Bored during Cardio?

I have netflix on in the background. That way when I don't want to focus on what I am doing, I can zone out.

I set different goals for myself every 1/2 mile. Always trying to meet the next goal. I make the next goal while I'm working on the current one so it's always fresh.

I can't watch TV and run so I listen to music and try to zone out while I visualize a trail or country road in from of me. This does not always happen so other times I people watch without being obvious... and when I still can't focus after 20 minutes, I stop and go do weights or floor work and take out my frustraion on another work out....

I either listen to really amped up music (Slipkot, Disturbed, etc.....) or watch something on my phone via NetFlix or rent/buy via Android Market/iTunes. There are also times where I just let my mind wander, there really isnt any better part of the day where you can literally just shut your brain off and not think about anything else, just let your body do the cardio and you "veg out" and day dream.

Louder music, intevals for intensity.

I watch TV on the treadmill, but I prefer to read on the exercise bike.

Audio Books.

I go outside.

It's much less dull to run an hour with scenery.

Talking books - I get into a story and the time just passes..... I have been known to keep going for longer just to get the the end of a Chapter.....

cardio is boring that's why i do HIIT as much as i can. that will definitely keep your focus because you're spending a certain amount of time going as fast and hard as you can, using the next bit of time to recover and then repeating the process.

once i forgot mymp3 player on a day i was doing 45 minute of fast walking/high hill intervals. i thought i would miss it but i didnt, i was too busy focusing on not falling off the treadmill.

on days that i'm not doing HIIT and i'm doing over 20 minutes total calories, I will split my time up on multiple machines : versaclimber/rowing machine/ spin bike or treadmill/bike/pool are my personal fave split combos.

another thing i'll do is try to beat my distance or pace from the last time i worked out. for instance, when i'm doing a longer 25 minute session on the versaclimber i try to top the number of feet climbed from the last time.

oh yeah and i do have ADD :laugh:

oh yeah i find that the problem i have when i read or watch TV when i'm working out is that i unintentionally decrease my intensity. i personally find that i have a much better workout when i'm 100% focused on what my body is doing. i want to see results from my workouts, so i want to get the benefits out of each and every workout.

HIIT training... Bike for a few minutes at a regular pace then up the intensity for about 30-60 seconds and then go back to regular pace again. I USED TO do the same ole biking for a hour routine and it got so boring. Then once I started doing HIIT training keeping track of the time, my heart rate, my intensity and counting out loud to myself made the time pass much quickly PLUS you burn more calories that way!!

I mix it up, I do 10-12 minute sessions of cardio then to some weights or whatever as a set, for example I'd do 10 minutes of running stairs, then 50 reps of dumbells, 50 lunges, then do it over again

Get off the machine and do something else. Run or bike outside. Join an aerobics class. Buy a fun DVD.

Music helps, but the way I see it, if my brain has time to get bored, my body isn't working hard enough! I listen to music while I work out. That is plenty when I am running / cycling. If I am on the stair-mill, I will also be "reading" a book. A put reading in quotes because honestly I don't get much reading actually done. It is nice to have something to read during my recovery intervals which can be a bit boring. But, when the intensity increases, my reading comprehension pretty much goes out the window (as it should!)

Whenever you can take your cardio outside. The change of scenery will more then stop you from getting bored PLUS there's no quitting early because once you're away from the house you have to somehow get back.