Any tips for walking on a treadmill?

Agree with the posters about not recommending HIIT right now.

However, on my long runs 1-1.5 hours I find a combination of music and a good book on my kindle works the best. A couple of tips that work for me:

1. I prefer the kindle over a regular book/magazine for this because I can increase the font size to make it easier to read while I'm moving around.

2. I put the kindle IN FRONT OF the clock so that I can not see the clock and then I DON'T let myself look at the time.

3. When I can't take it any more and want to check my time, I set a goal first. For example, I have to finish my chapter before I can check the time, or I have to complete three songs before I'm allowed to check the time etc.

As far as the debate over treadmill or outside, I love running outside too, but the treadmill gives me exact and accurate data on my time pace and distance so I just feel more confident in measuring and tracking my progress when using the treadmill.

Just.....don't get bored. Before taking up running (When I too considered myself too fat to run) I walked 45-60 minutes on a treadmill 5 days a week. You just do it!!

I'd tell myself that with every step I was getting closer to my goal.

Of course, it does get boring is the reality. Set 5 minute goals. For example, 0-5 minutes 4.0kph 0.0 incline, 5-10 minutes 4.4kph 1.5 incline, 10-15 minutes 4.8kph 3.0 incline etc...

I can't use one of those, but I do have an exercise bike. It is outside on the patio. I commune with nature while I ride it. I put my boombox next to me, pop in a favorite CD, and crank up the volume.

If you like music, put the treadmill near a window with a view (if you have one), and walk/beebop to the beat of the music. Works wonders for me. I get listen to some good music and do something good for myself (exercise) at the same time.

Good luck!

P.S. If you're still bored with it later on, find another activity to do instead--something that makes you happy. My favorite piece of exercise equipment is my 15'x15' trampoline.

Another thought...is there anyway to position the treadmill so that you're in front of a window? There's been a few times I've had to get on the treadmill at the gym, and I've mastered being able to run with my head turned so that I can look out the window. It makes it much better.

I get bored too so I break it up. I'll do 30 minutes twice a day or four different 15 minute walks.

Finding something to watch that holds your attention makes a difference too.

Have you tried snowshoeing? (outside, not on the treadmill

OP, way to go. You've taken a great first step toward success, and I wish you the best with it.

Big walker here, mostly outdoors but quite a bit on the treadmill too because there's nowhere outdoors in my area that's a good idea for me to be walking around out there between midnight and 3am or so. :ohwell: Pretty much what everyone else has said. Bluetooth headphones have been a godsend for me. I've propped up my laptop on the treadmill and watched almost every DVD we have in the house. I play upbeat music and crank along to it... watch old Star Trek episodes on Amazon video... play around with the incline and speed settings... switch to running for a little while and then back (OP, even a half minute of shuffle-jogging is good for your heart -- that's how I started, yes on the treadmill, and I gradually got to the point where I can run six miles straight at over 5mph and have logged my first 5k -- you can do it, just ratchet up slowly). Sometimes I just hop on and set it to a nice easy pace and let my mind wander.

Oddly enough, the only times I get bored on a treadmill are the times when I've set a specific calorie goal... I guess because then I'm not walking for the sake of walking, but for the sake of some tasty thing I want to eat or have already eaten. Any other time, it's a pretty decent escape from the faster pace of my days. If you use it as your "unwinding" time, like right after getting home through traffic, you might find it's soothing. Good luck!

Hello,

I am new here and just started my journey today. I wanted to spend an hour walking on our home treadmill, but found it rather difficult to push through the first half hour! Not that I was too tired to continue, but rather I was bored with it and the minutes couldn't pass fast enough. I would much rather walk outside, but being in NY in the winter it makes it quite hard with the snow and ice. I know it probably sounds weird, but does anyone have any ideas or tips to make walking on the treadmill more "interesting" that would take my mind off of the time? I set it in front of my television so that I can watch football while walking, but still found myself bored with it. Anyone got anything?

You got a lot of suggestions which is great. But also, treadmills are horribly boring lol Don't sweat it, and get outside when the weather gets better. Totally different and much more enjoyable.