Beating Boredom

Beating Boredom

The most frequently cited disadvantage of cardio machines—treadmills, bikes,stairsteppers, and the like—is the tedium of moving without motion—of being in the same spot in the gym or studio. (Of course, some people find the ability to zone out while working out a relaxing aspect to machines.) Gyms make all sorts of efforts to keep things lively. Stationary bikes are equipped with racks so you can read a book or a magazine while you pedal. Music is a staple at many health clubs, but many people prefer their own music and use players and headsets. Virtual-reality bikes (nicknamed VR bikes) are like a cross between a video game and a cardio machine. They feature a video screen and speakers that replicate a town, a bucolic setting, or even a fantasy underwater bike ride past sharks, whales, and a shipwreck. Hop aboard a VR bike, start pedaling, and you’ll “see” and “hear” attractions along the “route” of your “ride.”
Many health clubs arrange rows of stationary bikes or treadmills facing television sets.At the Fitness Theater in Dallas, every bike has its own television. The Decathlon Club in Santa Clara, California, and ClubSport in Freeport, California, were among the first to equip stairsteppers and stationary bikes with Netpulse personal terminals that include a TV, a CD player, and even Internet access. Clients, it seems, like to check stock quotes and sports scores while working out. In other clubs, like the Aspen Club in Aspen, Colorado, machines are arranged in a circle, so exercisers can watch each other.The treadmills and bikes at the health club in the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok overlook the Chao Phraya River, which bustles with river traffic day and night. If you like to take your inspiration from other exercisers or simply gaze at the scenery, look for such features when you check out gyms that you might like to join.