People go to the gym for a myriad of different reasons: to strengthen their body, to tire themselves out, to be healthy — the list can certainly go on. However, when people go for the sake of getting in some cardio on a treadmill or elliptical, the passing of time can feel rather tedious. There is typically some sort of music playing on-screen or near the machine to pass the time. Just about everyone takes their own set of headphones to get into the groove of their workout, but again, the monotonous physical work can feel dull, which can discourage one’s motivation for their own workout.
We have compiled a list of shows that can and will keep you entertained while on the treadmill. Fromseries that are longenough to last you through your next couch-to-5k training plan to shows that will have your laughing and following along with the crazy antics of the characters (forgetting that you are indeed exercising), there is something for everyone who needs a nice distraction while you get those steps in.
Here are 15 of the best TV shows to watch while working out on the treadmill.
15Bridgerton
If you are a fan of romance, fictional period pieces, and have a healthy curiosity for the dramatic gossip,Bridgertonis the right fit for you. With only two main seasons thus far and Julie Andrews narrating the many scandals that occur during the courting season, the guessing game of who is in on all the latest gossip and which noble individuals will find a way to get out of their esteemed duties is truly amusing.
There are plenty of young ladies who wish to be wed and live a life that is simply expected of them, and then there are those like Eloise Bridgerton who cannot bear the idea of conforming to societal standards. A few steamy scenes may also pique your interest, so be sure you have your headphones in while watching this series on the treadmill in public.
14Shameless
Though you are working out by yourself on the treadmill, the cast ofShamelesswill absolutely make you feel like you are not alone. From the very first episode dealing with a number of morally corrupt concepts in the most amusing way to the growth of the dysfunctional Gallagher family over the course of 11 seasons, there is always some sort or craziness to keep your mind busy while you workout.
Each episode deals with one of the seven Gallaghers either getting into trouble, getting out of it, or framing someone else for the trouble they caused, so there are a lot of laughs to be had while watching this series. Be warned, however, that there is nudity and cussing, so please be mindful of which machine you choose to work out on while this show plays.
13Breaking Bad
Do you ever think about how you would spend your life if you found out you only had a certain amount of time left to live? After Walter White found out about his terminal illness, inBreaking Bad, he decided to go into the drug-making business with a street savvy former student to secure finances for his family after his passing.
Little did this former chemistry teacher know how dangerous it would be when others discovered his little get-rich-quick scheme. While you are working on your health and thinking about things on the treadmill, consider if you would go to such lengths like this crazy chemist.
12Grey’s Anatomy
If you have not seenGrey’s Anatomyyet, give it a shot while getting those miles in. The storylines within the 19 seasons have a good pace, there are plenty of lovable characters, and you will likely spot a couple dozen characters you know from somewhere else as they sport the fantastic hospital gown provided by Seattle Grace Hospital.
If you are like the other tens of thousands of people who consistently bingethe Shondaland seriesor simply keep it on for background noise, you may find it comforting to have it playing while at the gym. Between Meredith Grey’s rollercoaster life or the sass that radiates from Miranda Bailey, there is something to be admired about this medical drama.
11Game of Thrones
If you need to stick to the treadmill for quite some time, say at least about an hour for each session,Game of Throneswill keep your mind occupied all the way through your workout. With eight seasons and more twists and turns than you will know what to do with, you may decide to double up your time at the gym.
In short, the series has an ensemble cast, many of which are either fighting for power or associated with someone who is.There are dragons, different languages, secrets, and some of the best one-liners in all of TV history. Discover why Jon Snow knows absolutely nothing, hate on a spoiled blonde king with the rest of the world, and enjoy watching the fierce Mother of Dragons take back what is owed to her.
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10The Walking Dead
Do you need the motivation to run rather than walk while on the treadmill? Will the idea of a bunch of walkers approaching behind you make you pick up the pace? Check out how Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus portray some of the best zombie-fighting characters in anypost-apocalyptic TV series.
Between mapping out your very own zombie plan to getting frustrated that the characters onThe Walking Deadare not doing what you would do, you will find that keeping a steady pace for more than 30 minutes is not that hard to do when your mind is elsewhere. Then, after you’ve finished the 11 seasons, check out on of the six spin-off series.
9Love Is Blind
What started out as yet another reality dating show with a unique concept to get two people to fall for one another has turned into one of the hottest series on Netflix. InLove Is Blind, people date for about a week before potentially proposing to whom they believe is their perfect match. The gimmick is that a proposal takes place without the two ever seeing one another.
Then, all the newly engaged pairs run away to a resort to get to know one another and eventually see if they can make a wedding really happen within the next few weeks. This series will have you naturally picking up the pace on the treadmill as you really want to know what happens to everyone.
8Stranger Things
If you are someone who either can seriously focus or want to have to truly pay attention to something while you get your steps in for the day, thenStranger Thingsis a great show for you. Winona Ryder, David Harbour, and Millie Bobby Brown are among the starring cast, and with influences from some of the best horror writers in the whole industry, this nostalgic science-fiction horror series has a lot to unpack.
You will be sweating from your great workout on the treadmill, but you will also find a few beads of sweat rolling down your skin as you become genuinely frightened for the fate of a few kids who decided to take on terrifying supernatural forces.
A series has to be pretty great to have 45 seasons out, right?Survivoris a reality competition show that puts physical, mental, and emotional strain on contestants as they are forced to live off the land in a remote location as well as compete in different challenges with their teams. The ultimate goal is for a single person to be standing by the end of all the eliminations asthe one and only “survivor.”
While keeping a steady pace on the treadmill, Jeff Probst’s voice will likely get you motivated and pushing yourself further and faster in your workout. If not, you may simply enjoy the 40-minute episodes at your own stride.
New Girlis the perfect show to watch at the gym when you plan to jump on the treadmill for a 20-25 minute warm-up or cool down from the rest of your workout. The storyline is humorous enough to keep you attention if you want, but it is also a fantastic sitcom to watch if you simply need something going on in the background while you are thinking of what you need to do with the rest of your day.
Between Zooey Deschanel parading around in her colorful outfits while she tries to get her life under control and watching Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, and Lamorne Morris act like buffoons while they go about their day-today life, this is a great series for when you need a mental break.Related:New Girl: The 15 Best Episodes of All Time, Ranked
