror and tunnel visioning upon a stop sign is extremely boring. Thus, I usally turn any treadmill session into a 30 minute hill/speed session and then call it quits.

    But I don't use music much when I run outside. I rather not get ran over by a bike, or car, or other runners. If I am on a long run and I bring music, everyone else gets to listen to the music too.
  • Calliope610
    Calliope610 Posts: 3,783 Member
    I get my cardio on the road and would be lost without my iPod for my music and Nike+ app. I use RockmyRun app for awesome mixes that get me moving at a good pace. JogFM is also good for finding music with the right BPM for your pace.
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    I like to watch Netflix on my phone while on the elliptical. Keeps me even more distracted and I can go for way longer.
  • trijoe
    trijoe Posts: 729 Member
    Our treadmill is next to our computer. So I like to basically turn it loud and go to town. Otherwise there's no way I'd make it through.

    I do basically the same on my bike trainer (a type of stationary bike, sort of). But it's in the basement. So I take the iPod with me. I have some playlists devoted to different workouts, some harder some easier.

    When I'm outside (preferred to indoors), I never ever ever bring the iPod. The Great Outdoors has too many sights and sounds already, so there's just no need. Plus, it's dangerous if you ask me, numbing myself to what's going on around me.

    OP: It's great to read you've found a way to make exercising fun! And your proof is in your weight loss and health improvement. I have a few Life mottos, one of them being: "If it's not fun, I'm not doing it." It's so cool to see you've been able to gain your health AND have fun while you're doing it. Kudos to you, and I wish you continued success and health!
  • daniellemm1
    daniellemm1 Posts: 465 Member
    When I walk on the treadmill I like to read books on my kindle. The time truly flies as I get lost in whatever I am reading. Many times I end up doing a super long workout just because I'm not ready to finish reading yet :) Whatever keeps you moving, right!!!
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
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  • CompressedCarbon
    CompressedCarbon Posts: 357 Member
    Music is essential any time I work out. It acts as a motivator, encourager, a way to disengage from the part of my brain that is telling me I should just stop, and best of all, it acts as an invisible wall between me and everyone else in the room. It all fades into the background and I can disappear into my head and my music and concentrate on what I WANT to do, and not what I think I cannot do.

    Music = essential to me.
  • kgalea
    kgalea Posts: 156 Member
    I get my cardio on the road and would be lost without my iPod for my music and Nike+ app. I use RockmyRun app for awesome mixes that get me moving at a good pace. JogFM is also good for finding music with the right BPM for your pace.

    This sounds cool... I need to check these out
  • camperbc
    camperbc Posts: 15 Member
    Hmmm, looks like great minds think alike! And thank-you trijoe for your kind comments; very much appreciated!
  • mortuseon
    mortuseon Posts: 579 Member
    Yeah. I have Britney to thank for my cardiovascular endurance. And I'm not even the biggest Britterz fan.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    Well done!! Audiobooks are great too. I like mysteries I download them straight from the library to my phone.
  • sazzyanne14
    sazzyanne14 Posts: 77 Member
    I actually find that football (soccer) on the tv in the cardio room at my gym works better than music...i don't realise i'm still working.

    For example today I went in there to do my warm up before weights and found myself on the bike for 45 minutes instead of 10 due to the Aston Villa vs Manchester United game.


    On the whole music does the job when its not on though
  • sapphyreskye
    sapphyreskye Posts: 26
    When I walk on the treadmill I like to read books on my kindle. The time truly flies as I get lost in whatever I am reading. Many times I end up doing a super long workout just because I'm not ready to finish reading yet :) Whatever keeps you moving, right!!!


    I do this too :)
  • rosestring
    rosestring Posts: 225 Member
    Oh, yes. Music does indeed make time (and calories) fly by while on the treadmill. I recommend it to anyone who gets bored of workouts.

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