Struggling to find the right entertainment for your run? Knowing what to watch on the treadmill can make the difference between a slog and a session that flies by. The right show or movie distracts you, keeps you engaged, and can even make you look forward to your workout. Let’s look at how to pick the perfect content and some great ideas to get you started.
What To Watch On The Treadmill
Your viewing choice is a powerful workout tool. It needs to match your pace, your focus level, and your goal for the run. A good pick will help you maintain a steady rhythm and forget about the clock.
How to Choose Your Treadmill Viewing
Not everything you enjoy on the couch works well while running. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Pacing and Plot: Look for content with a steady pace or regular action beats. Slow-burn dramas might not provide the mental distraction you need during a hard interval.
- Episode Length: A 20-30 minute sitcom or cartoon is perfect for a standard workout. An hour-long drama can be split across two sessions, giving you a cliffhanger to run back to.
- Visual Reliance: Avoid things where you need to read subtitles constantly or see tiny details. Dubbed foreign shows or simple visual comedies are often better.
- Personal Engagement: Pick something you’re genuinely excited to watch. Saving a favorite show for the treadmill is a great motivational trick.
Top Categories and Specific Recommendations
Here are some reliable categories that tend to work great, along with specific examples to try.
Binge-Worthy TV Series
TV shows are ideal because they’re broken into manageable chunks. You’ll want to keep running to see the next episode.
- Action/Adventure: Shows like “Stranger Things,” “The Mandalorian,” or “Jack Ryan” have high energy that matches a good run.
- Comedies & Sitcoms: “The Office,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” or “Modern Family” provide light, episodic fun that doesn’t require intense focus.
- Competition Reality TV: “The Great British Bake Off,” “Top Chef,” or “Glow Up” have natural, built-in timers and are easy to follow.
Movies That Move
A movie can carry you through a long, steady-state run. Choose films with a propulsive story or great soundtrack.
- Sports & Dance Films: “Creed,” “Step Up,” or “Ford v Ferrari” have inherent rhythm and motivational themes.
- Action Blockbusters: The “Mission: Impossible” or “John Wick” series are packed with sequences that sync well with increased effort.
- Animated Features: Pixar and Studio Ghibli films like “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” or “Howl’s Moving Castle” are visually engaging and often have uplifting stories.
YouTube & Alternative Content
Don’t overlook other video platforms. They offer unique formats perfect for the treadmill.
- Documentary Series: Nature series like “Our Planet” or history deep-dives from channels like PBS Eons are fascinating and educational.
- Virtual Running Tours: Channels offer first-person walks or runs through cities, forests, or along beaches, providing beautiful scenery.
- Fitness Entertainment: Some creators make content specifically designed to be watched while working out, with engaging visuals and music.
Setting Up Your Viewing Space
Having the right setup is crucial for a smooth experience. You don’t want to be fumbling with your device mid-run.
- Secure Your Device: Use a sturdy tablet or phone holder attached to the treadmill console. Ensure it’s at a comfortable eye level so you don’t strain your neck.
- Check Your Connections: Download episodes or movies ahead of time if your gym’s WiFi is spotty. Nothing ruins a run like constant buffering.
- Mind the Cords: Use wireless headphones for safety and freedom of movement. Make sure your device is charged or plugged in.
- Adjust the Volume: Gym treadmills can be loud. Set your volume to a level where you can hear clearly without it being too high for others.
Matching Content to Your Workout Type
You can get strategic by pairing what you watch with your planned run.
For High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
You need content with clear, intense peaks. During rest intervals, you can focus more on dialogue.
- Watch music videos or concert films where the song changes signal a new interval.
- Choose action movies where fight scenes or chases coincide with your sprint efforts.
- Sports highlights reels can be perfect for short, all-out efforts.
For Long, Steady-State Runs
The goal here is sustained distraction. You need a compelling narrative to get lost in.
- A movie you’ve been meaning to see is ideal for a 45-90 minute run.
- Podcasts or long-form documentary episodes work well if you prefer audio, but you can also watch the video version for extra engagement.
- Binge two or three episodes of a serialized drama to completely lose track of time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple errors can ruin your viewing-and-running experience. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Choosing a Subtitled Show for Intense Runs: It’s very hard to read and run hard at the same time. Save those for walks or recovery runs.
- Starting a New, Complex Series Mid-Run: If you need to learn lots of character names and plot, it can be frustrating. Start new shows when you’re walking.
- Watching Something Too Scary or Stressful: A tense thriller might make your heart race, but not in a good way. It could make your run feel harder than it is.
- Forgetting to Pre-Download: Always assume the WiFi will fail at the worst moment. Having your media offline is the safest bet.
Refreshing Your Watch List
Your interests and workout routine will change. Keep a dedicated playlist or list in your streaming apps for treadmill ideas. When you find a show that works great, note similar ones. Ask friends for there recommendations, too. Rotating through different genres keeps things fresh and prevents boredom from setting in.
FAQ
What are good things to watch on the treadmill?
Good options include fast-paced TV series (action, comedy, competition shows), motivational sports films, animated movies, and virtual running tours on YouTube.
How do I choose a treadmill movie?
Pick a movie with a strong, engaging plot and regular visual interest. Avoid slow-paced dramas and anything where you’ll miss crucial details if you glance away.
Is it better to watch TV or listen to music on the treadmill?
It depends on your workout and preference. TV shows and movies are better for longer, steady runs as they provide deeper distraction. Music is often better for short, high-intensity sessions where you need a driving beat.
What should I watch while running if I get bored easily?
Try competition reality shows (like baking or design contests) or action series with short episodes. The constant progression and natural climaxes in each episode fight boredom effectively.
Can I watch Netflix on the treadmill?
Absolutely. Most treadmills with a tablet holder are perfect for streaming Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or any other service. Just ensure you have a stable internet connection or download the content first.