Gloss How-To: Spice Up Your Treadmill Workout

Let’s face it, working out on a treadmill can be just plain boring. No wonder so many treadmills end up being ridiculously expensive coat racks. But dust off your treadmill — there are ways to make your workout more interesting.

- Commercial non-breaks. If you like to watch TV while you’re on the treadmill, make it a point to ramp up the speed during the commercials. Maybe walk or jog slowly while your show is on, then move into a faster jog during the commercials.

- Race with your neighbor. If you’re working out at the gym, set a mutual goal — such as 5 miles — and see who can get there first.

- Run for the hills. Start out walking on a flat belt. After a warm up, increase the incline every minute until it reaches five percent. Continue walking on the incline for three to five minutes. The gradually lower and raise the incline for the rest of your workout. It’s a good idea to cool down while walking on a flat belt.

- Interval training. Watch your mileage and at the end of every quarter mile, bump up the speed for a minute or two. These negative splits force you to pay attention to the mileage so you’re not running or walking mindlessly and they break the pace up, adding interest and intensity.