How to Pass Time on Cardio Machines

How Do You Pass Time on Cardio Machines?

by 23

One benefit of gym membership is the wide variety of cardio machines. Treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, stepmills . . . but while I find these machines a convenient way to get my hear rate up, I get bored easily when doing an aerobic workout indoors. I have created some strategies to fight cardio machine ennui, like mixing it up with interval workouts and rocking out to new playlists. What about you?

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23 Comments

inlove23 inlove23
I listen to music. I couldn't imagine reading? I feel like it would slow me down.
Actually, I listen to music, vary my machines, watch TV, watch women, and increase the intensity, including intervals. I've been working out for 20+ years, and I attribute it in part to keeping it interesting. Please note, I am irritated by the question format, which provides one answer to something that is more likely several.
blackdresses88 blackdresses88
On certain cardio machines, I can get by with just listening to music, but on more boring cardio machines, like treadmills or rowing, I listen to comedy CD's on my ipod. The only downside is people giving me weird looks when I crack up while rowing!
Read my biology textbooks cause I feel like I'm wasting my time (around 1.5hrs! including driving to and from the gym) otherwise! haha
insanitypepper insanitypepper
I usually combine intervals with tv or podcasts. I think the intervals help the most, though.
spacekatgal spacekatgal
I have mastered the art of surfing on my iPhone while running on the treadmill. I can also play PSP while running. I spend over an hour a day running, so I've had plenty of time to get good.
glowingoasis glowingoasis
I love listening to the Beatles while on the elyptical. Also, I am a performer (singer, dancer, actor) so I use time on the cardio machines to work on breath control. I hum quietly to work on breath support. It's extremely helpful!
I hear a lot of ppl remark on how boring it must be to do an exercise activity for however long straight, because that's all you're doing. They think running's boring/skip rope too, etc. When I began exercising, it was on the treadmill in the basement, facing the concrete wall- & that's all I stared at for 30-45 minutes. I never had a problem with boredom, because I can daydream ALOT. haha. So my thoughts keep me company =)
julea julea
Where is the "all of the above" option? And I still get bored. Oh well.
mannylove mannylove
I take spin class, it flys by!
silviavinas silviavinas
like others have said: podcasts! or talk radio from my ipod touch apps (NPR, PRI...)
Spectra Spectra
I usually watch TV while I'm on the elliptical. It definitely makes the time go by more quickly.
ellbeecee ellbeecee
It depends on which machine. On the elliptical I generally have music and occasionally a book on my phone - but I'm usually doing intervals and get distracted and the screen turns off. :) Treadmill - that's just music and sometimes the tvs in front of the machines. Bikes, definitely music and an ebook.
TADOW TADOW
Music all the way. It makes me feel more in tuned with my body :)
esmerb esmerb
music! :)
ecel4687 ecel4687
I do intervals but I also love to listen to sermons on podcast, especially Andy Stanley
KMattes KMattes
podcasts!
bethinabox bethinabox
I listen to my iPod and watch whatever is on the TVs in front of me while reading the captions :P If it's something really good on TV I'll plug my headphones in and actually watch.
TheLittleMonster TheLittleMonster
I talk with a friend or if I'm alone I'll use the time to think while on the treadmill. If I'm on the arc trainer I'll usually bring my ipod along. For some reason I find that music really disrupts my natural rhythm when I run.
socalbeachgal socalbeachgal
On the weekends I meet a friend and we chat for our cardio time. During the week I listen to music.
ella1978 ella1978
I have been lucky enough to make a great friend at the gym, and we chat all morning. I have to make sure to monitor my performance, so I don't get caught up in chatting, but it HELPS get thru 40-45 minutes really quickly!
anecdote anecdote
I only listen to music when on a cardio machine. Sometimes I will have those days where I really have to push myself harder and a real fast song just helps me propel faster. Although, if I had the view similar to the one above I doubt I would ever need anything. Unfortunately at my gym all the cardio machines are facing a giant Mc Donalds.
Autumns_Elegy Autumns_Elegy
It depends on the machine I'm using. If I'm on the treadmill I listen to music or watch the TV's if there's anything good on. I read while on the bike and stare straight ahead when I'm on the elliptical.
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