5 ways to spice up your boring treadmill workout

I don’t know about for you, but sometimes indoor cardio can be a drag.

The thought of another boring treadmill workout or stairmaster workout can make me dread walking down to the gym, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I prefer to take my cardio outdoors but when I can’t for one reason or another there are ways I keep it interesting.

Five tips to avoid a boring treadmill workout.

Do not look at your screen

Watching the progress screen sucks. It’s like the waiting for a pot of water to boil. 

Instead cover up the monitor with a towel, magazine or book. The other option, which I often do, turn the screen blank.

Stream Netflix or HULU to make time fly

Time can fly by when watching TV or a movie. Think about it, how quickly does that night go by after you get home from work when you are watching your favorite shows? The same can be said while doing morning cardio.

I usually try and find a TV series on Netflix or Prime Video. I go through a lot of shows and movies during prep because of my cardio. 

Listen to a playlist or podcast

Music makes the world go round.  Music is a great way to pump you up for your workout, but it can be easy to get in a rut of listening to the same music over and over again.

Podcasts also are something that I enjoy listening to. There are podcasts on just about every subject out there. I subscribe to podcasts on personal growth, social issues, blogging and fitness.

Change the pace with intervals

Whether you’re using the interval setting on the machine, your watch or smartphone, you’ll get a lot of benefits from adding high-intensity bursts to your cardio workout. 

You can either shift from a brisk walk to a jog, from a run to a sprint, increasing and lowering the speed.

No matter what type of interval you choose, it can be a big-time boredom buster and get your body moving in new ways.

Focus on your form

I find myself tensing up regardless of whether I am running indoors or outdoors – my shoulders are almost touching my ears. I know I can’t be the only one.

Pay attention to the rest of your form as well; your arms should stay by your side while they move (not crossing your body), and your abs should be engaged. I know I can be guilty of my arms crisscrossing while I run.

So, the next time you are on a treadmill, remember to keep your shoulders relaxed. Also, check to see where you are on the belt of the treadmill. Make sure you aren’t running too far to one side of the belt or too far to the top.  

It doesn’t have to be boring or dreadful

Whether you change up your workout, use an app to distract yourself or grab a friend and have some fun, there are tons of ways to make your treadmill workout more exciting!

Staying healthy and fit is important year-round, so take your workout indoors and have fun while doing it!