By: STUFTmama
The majority of my running miles are logged on the treadmill. I never used to be a person who loved the treadmill, but when you become a mom of twins and they get too big for the stroller, well, it just happens. There are many other reasons people have to use the treadmill instead of getting outside for running and although it took me awhile to really have the great relationship that I now have with my treadmill, I can honestly say that I love it.
The treadmill has saved me many times. Among the many reasons why I’ve grown to love it are that I can use it any time of the day, I can easily keep track of my pace and mileage, if I’m at home I can wear whatever I want and not worry about sunscreen and extra supplies and one of my favorite things is being able to watch some shows. That’s the only chance I get these days, even if it’s at 5:00 am.
I’ve heard the term “dreadmill” used more than once. Rumor has it out there that some people find it boring. I was once one of those people and the time seemed to go slower than slow, but these days I actually look forward to my time with the beloved treadmill.
Here are some simple tips and tricks that work for me and have led to the great relationship I now have with Steve. (That’s my treadmill’s name thanks to my boys.)
Set a goal.
Before you get on the treadmill decided that you’ll be on there for a certain number of miles or a certain number of minutes. It always helps to have a goal to start out with. Some treadmills these days let you program the goal in before you even start your run.
Make it a date.
Set up the perfect date for your time with the treadmill. If you’re using the ones at the gym, set up a time when there’s a good show on that will entertain you. I used to time my date perfectly with Live With Kelly and Michael. It helped pass the time. Or if you have a workout buddy, make it a date to run together. Running is always better with friends, whether they’re physically there in person or on the television.
Take advantage of entertainment. Watch a movie.
If you don’t have time to set up the perfect date with a show, make it happen yourself. My most favorite thing to do while on the treadmill is watch romantic comedies or binge watch silly sitcoms. The set-up is not the best, but holy cow having something to help pass the time sure helps.
Play around with intervals.
When you’re pressed for time, the best thing to do is play around with the speed and/or the incline. If you’re using music, set a different pace or change the incline for each song. Here is my favorite go to 20 minute treadmill workout. You can adjust your own pace for the easy effort and the hard effort, but start at 4 minutes at each level, then go to three, then to two and then finish at one minute. It makes the time fly by and it great for a quick sweat session.
20 Minute Treadmill Fun Calorie Blast
| Minutes | Effort | MPH |
| 0 – 4:00 | *light jog or walk | |
| 4:00 – 8:00 | jog or run (moderate intensity) 2.0 MPH faster | |
| 8:00 -11:00 | *walk, jog or run (easy to moderate intensity) | |
| 11:00 -14:00 | jog or run (moderate/hard intensity) 2.2 MPH faster | |
| 14:00 – 16:00 | *walk, jog or run (easy to moderate intensity) | |
| 16:00 – 18:00 | run (hard intensity) 2.4 MPH faster | |
| 18:00 – 19:00 | *walk, jog or run (easy to moderate intensity) | |
| 19:00 – 20:00 | run (hard intensity) 2.6 MPH faster | |
| 20:00-25:00 | cool down |
*consistent base pace
If you’re more of a mile person rather than a time person on the treadmill these workouts are fun to change it up too.
I’m sure there are some other secrets out there to help beat treadmill boredom, but these have worked for me over the past few years and goodness knows I get bored quickly.
Hope they help you get a little treadmill sweat on.
Kristin (STUFTmama) is a 3:17 marathoner who has completed 19 full marathons. She is an ACE certified group fitness instructor, personal trainer and physical education teacher. Her five year old twin boys keep her busy and she blogs over at stuftmama.com .