Many exercisers start by walking on a treadmill in the comfort of their home or in a gym but eventually give up out of boredom because it IS so boring. If you find walking on a treadmill boring, then almost certainly it is too easy. Increase the treadmill gradient and/or treadmill speed to make the work-out more demanding. You will get a greater sense of achievement and this is likely to make the session less boring. If you are already at maximum gradient and speed, add a loaded backpack and gradually increase the load as your body adapts.

If your treadmill and your body are up to it, start gently running on the treadmill instead of walking. Running at any speed uses up roughly twice the net calories per kilometre or mile run as every kilometre or mile walked at the comfortable speed of 5 kph (3 mph). (Net calories are what counts – they’re the calories you burn up over and above what you use when you are resting).