Keep Your Treadmill Workouts Interesting with These Tips

by: TorriTompson
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Growing bored with an exercise routine is one of the top reasons that many people slack, or quit, exercising. If you are growing bored walking on your treadmill, there are many things you can do to make treadmill workouts more interesting. Here are some ideas that can keep your treadmill workouts fun and interesting:

Movies, Music, CDs and TV. Use your treadmill workouts as a time when you catch up on your favorite TV programs, the newest movie releases, audio books and motivational CDs. If you have music in your bones, workout to your favorite music and your workout times will go by fast. Don't be afraid to sing along and entertain the kids and pets. They'll get a kick out of it!

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. 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 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.

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

Walk Around the World. If there is a place you have always wanted to vacation or live, why not see how long it would take you to walk there? You can chart your progress on a map. This is a very fun challenge for many people.

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 additional articles on treadmill workouts for weight loss here. You'll also find indepth reviews and information of the best treadmills available online now to help you reach your fitness goals.  

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