Stop Dragging Your Feet Toward the Treadmill — Here's How You Can Actually Make It Fun

Updated on 7/29/2019 at 10:35 AM

I know the struggle of looking a treadmill square in the face (I mean, monitor) and thinking, "Nope, not today." Treadmills aren't always the sexiest cardio machines at the gym — why pick them when you can shape and tone your legs on a Stairmaster or, I don't know, find a pool to swim laps in? I'm happy to report, though, that there are ways to make the treadmill fun. If you're not so keen on working out in general, then you need to dig deep and find something that brings you joy (ever tried dance cardio?). But if you're just looking for that extra motivation to hit the treadmill, I've got you covered.

At the end of the day, the treadmill is a good option if outdoor running isn't your thing (or the weather isn't ideal), and it's a calorie-burner that benefits your heart health and aids in weight loss if that's your goal (though you shouldn't forget about strength training). Ahead, check out what's helped me learn to like — "love" is a strong word — this used-to-be-boring beast of a machine. Hopefully it'll help you, too.

Listen to a Great Playlist

This might sound obvious, but running to music you don't like is a drag. It's hard to stay motivated when you're stuck on the fact that the song playing in your ears isn't what you want to hear. So, find a really good playlist — because pounding pavement (or treadmill belt) is a lot easier with awesome tunes to get you through it. Maybe you like pop songs. Maybe, like me, you're fueled by EDM and Paramore (here's a playlist for the former and the latter). Take the extra time to put on what you know you're into.

It's All About the Apps

All I did in the past was run for half an hour at a time on the same zero percent incline, at a relatively fast but consistent pace. Now, I've found success in using running apps to help me get creative with my workouts. One, Apptiv ($15 per month), features guided audio runs with trainers who break down what you need to do and add in plenty of motivating one-liners, too. Peloton's digital app ($20 per month) lets you follow along to live or on-demand videos filmed in the Peloton Tread Studio, and its this app that taught me that you can hike up a 15 percent incline for 20 minutes and get an amazing sweat out of it. Plus, it legitimately has "fun runs" to choose from. Those are two that have worked for me; here's more.

Change Up Your Workouts

The treadmill has so much potential for workouts other than running at the same speed for minutes that seem hours long. You can do HIIT or longer intervals of sprints. You can take advantage of the incline and get your hike on — which is actually more bang for your buck booty-wise since trainers agree that it's the best kind of treadmill workout to build your glutes. Heck, you can even walk! It's easier to change it up when you're guided by some apps discussed before, but you can also find inspiration here.

Watch a Show You Like

When all else fails, you can tune into your favorite show while you sweat it out on the treadmill. I use my phone for this, so it's harder to do sprints or any workout where I'm doing a more intense run, but catching up on Riverdale or rewatching Vampire Diaries for the second (OK, third) time helps. Why focus on your side cramp or the clock when you can get sucked into some pretty great character plots? Though make sure to remember your form and breathing. Time will fly by!