I think running might be one of the best ways ever to lose weight and get in great shape.
But when you live in the Colorado mountains, there is a lot of time during the year that it is too cold or too snowy to go out and run!
OK, I will admit, I do see women with more fortitude than I out there running when it is 10 degrees. I admire them, I truly do – however, that is just not for me.
I put a lot of time in on my trusty treadmill in the house during those winter months. Some people really get bored quickly with running on a treadmill, and I do have to admit it can be monotonous…
[box type=”success” align=”alignleft” ]The way I get around that is by using a really GREAT playlist – music is the best motivator for me, if I can find a really good beat it takes my mind off of everything else. [/box]
Not hearing myself breathing is a plus as well!
That doesn’t work for everyone though. If you use a treadmill at a gym, some of them have a fancy TV built right into the treadmill and that can work for many. If you use one at home, you can try putting it in a place where you can see a tv.
Mine is located by a big window because I like to look outside. But I also have a rack that i can put my iPad on, so I can watch lots of things from there – that may work for you too.
Other than listening to music or watching tv, what other things can you do to make running on a treadmill more interesting? Heather Montgomery has a few suggestions on her website, www.runningwithsass.com.
Treadmills are great for doing controlled intervals since you always know exactly what your speed is. I like doing my own on the fly depending on how I feel. Some days I am pretty feisty, and I’ll push it – other days, not so much so I may go slower but on a higher incline.
Research shows you get a better workout with intervals anyway, so you may as well take advantage of its ability to do that!
She has some other suggestions too – check them out here. I agree with all of them except distracting yourself with planning meals, trips to the store, etc. I have to write that stuff down, so it doesn’t work for me there.
I’ve never tried the running videos that you can buy specifically for treadmills – I guess they are supposed to give you the feeling of running outdoors with scenery etc. That may work too!
Do you use treadmills, and if so do you have any tricks to share?
