First of all, many of those who have a home treadmill do not have a typical home gym. Instead, the treadmill is usually in the basement next to the hot water heater or in the bedroom next to a pile of clothes.
Like any other type of job, exercising on a treadmill requires a supportive environment where you feel good and energized. Without a full gym setup, it’s easy to let the treadmill become another piece of clutter rather than a room focal point. So pack up, pick up and remove any clutter and make the treadmill a major focus on the environment.
Not the study, or the children’s room, but now the treadmill room.
The next step is simply to stick to a regular schedule. Part of the appeal of home exercise is the idea that you can workout anytime without sticking to a gym schedule. While this is certainly an advantage, a workout that can be done anytime is usually not done at all.
So schedule your time on the treadmill like any other important activity, and stand up for that time as the essential activity that it is. Don’t fall for the “I can work out later in the day” temptation that home gyms present. Even if you arrive at your workout later, you’ll likely feel more rushed, more tired, and less motivated after having to “make up” for lost time.
The final step is to make sure that your mind can be occupied while using your treadmill. After all, walking in the same place, even on 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 as to stimulate it.
I know a lot of people like to watch TV while on the treadmill, but I think this can be a poor mind band-aid if you end up just flipping channels and watching programming you wouldn’t normally watch.
I recommend timing your treadmill during the time you would normally watch TV so you spend less time sitting down and can still watch your favorite shows. I’m also a big fan of podcasts because they always give you something new to look forward to and you can also learn some really cool stuff as you go along.
Also:
You can also find personalized treadmill exercise programs and personalized podcasts that can motivate and guide you through exercises that are more than just a steady pace.
Little things like an air circulation fan and a water bottle can help keep your energy up so exercise doesn’t feel so hard. Also, it’s a good idea to wear traditional exercise clothes instead of street clothes to stay cool and comfortable.