How to take the dread out of the treadmill

Treadmill running/walking has gotten a bad rap, but the treadmill isn’t the worst thing in the world. We choose to run and walk to get outside, but sometimes, it’s nice to mix it up with a treadmill workout. We are forced to use the treadmill at other times because the weather doesn’t always agree with our exercise schedule. Whether you’re at the gym or using your treadmill, here are some ways to make the treadmill a more enjoyable experience.

Don't get bored on the treadmill again.

  1. Try a treadmill workout. The treadmill gives you much more options to get a workout done. Treadmill time allows you to play with intervals of speed and incline. Change it up and push yourself out of your comfort zone. I value my treadmill workouts because there are no hills in my town. I use this to practice the inclines and get my heart rate up.
  2. Try a workout subscription service. On-demand workouts have been a trend for a minute and can be very helpful in taking the guesswork out of what you should be doing. These virtual workouts make you feel less alone in a group fitness atmosphere. I’ve used Peloton from the start, and I like being able to pick the classes I want based on instructor, music, intensity, and so much more. Working with an app gives me the flexibility to motivate me to work out. There are plenty of subscription services: iFit, Joggo, Nike Run Club (free audio-guided workouts), and Adaptiv, or just some treadmill options for you to try.
  3. Turn on the entertainment. Use your treadmill time to binge television shows or listen to podcasts and audiobooks. In 2011, when we started our weight loss journey, I would get on the treadmill to walk a 30-minute show to motivate myself to go to the gym. Sometimes, it’s the little things that can completely change your mindset.
  4. Make your workout space a place you want to be. If you dread getting on the treadmill because you’re going to a dark corner, try brightening things up. Position the treadmill towards a window so you can feel outdoors. Location matters in getting you excited to ride the conveyor belt.  
  5. Make an upbeat playlist. Music changes everything. Carefully curate a treadmill playlist that will keep you motivated the entire time. When I lack the treadmill motivation, an EDM playlist always gets me going. I’m sorry, you can’t avoid feeling great with a beat drop. Whatever your hype music is, get your treadmill playlist together to keep you thinking positively about your entire workout.

Running on the treadmill is pretty decent. You have to change your mindset and get it done. Sometimes, the treadmill can be a lifesaver. I’ve been able to exercise when the kid has been sick at home, when the weather didn’t agree, and even when there hasn’t been enough time in the day. I’ve learned to embrace the treadmill for its greatness (and for help with my speed workouts). I hope you find something to motivate you to hop on the tread. 

Do you like running on the treadmill?

How Yoga Could Assist With Your Chronic Pain

How Yoga Could Assist With Your Chronic Pain

Yoga is often touted as an effective way to manage chronic pain, pregnancy pain, and mobility issues that keep you feeling stiff. And if you’ve recently been recommended it due to a pain condition, you’re probably wondering if it will be all that good for you. And to answer that, we’ve listed the main ways yoga can help you cope with chronic pain below. The more you know, the better you’ll feel about trying it out.  Yoga Reduces Stress Yoga is excellent for stress, no matter what. You give yourself time and space to stretch your body, working out tight kinks…

View Post

Do You Find Workouts Boring?

Do You Find Workouts Boring?

Do you find your workouts boring?  Let’s find out why you’re not enjoying working out. Working out is very, very good for your health. But so many people don’t do it simply because it’s too dull and not worth the time. Does that sound like a problem you’ve run into in the past? If so, we have some good news for you: an easy fix is out there!  After all, if working out is boring to you, there could be a wealth of reasons as to why. When you know more about how you feel, it will be simple to make a…

View Post

Spring break and breaking goals in March (Monthly …

Spring break and breaking goals in March (Monthly Wrap-Up #3 2023)

It’s time to recap March 2023 and all the good things that came throughout the month. Honestly, March was a quiet month. I didn’t have a busy work month, which could be better when running a small business. I had the opportunity to spend more time with family, work on other projects, and take much-needed rest. I ran my last half marathon of the season and achieved a mega goal. All in all, March was a great month.  What’s up with the running and wellness? Physically and mentally, I haven’t felt this strong in a long time. For the first…

View Post

Finding motivation in February (Monthly wrap-up #2 2023)

Finding motivation in February (Monthly wrap-up #2 2023)

It’s time for another monthly wrap-up. I don’t know what happened to me, but I got seriously motivated in February to tackle some goals. I do know what happened. In January, I ran the Hot Chocolate 10K, and I wouldn’t say I liked how I felt when I finished. I felt down about my performance, and I wanted to do better. It’s just like the Sister Hazel song, Change Your Mind. “If you want to be somebody else, If you’re tired of fighting battles with yourself. If you want to be somebody else, Change your mind.” I’ve been living in my…

View Post

Weekly wrap-up #5: hurt back, avocado chickpea toast, reading …

Weekly wrap-up #5: hurt back, avocado chickpea toast, reading and binging tv

Welcome to another weekly wrap-up. It’s the time to talk about the good, the bad, and everything else from the week before on the blog. This week I found myself down with a pulled muscle or pinched nerve in my back. On Tuesday, I reached for my backpack, and I felt a pain in my back. I didn’t think about it and reached down to pick up my backpack after that and went home to work out. The following day, I reached for a toy on the floor, and the same thing happened, but the pain was worse.   My week…

View Post

Weekly wrap-up #4 2022: more running, breaking a hard drive, …

Weekly wrap-up #4 2022: more running, breaking a hard drive, and not enjoying lunch

Welcome to another week of the weekly wrap-up. I can’t believe we’re already at #4. Most importantly, I can’t think I’ve managed to put up a weekly wrap-up so consistently. I hope it’s not the “kiss of death” for saying that so early in the year.   What do I say about this week? Work kept me busy. I’m not complaining about being busy with work. It has been hectic yet fulfilling at the same time. As a small business owner, these are the times we depend on to keep the business rolling all year. Workouts didn’t come easy, but I…

View Post

Weekly wrap Up #2 2022: half marathon weekend and changing …

Weekly wrap Up #2 2022: half marathon weekend and changing my diet

Welcome to the weekly wrap-up, and it’s late. Work has kept me busy, but I was about to plan things out for the first time and feel a bit “normal.” I changed my diet, meal prepped some food, and the Louisiana Marathon weekend was my favorite race weekend of the year. No excuses; it just needs to get done. Workouts for the week: Monday: 40 min run. I went into the run wanting to take it easy, and I could go in the morning because I didn’t have to go to work. It felt great getting my workout done in…

View Post

Weekly Wrap Up #1 2022: sad news, emotional eating, anniversary, …

Weekly Wrap Up #1 2022: sad news, emotional eating, anniversary, and New Year

Welcome to the first Weekly Wrap Up of 2022. The start of the New Year wasn’t the greatest. Sadly, we had to put my dog, Master, down this week. It’s has affected me more than I thought. It’s been hard adjusting to Master not being around, but I know it was the best decision. He was in a lot of pain and could barely walk. I know he’s in a better place.   The year started with several work trips, and I spent too much time in the car. I tried to start with a positive mindset and get back to…

View Post

Weekly workout breakdown: remembering my why, celebrating little …

Weekly workout breakdown: remembering my why, celebrating little victories, and running

I’ve slacked off of my weekly workout breakdowns because I’ve gotten lazy. The weekly workout breakdowns are the place where I dissect last week’s workouts and the thought process behind the workouts. I am working on making some improvements in my life. I’m all about being my best self and better than yesterday. Those are things I’ve somehow forgotten along the way. Do you ever forget the” why” behind it all? That’s why it’s essential to write things down. The struggle has been real lately, but I’m on the up and up. The only consistent thing I do every day…

View Post

Weekly workout breakdown: working with a running coach, …

Weekly workout breakdown: working with a running coach, Statesman Cap10K virtual, and cross training

It’s time to recap my workouts for April 5-11, 2021, which included to Statesman Cap10K virtual run. I recap my workouts (almost) every week on the blog to let you know what I’m doing and hopefully motivate others to do the same. This week was the first week of working with my running coach. The activities were a bit different for me as far as the duration of the workouts. It seemed a bit light on minutes for me. My goal is workout 45 – 50 minutes per day. Having this lightened running schedule for the foreseeable future might add…

View Post