Any tips to avoid boredom on the treadmill?

I just got a treadmill and plan on using it a lot. The problem is, I couldn't do it for long periods of time without watching netflix. Any other tips to keep walking in a treadmill exciting?
«1

Replies

  • WBB55
    WBB55 Posts: 4,131 Member
    Watch Netflix. Learn a foreign language with podcasts/audio books.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    troga.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    What's wrong with Netflix? That's my number one answer if you are mainly using it for walking or slower running.

    Also books on tape, podcasts, music, maybe Zombies Run! (I haven't tried it, but it sounds interesting), and if you are going to be working on speed or incline, working in intervals usually makes it more bearable.
  • accelerashawn
    accelerashawn Posts: 470 Member
    When i'm at the gym...channel surfing on their tv treadmills takes forever and keeps me occupied while i'm running. Kinda funny...by the time i find somethign to watch, I've run for like 15 minutes and i can go home...
  • accelerashawn
    accelerashawn Posts: 470 Member
    Oh...and youtube. Thousands of funny/stupid vines and whatnot that you can watch to pass 10s of minutes at a time.
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    A good mix tape starting with slower pace picking it up in the middle and slowing down for cool down. Take it outside once in a while to break things up. One gym by the beach had the treadmills facing outside so you could watch the sea birds and other animals. Maybe put it by a window and have a bird feeder
  • Iwishyouwell
    Iwishyouwell Posts: 1,888 Member
    Can't help you there. I love walking but I find treadmill dreadfully boring. If you can, take it to the streets. For me there is nothing like getting moving outside.
  • Veil5577
    Veil5577 Posts: 868 Member
    Netflix or Amazon Instant Video are the only things that get me through a stint on the exercise bike.. I much prefer walking outdoors, but when it's raining..
  • ew_david
    ew_david Posts: 3,473 Member
    I guess it depends on the level of intensity you plan on doing. I can't read magazines, watch TV, or do anything but listen to some tunes because I'm running and my focus is there.
  • Chain_Ring
    Chain_Ring Posts: 753 Member
    RUN OUTSIDE. Dreadmill pretty much sucks and should be avoided at all costs.
  • RyanG2106
    RyanG2106 Posts: 29
    Try Running.........................
  • DBoone85
    DBoone85 Posts: 916 Member
    Get a pair of google glasses and watch porn out of the corner of your eye....
  • rhoule76
    rhoule76 Posts: 217 Member
    Netflix and/or a good music playlist.
  • albayin
    albayin Posts: 2,524 Member
    interval training, like running really hard for 90 sec and then brisk walking for another a min or so...do like 10 groups.
  • cortana01
    cortana01 Posts: 55
    Music!

    Also the Zombies Run app is pretty good, certainly makes you move faster when Zombies are breathing down your neck.
  • tr66
    tr66 Posts: 23 Member
    Try the app Zombies Run! from Six to Start. It is an engaging storyline that will keep you moving and make the time fly by. Well worth the $2.99 price tag on IOS or Android.
  • campbs
    campbs Posts: 4 Member
    I do my best running when shows like Biggest Loser and American Ninja Warrior are on. I've actually started shifting my run schedule to accommodate when I can. Also, I find it semi-amusing to try to put on high-energy songs and try to run to the beat (which may mean speeding up or slowing down depending on the song). There are some fun Queen and Eminem songs that keep me pumped up and counting steps!
  • dpwellman
    dpwellman Posts: 3,271 Member
    Tips:

    Do speed work. . . different types. Vary speed and length of the reps.
  • gobonas99
    gobonas99 Posts: 1,049 Member
    RUN OUTSIDE. Dreadmill pretty much sucks and should be avoided at all costs.

    QFT :flowerforyou:

    Seriously...I can run for over an hour outside....but I can only take the dreadmill for 10-15 minutes, tops.
  • taranbatt
    taranbatt Posts: 18 Member
    Go outside! Ive had a treadmill at home before and got too bored with it and never stuck with a regular routine. Now I walk/run around my neighborhood or my kids school track (which gets boring too), but my favorite place to run is on the trails down by the river where I live!!!
  • CleanUpWhatIMessedUp
    CleanUpWhatIMessedUp Posts: 206 Member
    I have the same problem. Usually when I get bored on the elliptical I just start reading a book, but it has to be something funny so that it keeps me upbeat.
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    troga.
    you rang?
  • albayin
    albayin Posts: 2,524 Member
    RUN OUTSIDE. Dreadmill pretty much sucks and should be avoided at all costs.

    QFT :flowerforyou:

    Seriously...I can run for over an hour outside....but I can only take the dreadmill for 10-15 minutes, tops.

    treadmill is OK for me but I absolutely can't do elliptical...I don't know why this machine kills me...even with all the good shows and musica and interval tricks...it kills me after 5 minutes.
  • amyx593
    amyx593 Posts: 211 Member
    Stick with what works. I love music, but not when I work out.... I need something that will take my attention more, like a TV or talk show. I always listen to Howard Stern or watch Netflix. The Netflix app is awesome!!
  • Meerataila
    Meerataila Posts: 1,885 Member
    Pretend you're in training to steal the Hope Diamond. Always less boring than thinking about how many calories you burned already.

    Has that thing been stolen lately? Found? Returned?
  • sheedy17
    sheedy17 Posts: 128
    Ive been challenging myself as I have been getting quiet bored on the treadmill

    I usually walk for 2 minutes, run for 2, walk for 3, run for 3, walk for 5, run for 5, you get the picture, sometimes I challenge myself with a bigger incline on the runs, sometimes I dont, but I find myself very busy on the treadmill looking at the time and prepping for my next long run. usually you are so exhausted after the run, the walk faze goes quick as you are catching your breathe

    If you do not like to run, I am sure you could walk at a faster pace, then a slower pace, faster pace etc
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    Lately I've been doing this combo on the treadmill: C25k app and Pandora radio through a bluetooth earpiece and a Kindle Paperwhite on the console for reading, all at the same time.

    Cardiocoach.com audio workouts are fun, too, if you can handle instrumental music with interval coaching mixed in. I like the ones that mix hills and sprints. He expects you to be using a HRM and know your zones.
  • abbymgonzo
    abbymgonzo Posts: 8 Member
    I watch the clock for most of my treadmill workout. I will run at a pace of around 6.5 for two minutes, and then sprint at 9 or more for 30 seconds to one minute. I repeat this until I have been doing the workout for about 20-25 minutes. It really doesn't give me much time to watch a show, because I'm focused on the time of the intervals and my breathing.
  • albayin
    albayin Posts: 2,524 Member
    I watch the clock for most of my treadmill workout. I will run at a pace of around 6.5 for two minutes, and then sprint at 9 or more for 30 seconds to one minute. I repeat this until I have been doing the workout for about 20-25 minutes. It really doesn't give me much time to watch a show, because I'm focused on the time of the intervals and my breathing.

    exactly this. :)
  • teenie_71
    teenie_71 Posts: 44
    RUN OUTSIDE. Dreadmill pretty much sucks and should be avoided at all costs.

    TOTALLY agree! I would kill myself if i had to use a treadmill everyday, truthfully I've never run on one and never plan to LOL