Staying Motivated on a Treadmill

Treadmill exercise is no doubt one of the best ways to lose weight and stay in shape. For one thing, it’s easier to stay on track, since you don’t have to miss sessions due to time or weather constraints. And since you can get on it any time you want, you can set the rules to suit your fitness goals. But one problem that even the most high-end treadmills can’t address is lack of motivation. No matter how comfy or advanced your treadmill is, you can’t really get too far if you lose the drive after just a week on the program.

Staying motivated on the treadmill doesn’t have to be difficult. Sure, it takes some effort on your part, but once you get the hang of it, it just keeps getting easier. There’s no single rule that will work for every treadmill user, as we all have our own preferences. But most experts agree that motivational problems come mostly from boredom. Running in place for even 15 minutes does seem a bit tedious. But it really just takes some getting used to. If you’re not sure how to stay motivated, here are some tips to help you out.


Bring some entertainment

It’s not uncommon for users to turn on the TV, the radio, or their iPods while running on the treadmill. Some models even have controls built in, so you can customize your media with your exercise routine. Make a list of interesting shows or clips that help you control treadmill boredom, and make a playlist that you can use every time you get on the belt. That way, you don’t stop your workout just to get off and change the channel.

Try to vary the materials from time to time. Unless you have a really long attention span, most people get bored with a certain playlist or set of songs after listening to it a few times. Once you feel you’ve had enough of one set, go ahead and change your list. You can try a new album or TV show, dig up old records you haven’t played in a while, or mix and match different genres.

Get a training buddy

It’s always more fun with company around, and that applies to treadmill exercise as well. A training buddy works both ways: he or she can keep you company as you work out, and you can return the favor afterwards. If you go to a gym, you can talk while doing your exercises or follow the same treadmill workout plan. That way, you both keep each other motivated, and both parties have a strong reason to stay on the program.

If you can’t find someone to train with, try getting your family to join in. Place the treadmill in a common area such as the living room, so that everyone can use it and choose their form of entertainment: TV, radio, DVDs, whatever they feel like. Simply having someone take on the same challenges as you can give you the drive you need to keep going and stay on track towards your fitness goals.


Follow a program

Having your own workout plan can be useful if you have very specific exercise needs. But for most people, all it really does is present motivational problems. Since you can change it any time you want, you’ll be tempted to always go the easier way. A virtual trainer can help you put more direction into your routine and keep you from going off track. Look for a treadmill trainer iPod clip, or some other audio program for your mp3 player. Most of them can be downloaded online, either for free or for a small fee, and include some motivational audio, upbeat music, and specific workout instructions.

Not all programs work the same way, of course. If possible, listen to a sample and read user reviews before buying anything. Some of these programs are available on a free trial basis—just download the free version and upgrade to the full version if you feel like it.

Try multitasking

A common problem with treadmill users is that they want to finish the exercise as soon as possible, so they can get back to work, chores, or some other business. Often, they end up cutting the exercise short in order to save time. If that sounds like you, try planning your workouts so you can work in additional tasks as you exercise. Some companies now offer a treadmill desk where you can place books, documents, newspapers, and other reading materials, so you can get a bit of work done while you’re on the machine. Sizes range from simple document holders to full-scale bureau-style consoles. These are obviously more expensive than regular treadmills, but if you’re busy and have limited time for exercise, it may be a good investment.

Exercise Programs – How to Stay Motivated

Anyone who’s been on an exercise plan can attest to the fact that it’s hard to stay on track. Often, the problem isn’t merely lack of time or energy—it’s the lack of motivation. Many people get off to a great start, maybe even exceeding their workout goals in the first week or two. But after a while, it starts getting monotonous and you simply lose interest, and eventually just stop. How do you keep up the drive and stay on the program long enough to see results?

It’s not that hard, really. Most of the time, the reason people fail is that they take the wrong approach. For instance, most exercisers view their workout as a task, something to be completed rather than a casual activity to enjoy. People who think like the latter don’t really feel obligated to work out—they do it because they enjoy the activity, and getting fit is more of a welcome effect than a goal. Find an activity you enjoy, stick to it, and don’t pressure yourself into achieving certain goals within a given time.


It also helps if you vary your exercise routine from time to time. After all, the body needs a bit of variety—once it starts to get used to a certain routine, it stops being effective and you feel like you’re slowing down. By changing your routine once in a while, you keep your body guessing, and you burn more calories as your body adjusts to the new rhythm. Work your way up in small increments, and keep the changes regular. You’ll notice that you’re more motivated every time you start something new.

If you exercise indoors, such as on a treadmill or exercise bike, boredom is often the biggest hurdle. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to fight treadmill boredom: music, TV, workout programs, or even just a window with a view. Try running with an mp3 player or scheduling your workout at the same time as your favorite TV show. Or if you’re not following a specific plan, download an audio training program to help you put more structure into your workout, and help you stay motivated at the same time.