Life Fitness Treadmill. Clearing the dust bunnies off of a treadmill every couple weeks doesn't equate to a work out. Although a dust-free life is a step toward better health, it isn't as great a step as actually using that treadmill. So wipe off the "Use Me" etched in the dust and get yourself prepared to get back on the that treadmill. It will be just like the first week you had it.
Clean it off. Get rid of the dust, the clothes, the stacks of whatever you've left piled on and around your treadmill. If it needs to be re-greased or tuned up, get that taken care of as well.
Reposition your treadmill so that it's in a usable spot in your home. Make sure it's also a place you look forward to going to. For example, visiting a treadmill in your basement that floods periodically and is home to the world webbing championship spider family is probably not going to be a bright spot in your day, but one that is in a room that has space, good lighting and pest control is likely to be a more pleasant option.
Surround your treadmill with exercise accoutrements. Have a radio or iPod easily accessible from your treadmill. You may want a basket of towels and a bin of not-too-intellectual magazines nearby as well.
Have your treadmill face something that is visually stimulating. Watching your favorite TV show or a movie can keep your mind off what your body is doing. Keeping your eyes on something in front of you will also keep your head up and prevent it from staring at your sneakers; this will improve your posture and give you a better workout. Plus the length of a show can help you make a length for your workout. For example, a few weeks worth of twenty minute DVD episodes of Friends can lead into a month of 30 minute re-runs of Silver Spoons, which builds to three months of 45 minute DVD episodes of Lost and eventually brings you to a solid 60 minute work out while watching General Hospital. And that'll put you in a smaller size by the time that swim suit comes out of the closet again.
Set a schedule. More importantly, stick to it. Honor the time you plan for you and your health by showing up to the workout when you said you would. Put a copy of your schedule on your refrigerator, tape one to the treadmill and give yourself credit when you have successes.
Remember that it's going to be easier to do this if you have the support of those who live with you. Try to use your treadmill when it won't be disruptive to others. During study time or the family's favorite show, or worse, before the morning alarm clocks ring may make you the victim of household animosity. Instead, choose a time when others around won't be bothered by the loud hum and pounding of the treadmill.
