Reading while exercising is always an option to keep your mind entertained while your body burns it on cardio machines. However, all that jostling about on the machines can make it difficult to focus on the printed word, and reading can be a bit distracting. eDiets would like to remind you that listening to a "book on tape" is a great workout work around for reading. Find a novel or short story by your favorite author in audio form, and listen while you workout. This is great for outdoor workouts as well. Visit iTunes and check out the audiobook selections, you should have no trouble finding something to keep your attention. They even have unabridged versions of many Harry Potter books!
When reading an engrossing novel, I often tell myself I will start cleaning the kitchen when I finish this chapter and you can apply this method of thinking, but kind of in reverse, to your workout. Commit to staying on the machine until the chapter is over. Hopefully, the plot will help you keep plodding along!
Oliver Bonas
I've heard that a lot of marathoners do this to get through those 20 mile long runs. I think it's a fabulous idea.
Go to your local library and check out books on cd/tape because it's a lot cheaper than buying. You can also checkout books on tape at your local Cracker Barrel and you can return it at any cracker barrel in the country (my mom does this for long drives!)
1I'm way too visual, I can't handle being read to or books on tape. It's a great idea but it doesn't work for me at all, about all I could do would be essays like David Sedaris but I can't focus on them for long (music doesn't keep me occupied either).
2I like reading actual books better than listening to audiobooks.
3Many libraries now, through programs like NetLibrary, offer downloadable audiobooks. The bad news is these books can't be played on iPods (DRM issues), but if you have any other kind of MP3 player and a library card, you may be able to visit your library's catalog and download the book. Instant gratification and you don't even have to leave the house. Libraries usually offer a wide selection of audiobooks, too.
4I totally do this all the time! in the car though...I find that ;listening on my ipod is more difficult as if it is a noisy place you ahve to crank the volume up and sometimes, depending on the narrator, you still can't hear it.
5Just downloaded the Harry Potter series of audio books, and think that this is a great alternative to listening to music while working out. Plus it really does keep me exercising longer because I get engrossed in the book.
6I do this with Podcasts. I LOVE listening to "This American Life". An episode is an hour long, so I hit play, and keep moving til it's over!
7my brother does this! he's listened to all 7 harry potter books while working out.
8acullin - I love listening to this American Life when I run too. It is such a great show.
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