How many times have you done treadmill fitness because you thought you should, and not necessarily because you wanted to? You are certainly not alone, and many people find it difficult to motivate themselves to run. Let alone have enough determination to join treadmill fitness. The monotony of a running workout only makes running more painful. Even those who love it have to admit at some point that it gets boring at times. However, you shouldn't skip your treadmill workout just because it's boring. These nine tips will breathe new life into your treadmill fitness. And you never know – these methods might even become routine.
Find and download fun apps
Do you need motivation? There is definitely a suitable mobile app for this. For example, download and get access to an audio coaching appVariety of different running trainings. These are also led by trainers who will most likely get you to the finish line. In most cases, you can choose the duration of your workout, as well as theFocus on specific exercises. Determine the intervals and speed yourself to improve your endurance.
You can even choose your musical inspiration, which can range from folk music to energetic hits. For example, turn your run into a game with gaming apps about zombies. Choose your mission for the day and follow the instructions to gather supplies and build your base. When zombies come after you, you then have to pick up the pace.
Perform exercises virtually
“Once again, the technology of running training has completely changed,” says physiologist Tom Holland. “Apps like RunSocial connect to treadmills via Bluetooth, so you can do treadmill fitness live with people around the world on different courses at any time.” You can also join scheduled group runs, run with friends, and even compete in races. Many newer treadmills already have such apps preinstalled. You can also use an application like BitGym, which allows you to virtually take classes around the world from your tablet or smartphone.
Communicate during treadmill fitness
While it's not the best way to concentrate on your workout, in the age of multitasking, it's perfectly acceptable to talk on your phone while you workout. Use your Bluetooth headphones to discuss the latest news with your dad during a long, steady run. You can even do your phone, tablet or video chat with mom or your friends across the country. Better yet, schedule a running date with some of them so you can do your dreaded treadmill workouts together.
Combine running with Netflix
Between work, family, and social commitments, it can be difficult to get in a workout, let alone an hour of Netflix. However, if, for example, you want to watch the series “Game of Thrones” while doing treadmill fitness, you can use your time to your advantage by combining the two. Grab a tablet and a reliable internet connection, put on your headphones and be transported to the fictional land of Westeros or a parallel universe called the Upside Down.
Here's how to save your social life for a while. A 2013 study by Management Science also found that just “GoT” on the treadmill, for example, increased motivation to go to the gym. So this can be a win-win situation for you.
Create a motivating playlist
Sometimes the hardest part is starting to train. For this reason, before you even hit the gym, you can motivate yourself with a little music, be it the soundtrack of “Rocky” or some bass-heavy techno. Once you're on the treadmill, it's also a good idea to create a video playlist of your favorite scenes from movies, TV, and YouTube and watch them during your workout. All such scenes from movies can affect you emotionally and force you to act. When it comes to exercising on a treadmill, being motivated and compelled to take action is a good thing.
Be creative
This method is suitable for those of you who can describe yourself as more of an extrovert. You've probably seen some of the viral videos of people singing, dancing and having fun on the treadmill. Well, that could be you. It's 2019 and the days of running in short shorts with a headband are long gone. What can get you on the treadmill? Can you sing opera or freestyle rap? Do it while you run and you might become an internet sensation. However, don't try to look too much like, say, the members of "OK Go" in their iconic music video. Broken bones do no good for your treadmill fitness.
Exercise for your brain
A running workout can be really monotonous as your mind searches for company or entertainment. In this case, let your imagination run wild. When you keep your brain occupied, you'll think less about how many minutes or seconds there are until the end of your workout. For example, listen to an interesting podcast on the Internet that will distract you from the whole process and make you think. There are plenty of free audio documentaries or audio books online that you can try out in varied versions. Another useful option would be to brush up on your language skills in a specific language, such as Italian, before a vacation or business trip.
Musical entertainment
If you have a passion for music, you will never be bored, especially when you have the opportunity to play your favorite music. Instead of thinking of the running trainer as a workout, you can listen to your favorite albums or new releases in their entirety. With an average album length of 45 to 60 minutes, you can cover between six and ten kilometers depending on your pace. Take the focus off your legs and your beating heart and pay more attention to the music flowing through your ears. It's mostly hard to exercise on a treadmill unless you get lost in the music.
Do interval training
Treadmills are suitableperfect for interval training, which promotes strength and speed and burns calories quickly. After warming up, increase the pace for 30 seconds, do a sprint, then slow down to an easy jog for a minute. Repeat these intervals a total of seven times. Try a pyramid workout and time will fly by. Increase your speed to a challenging pace that you can sustain for a minute. Then recover at an easy pace for a minute. In the next interval, increase the pace up to two minutes and recover for the same two minutes. Increase this to five minutes at a time and then work your way back down to one minute.
