cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/52474928

(the image isn't my basement, its a random image I found at trigearlab)
I have a treadmill and a bike set up in my basement for the upcoming winter. Those long runs and rides are a special type of torture when you don't have anything to focus on for the multiple hours of activity.

For me personally, I've started getting into virtual rides on youtube. I'll connect my computer laptop to my monitor and run the workout recording through my laptop and youtube through my larger monitor. I'm also very specific on what I enjoy. It needs to be road biking (I can't get mentally into mountain or gravel biking videos) and I prefer it to be near the Mediterranean coast. Beautiful climbs are also interesting, but I'm not as into other backdrops. I've also tried watching live sports, but that tends to impact my heart rate in ways I don't like.

So what do you like to do to keep yourself occupied while running or biking indoors?

Probably not providing anything original here but, I throw on a show. For sure, I’m not pushing as hard as one might who is following along with a training video, but I’m also not actively training.

Audiobooks or podcasts are the next obvious tier below that may provide entertainment without drawing too much focus.

Maybe not feasible, but an occasional training buddy could both break up the tedium and keep some accountability.

I recall when I was a little kid many years ago seeing a neighbor training on some rudimentary homemade rollers made with PVC tubes and thinking that was some top tier NASA shit. Note that this was here in the suburbs of Bogota in the 90s.

The dude did this with the windows opened so neighbors could come to his house and have a chat with him. That's how I got to see him doing that

Podcasts, so I get to learn things while I pedal. Even then, two hours is my max.

Usually YouTube or a show I wouldn’t normally watch otherwise. I got through silo and Rick and Morty that way.

Rouvy is more interesting as it has real video. I then pop on some podcasts to listen to.

I just ride outside all through the winter.

Are you in a place with decent weather? If not, are you worried about ice?

Decent winter weather, mostly: Chicago. Ice isn't really a concern with the proper tires.

Zwift. I tried the TV thing with a dumb trainer and struggled to get half an hour in, with my favorite show (Quantum Leap).

Zwift can still be tedious, but I can go a lot longer before tedium sets in. Get in with a good group ride, and they can be entertaining for hours.

Audiobooks. The physical activity keeps me focused and the mental activity keeps me engaged. I mostly use Libby but I also post free options to !audiobooks@literature.cafe if you're looking to give it a shot and don't have a library card.

Good call. I use Libby a decent amount too, but less for audiobooks. Need to try that.

I haven't found one type of magic media. It revolves between shows, movies, audio books, music, etc. Duel monitors help out a lot with the trainer on one screen and the media on another.

watch a movie

Music. Sometimes Audiobooks but mostly music.

And with global warming, ice is less of a problem every passing year. Studded tires are nice, but last winter there weren't too many days where studs were necessary. Last year I changed tires in late October, but this year I think I'll wait until December.