I know that 98% of you think the treadmill is lame but maybe some of these ideas will change that and add a little excitement to the times that you do have to use the treadmill.
(My first reaction when I came home from teaching a spin class and Billy had surprised me for my bday with a new treadmill. Yes, my shorts are on backwards. PS it is the Nordic Track C900).
I was extremly excited about it.
Here are some things that I have done over the last few years to make the treadmill a little more fun and the time fly by. I also did a post HERE on my favorite treadmill tips.
****Please note: these are just ideas, adjust them according to your fitness level and what your body can handle. I am not a certified trainer, I am just some person that loves her treadmill and really loves sweating.
1. My favorite thing to do on the treadmill is to try and run each mile faster than the last (aka progression run). I usually run each mile about 10 seconds faster than the last and this ensures a killer workout.
2. FARTLEKS (speed play). Jog and then sprint whenever you feel like it! I posted about a fartlek workout that Kara Goucher did HERE that looks fun!
3. Speed work!!! I personally think the treadmill is a great way to get in some speed work. You don’t have to stop at lights, you can set a pace that you want to hit and you have your water bottle waiting there for you when you need it as you are sweating 2 gallons every 10 minutes. Try 800 meter repeats, mile repeats, a ladder workout (400, 800, 1200, 1600, 1200, 800, 400) with recoveries in between each set.
4. Chorus Sprints. When the chorus of the song starts playing then bump up your speed 1.5 (or whatever you want) miles per hour. For example: if you are running at a 6.5 then bump it up to an 8.0 for the chorus.
-You can also try this out with inclines. Each time the chorus comes on then you could increase the incline and then back to 1% when the chorus ends.
5. After a 1 mile warm-up increase your pace .1 mph every minute for 10 minutes. Return back to your base pace and do it again… see if you can increase an extra minute and extra .1 each time.
-You can also do this with the incline and increase .5% every minute for 10 minutes!
6. Take the elevation chart from your next race and try to mimic the elevation gained from the course chart on the treadmill by adding in hills that climb about the same amount of feet as your next race.
7. Take a deck of cards with you and every five minutes take a card out of the deck and use the below chart to tell you what to do on the treadmill. After you complete what your card says to do go back to your base speed until you pick your next card. (You can print the chart by clicking on the image!!!)
8. Sit back and watch your favorite show and use the treadmill for your easy run. I find that easy runs are even made easier on the treadmill because I am not on the trail being tempted by all of the runners around me to run a faster pace than I should. It helps me to make sure I really stick to an easy pace.
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Tell me about any fun workouts that you do on the treadmill!! We need as many ideas as possible?
How often do you use the treadmill? At about what point on your treadmill run do you start getting bored?
Do you know if you were a thumb sucker when you were little? Moms reading… are any of your kids thumb suckers?
116 comments
Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons
I’m not a big fan of the treadmill but the NYC winter has been pretty harsh so far, and sometimes it’s the only option! I can usually make it about a half hour before getting really, really bored. Thanks for the new ideas, I’ll need them to get through til the spring – I love the deck of cards idea!
Krista
So adorable….I used to suck my thumb as a baby as well. And my niece sucks her two fingers and twirls her hair exactly like her mom (my sister) did as a baby….
Meagan
My little sister (who is now 18 and probably thrilled I’m sharing this….) used to suck her two fingers and twirl her hair, too!! She would do that all night long and when she woke up in the morning her twirling finger would be completely tied up in her hair. Sometimes the knots were so bad my mom would have to cut a bit of her hair to get her finger out!
jan
This is PERFECT timing because I just got a treadmill over the weekend! I have realized I can run a lot faster on it than outside so I need to figure out ways to bump it up a notch. These are great ideas! How do you best mimic “outside” pace? Do you use incline or just set it faster? For example, I run about 9:30-10:30 min. miles outside (yes I’m slow) and on the treadmill holding 9:30 is way easier. I’m not sure what is equivalent on a treadmill.
Kristy @ Kristy's Health Revolution
I’m the opposite! I run so much faster outside, and my outside pace feels like torture on the treadmill!
jan
Hmm, weird! Maybe I do well with boredom. LOL
Kristy @ Kristy's Health Revolution
It IS weird, because I find that people are split 50/50 on where running is easier. I wish someone would do a scientific study on it. Haha!
jan
Hmm, we should do that. And write a book on it and get rich.
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I hate to run on the treadmill. I wish I didn’t because it would definitely solve some weather related issues. I was a thumb sucker but my son was not!! I remember telling my dad that my thumb tasted like chocolate!
Breann
Janae! Its been too long since we talked! Nothing beats running outside, but I never mind a good treadmill run! Its when I can watch E NEWS without my husband rolling his eyes! great tips!
Meagan
That picture of Brooke & Billy is so cute!!
I have no fun ideas for tredmill workouts :( When I have to run on the treadmill, I just listen to music or an audiobook or podcast on my ipod. The only time I get treadmill time is when I’m traveling for work and am staying in a hotel, though, which is only 5 or 6 times a year.
For some reason I find running on the treadmil more difficult than running outside and I typically run at a slower pace (regardless of if the incline is at 0 or 1%). Anyone else have that issue? Is it all in my head?
Kristy @ Kristy's Health Revolution
I am TOTALLY like that, but maybe it is in our head. My “outside” pace feels like torture on the treadmill, so I’m typically running about 30 seconds/mile slower so I don’t feel like I’m going to die!!
Emily B
Me too! I find that it also depends on the treadmill. For instance, 6.0 on my home treadmill feels fast, yet I can run comfortably at 7.0 at the gym. My outside pace is around 8:30’s-9-min/mi. I don’t get it…
Nikki @ run+breathe+be
100% agree! Trying to consistently hit my outdoor pace on a treadmill feels awful. Today I almost fell off because I couldn’t get it right…
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes
Never do treadmill workouts but I did do fartlek this morning! Just one minute hard two off so I’m excited to see what Kara does differently haha. This is helpful in case the treadmill in unavoidable! Love the picture of you and the treadmill. That shows true love :-)
Kristy @ Kristy's Health Revolution
I love this! When I’m feeling unmotivated about hopping on the treadmill after work, I Google “Treadmill Workouts” and I haven’t gotten any fresh ideas lately, but I love these. Especially the “Pick a Card” workout! I tried something like that last week, but I wrote “Sprint!” “Run Fast!” “Jog!” “Normal Pace!” and “Walk!” on them. It didn’t work out so great though, because I picked “Sprint!” like 5 times in a row so I threw them away. Haha.
Macalla
These are great treadmill workout ideas! I started running the treadmill because it was getting a little icy on the roads and I’ve been doing ever since (about 3 weeks now). I run on 1% incline starting at 6 mph (for warm up) and I increase my speed every 10 minutes. It’s definitely helped with my pace. It’s good to know some different workouts to change it up a bit.
My daughter sucked on her middle and ring finger until she was almost three (she’s 5 now). It took a lot of bribing before she stopped completely.
Lindsay
I love these ideas. I’ve used several of them before. I would also bump up the incline or my speed during commercials.
Ashlee
Your backwards shorts just made my afternoon LOL
Melissa
I use the treadmill 2-3 days a week, walking w/max incline or running. When I run, I increase my speed depending on how I feel and I do intervals 1x a week.
I sucked my thumb til I was seven = 3+ yrs of braces, but my daughter does not.
Brittany
Okay I may play your game! but I kinda want to take all the Kings out of my deck first……..
I use the treadmill at least once a week, depends on the weather! It depends a LOT on my mood if I get bored or not – new music usually keeps me pretty pumped!
This is one of the hardest incline treadmill interval workouts I’ve EVER done: http://www.pbfingers.com/2010/10/14/a-touring-i-will-go/ I think by the end I was only getting about 40 sec running and I was jumping off the treadmill during the rest time LOL
I was a thumb sucker FOR SURE. I think when my parents wanted me to stop they had to use some sort of liquid that made it taste bad – rude!
Emma @ Culturecopia
I used to be okay with the treadmill but as of late… idk we are going through a rough patch I guess?? Either way thanks for the tips!!
Kari
I used to HATE the treadmill! Now though, I’ve learned to love it! I could only do 11 miles on it MAX and couldn’t reach a pace below 8:20 for more than 6 miles (not slow but not typical of my outside runs) but then I started playing with the incline and now I can go for.ev.er. Actually my fiancé had to come check on me in our apartment gym today because I’d been gone awhile. It’s so relaxing to watch tv (which I don’t do unless I’m on the treadmill really) and I just zone out. I’m up to almost outside paces for sustained runs and I can’t wait for my next race because I feel I’m even more mentally tough by overcoming the boredome of a gym (sometimes the tv doesn’t work). Anyway, my positives for treadmills are this
1. It keeps me accountable in my pace
2. It allows me to find a “hill” whenever I want
3. It’s not cold or snowy ever
4. I can watch bravo
And I have to say I learned a ton of this from you. Your speed work tips and incline tips (when you went up to 7% inclines) really inspired me to play with the treadmill and have fun! So THANK you!
Kristy @ Kristy's Health Revolution
This is inspiring! I have so much trouble with the treadmill, this makes me think if I stick with it, I’ll get better!
Kari
Thank you! Seriously stick with it! I’ve been running everyday for 5 years but only on the treadmill rarely during that time. I think, it’s important to remember you didn’t reach your outside pace overnight so the treadmill takes getting use to as well. I still reach faster speeds easier outside but am able to he nearly there on the treadmill. And it’s lovely to be warm in short sleeves when it’s snowy out! :)
Jaleh
Hi!
1. I think your blog is so funny. I love reading it everyday (okay, twice a day because I love it that much)
2. You mentioned that fun trick of adding speed every minute before. I’ve been trying it and definitely think it helps time fly plus it brings out a bit of competitiveness in me – it’s always fun to try to beat myself, right?
3. Brooke is so adorable. Especially her hair :)
Thanks for these fun tips!
Kristen @ Happy Running Mama
I love progression runs on the treadmill and also have done quite a few speed workouts (mostly 800’s) on the ‘mill. I definitely like to get outside whenever possible, however, just to see if I can hit the same paces as I can on the treadmill.
Love that picture of Brooke — her hair is awesome!
My son was a thumb sucker but only when he was holding his blanket (which was not allowed to leave his bed.) So it was never really an issue. Neither of my daughters were/are thumb suckers, though. None of them took binkies, either. I guess I had to deal with a little more screaming/crying/yelling but the tradeoff was never having to “break” them of any habits!
Caroline
After a good warm-up (5-10 min.) I do HIIT sprint sets by hopping on as fast as I can go for 20 sec…then off for 40 (either on the side if I’m feeling really lazy, or slowing down the speed to a slow jog or walk)…repeat til I am tired (usually around 15-20 min. worth…going at top speed wears me out quickly). I do the same thing with a high incline for quick hill repeats. Sometimes I will do longer sprints of 60sec on and 60-90 off.
Also, incline walking is no joke. Try to do a “prisoner walk” – set the incline super high and speed lower (2.0-4.0) and put your hands behind your head – no holding on! Or try some incline side shuffles (incline around 3.0-6.0, speed around 3.0-4.0) or incline glute lifts (alternate leg back kicks while holding on)…those are fun! (Use a super high incline – you can get to almost as high as the machine can go – but use a super low speed for the glute lifts, around 1.5) You will get some funny looks but man, it is a butt workout!!! All of these get my HR up as high as running!
I was not a thumb sucker but my 2 siblings were! I had a blanket that I used for comfort. Do you know if she is teething? Maybe she started for that reason?? She looks tired and like she is not feeling well! :( (I do not know much about babies, just a guess…)
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise
These are all great treadmill ideas! I’m running on my treadmill more (multiple times a week) because of the cold, cold temperatures, so having some ideas for to spice things up is really helpful. I think I get bored around 4 or 5 miles, but the more I do longer runs on the treadmill, the longer I can run without feeling like I’d rather gouge my eyes out than run another mile. I do almost all of my speed work on the treadmill and I definitely agree that treadmills for speed work are the best. You can set the pace you need to hit and just go.
Bri @ Back to Bliss
I did speedwork on the treadmill today. I normally average a 10 min mile but I pushed myself HARD & today I averaged 9:17. I like to adjust my speed every 1/4 mile to simulate track workouts.
Angela
I just want to tell you how much I love your blog! I started following back in 2010 when I had my first (and only) baby. I love how encouraging you are. I just signed up for my first 5k in April and I always look to your blog for running advice (and style tips :) )
Keep up the great work, Janae!
Sarah (Shh...Fit Happens)
Oh i like the card idea, that is different! I once was about to teach a class and luckily my friend was taking it that day and pointed out my shorts were on inside out, haha.
Kristin
I sucked my thumb (secretly) until high school. It was such a source of comfort that was never far away, hahaha….I should probably be ashamed.
Cate
Don’t tell my sister, but Brooke is so much cuter than my nephews! :)
Ashley
I run on a treadmill at the gym, but I would love to find one that doesn’t automatically stop after an hour.
Brooke is so cute sucking her thumb! My son sucks his and makes loud sucking noises, it’s too cute.
Marijn
Such great ideas! I really like the ‘increasing your speed every minute for 10 mins’ one. I will definitely be trying that one the next time I’m on a treadmill!
Andrea @mainerunnergirl
Those are great ideas! I recently started to use the treadmill when it is below zero and I like to change the speed every minute to keep me entertained. And I watch TV. Or have a friend run on the machine next to me!
Lindsey
Thank you thank you thank you!!!! This is just what I need. Since becoming pregnant (I’m not 35 weeks) my running has been all done on our treadmill because its to icy here and my husband is petrified I’ll fall. I do play with speed and intervals but the deck of card idea is amazing!!
I can last about 60 min but after than I start to get stir crazy lol however outside I could run forever.
As a child I was a thumb sucker, which ended up costing my father a lot of $$$ in orthodotic work. Sorry I know Brooke looks so cute but just watch how long she keeps up with it.
Thanks again for the treadmill run ideas:)
Nicole @ Sugar Coated Sisters
I love “chorus sprints”! It’s my version of lazy, unstructured HIIT. Works like a charm!
[email protected]
I just study while running. Time goes by quickly when my mind is busy learning. I set the pace at 6.0 mph (easy pace), but I have the incline programmed to random very hilly. That’s enough of a workout while I learn Anatomy & Physiology.
Amanda Davis
I honestly don’t remember the last time I was on a treadmill. I get bored after about .5 miles and I swear time slows down. When I did run on a treadmill I would always make sure I had something entertaining to watch and would increase my speed each mile or do intervals.
Maria Allen
Thank you for this post. I have never been a fan of running on a treadmill. Living in Florida I would much rather be outside enjoying the weather and scenery. This week I have decided to try to incorporate some treadmill running in the morning at the gym when its too dark or raining. I was searching the internet and had a hard time finding what I was looking for. These were great tips and just what I was looking for all on one simplified page.
LauraP
Some great ideas here Janae, I will be printing this out for inspiration :-)
Julie @ Sweetly Balanced
Thank you so much for these!!! I absolutely HATE the treadmill, but I soooo badly WANT to love it… I’m going to try all of these until I find one that works for me! :)
Allee @ Griselda Mood
These are so great! I can get do 3 miles MAX on the treadmill and then I get bored, bored, bored! I think it’s mental more than anything. My favorite is the chorus trick– def going to try that!
Megan D
I LOVE these ideas! I have done most of them, but I hadn’t ever thought about the chorus one. So simple, but very effective. You are a genius! I am on a treadmill usually 3x a week or more during the winter. In the Spring and Summer – much less. I can go about an hour though without getting bored. Usually because I am doing one of those things to make the time pass. At home I can watch things, but at the gym I don’t really watch TV (unless it is Saturday and infomercials are on!! lol) because the news is just depressing. This morning EVERY SINGLE cardio machine was being used! SO I had to run the track. I was just going to go easy, but then I did what you mentioned you do on a trail – and I can’t let anyone pass me. I love being faster than the guys. Muahahaha.
Neither one of my kids sucked any fingers or thumbs. My mom said I wouldn’t take a binky and only wanted to suck on my pointer finger and middle finger (at the same time) and it drove her nuts.
Hope your workout today was a good one. Mine was good – minus it being super busy. I may have a food hangover from yesterday though. I need a full report on those carmel cookies when you make them. They sound so good!
kim@hungryhealthygirl
All awesome ideas and I will for sure be trying some of these that I haven’t ever done. My favorite is chorus sprints…music definitely increases my speed. I LOVE that picture of Brooke!!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
I seriously could die. That picture is unbelievably adorable!!
Sherrie
My daughter started sucking her thumb when she was 5 months old….now she’s 7 and still sucks her thumb (only when sleepy)…it’s really difficult to get her to stop! She can’t seem to help herself. But it looks so darn adorable when little babies suck their thumbs!
Brooke @ Running In Heels
I LOVE that deck of cards idea!!! Boredom is my main treadmill problem so this looks amazing! Thank you!
Jenelle
Thank you for this!! I honestly have never been a treadmill fan…BUT lately here in upstate NY we have had a LOT of ice. That is the one condition I CANNOT run in outside. My husband and I are looking to buy a treadmill this week. So funny bc we looked at the same one you have! You are awesome! And you make treadmill workouts awesome!
Corrine
Is it a Nordic track c900 pro??
Annette@FitnessPerks
I think the TM can be such a great tool! I love doing HIIT runs on it!
Sarah @pickyrunner
Ewww I still hate the dreadmill but if I have to do it and there’s no other options then I will suffer through it watching trashy tv. There’s something about honey boo boo thy makes any workout bearable…
Caitlin R.D
Thank you so much for these ideas! It has been VERY cold in PA the last couple weeks, so I had to do my long run yesterday on the ‘mill. I will be trying out the card deck idea in the morning!
Kay
So many great tips, thank you!!
Nicole@TheKidlessKronicles
She is too cute!
I try to avoid the treadmill but it is good for speedwork. Anything that calls for repeats.
The Kidless Kronicles
Deirdre | Oh Well Whatever
I was a big time thumbsucker.
That photo is so darn cute!!! I see that she is holding on to her shirt too, my baby girl does the same. She just turned 2 and is still major thumb sucker, like at all times not just when sad or tired. If she is sleepy she will then hold onto and cuddle the collar of her shirt too.
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
Ah, thank you so so much for the treadmill tips! I get TERRIBLY bored on the treadmill and I try to avoid it as much as possible. You really inspire me because you run both outdoors and indoors and never seem to complain! After my race is done, I might try out a few treadmill workouts I’ve seen. Thanks for the tips!
Chrissy
Hope this isn’t a repeat but Treadmill Roulette from Tina has saved me this winter!!
http://carrotsncake.com/2013/01/treadmill-roulette-music-edition.html
Allie
My favorite treadmill workout is when I’m at the gym, I start running sprints and HIIT when a delish man gets on the treadmill next to or behind me. When he leaves, I go back to my snail pace
Anne
Yipeee! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I used to think the treadmill was lame until I moved to a town where I can’t safely run outside before work.
Reading some of your past readmill workouts have accomplished the impossible, and actually made me excited for the ole mill, so this is greatly appreciated!
Laura
I do a lot of TM work in the winter, typically I do speed work during commercial breaks, or progression type runs by increasing the speed every few minutes. I love the deck of cards idea, awesome!
All of my 4 kids were thumb or finger suckers. My oldest was the only thumb sucker and I still remember the day I walked into her nursery and found her sucking her thumb, it was the CUTEST thing ever. The only downfall was that….11 years later, she was still sucking her thumb. Ugh, the only thing that cured her was getting braces. My other three all sucked their two middle fingers (youngest one still does at bedtime and he’s 8, already planning on another set of braces). I sucked my index finger, so I guess it’s hereditary lol
Louise @ ladylouinrunners.blogspot.com.au
I sometimes go on the treadmill at the gym when the weather outside (either too hot, too cold or too much rain). I tend to run and increase in pace every 5 minutes or at every mile.
But seeing your treadmill makes me want my own one at home. I’m going to ask for one for my birthday, but it isn’t until July! That’ll give me enough time to convince my husband to buy me one!
Oh, and I sucked my thumb until I was around 6. My parents have so many photos of me with my thumb in my mouth. In the end my thumb went a bit of a funny shape, but got better as I got older.
greengirlrunning
Yeah, I’m one of those 98% ;) but those are great suggestions! I am definitely more excited to do speed work on the mill than just a straightforward run!
Jennifer
I LOVE to turn the treadmill off when I am done with my run and put it on the steepest incline it has and make it go with only my power (I push it) HA. I do 50 walking steps then 100 running steps. I repeat this 10 times. It makes me sweat and pushes me when I’m already tired from my workout.
jenny
I know the thumb sucking thing is cute, But a very hard habit to break! Break the cycle now!
Danielle
Very exciting about the new treadmill! I actually am looking to buy a treadmill but am SO overwhelmed…I don’t know where to start. Do you have any recommendations?
Allison
THAT PICTURE. I use the treadmill a lot. Much more than I would like to. I honestly usually don’t go to it with a plan. I just do what I feel like. It keeps it fresh, because I rarely want to do the same thing, or can even remember what I previously did.
Gabe
Thank you SO much for posting this!!! I’ve been semi-training for my next half marathon on a treadmill due to the chilly weather and I am getting burnt out from boredom. I tried one of these workouts tonight and it was great. Thank you!!!
Alicia
I have been running on the treadmill a lot more this season! Maybe 3 times per week??? I’ve always been anti-treadmill but I am pregnant with my first and it is not the best idea to be running at 5am on the icy/snowy roads of Michigan!!
I did some hill and speed workouts on the treadmill LAST winter are as follows….
Speed 1:
10″ warm-up
10″ at 10K pace – 6:15 min/mile (9.6 mph, 1.0% grade)
4″ jog
10″ at 10K pace
4″ jog
10″ cooldown
Speed 2:
10″ warm up
3″ @ 9.3mph (5:49 min/mile)
3″ jog
Repeat 2 more times
5″ jog
3″ @9.3 mph (5:49 min/mile)
3″ jog
Repeat 2 more times
10″ cooldown
Hill:
10″ warmup
2″-2% grade @ 8.7 mph (6:53 min/mile)
2″-1%
2″-3%
2″-1%
2″-4%
2″-1%
2″-5%
2″-1%
2″-6%
2″-1%
2″-7%
10″ cooldown
Have fun! :)
Holly KN
I basically just do the treadmill when necessary and don’t think too much about it. Around here, it’s a welcome break from the heat & humidity – so I do appreciate that.
My current favorite boredom-buster is watching the 2-months-delayed Ellen DeGeneres shows being shown out here (Asia) now. It’s like celebrating Christmas all over again!
I am kinda interested to try the Deck of Card workout, though. I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces at the gym when I pull out the deck on the ‘mill. :)
Colleen
Great post!! I HATE running on the t-mill. UGH I don’t know why. I powerwalk at max incline for hours on it, but I just hate to run on it!
Teresa
My four month old is a finger slurper….she doesn’t just suck on a finger, she crams about 3-4 fingers in her mouth and goes to town! Totally noisy but so cute!
[email protected].
I dislike the treadmill – it is too boring. BUT I also hate running on icy sidewalks, so I spend Nov-March on the treadmill. I usually don’t do more than 5K though….
penny@herworldlypleasures
Can you please ask Brooke to tone down on the cuteness? That photo of her sucking her thumb totally made my day!!
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats
I really like the TM for easy runs for the same reason-no temptation to push it. I also really like it for speed work because its not as easy to slack when the pace is set for me :)
Lisa Davis
LOVE the deck of cards idea!
Nikki @ run+breathe+be
I wish I saw this before hitting the treadmill for a quick run tonight! I really, really, really dislike the treadmill and try to avoid using it at almost any cost. It was just easier logistically today to ‘mill it up. I did a progressive workout but I did not enjoy it. I felt stuck.
Khushboo
I am a treadmill fan- it saves me from having to wake up at ridiculously hours to fit a workout in :)! Alternating speeds & inclines is the only way to keep sane for me though- I can’t even imagine the last time I ran/walked a steady pace and/or incline!
kelsey
I was hoping someone would comment and tell me how to stop the thumb sucking! I have three girls and two are thumb-suckers. The youngest is only five weeks old, so we’ll see what she ends up doing! It’s darling when they’re babies . . . not so much when they’re 4 1/2 and heading to kindergarten. I will say though, it makes for GREAT babies. They sleep well, soothe themselves quickly when upset, etc. That little thumb in Brooke’s mouth just makes me remember when my girls first started, and I loved it so much. She’s freaking adorable. But you knew that.
Lyric
People who don’t like the treadmill say what!? I love that Im able to catch up on my T.V shows and track my milage! Santa please get me one for Christmas this year, please, please, please!
Deana
Thanks for the tips and suggested work outs! I am going to have to try some of these! I have been getting bored so quickly on the treadmill that I can’t seem to last more then 4 miles. Although that takes me ~45 minutes – so that may be a reason why as well. :)
Mo
I just got a new treadmill yesterday, so this is perfect timing! I don’t love stationary cardio, but with a baby, it’s easier than trying to get to the gym sometimes. I’m looking forward to trying some of these workout ideas to break in my new ‘mill. :-). Thanks Jenae!
Natalie @ Twenty-Something Talk
I’m so iffy with the treadmill sometimes, but it really is SO valuable for training and improving your endurance overall. Progression runs really help me focus on conserving my energy until the end of a run, and I think that’s made all the difference in my improvements. LOVE the tips, definitely going to give the chorus sprints tip a try! :)
Kelsey
We just got a treadmill a few days ago so this makes me so excited!!! Now I’ll just have to wait 10 more weeks to have this baby so I can get in some solid runs on it!!!! Bookmarking this page for future use!
Gina G
Love the treadmill, it is definitely my go to! I bump up the speed on choruses, so fun! (and stress relieving haha)
Sharsti@theblondehairblueeyedrunner
I love all these ideas, I can’t wait to try one tomorrow!
Tara Williams
that is the cutest/nicest thing from billy and brooke looks so stinking cute sucking her thumb!! (must force brooklyn to do this)
TorontoRunner
I did 13.1 on the treadmill today..and I probably – no definitely – should have checked this before I did it. haha!
erica @ to the sea
LOVE THIS! I run on the treadmill everyday, so I know the importance of changing it up… and I FINALLY have a treadmill to call my own, even though it’s used and beat up and and needs some oil and love. We just moved to East Africa (where it’s not safe to run around outside) so I “splurged” on a craigslist treadmill before we left. One thing I like to do, is AFTER I finish my “normal” run, if I still have energy, I’ll do some side-shuffling/ incline running intervals.
Coco
Aw.. Brooke and Billy are so cute! Great Treadmill workout advice- I really love the deck of cards idea!
Sarah
I did a progression run this morning on the treadmill and it was awesome!
Valene
I do 95% of my runs on the treadmill..do I love it..no way. However, working full time and having 2 little ones I need to get my run in before work and it is still dark then. I cant run in the dark as a woman…I’ve had a scare or 2 with cars following too closely and I cant find anyone else willing to run at 5:30 in the morning with me:-) So I do the same as you. I have workouts to keep it fun. My favorite is the progressive run but I love speed work on treadmill as well. Then I savor my long outdoor runs on the weekend:-)
Cindi B
Aw, that picture of Brooke is adorable!
I *just* got my new-to-me treadmill this past weekend (a Woodway Path); but, sadly, it is still in our garage, as we have to figure out how on earth to get it in our house. We have so much snow here now that we can’t access the doors that go into our basement, right near the exercise area. It’s KILLING ME to have that lovely thing in the garage, just freezing. Hopefully soon we’ll figure something out and I can use these workout tips at home instead of at the gym!
Karla @ myhighonlife
I used to despise the treadmill but ever since I moved into my own apartment more off the beaten path and the winter has been crucial we have become closer friends! It helps I bought an ipad so I can watch whatever I want which helps me get through it.
I love some of these ideas though–especially the deck of cards one! I’ll be sure to try that out on my next TM run :)
Amy @Honey Badger Runs
I like to do intervals on the treadmill, 400meters at 5K pace, then 200m slow run, X 8. With a couple of miles warm up, and a mile cooldown I feel like I’ve had a great workout! I use the treadmill three times a week, I need the childcare at the gym, but that will change when my kids start Spring sports, I can’t wait!
I sucked my finger when I was little, and my daughter sucked her thumb for a little while when she was 3/4. The dental hygenist bribed her with dental mask, rubber gloves (Daughter wants to be a doctor), and a new toothbrush to get her to stop.
Rachel @ Operation Rosebud
Totally a thumb sucker!! In fact, I remember distinctly being at my Grandma’s house around age 5-ish and she told me I was too old for thumb-sucking, so I quit cold turkey. As for the treadmill, I get bored somewhere between hitting the power button and the start button, but I still manage to use it about 3 times each week. It’s a must with a toddler at home!!
Kari @ Running Ricig
I tend to pick one speed on the TM and just go with it. That way I can zone out. The only time I really change it up is for speed work, etc. when I can’t go outside.
Tara
Ok, I have not run inside since, oh maybe over a year. I really did alot of running outside this summer/fall/winter. Not that I run as much as you, ever!
But this winter in Boston has been cccccold, and I am in of training for a half in May.
I thought, I can hit up the gym on cold days and kick out some long runs (as in, 6-8 miles which is long for me!)
I got to the gym 40 mins early before spin and ready to kick out about 4 miles.
I could not do more than 2, I was sooo bored, so irritated (I cannot stand to have that TV in my face!)
Last night I tried to mix it up will hills, speed, still couldnt do it for me. having all that info in my face (yes, I have tried to cover with a towel/shirt, but knowing its there, well, I cannot help myself!)
Kudos to you for being able to love running on the tread!
Looks like my training will be outdoors, in the dark, cold weather!
Kristy @ Kristy's Health Revolution
Just wanted to pop in and let you know that I did the Deck of Cards workout on the treadmill yesterday and it. was. the best! I had so much fun! I need to think of something else to replace the 10’s though, because I just do not feel comfortable jumping off the treadmill to do push ups while I’m at the gym!
The Hungry Runner Girl
That makes me so so happy!!!!!!! Yes definitely replace the 10!!
Carissa
I hate the treadmill for the most part but with a baby on the way and the cold temps we get here in Indiana I’ve been shopping around for a treadmill. How do you like the C900? I almost pulled the plug and bought it a couple weeks ago but let my darn husband talk me out of it. It’s still on the top of my list so let me know how you like it!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I seriously love it!!!!!!
Whitney
This is an awesome post!! Thank you!! I really love new treadmill ideas! :)
Em @ Yep. I Ate That.
Great tips! I am just starting on my running journey, so thanks for this!
Sarah
Loved this post!! I actually went straight from reading it, down to my basement to try out a progression run! I haven’t figured out how to be smart like you and get a TV or laptop downstairs with me yet, so staring at a concrete walls gets boring sometimes, especially if you’re doing more than 30 minutes or so. Thanks for the great tips!
kendra @ http://kennygump.blogspot.com/
yup a total thumb sucker here and a 5 year old daughter following in my footsteps (or thumbprints). and i run on a treadmill all year round. with 2 kids and a husband in law school it’s a treat to run outside for more than the 4 mile loop around our neighborhood. i also used a jogging stroller religiously when my kids were a bit smaller. now it is no fun pushing 80 lbs. plus the stroller weight.
staceybeck01
Thanks for all the advice. I just got some of the best home gym equipment and I’m ready to whip myself into shape. The thing with me is that I get bored with doing anything the same for too long so I just wanted to know how I could switch it up. I’ll have to try these.
Will Ferrini
Love your site! You inspired me earlier in the year to go out and review my options for an in-house treadmill and now I’ve got one! Sharing my suggestions on the site. So far I’ve lost a lot of weight and feel so much better. Thank you for inspiring me to take action!
Will.
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Jeanette
I’ve started switching my running direction to make the treadmill more entertaining. Certain songs are best when running backwards, while slow awkward tunes are great for side runs. I can take a normal 60 minute session and turn it into a killer workout. The best part is all the strange looks I get from all of the other folks on the treadmills. What can I say, I’m easily bored. Can anyone teach me how to do a dance/run?
Michael
Really great post Janae! Always looking for a few ways to spice up my treadmill workouts in the winter time. Thanks for sharing!
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