I like running outside, but not in cold or wet weather. Since it is winter, that kind of comes with the territory! We own a treadmill, and winter is obviously a good time to use it. But…the treadmill is very boring.
The past few days, though, I’ve been experimenting with a treadmill workout that is slightly less boring — and gets me to do some strength training too. What I do is run for 3 minute stretches on the treadmill, then pop off and go do some sort of resistance exercises or weights (we have a dumbbell set, bands, and an old weight machine near the treadmill). I run about 2 miles, total, spread out over these three minute stretches. I set the pace a little higher than I might because, hey, it’s only 3 minutes at a time. And since I’m doing something different every few minutes it doesn’t feel quite so tedious.
If you hit the treadmill in winter, how do you make it less boring?
I do not enjoy the treadmill and rarely use it (but yes if I had like snow and ice to contend with I probably would). However when I do it has to be intervals! Even something as simple as “turn the speed up 0.2 every song for 5 songs, then back down” helps. Or (torturous but not boring) hill repeats (4-5% grade for 2 min at a time running – omg to me this is harder than an all out sprint). Peloton can be fun on a home treadmill but I think you prefer self-directed to instructor (if not though, try it!)
@SHU – yeah, I’m probably not a Peloton person. But intervals are definitely part of my running routine – or even just changing the pace or incline randomly so I am not locked in and bored…
This is genius! I do not like the treadmill either… but this routine would make it a bit less awful.
@Lori C – it is slightly less awful! I mean, it is still the treadmill but…
Good idea! I’ve been back on the treadmill with winter weather and will try this. Agree with Sarah on the Peloton interval classes, those have been my go-to.
@Amanda – I do feel efficient, like I’m killing two birds…
A TV well-positioned in front of the treadmill and the DVR for recorded shows! There were entire seasons of Food Network holiday baking championship that I “saved” for treadmill time at my parents’ house. (I have no patience for sitting down to watch an episode, but perfect for keeping myself entertained/distracted on the treadmill.) Same with Downton Abbey, though that was more difficult to hear over the treadmill motor.
@Amanda – totally. Back in the day I would sometimes go to my apartment gym at 4:00 precisely to watch Oprah. Of course, this depended on no one else being in the ‘mills as it was one TV and the default was CNN. Not worth running to (Oprah was more fun…)
Generally, I don’t, it doesn’t get very very cold here most of the time. But if I do, I use aaptiv (an app) to get me through it, or I use a walk at home YT video
@Elinoora – I probably need to toughen up and get outside more!