Gym, What keeps you going during a cardio workout?

[crazycat]

Well i just finished my little project which was to build a home gym, it has a everything you would expect plus a few more.I do 100% cardio workout until i lose a around 5-8kg then might do some wights (been training since 7 years but stopped the last 2). My problem is what to do during the 30-40 mins of cardio i do, i get bored really quickly, i am thinking of moving a TV in there and maybe hook an appleTV to it.

I would really like some input.

Thanks

[emw]

I put a TV into our workout room as well...

http://www.mremw.com/MR_Images/PICT1226.JPG

Although I've recently upgraded it to 27", you get the idea. It really does help to have that going, or at the very least have some good music going.

30-40 minutes is about the maximum time I can spend on a treadmill without going insane, regardless of if there is a TV on or not.

[PlaceofDis]

a TV certainly could help. but for me i'd be music that can keep me going. a very specific playlist of my most upbeat songs that i know will help me keep going.

[devilot]

I look forward to feeling sore... I just keep going hoping to feel sore. To know that I'm gonna be fitter, faster... :o But it's been too long. I'm a bum.

[leekohler]

I look forward to feeling sore... I just keep going hoping to feel sore. To know that I'm gonna be fitter, faster... :o But it's been too long. I'm a bum.

Then there's how it makes you look after a while. ;)

[xsedrinam]

Disassociation is for wimps. Get in touch with your body, and suck it up. :p

TV and/or a good set of head phones and a hot track work well. Meh, I just like doing it outdoors.

[leekohler]

Disassociation is for wimps. Get in touch with your body, and suck it up. :p

TV and/or a good set of head phones and a hot track work well. Meh, I just like doing it outdoors.

There's a certain truth to that. I used to use my iPod while lifting. I quit using it because my form was getting sloppy. So now I just go without. There's no question that working out isn't a great time, but I couldn't stop if I tried. I like what it does for me too much.

[nbs2]

During cardio?

The Rocky Story (maybe the best studio released workout CD ever made) and military cadences. :o

[~Shard~]

Music keeps me going. I usually throw on some hard-pounding electronica or anything else with a fast, energetic flow to it. I find the BBC Essential Mixes to be good, as they are 2 hours in length of continuous music - find a good mix and you're set for a whole workout! :cool:

[wongulous]

A workout partner if I'm trying to go longer than 10-15 minutes (and if no partner, iPod gets me about that long before I get bored/feel like a doofus/get pumped to get some actual workout with weights). Usually just do 15-30 minutes per workout, focusing on weights though...

[srf4real]

This is my cardio gym, so I have a reward after the work-out. I am motivated by fear!:eek:

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n30/srf4real/hugecloseout.jpg

reward::D

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n30/srf4real/hugebarrel.jpg

[jono_3]

go jogging outside sometimes instead on just on the treadmill, itll help you keep focused when your inside. and DONT WATCH THE TIMER!!!

[killr_b]

iPod with Slayer. :cool:

[lamina]

I use my video iPod at the gym while I am on the elliptical machine. I know, I am a pansy and should be using the treadmill or be running outside, especially in this beautiful weather. I download my TV shows (mainly 3lbs, Family Guy, and documentaries) and watch them while I do my cardio. It's a lot more bearable than just music alone, but everyone's different.

[viccles]

At gym I usually listen to my Ipod and sing along with the song in my head

[Sherman Homan]

What keeps me going?
My big, fat gut. Just looking at it makes me want to run away...

[cycocelica]

I either listen to my iPod and watch a sports game on one of the TVs or listen and watch a sports game. Depends on what sport and who is playing.

[Poopface Morty]

The impending 10k I signed up for at the end of July is keeping me going. Try some HIIT though, that'll really make you want to find a reason to keep going, before you quit from puking. ;)

[xsedrinam]

The impending 10k I signed up for at the end of July is keeping me going. Try some HIIT though, that'll really make you want to find a reason to keep going, before you quit from puking. ;)
Nothing like Fartleking through the forest. :) :cool: Intervals are a whole, new level though.

[ham_man]

We have a stationary bicycle situated in the living room, well within range of the plasma, so I'll either watch something on that (usually something off the DVR) or I'll do some light reading (Sports Illustrated, US News and World Report, Newsweek, ESPN the Magazine, etc.). With a distraction, the thirty or so minutes I spend riding flies by...

[Fredo521]

I use my ipod when I'm lifting, but since I swim, I can't bring my ipod underwater. So I have to go without it :(

[mattscott306]

but since I swim, I can't bring my ipod underwater.

Can't?

Oh but you can (http://www.h2oaudio.com/).

[Fredo521]

Can't?

Oh but you can (http://www.h2oaudio.com/).

Oh wow, thanks man! $80 is pretty steep though, but they better make one for the iPhone :o

[mattscott306]

Oh wow, thanks man! $80 is pretty steep though, but they better make one for the iPhone :o

Go with a nano- they're only 40 bucks :p .

[absolut_mac]

I look forward to feeling sore... I just keep going hoping to feel sore. To know that I'm gonna be fitter, faster... :o But it's been too long. I'm a bum.

Masochist?

Just wondering :)

[LethalWolfe]

I'm not really good at staying focused working out in gyms. So instead I've started biking (both on the streets of Los Angeles and in the surrounding mountains on weekends). Like srf4real said, nothing keeps you more focused than fear of severe bodily harm and/or death. :D


Lethal

[Legolamb]

I only use the iPod for cardio-jogging. My playlist is timed to my workout speed, i.e., the last fast part is breakneck, flat out sprint, then a cool down. I like the adrenaline high.
Pilates and weights I take off the iPod. Rather concentrate than drift off.
Motivation. I didn't work out last week and I'm feeling sluggish. After 3 yrs of 2-4 days a week, my body misses it even tho by brain still has a hard time getting out of bed.

[Fredo521]

Go with a nano- they're only 40 bucks :p .

The headphones alone are $40, unless I'm looking at the wrong page :p http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl;jsessionid=ac112b1f1f434eed9d623c2d4358a662815a6188a71e.e3eTaxiNaN0Te34Pa38Ta38Lch50?c=572105&sc=2&category=4

I remember when I used to run on the treadmill, my ipod actually dictated my workout because I would step to the beat of the music sometimes :p

[crazycat]

I will post a few pics once i find the damn key, i really need to get me a key finder.

[crazycat]

Here you go (key was in my pocket :S)

Here is view of the multi gym, some wights in the back and a small fridge under a stereo .

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1930/gym1il6.th.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gym1il6.jpg)


In this pic you can see were i do the most of the workout, i spend around 30 mins on these sometimes i mix it up and do 10 mins on each one.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/2079/gym2np2.th.jpg (http://img502.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gym2np2.jpg)

[wongulous]

Here you go (key was in my pocket :S)

Here is view of the multi gym, some wights in the back and a small fridge under a stereo .

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1930/gym1il6.th.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gym1il6.jpg)

In this pic you can see were i do the most of the workout, i spend around 30 mins on these sometimes i mix it up and do 10 mins on each one.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/2079/gym2np2.th.jpg (http://img502.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gym2np2.jpg)

That's your personal home gym? :eek: :eek: Can I come live with you? :D

[jng]

Nice gym crazycat!

What keeps me going?

TV - usually a Sox game or a movie. Something that entices you. You won't even notice 30 minutes if your brain is preoccupied.

iPod - yeah, upbeat songs usually good. THe problem is my eyes wander. I usu. go for window treadmills to watch people out in the square and traffic. If there's no TV attached, I listen to music and read a magazine.

Water.

[viccles]

I go to Fitness First (http://www.fitnessfirst.com.au) Do they have those anywhere overseas? They are pretty good gyms and do well because they dont really have much to compete with

[MarkCollette]

The desire to look good/better for the ladies.

Energetic dance music.

Not wanting to feel the personal shame of letting myself down and failing to meet my goals.

Competition with others at the gym.

[true777]

The display on the treadmill and elliptical that tells me how many calories I've already burned/how far I've run/how many floors I have ascended. I try to get better by the week, so beating my own previous score keeps me going...

I also watch TV while working out, mostly news or documentaries, true crime shows, whatever.

I don't listen to music since I find it too distracting -- I really try to focus on my breathing, muscle movements, etc.

Also the way my body looks when I look in the mirror -- especially my hard abs -- keeps me going.

[MarkCollette]

Also the way my body looks when I look in the mirror -- especially my hard abs -- keeps me going.

That's why I run naked on the treadmill. I turn off all the televisions in the gym, so no one has anything else to look at. It totally helps everyone out. Most are inspired to not settle for just running on the treadmills, but to also run outside.

[OutThere]

Not running on a treadmill. God those things are mind numbing lab rat exercise torture devices.

It's much easier to run farther (even with hills) when you're outside, passing by things, seeing people, running places you haven't been before. Then you can see how far you went later by tracing your route in google earth.

Much more stimulating, interesting and it gives you a sense of accomplishment on top of that. Run five miles in the gym and what have you accomplished? Run five miles outside and you've seen the world around you! :D

4 of my friends run NCAA track/cross country...none of them use treadmills, ever.

[jng]

The display on the treadmill and elliptical that tells me how many calories I've already burned/how far I've run/how many floors I have ascended. I try to get better by the week, so beating my own previous score keeps me going...


Those calorie counters are extremely inaccurate btw. Don't rely on them. If you're just using the numbers for comparison, that's fine. But don't think you really burned x calories.

[mcarnes]

Early Metallica on an iPod shuffle. It doesn't get any better, imo.

[Abstract]

And now, when I flex in front of the mirror and start kissing my biceps, other people want to do the same thing to my body. Then I scream "THIS IS SPARTA!!!" and walk towards the exit, but not before looking over the shoulder and giving one last pose. I call that pose "The Superman". People dig it, but also fear it.

[Kuma76]

lots of steroids, human growth hormone, beer and ciggys does the trick every time:mad: roid rage

[srf4real]

Most are inspired to not settle for just running on the treadmills, but to also run outside.
Bwah ha ha ha ha!:p

I used to want to look good for the ladies, but now I'm married. Presently, my only concern is staying light enough that my surfboards still float when I'm on them.:o

[Hannibales]

With the weights, it's pure desire and not wanting to let myself down, that and the fact my two training buddies are there ready to rip it out of me for wimping out! A lot of the time its mindless stuff on tv that gets me through the cardio or fat burn workouts, though for the final couple of miles a hot bird on MTV or better still on the machine infront of me in tight lycra is always a motivator! Time for my cold shower.....

[jayb2000]

loud fast music

Recent favorite has been Madball (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=214513091&s=143441)

[Legolamb]

That's why I run naked on the treadmill. That's gotta hurt :D

Not running on a treadmill. I know what you mean, but I can pace myself and actually push myself further on the treadmill.

[Keebler]

i like music. hard rock/metal and electronica do the trick. a tv would be neat too b/c you could watch movies at the same time.

Also, if you really want to burn calories fast. skip. jumping rope for 10 minutes at a good pace is like a 30 minute jog

[raggedjimmi]

No to TV, our local gym tried them out but found it didn't help. Cardio? I just walk and hike with either a friend or iPod.
Never been much a fan of doing cardio indoors.

[ddollar]

I cant do cardio on a treadmill it bores me and i get tired so quickly for some reason, instead i bike to school,gym,home and i run 2.5 miles at least every night no questions asked. Also lift weights aswell you will see results much faster.

[Afini]

Not running on a treadmill. God those things are mind numbing lab rat exercise torture devices.

It's much easier to run farther (even with hills) when you're outside, passing by things, seeing people, running places you haven't been before. Then you can see how far you went later by tracing your route in google earth.

Much more stimulating, interesting and it gives you a sense of accomplishment on top of that. Run five miles in the gym and what have you accomplished? Run five miles outside and you've seen the world around you! :D

4 of my friends run NCAA track/cross country...none of them use treadmills, ever.

Thats a matter of opinion. I manage better on a treadmill. Sometimes I can run for a longer period of time outside, but I can go farther on a treadmill. When I'm outside its easier to tire and lower your pace without even realizing you are doing that. On a treadmill you have to make the concious decision to lower your pace.

I've always just watched T.V., once I got into better shape I didn't have a problem with getting bored or watching the clock on my treadmill. :rolleyes:

I can jog 5 miles on a treadmill and feel fine, there isn't much to see where I live within jogging distance. :p

And now, when I flex in front of the mirror and start kissing my biceps, other people want to do the same thing to my body. Then I scream "THIS IS SPARTA!!!" and walk towards the exit, but not before looking over the shoulder and giving one last pose. I call that pose "The Superman". People dig it, but also fear it.

That is awesome, hahahaha.

[NATO]

I usually put TV shows on my iPhone and watch those while I'm doing cardio. Usually shows are about 20-30 minutes long so they're perfect for watching start to finish during a workout. I find that works much better for me than the TV screens in the gym itself as you can't control what you watch and if there's nothing good on then my attention starts to drop...

[Antares]

What keeps me going on the treadmill is the fact that the belt keeps moving whether I'm tired and want to quit or not. If I'm outside and get tired, I can more easily slow down or just stop running. Yes, I can just hit the stop button or turn the speed down on the treadmill..however, there's more incentive to keep going. Besides the fact that you actually have to stop the machine or keep running till the time runs to zero, there's also the stigma (imagined or real) associated with giving up in the middle of your run at the gym. You feel more shame as people could be watching you. When you are outside, nobody could possibly know how far, how fast or how long you ran for unless you are on a track (or if they are stalking you)...it's easier for you to cheat when you're outside.

That said, I also prefer running outside. It's more interesting and can provide a unique experience each time. Though, when it starts getting below freezing and the snow is coming down...I'm less inclined to run outside.

To the OP....when doing cardio work, what keeps me going is thinking about other things. Daydreaming, in a way. It makes the time go by much faster than if you keep glancing down at the timer/calories burned/distance/etc.. Some people even cover that display with a towel or something. For weightlifting, though, total concentration is a must. That is when you really need to pay attention to form and timing, etc.. The less distractions, the better.

[Iscariot]

Blast from the past.

I just do cardio that is actually fun. Usually I end up doing 10-20% more than I had originally intended, because I was enjoying myself.

[InvalidUserID]

iPod shuffle & work-out buddy.

That and I picture Fergie/Ciara in my mind and tell myself "X more minutes!".

[comictimes]

I'm always listening to music, but that only gets me through 15-20 minutes. The next 40 minutes or so I pretty much always count down by 5 minutes. I can always make myself go for 5 more minutes, then another 5 minutes, and another, etc...