For some of us, we’ll do just about anything to turn exercise into something more enjoyable. You might even be considering reading on the treadmill because let’s be honest, reading is a way more enjoyable hobby than running on a treadmill! And that’s coming from someone who uses a treadmill every day.
This might sound a little crazy but actually doing ANYTHING on a treadmill while you’re using it is going to help make the time go faster. You’re likely to spend longer working out and depending on what it is you’re doing, get some enjoyment out of that time outside of exercising.
That being said, there are a few things you need to consider about reading on the treadmill to figure out if it’s right for you.
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Can you read on the treadmill?
If you’re running, chances are you’re going to struggle to maintain your focus on the page to properly read the words. I’m just being honest with ya here!
If you’re considering a light jog, you may be able to focus a little more, but you’re still probably going to find it difficult to concentrate.
But if you’re walking? In the same way that you might read your phone while you are walking, there’s absolutely no reason why reading on the treadmill when walking wouldn’t be doable for you.
In fact, I read on the treadmill every day while I’m working! Don’t believe me? Check out my DIY treadmill desk and see for yourself!
This leads me to…
What are you reading on the treadmill?
When I started writing this post, this was my first thought. You see, I read from my computer monitor every day on my under desk treadmill and I do just fine.
However, it’s worth considering that although I’m not consciously doing it, I am slightly propped up by the fact I’m working at my standing desk while walking on the treadmill. So if you’re also planning to read from your computer screen, you can do that just fine.
In fact, you’ll be amazed how quickly this becomes normal for you and you don’t notice a difference between sitting at your desk and standing or walking at it as you work!
If you decided to read a book or from your Kindle on the treadmill, you may find you need to adopt a similar position to how you read from your phone while walking, which isn’t great for your posture.
How long will you be reading on the treadmill?
If you’re planning to walk and read for a short period, you may find you can hold whatever you’re reading at an appropriate height and just get on with it. However, if you’re planning to try and raise your daily steps with longer periods of walking on a treadmill, you may need to consider other options to avoid neck or back aches.
I would recommend placing your book or Kindle on a desk if you’re planning on reading on the treadmill for long periods of time. This will enable you to keep yourself well-balanced and you’ll be more aware of your surroundings with this method.
We all know how easy it is to get lost in a book! So it’s really important you make sure you’re aware of your surroundings, particularly so you don’t trip and fall while using the treadmill.
Should you read on the treadmill?
This one is up to you. Personally, I read on my treadmill every day with no issues and you can find a few (although not enough!) other user experiences online that do the same with no issues.
If you are set up for reading on the treadmill, make sure you remember the following:
- Do not run while reading on the treadmill
- Use a desk to help support yourself
- Don’t compromise on your posture
These three things will help you out a TON when it comes to using a treadmill for any kind of low-impact activity but particularly when reading.
Do you have any tips to add to the list? Or any questions for me on how I am reading on the treadmill? Let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to give you an honest and helpful answer!