We all know we're supposed to be working out, getting three days of cardio for half an hour each day, but it can be so boring, just bouncing around on the elliptical or running on the treadmill! If you're getting bored at the gym, you're more likely to stop going, and that's not good! So here's a list of 7 things to do while you're using the treadmill or elliptical to keep you occupied and to help you keep going.
If you like the idea of reading a book or magazine while you're using the treadmill or elliptical, but don't want the hassle of changing pages or the bulk of a book, try reading on a Kindle. It's a lot thinner and lighter, and can hold thousands of books, magazines, and newspapers. Cool!
Maybe you'd prefer to listen to a book rather than try to deal with a hands-on paper book or electronic Kindle. So many books and available as downloadable MP3s (for your iPod) or even cassettes (for your old-school Walkman). It's a great way to catch up on your reading while keeping up with your cardio workout!
Photo Credit: JennKstep
This is hands-down my very favorite way to distract myself while I'm on the elliptical. I load my iPod with about 20 of my favorite high-energy songs, step onto the machine, and go full-tilt until the songs are done. Try "I Wanna be Sedated" by the Ramones... perfect!
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I've noticed that on the rare occasion when my iPod run out of battery power while I'm still working out that I start focusing on nothing more than my breaths or my steps. It's odd, but it's such a wonderful distraction, and zoning out like that is very, very relaxing even when I'm still working out hard.
Is there any better place to people watch than at the gym? I've actually picked up a few exercise techniques, and made a few friends, while people watching. It's fun, innocent, and a great distraction while you're trying to get through the last ten minutes of your cardio.
Along with focusing and zoning out, simply counting your steps or breaths can be very calming and a fantastic distraction on the treadmill. You don't have to count down, just count up, or just keeping counting from one to ten until your little beep timer on the machine goes off, signaling your cardio is done. Yay!
Most gyms offer big television screens with lots of different channels right in front of the elliptical, stationary bikes, and treadmills. It may seem low-brow, but why not indulge in a little television while you're getting your cardio workout, much like you read trashy gossip magazines when you're getting your hair done. Why not? You're countering the guilt of watching TV while doing something great for your body.
These are just a few examples of things you can do while you're working out on the treadmill or elliptical, and I'm sure there are so many more! How do you keep your cardio workout going? What do you do to keep motivated? Please let me know!
Top Photo Credit: susiejulie