Treadmill is boring me....

emilybeaver
emilybeaver Posts: 365 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I've been walking on the treadmill 3-4 times a week and I'm getting bored with it. Walking outside I feel like I don't get enough calories burned or walk fast enough.

Replies

  • dougii
    dougii Posts: 679 Member
    Move out doors. If you aren't already tracking you can get some really nice phone aps that will do this for you and give you estimated calorie burn. I have always found that I burn more calories outside moving through both time and space than I do on a treadmill where I am only moving through time. If you really think you aren't burning as many cals just pick up the pace or try a run walk routine like c25k. I think you will find walking outside to be much more enjoyable than the treadmill..... Doug
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  • vixtris
    vixtris Posts: 688 Member
    Maybe consider getting another machine? Perhaps an elliptical or stair climber? Or maybe put your treadmill in front of the tv.
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    You can download a free app (Runkeeper is one I use) and use it to keep your pace as you walk outside. If you can’t walk as fast outside, then you’re likely doing one of two things on the treadmill: 1) You don’t have any incline (2 - 3% is recommended to equate to regular walking effort, and/or 2) You’re holding on to the rails and letting the belt move under you faster than you’d normally be able to walk. In either case, you’ll get more out of walking outdoors.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    So walk faster out side. I fail to see the problem.

    Or turn up the incline.

    Or run.

    or do HIIT.
  • emilybeaver
    emilybeaver Posts: 365 Member
    I'm working out at the gym....I just feel like it's tedious even with a tv show on or music. I'll definitely try walking outside this week and I do plan on doing the C25K, I just have to get these boulders smashed down!
  • emilybeaver
    emilybeaver Posts: 365 Member
    With the incline I have scoliosis and my hips are uneven, my chiropractor said to not do incline as that is harder on my hips and back.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    emilybeaver wrote: »
    I've been walking on the treadmill 3-4 times a week and I'm getting bored with it. Walking outside I feel like I don't get enough calories burned or walk fast enough.

    How many miles do you do on the treadmill? Do the same number of miles outside and you will burn a similar number of calories, even if your pace is a little slower. It just might take you a little longer to get there.

  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I'm with GuitarJerry - I had a treadmill. Park a DVD player, Kindle, whatever, in front of it to watch something. Start a series that you can only watch while working out (NetFlix maybe). I did the music thing....that got old too. Try different routines. Google treadmill intervals, give yourself something to focus on.

    I thought about moving outdoors but knew that wouldn't last with 30+ inches of snow. Besides, I can't walk fast enough outdoors....not enough hilly terrain either. Running is out...wonky knee. Now I use exercise videos & a rebounder.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    I'm all about running outdoors. A tool like MapMyRun or Endomondo will tell you how much you burned. It doesn't matter if you FEEL like it's not proper exercise; it is.

    I've heard raves about Zombie Run.

    OR you can attach a gaming console to your treadmill. If gaming keeps you going.
    http://www.gojiplay.com/
  • teanahk
    teanahk Posts: 81 Member
    If you're walking outside maybe map out your route to see how far it is and figure out your average speed based on how long it takes? Or use one of the tracking apps if that works on your phone. Maybe it just feels like less of a work out because it's outside and not as boring as the treadmill. If that's your munchkin in your picture, pushing around strollers is great too.

    If you're looking for a bigger change in your cardio routine, maybe try some videos on youtube instead? there are a lot on there. I occasionally take a few exercise DVDs out from the library to change things up a bit. Richard Simmon's sweating to the oldies was really fun, but I'm sure any workout would bore me to death after a few weeks, so I like the option of swapping them out frequently.
  • Madame_Goldbrick
    Madame_Goldbrick Posts: 73 Member
    I use the Endomondo app on my phone when I walk outside. It'll chip in over your music to tell you how many miles you cover and at what speed. Tip - walk with a purpose like you need to get somewhere on time.
  • emilybeaver
    emilybeaver Posts: 365 Member
    teanahk wrote: »
    If you're walking outside maybe map out your route to see how far it is and figure out your average speed based on how long it takes? Or use one of the tracking apps if that works on your phone. Maybe it just feels like less of a work out because it's outside and not as boring as the treadmill. If that's your munchkin in your picture, pushing around strollers is great too.

    If you're looking for a bigger change in your cardio routine, maybe try some videos on youtube instead? there are a lot on there. I occasionally take a few exercise DVDs out from the library to change things up a bit. Richard Simmon's sweating to the oldies was really fun, but I'm sure any workout would bore me to death after a few weeks, so I like the option of swapping them out frequently.

    That is my little guy :smiley: he loves walking with his momma, so that may be something I do as well. And I have a dog who loves to be walked. I'm highly debating walking or running in the evenings or mornings before work since it's getting so hot here now.
  • Justthisgirl1994
    Justthisgirl1994 Posts: 226 Member
    I get very bored on the treadmill too. I go by distance instead of time when I do go on it, so at least that motivates me to run a faster mile (can get it over with faster). I rarely ever use the treadmill these days, just when I have an urge to run.

    I like fitness classes. It always goes by so fast for me. The club like music, the group atmosphere, the instructor encouraging you to keep going, and the constant changing of what you're doing keeps it far from boring for me. My favorite is spin classes, but i also enjoy tabata classes.

    Basically, find what works for you. Don't torture yourself on the treadmill. Your adherence to exercise will become so low if you try to stick to smth you don't like.

  • JenD1066
    JenD1066 Posts: 298 Member
    I use treadmill time to bingewatch on my kindle. It's the only time I get to watch muppet-free programming.
    I can't walk outside. The kids would go all "Lord of the Flies."
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    emilybeaver wrote: »
    I'm working out at the gym....I just feel like it's tedious even with a tv show on or music. I'll definitely try walking outside this week and I do plan on doing the C25K, I just have to get these boulders smashed down!

    Try some other things at the gym. Classes are fun. You can also learn how to use other machines (both cardio and weights). Or even learn about lifting free weights. It might be worthwhile to get a couple of sessions with a trainer who can show you those things - just make sure they understand your limitations with scoliosis. It also would be a good idea to talk with your doctor about what is good for your back/hips and maybe ask for a couple of PT sessions to learn some great exercises to strengthen those muscles and reduce pain.
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