Work it – Distractions

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Work It

OK, so we all know the stupid statistic about how reading a magazine on the treadmill reduces your effectiveness by XX%, right? — Okay, so maybe we don’t know the exact percent, but we’ve all heard something along these lines before, no?

Well I’ll be honest (because this is all about honesty, people). Ready? Wait for it…

I don’t give a flying f.

Sure, sometimes I like being all hardcore by just focusing on my breathing and form, but most of the time? I just need a distraction. I LOVE reading a magazine on the elliptical because the workout goes SO much faster. And you know what else? I really don’t think it affects my speed or overall workout (maybe I’m in denial, but I’m not budging on this one).

Since I’ve gotten my iPhone, I’ve found several other little tricks to keep myself focused on something else other than the ticking time clock. My favorites? Tetris and Frenzic (download the Frenzic app NOW!)

This morning, for example, I played one game of tetris, one game of frenzic, and before I knew it, I had gone three miles on the elliptical in a little less than 30 minutes! Did I mention I came this close to beating my high scores? Now if that’s not impressive, I don’t know what is.

Add 5 lives and at least 1,000 points and you'll have more of an acurate depiction of MY screen ;)

Add 5 lives and at least 1,000 points and you'll have more of an accurate depiction of MY screen ;) ... jeez, this guy's an n00b!

OK, I spilled – what are your favorite distractions? Music? Desperate Housewives of _____? I too would probably love watching TV or a movie, but my gym is cheap and doesn’t provide those fantastic amenities that all you brats (I say this in love, people!) are blessed with ;)

13 Responses to “Work it – Distractions”

  1. AnnQ said:

    I’m with you on the distractions thing!

    I love my iPod, and sometimes I’ll watch one of the little personal TVs on the elliptical, treadmill, etc….

    Posted on | Reply
  2. She-Fit said:

    AMEN! I love reading while on the elliptical… personally I work out much longer than I would without it. So I think those statistics are crap!

    Posted on | Reply
  3. christina said:

    music, people watching, and i like to watch who wants to be a millionaire sometimes! haha

    Posted on | Reply
  4. Marion said:

    Music! I’ve got a couple of playlists specifically for the treadmill.

    Posted on | Reply
  5. Sagan said:

    Sometimes I just get distracted in my own thoughts when I’m exercising. Which can be dangerous if I’m running outside, with cars driving past, hehe.

    Having someone there to talk to or keep you company is nice too.

    Posted on | Reply
  6. Michelle said:

    I’m with ya on that one! Some days I love just zoning out to my iPod and concentrating on working out, other days…I NEED a book or magazine to get through the elliptical session, or I’d be bored outta my mind!

    Posted on | Reply
  7. Rebeca said:

    Amen- I need music and a magazine or book… and during the school yr I make that a textbook and kill two birds… and love it!

    Posted on | Reply
  8. Kailey said:

    I totally need something to focus on while working out too! No way can I just run to run.

    Posted on | Reply
  9. Kristie said:

    I WISH I could read or play games while on the treadmill! I’d definitely fall off though. Maybe I need to invest in an elliptical. Or perhaps a gym membership.
    My distractions for the tread though are music, my thoughts and tv shows with the captions turned on!

    Posted on | Reply
  10. Wat van de Online Programma’s van de Graad Te verwachten | Adult Education Now said:

    [...] Work it – Distractions « The Daily Balance [...]

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  11. Missy Maintains said:

    I just got an iPod touch 2 days ago so of course I will be buying those 2 games now!! Price is Right is very addicting on there too! I usually watch the little tv screens on the machines because I get very bored!

    Posted on | Reply
  12. Elina said:

    Haha, you got some skizzles, girl ;)
    I love watching tv!

    Posted on | Reply
  13. Amanda said:

    My iPod is a must! The gym stereo system helps somewhat when I forget it (or the battery dies) but have my iPod helps me zone out. I also have to have a magazine… it makes the time go by so much faster and I’m more likely to be on longer if I have something to read. I may not go as fast as “the experts” say I could if I weren’t reading, but the fact I have something to read causes me to work out longer :-)

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