Well, I just got back from the gym about ten minutes ago. I upped it to ten minutes, successfully. To answer your question about whether I was bored or tired, I was definitely tired. But, I sucked it up tonight for an added five minutes each time and I feel better.

I do the cardio for my endurance (and what I assumed for a bit of weight loss), mainly. I'm using dieting (I hate that word, personally) for weight loss along with strength training. I've been told about weight lifting on here, and I'm extremely curious to try it for fat loss. I think I'll experiment with it tomorrow now that I'm definitely considering it.

While on the elliptical, I started off listening to a podcast on my iPhone, but it got a bit boring because I was focusing on watching America's Got Talent Vegas Week cuts while doing that. So, overall, I just switched to upbeat music and took it from there.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with what I did tonight, and will aim for 15 minutes next time. I'll also try weight lifting, as well.

To everyone: thank you for your input/experiences, I immensely appreciate it!

Congrats Shetland on your 10 minutes! I get bored myself on those machines, so that's a genuine "GREAT JOB!" I used to do 5 minutes here 5 minutes there within an hours time, because I'd get so bored.

As far as OP, I'm glad you brought this up. I can read while I'm on one of those bikes that's more reclined back, but the regular bikes, ellipticals, etc., I can't figure out how to focus on what I'm reading and maintain my balance. haha

Definitely give weight training a try. You get more bang for your buck in terms of time (in that you could exercise less and probably see more results visually) and it's quite healthy whether you're trying to lose weight or not.

I read on the elliptical or audio books. I usually only do it for 15-20 min stretches alternating with the bike, rowing machine and treadmill depending on preference. It's nice to build stamina so in case I ever get chased by a lion I can at least outrun/outpace someone! Also when I told my sister my lack of stamina meant that in case zombies chased me and my niece, at least my niece would be faster, she pointed out it was a terrible excuse because I'd become a zombie and add to the problem. (yes, I know I'm strange!)

But weights will give you more bang for your buck for appearance.

Have you tried reading on a Kindle or other eReader/tablet device? I find it much easier than trying to read a paper book.

Have you tried reading on a Kindle or other eReader/tablet device? I find it much easier than trying to read a paper book.

^That. I do weights primarily. I do the occasional HIIT session on the elliptical, but it's 5-10 minutes of intervals and that's it. I feel like a hamster if I do any steady-state cardio on a machine.

Elliptical is the best! I do the 'Couch to 5k' program (Weight Watchers abbreviated 6wk style), which is essentially slowly building up to a run. I use the elliptical, because at this time I can't handle the impact of running.

It makes the minutes fly by because I'm running one minute and walking the next. Also, I can challenge myself to run through some of the minutes that I could have been walking.

I do 20 minutes of sprint intervals a couple times per week using the elliptical or arc trainer. That's about all I can stomach. Other than that, I'm lifting weights or running/walking/dancing.

when im running on the treadmill, i have my headphones in my iPhone to listen to workout music...i do running intervals until i hit the distance that i'd like to run...i also have the TV monitor on to the news on the treadmill but i just read the headlines on it...i'm a very visual person anyhow and most audio things go in one ear and out the other, hence i get just as much news info without the sound being on...when im on the weight machines i dont listen to anything, just focus on what i'm doing

I put a bunch of music videos on my tablet. I get to listen to the music and watch the videos which keeps my mind occupied. It's also really motivating to watch music videos with hot women dancing around -- its hard to decide to get off the machine and go to mcdonalds when you just spent an hour watching women with incredible bodies dance around! hahaha

The elliptical is very hard for me to get through too! I work out for 30 minutes on it and find that I'm constantly watching the timer and counting down the time until I can stop. (I know that just makes it worse). Lately I've been listening to my mp3 player and that tends to help pass the time. Other than that though, I just keep on going.