How do YOU get through 30 min on treadmill, eliptical, etc?

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  • monkeypantz
    monkeypantz Posts: 288 Member
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    I've recorded lots of Eastenders (very bad english soap, but its my guilty pleasure) and I made a vow that I'm not allowed to watch it unless I'm on the elliptical - so when the story line is really good I end up working out loads + it's on for 30mins 4 days a week and I'm about 3 weeks behind, which is enough to keep me going for a while.

    If not I always make sure I have something recorded to fall back on!
  • Fubar_Bill
    Fubar_Bill Posts: 120 Member
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    I do a full hour twice a day monday to friday and I always get through it 3 minutes at a time.

    Good music helps.
    At the gym they have several tvs on several channels, so I always find myself wandering between them.
    I play little mind games to keep me going like calculating the calories for an hour if I have completed X number of calories in 21 minutes.
    I used to the do "five more minutes" game. When I was near my limit I would convince myself to do 5 more minutes and keep doing that 4 or 5 times.

    Really, what it comes down to for me is to simply not stop. Once you are on and moving you have to make the choice to leave. I choose not to, knowing that I am looking for a result down the road.

    Cheers!
  • ksraider
    ksraider Posts: 107
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    I download audio books to my phone and listen to them as I walk on the treadmill.
  • carebear7951
    carebear7951 Posts: 404 Member
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    Anything that takes my focus off of the timer on the elliptical. :/ I usually watch Netflix...whatever show I'm into at the moment. Right now it's Intervention. Books on cd and music also help tremendously!!!!!!!
  • islandjumper
    islandjumper Posts: 369 Member
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    I always try to get to the gym in time for Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert, when they replay them at 5 CT during the week. Otherwise, my gym has wifi and I bring my ipad and watch Netflix streaming. I was watching Biggest Loser for motivation, but I'm starting to get really angry the show for its unsustainable weight loss practices.

    I would be laughing through my workout if I tried watching Jon Steward/Stephen Colbert!
  • suaku
    suaku Posts: 45
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    Up-tempo music. I have an iTunes Smart Playlist that automatically picks only those songs I haven't heard in the last two weeks, so it's always fresh. But I've also enjoyed listening to the same playlist day after day because when I would get to a certain song, I'd know I was over halfway done, etc.

    As far as TV goes, I'm a DVR guy, too. I watch hour shows since after skipping the commercials they come out to be about 44 minutes or so -- Chopped and Amazing Race are two I watch regularly. I also like watching sporting events (a half of basketball works out to about an hour) -- I figure if the middle-aged referees can run up and down the court without a break, so can I. LOL! :)
  • healthycurves2012
    healthycurves2012 Posts: 51
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    My iPod is a MUST when I work out. The first 10-15 minutes are always the worst, but then once the endorphins start rushing, it actually feels good to work out. When I start to sweat, I know I'm working hard, and that motivates me to keep going.
  • jb852013
    jb852013 Posts: 116
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    Recently I realized that I can pull up online sermons on my phone and listen to them while I excersize. It helps a lot. I used to just listen to audio books on my phone.
  • twistofcain
    twistofcain Posts: 190
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    Dream Theater's Change of Seasons...song is exactly 33 minutes long.
  • Alicat59
    Alicat59 Posts: 13 Member
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    I watch TV too. Recently it's been old episodes of Biggest Loser. But really any show that will keep my attention makes me forget that I'm on the elliptical.
  • shelbysmom08
    shelbysmom08 Posts: 36
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    Praybthat I can be done soon! I hate to exercise but I do it!
  • iceqieen
    iceqieen Posts: 897 Member
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    Audio books (currently the Dresden books)
    Metal music and telling myself "only a few more songs"

    if I dont have my iPod - then planning the next day/week/month/decade and try to convince myself that I'm almost halfway already and only a few more minutes... :sad:
  • stephyy4632
    stephyy4632 Posts: 947 Member
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    I normaly run on the treadmill and can`t really focus on the tv or reading while running so I have loud 80`s hair music going on in background to keep me moving :) works well for me
  • watchandsee
    watchandsee Posts: 6 Member
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    I catch up on my DVR!! Gotta have a show on to get through it
  • JoolieW68
    JoolieW68 Posts: 1,879 Member
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    Must have music, and it has to be something that gets me motivated to run. Doesn't matter what it is as long as it motivates me (and, sadly, there are a couple Justin Beiber songs that actually do motivate me).

    I also have the TV on for something to look at. I can usually 'watch' any Law & Order show since I've pretty much seen them all and know what's going on. Bonus if there is a hockey game on, since those don't require any talking at all (in fact most of the announcers are *kitten* anyway, so I'd rather not hear them).
  • FrecklesMo
    FrecklesMo Posts: 37 Member
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    I just turn on my favorite show and once its over i know ive done 30 minutes and never thought about the time!!!
  • wickedcricket
    wickedcricket Posts: 1,246 Member
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    I listen to old-time radio plays. Preferably with bette davis or other high profile stars and the time flies by BUT no matter what, I still can't do 30 mins straight on the elliptical yet. up to about 20 mins, then I have to rest (I lift) then go back to it. After 30 mins on the elliptical & some lifting, I am weak & rubbery
  • misscristie
    misscristie Posts: 643 Member
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    Usually when I'm on a machine, my daughter is on the one next to me, so I listen to really obnoxious music and sing and move my arms around to embarrass her. It's fantastic :)
  • ctychick
    ctychick Posts: 43 Member
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    That sounds interesting! I'll have to check it out. Thanks!
  • betzeross
    betzeross Posts: 161 Member
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    I use the elliptical in the early morning so I use that time to pray. It's a g reat way to start the day! :)

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