Many people, if not the majority, buy a treadmill with great intentions of doing regular and vigorous exercise, only to see the machine unused and gathering dust after just a few months or even weeks! Here I look at 5 tips to help readers sustain the regular exercise which they bought the treadmill with the good intention of doing.

Tip #1 – Do Not Go Too Crazy Early On

A common situation is that new treadmill owners set off for long and exhausting runs before they are fit enough to cope. The resulting pain and fatigue means it is hard to run for a couple of days after, and even puts people off from getting back on their running machine again. Starting off with a shorter, more manageable program and gradually working up is not only a better way to start – the incremental goals will help you to keep going too.

Tip #2 – Setting Targets That Are Tough, Yet Achievable

If you start your treadmill routine with a goal of running 10 miles at higher speed, only to falter after 3, your motivation to get back on the machine can quickly flag. Instead of one big goal, set increments which are suited to your body type and fitness goals. For example, you might aim for 3 miles after 1 month, then 5 and only then shoot for the 10 mile target.

Tip #3 – Keeping Yourself Entertained

Running in one place and staring at the same wall can get boring after a while. Many runners keep themselves entertained while exercising by playing music or watching TV. Modern machines even come with MP3 compatible music systems. Why not combine your favorite TV show with your daily exercise, the time (and miles) will literally fly past!

Tip #4 – Get Into The Habit Of Exercise

It is easy to start skipping one workout, then putting the next one off for a couple of days – until you find that you have not exercised in a week! Getting a routine is a big success factor in keeping going with fitness. Set aside the time and place, and make sure that you reward yourself for keeping the routine going, eventually the fact that you did not miss any (or many) slots in a 6-week or 6-month period will be rewarding in itself – this then helps to motivate you those times you do not feel like making the effort.

Tip #5 – Focus On Positive Outcomes

Nobody runs on a treadmill simply for the pleasure of it – we are all exercising for health, fitness and beauty reasons. Make sure when you start your workout that you remind yourself of the benefits of having a healthy heart, lean physique or just how great it will feel to have burned another few hundred calories. By the time you finish your session you should make sure you remind yourself of these goals again – and congratulate yourself for moving ever closer to where you want to be!