Treadmill Running: how to not get bored?

dave_in_delaware
dave_in_delaware Posts: 49 Member
edited September 30 in Fitness and Exercise
I have a question for those of you who are doing your running on a treadmill instead of outside:

What do you do to keep from getting bored?

I set my treadmill up in the living room because that's the only place where there is room for it in my apartment. I have a "view" of the TV, a DVD bookcase, my wife's collectibles case, the coffee table, the side table, the clock, and some wall hangings. I've already counted all the DVD's a few times, looked at the collectibles time and time again, stared at the painting ahead of me, tried watching TV (when there are people moving on the TV it throws my pace off and I try moving with them, not good!), etc.

I'm up to 30+ minutes of running straight, and find myself getting bored after about 15 minutes. I have some "motivational" things taped to my treadmill control panel, and I look down at it many times during my runs, but that's still not enough. I can't close my eyes and concentrate more on my breathing and footfalls, or I'll run right off the treadmill. LOL.

So, what do you do to keep from getting too bored on a treadmill? And don't say "run outside instead" because that's an obvious answer. I'm asking for those who want to (or need to) use a treadmill for whatever reason.

Thanks!
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Replies

  • amyd03
    amyd03 Posts: 129 Member
    bump would like to know as well
  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    I only run for tops 20 minutes 2x a week. I do HIIT - which is 2 minutes 4.0, 1 minute 8.0, repeat until you get to 20 minutes. It gives you an amazing workout and you're not bored...you're too busy recovering from the 1 minute sprint to be bored...and it goes by fast and has been proven more effective than steady state running!

    P.S. That is the only cardio I do at all.
  • jdavis193
    jdavis193 Posts: 972 Member
    this is what I do. I also get bored after a certain period.


    http://images.teamsugar.com/static/imgs/fit_treadmillworkout_final.pdf
  • bry_all01
    bry_all01 Posts: 3,100 Member
    I started taking my Kindle to the gym with me to read. Or, watch tv. I watch my recorded shows after my hubby goes to sleep, and while I watch them I do crunches and push ups. :bigsmile:
  • krystonite
    krystonite Posts: 553 Member
    To be honest, I live inside my head more often than anywhere else. So it's not hard for me to just be on a treadmill for days and work up an entire Oscars acceptance speech as well cure cancer, feed the poor, star in an action film and knock out Jillian Michaels.
  • dragonbug300
    dragonbug300 Posts: 760 Member
    I don't often run on a treadmill, but for any stationary machine exercise, here's what I do:
    ~ pop in an action DVD. During the fight scenes, I floor it and increase my speed as much as possible. I slow down for the talking scenes, and go at a moderate pace for music montages.
    ~ Have a music playlist and pace yourself to the beat of the music as it changes.
    Those are my only ideas at the moment. I particularly like watcing tv/movies while exercising because the time flies by. I've done 1.5 hours on an elliptical while watching Harry Potter :P
  • 1derwhy
    1derwhy Posts: 23 Member
    Granted, I'm walking, but I also walk on the treadmill from 45 minutes to an hour. Boredom IS an issue. I prop my iPad up on the treadmill and fire up an episode of some fun TV show. I use Netflix streaming instantly, and I usually have good luck with it - every now and then the streaming will stop or stutter, but I deal. The time really goes by when I'm watching something!

    Since you're in view of your TV, maybe you could get some DVDs of shows or movies that you like, to watch while you run?
  • BrendaBlis
    BrendaBlis Posts: 165 Member
    I want to follow this thread also....
  • Gessa007
    Gessa007 Posts: 50
    Music...music helps. Reading helps if im walking but I cant run and read at the same time obviously. Since your in the living room Id turn on the TV.
  • Tracey_Smith
    Tracey_Smith Posts: 199
    I used to do interval training when on a treadmill. Run at a set pace for 5 mins then either lower or higher the pace for another 5 mins and then after 5 mins set another pace. It's a great workout and it also works your heart better because it doesn't know whats coming next and how hard it's going to have to pump the blood around. Time also goes a lot faster and before you know it, time's up x
  • PANZERIA
    PANZERIA Posts: 471 Member
    knock out Jillian Michaels.

    You are my hero.

    I usually run inside because I find the treadmill too boring, but when I am doing an intervals day, I use the treadmill. Do intervals - you can't focus on anything else except the run.
  • Elysian13
    Elysian13 Posts: 79
    I don't often run on a treadmill, but for any stationary machine exercise, here's what I do:
    ~ pop in an action DVD. During the fight scenes, I floor it and increase my speed as much as possible. I slow down for the talking scenes, and go at a moderate pace for music montages.
    ~ Have a music playlist and pace yourself to the beat of the music as it changes.
    Those are my only ideas at the moment. I particularly like watcing tv/movies while exercising because the time flies by. I've done 1.5 hours on an elliptical while watching Harry Potter :P

    This is what I do to an extent, minus going to the rhythm of the scenes....and I love watching movies! (I love harry potter btw)
  • angiemartin78
    angiemartin78 Posts: 475 Member
    I'm walking, not running, but I usually listen to music or watch whatever news channel they have on at the gym. It can get extremely repetitive, but it is what you make of it. Usually I just keep telling myself that I will look and feel better and that helps me. You could try reading, but if you're running fast it could make things difficult. Good luck!
  • TazzyDB
    TazzyDB Posts: 224
    I am learning Spanish while I am on the treadmill. Gives me a lot to think about while I am burning calories!
  • MissAnjy
    MissAnjy Posts: 2,480 Member
    my best advice is: run outside.
    seriously.
    i did the entire c25k program on the treadmill & was bored as sin
    i got over my fears of running in public (SO glad for that) because now i LOVE running outside. Treadmill time DRAGS ON AND ON, outside it goes so quickly, and feels much better.
  • amymeenieminymo
    amymeenieminymo Posts: 2,394 Member
    I tend to think a lot when I am running....this can be good or bad depending on what I am thinking about (something I am excited about vs. mulling over an argument with someone for example). Do you listen to music? I have my Ipod but I also have a "running" playlist. Certain songs get me really pumped up and I feel great, even though I'm not a great runner.

    Do you have access to a gym? I know you probably spent good money on your home treadmill, but sometimes I just need to be with other people. Running with my Ipod and people watching definitely makes the time go quicker. I still love my home treadmill and it's great when it's raining/when I don't feel like going out/or in the future when I have little ones, but changing it up and going to the gym sometimes also breaks the monotony.
  • RocheleLynn
    RocheleLynn Posts: 265 Member
    Maybe make a super good play list. Blast it super loud (make sure most people in your building are at work haha) and sing along. Most songs are only about 4 minutes long so maybe that will readjust your add ever 4 minutes or so.., You could also try and do your playlist with a mixture of long and short songs. Challenge yourself to running faster on one set up songs. Try doing intervals. Also, maybe try a book on tape if it's hard for you to read while running? I haven't done that but I've heard some people can get lost in the story....
  • lil_pulp
    lil_pulp Posts: 701 Member
    Audiobooks or interesting podcasts... I can't listen to them if I'm doing intervals but for steady running, they keep me good company.
  • sasham100
    sasham100 Posts: 24 Member
    Intervals are the way to go. I typically do a 5 minute walking warm-up with the incline turned way up (12.0 for me) and then 1 minute intervals of a slower speed followed by a faster speed. For me, that is 5.7 and 7.0 mph. I try to do 10 repeats of each for a total of 20 minutes. The time goes by quickly, since during the fast intervals you are simply trying to get through and during the slower intervals you are focused on catching your breathe and preparing for the next sprint. I don't even need music, since I'm so focusing on GETTING THRU the workout.
  • staceyseeger
    staceyseeger Posts: 778 Member
    http://www.spinervals.com/products/department10.cfm

    I use & love his Spinerval DVD's for my bike trainer. He really is a great coach. I would love to get these DVD's, but that would mean I would have to get a treadmill & THAT would mean I would have to use it. LOL. Just don't need an expensive clothes rack. Haha!

    I HAVE to run outdoors. Good luck!
  • taso42_DELETED
    taso42_DELETED Posts: 3,394 Member
    Seconding the HIIT suggestion. It's short and intense. But sometimes you still might want to change it up for some variety. If so, you can add in some misc inclines and speed changes. Some treadmills are programmable and/or have built-in programs.

    Also, music. I would have a hard time running without tunes.
  • BeautifulScarsWECHANGED
    BeautifulScarsWECHANGED Posts: 749 Member
    I only run for tops 20 minutes 2x a week. I do HIIT - which is 2 minutes 4.0, 1 minute 8.0, repeat until you get to 20 minutes. It gives you an amazing workout and you're not bored...you're too busy recovering from the 1 minute sprint to be bored...and it goes by fast and has been proven more effective than steady state running!

    P.S. That is the only cardio I do at all.

    I'll have to try this!
  • Claudia007
    Claudia007 Posts: 878 Member
    I watch movies or catch up on my favorite TV shows. I try not watch regular TV because I get bored durring the commercials. I also have a great playlist I made for my mp3. Sometimes I do both! (I'm talented like that). :laugh:
  • thurberj
    thurberj Posts: 528 Member
    Music......................................Love it!! I pick what to listen to based on my mood:-)
  • mamagooskie
    mamagooskie Posts: 2,964 Member
    I just wear my ipod and listen to music.....after awhile it still gets boring though. Nothing beats outdoor running!!
  • jdavis193
    jdavis193 Posts: 972 Member
    I only run for tops 20 minutes 2x a week. I do HIIT - which is 2 minutes 4.0, 1 minute 8.0, repeat until you get to 20 minutes. It gives you an amazing workout and you're not bored...you're too busy recovering from the 1 minute sprint to be bored...and it goes by fast and has been proven more effective than steady state running!

    P.S. That is the only cardio I do at all.

    I'll have to try this!
    If you like HIIT traning check out my link I posted earlier... I love it... I do it 3x a week but I do 8 8.5 9 for speed you can adjust to what you can do.
  • runslikeagirl
    runslikeagirl Posts: 140 Member
    Watch Extreme Makeover weight loss edition or Biggest Looser while on the DREAD-mill......If those ginouromous people can get off their *kitten* and run you can too!! Thats what I say to myself anyhow... I personally hate the dread mill so I run outside as much as I can!!!
  • Motorgirl6
    Motorgirl6 Posts: 14
    I suffer from the same. I tried watching TV..not good. I would get too interested in that and lose my pace. Now, I am just listening to my workout music on my Ipod. Whenever the song changes, I change my speed whether it be faster or slower, rotating between the two. I hope that makes sense! It helps to speed up the time as I am constantly changing the speed every 2-3 minutes and before I know it my workout is over.

    Another thing I have is a workout you download to your ipod. There are several online. It really makes the time go by faster and you get a better workout because they push you. I can't remember the name of the one I have, but I think it is by Sean Mallory.
  • martinh78
    martinh78 Posts: 601
    I row and depending on my mood/programme do the following:

    1) Short training sessions - MUSIC!
    2) Long training sessions - Catch up on TV shows I've recorded
    3) Endurance training - Watch the F1 grand prix and row from start to finish (90 mins last weekend).

    Also I have done interval training before but recently found pyramid traning much more fun. Not sure how you'd do it on the runner, but on the rower I do;

    10 strokes at low resistance, 10 at high, then 20 at low, 20 at high, 30-30, 40-40, 50-50, 40-40, 30-30, 20-20, 10-10

    Not so boring.

    I think the key is to mix things up a bit?
  • dave_in_delaware
    dave_in_delaware Posts: 49 Member
    Wow. Thanks for all the input so far everyone!

    I did fail to mention that I usually have my music playing while I run. I listen to "aggressive" or "high beat-per-minute" music and the beat keeps me moving. But I still find myself getting bored visually. I don't know what to look at. And it's the same stuff every time.

    I've looked at each movie on the DVD shelves, and in my mind tried to remember a good/funny part from each movie. That works for a little while, but my mind gets bored of that after 2 minutes (no, I don't have ADHD).

    I've had the TV on a few times before, to try that. But like I said, if there's movement on the TV (someone running, too, or just walking to the side), my body tends to try to mimic it, and I end up losing concentration a little.

    Please, more suggestions and personal stories! Thank you!
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