Since deciding that I want to make more time for exercise I've had a number of people suggest I try reading while on the treadmill. I tried it the other night and it just didn't quite work for me. I'm not sure if it would be easier with a different book, I had a mass market paperback in my hands, or if a magazine would be better. Perhaps not holding it but putting it on the machine itself would make it easier. Could be that my lighting is just not good enough by the treadmill, but the text jumped around too much. When I tried slowing down it still wasn't ideal for reading and then I felt like I would have to go for longer to make the workout count. Plus I remember reading an interview with some personal trainer in People Magazine who stated something along the lines that if you could read the magazine while working out you weren't working hard enough. All that said, a lot of people have told me that they read while walking or riding a bike so I know there must be a way to make it work. Years ago when I actually belonged to a gym I remember borrowing audio books from the library and listening to them while walking and that usually worked, although I had to turn them up to hear over the sound of the gym TV's. I'm toying with the idea of doing that again, but for now I usually use the time to catch up on something on TV or watch a movie.
I have a few friends who love to read in the bathtub and that I've never really gotten into either. The tub just doesn't seem like the most comfortable place to me and I'm always afraid I'll drop the book in the tub. That said when we owned a pool at our last house, and before we had children that needed to be watched very closely by a pool, I used to read both by and in the pool. We had a floating chair that I loved to sit on and read and I would also sit on the steps and read on really hot days. That was one of my favorite things to do during the hot summer months. There was only one occasion I can recall where I dropped my book in and it was a book I got a library sale for ten cents so I wasn't too heartbroken about it's loss. I never took library books by the pool though.
Anyone have a favorite unusual reading place or advice on how to read and work out at the same time? I'm all ears (or I guess eyes) if you do!
Sorry the treadmill reading didn't work out for you. It took me awhile to get the hang of it. I am thinking of checking out some audiobooks at the library and giving them a try for a change of pace. I read in the car while waiting for the kids to get out of school too. Now if only there was a way to read while washing dishes!
ReplyDeleteWe listen to audio books in the car. Right now we are working out way through the Chronicles of Narnia. I try to always have a book with me so if I have a break I can read some and I keep books everywhere in the house. I kind of prefer reading to listening though because I must be more visual than audiotory and get more from reading something myself if that makes sense. I haven't totally given up on treadmill reading though!
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere comfortable. I'm also a firm believer that if you can read while working out, you're not working out hard enough. If you really want to read while working out, audio books would probably be the way to go in replace of music.
ReplyDeleteI did a couple textbooks on the treadmill. At my college we actually had a sort of rack on the treamills. Still it wasn't easy.
ReplyDeleteI read while working out - tread mill and elliptical....an over sized paperback works pretty well... I bring a clothes pin to hold it open.
ReplyDeleteI suppose must unusual is while I get ready in the mornings I prop the book open with a bottle of shampoo and read while I blow dry my hair. :)
Recumbant exercise bike. Not as much of a workout as the treadmill, but easier to stick with, in my experience. It's very much like sitting.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could read while working out. Better an intense workout and then read afterword. Though if you can do audiobooks that might work.
ReplyDeleteI love to read in the tub, but my favorite is to read in bed
Reading in bed or on the couch are my favorites, although I do miss reading in the swimming pool in the summer. That was perfect!
ReplyDeleteI think you should try the audiobooks. I never tried one before, and when you want to exercise you can just listen to the book.
ReplyDeleteI'm like you Jill, I love reading in bed or on the couch. :)