Keep Your Treadmill Workouts Interesting with These Tips
Let’s face it; walking on a treadmill can get rather boring after a while. But, the good news is there are many things you can do to make your treadmill workouts fun and interesting again. Here are just a few:
Music, CDs, TV and Movies. Most everyone has a favorite style of music. Use this to your advantage. Listening to your favorite music during treadmill workouts can make the time pass faster and it also helps you focus more. If music isn’t your thing, you may prefer to listen to audio books or motivational CDs. Treadmill workouts are also a great time to catch up on TV shows and watch movies.
Pyramid Walking. One way to keep your mind from growing bored during treadmills workouts is to try mental challenges. Pyramid walking is when you try to increase your walking speed by .1 mph every minute for 15 minutes. Then, decrease your walking speed by .1 mph every minute for the last 15 minutes.
Dancing Exercises. Many dancers find that walking backwards during their treadmill workouts not only makes them more fun, but it builds their strength and balance. Don’t attempt this unless you are confident in your coordination!
Count the Numbers. If you are a number junkie, count your steps every other minute. See how your steps change and increase as you move from one fitness level to another.
Circuit Training. Treadmill workouts can benefit greatly by adding circuit training into the mix. Those of you who are interested in strength training can do lunges, crunches, free weights or some other strength building exercise for one minute after every five minutes of walking.
Stretching. Stretching just feels good! After walking for ten minutes, get off of your machine and do stretch exercises for five minutes. Get back on your machine and repeat this process until your workout time is up.
Step and Walk. Take turns walking on your treadmill and using a stepper. The number of minutes you allot to each is individual based upon your fitness level.
Chart Your Progress. Pick a place you have always wanted to visit and chart your mileage there after each workout. See how long it takes you to walk to Hawaii, China or the Bahamas.
Heart Rate Training. Use a heart rate monitor during your treadmill workouts and cycle in and out of different heart rate zones for two minute intervals. Heart Rate Training workouts should last no longer than 20 or 30 minutes and should only be done 2 or 3 times per week.
This is just a small snippet of the things that you can do to bring fun back into your treadmill workouts. Find out what works for you and don’t be afraid to change it up. Chasing away boredom is crucial to keeping your exercise program going long term.
Tags: Workout Routines