Keep Your Treadmill Workouts Interesting with These Tips

by: TorriTompson
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Boredom is one of the main killers of exercise programs. If you feel your treadmill workouts are becoming boring, mix it up a bit. There are a lot of things you can do to make your treadmill workouts interesting and enjoyable. Here are a few ideas:

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.

Dancers. If dancing is a favorite pastime, you can build up your strength and increase your balance by walking backwards on your treadmill. Keep your pace steady and even. This should only be tried by people who have good coordination!

Numbers. To keep your mind busy during a workout, count your steps for one minute. Take a break the following minute, and then count your steps the next minute. Not only will this help you see when you need to pick up your pace, but over time you can see how your foot speed increases.

Circuit Training. Many people find that circuit training is a great addition to treadmill workouts. Start out by walking for five minutes. Then, step off your machine and do crunches, push ups, lunges or free weights for one minute. Then, get back on your treadmill and repeat until your workout is completed.

Stretching. Stretching exercises are also a great addition to treadmill workouts. Stretching is a favorite for many people because it feels good! After you successfully complete ten minutes of treadmill walking, get off your machine and treat yourself to five minutes of stretching exercises.

Walk and Climb. Place a stepper next to your treadmill and alternate between walking for five minutes and stepping for five minutes.

Walk To a Destination. Many people love finding out how many miles it is to a favorite destination or relatives home and seeing how long it takes them to walk there on their treadmills. Chart your results and see how far it takes you to walk where you want to go.

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.

About the Author

Read more articles on treadmill workouts here. You'll also find detailed reviews and information of the best treadmills available online now to help you reach your fitness goals.  

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