Can you watch a movie while running on treadmill? Yes, you can. In fact, it can be a great way to motivate yourself to smash out your run (or walk) for the day or to complete your workout.
As regular treadmill users, we know how challenging it can be to train without something to keep you occupied and, watching a movie while running, is one way to combat this but there are a few safety factors that you need to keep in mind.
In this article, we’ll have a look at the pros and cons of watching a movie while running on a treadmill.
Contents
How can you watch a movie while running on a treadmill?
It’s very easy to watch a movie while running on a treadmill if you have a smart treadmill or one that has a tablet or phone holder.
Smart treadmills have built-in HD screens so that you can watch a movie while you train. For most of them, you need a separate subscription to their fitness app to access entertainment apps such as Netflix.
However, we’ve found one which is the best treadmill with TV screen that comes with these apps built-in and part of the package.
If your treadmill doesn’t have a screen or holder of sorts, you can either position it in front of your TV or perhaps mount a flat-screen TV on a wall so that you can easily watch a movie while running on a treadmill without craning your neck or looking down.
Pros of watching a movie while running on a treadmill
If you’re looking to either buy your first treadmill or upgrade your current treadmill, you might wonder: “Are treadmills with screens worth it ?”
We think they are, especially if you consider the following benefits:
It can help you finish a hard or long workout
One of the challenges with running on a treadmill is to keep your mind occupied. If there’s nothing for your mind to focus on, chances are it will start to remind you of all the tasks you should or could be doing instead of exercising.
Whether it’s work deadlines or the laundry, at the time, your mind will tell you that it’s “more important” than your training and you’ll most likely end up cutting your training short.
Watching a movie or series can really help keep your mind occupied or distracted so that you can de-stress and finish your workout.
It helps pass the time
We all know the saying, “A watched pot never boils.” If you’re watching the clock while running, it can feel like it takes forever to get through a workout. On the other hand, time flies when you are watching a movie or series on the treadmill.
The best content to watch to ensure you stay distracted and stop watching the clock are light-hearted comedies and shows with easy-to-follow plotlines.
It can keep you motivated
Watching a movie while running on the treadmill can help keep you motivated and make it easier to get started. Some days you may not have the willpower to get up and exercise, but knowing you’ll be able to watch one of your favourite movies or shows can help make the experience easier to manage.
Consider saving new episodes of your favourite show for your treadmill sessions so you can catch up while exercising.
Cons of watching a movie while running on a treadmill
Although watching a movie while on the treadmill can help pass the time, there are also some cons and safety aspects that you should be aware of.
Be careful of your form
If you don’t have a treadmill with a built-in screen and have propped your phone somewhere, be careful that it doesn’t affect your form.
Are you running with your neck slightly bent forwards or twisted? Make sure that wherever you have the screen positioned, you are looking forwards and can maintain proper form.
Stay safe and aware at all times
While watching a movie while running on a treadmill can be a great distraction, there is a real risk of injury if you’re not mindful and aware of your surroundings.
If you are watching a movie, make sure that you remain aware of your footstrike on the treadmill and don’t become so distracted that you misstep and potentially injure yourself.
Save movies for less-intense workouts
Apart from the risk of injury if you’re gunning it on a treadmill while watching a movie, there’s also a chance that you might not train as hard as you should.
If you’re focused on following the plot line or binge-watching on Netflix, you won’t be zoned in on your training and might not get the most out of your workout. We recommend saving movie-watching for less intense runs where if you slow down a bit or don’t push yourself as hard, it’s quite okay.
FAQs
What can I watch while running on a treadmill?
It depends on what works for you. Fitness videos or podcasts can be very motivating as well as series that are related to your preferred sport or fitness activity. However, if you feel like a bit of nostalgia, then Friends is a great option!
Should you watch TV while on a treadmill?
If you’re staying aware of your surroundings and are careful, then there’s nothing wrong with watching TV while on a treadmill. In fact, it might even help you finish your training session. However, always be careful and stay alert.
What can I watch while running on a treadmill?
You can watch anything that works for you, but we recommend easy-to-follow comedies or series that won’t distract you from running. If you’re into all things fitness or running, then following a series related to that might help keep you motivated.
Is it bad to watch movies while working out?
No, it’s not bad to watch movies while working out if you stay aware of your surroundings and make sure that you’re training safely. In fact, it might even help you get the most out of your workout.
What should you not do on a treadmill?
Here are a few things to avoid – not warming up, holding onto the handrails, running too fast, not listening to your body, not using the safety features or proper footwear and, lastly, not maintaining the treadmill properly.
Summary
- Can you watch a movie while running on a treadmill? Yes, you can as long as you keep your safety in mind and remain aware of your surroundings.
- Make sure you can maintain good form and can run safely without being too distracted.
- Watch movies and series that motivate you or are perhaps easy-to-follow and light-hearted.