TV Bad for Workout Focus...

Question: You recently ran an article which said that you burned more calories by walking on a treadmill listening to music than you could by walking and watching television. I don't understand how that could be. If you are walking same speed and climbing at the same incline either way what would be the difference?

Answer: The difference between listening to music and watching television is focus. In the study, they found the distraction of watching something or reading something made the exercise more like part of a multi-tasking operation.The exercise became part of several mental activities instead of concentrated effort on one thing. The participants were repeatedly holding on to the railing to try to catch their breath or catch what was going on with what they were watching. The researchers also noted that those watching television were having to hold the railing much more frrequently because they were actually more tired than those focused on music. The way this was set up was to have each individual do cardio one day watching television and one day listening to music. The speed and incline were consistent each day. The only difference was how much more rest the television group took verses the rest period or recovery the music group used.

A CD player, IPod or MP3 is the best for staying focused. Listening to the radio can give you the same results sometimes as watching TV because it is not consistent with what you like to listen to or constant music. The commercials on radio seem to interrupt your focus as well. Set up a playlist of music you like that motivates you to action. This is the key to making your time doing cardio most efficient. Besides, if you are watching regular television shows, the commercials they play not only are interrupting but provide a visual of enticing foods. Now that is irritating considering you are trying to work off the high calorie treats they are trying to sell you. Get some tunes, isolate yourself with a headset and burn off those calories.

God bless and keep training,
Daryl

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Posted by Daryl Laws on May 25, 2010 | Printer-Friendly

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