How to resurrect your old treadmill and exploit its fitness potential

First of all, many of those with a home treadmill don’t have the typical home gym setup. Instead, the treadmill is usually found in the basement next to the water heater or in the bedroom next to a pile of dirty clothes.

Like any other type of work, exercising on a treadmill requires a conducive environment in which you feel good and energetic. Without a full gym, it’s easy to let the treadmill become just another mess rather than a focal point of the room. So pack up, pick up and clear out any clutter and make the treadmill a primary focus for the environment.

It is not the study or the children’s room, but now it is the room of the treadmill.

The next step is to simply stick to a regular schedule. Part of the appeal of exercising at home is the notion that you can work out anytime without sticking to a gym schedule. While this is certainly an advantage, a workout that can be done anytime is generally not done at all.

So schedule your time on the treadmill like any other important activity, and defend that time as the essential activity that it is. Don’t fall for the “I can train later in the day” temptation that home gyms present. Even if you come to exercise later, you will likely feel rushed, more tired, and less motivated after having to “make up” for lost time.

The last step is to make sure your mind is busy while using your treadmill. After all, walking in place on even the best treadmill in the world can be quite a boring experience. The best way to solve this problem is not so much to distract the mind but to stimulate it.

I know a lot of people like to watch TV while on the tape, but I think this can be a poor mental band-aid if you end up changing channels and watching shows you wouldn’t normally watch.

I recommend scheduling your time on the treadmill during the time you normally watch TV so that you spend less time sitting still and can still watch your favorite shows. I’m also a huge fan of podcasts because they always give you something new to look forward to, plus you can learn really cool things as you go along.

Too:

You can also find custom workout programs on the iPhone treadmill and podcast that can motivate and guide you with workouts that are more than just a steady pace.

Little things like an air circulation fan and a bottle of water can help you maintain your energy so that exercise doesn’t feel so harsh. Also, it is a good idea to wear traditional exercise clothing rather than street clothing to keep yourself cool and comfortable.