The “I Hate Cardio” Solution

When it comes to cardio, self-motivation as a driving force sometimes requires a little creativity. So when I recently logged in 40-minute cardio sessions for 4 days straight, I knew I had found the  “I hate cardio” solution.”

But let me back up first…

I’ve been an avid TV watcher and movie lover my entire life. Few things are as enjoyable to me as curling up on the sofa and binge-watching. These days, however, when sitting in front of the TV brings not only joy but her twin sister, guilt, I find it difficult to justify wasting hours in front of the tube. I should be doing something productive, I think. Which is why many nights you will find me stretching, doing situps, doing research for an upcoming post, or practicing my Italian on Duolingo while simultaneously watching a show.

Let me be clear: there’s nothing wrong with being glued to the sofa doing nothing but indulging — we are not the sum of our productivity. There are plenty of self-care, escapists, pleasure-seeking, I’m-just-exhausted reasons to treat yourself to a good TV session.

Still, if I could do something productive and non-guilt-inducing while enjoying the pleasure of a good chick-flick, I’m all in.

Enter Netflix-Cardio Binging (my term).

For those of you who hate the “dreadmill” as much as I do, this may be your ticket to run. Literally. Where before I minded the time on my treadmill or elliptical trainer timer like it was a bomb about to explode, I now find myself adding time just to finish an episode.

Binge watching has changed cardio into my solo chick-flick fat-burning sessions 

And I can attest to there being something distinctly endorphin-boosting about clicking “Next Episode” more than once in a single session.

As binge-watching increasingly becomes the norm, I’m curious how many people have traded in their Disco playlist (guilty) for a good episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or The Haunting of Hill House. 

If you’re still doing cardio the old way and want to give Netflix-Cardio Binging a try? Here are a few suggestions on what to watch as you walk, step, run, or glide your way to a fit body.

Gypsy

Starring Naomi Watts who plays a therapist with a life that seems perfect. She starts to develop intimate and racy relationships with the people in her patients’ lives, threatening her career while she indulges in her fantasies. This psychological thriller had me looking forward to my gym time so I could watch it. It’s sooo good! Makes you feel sort of guilty for watching it (I had to look over my shoulder a few times) which is why I loved it.

Tidying Up 

If you’re a fan of Marie Kondo and her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (I’m obsessed), then you’ll love this home makeover show where she helps her clients in choosing joy over clutter. It reminds me of a show I used to watch on HGTV (forgot the name) only better.

The Sinner

Starring Jesica Biel is a crime drama/mystery and, in my opinion, Jessica Biel’s best role. She plays a wife and mother who seems to have a perfect life until she stabs a man during a day at the beach but has no memory of why she did it. I believe the second season is out so I’m adding to my cardio watching soon.

Doctor Foster

This is a British mystery/drama show about a female doctor who seems to have a perfect life (see the pattern?). She suspects her husband is having an affair and starts to investigate. I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s a good one.

You

A male bookstore manager meets an aspiring female writer and becomes obsessed with her, stalking her on social media and removing the obstacles (including people) that get in his way.

The Haunting of Hillhouse

A supernatural thriller that keeps you tuned in not only because you want to know what the hell is going on, but the complex family drama that is woven throughout. A family moves into an abandoned mansion planning to remodel and then flip it, but things don’t go as planned. I love thrillers, so this was right up my alley. If this type of genre freaks you out, don’t watch.  I don’t want to be responsible for treadmill injuries.

Wanderlust

Starring Toni Collette (I love her) as a therapist (again notice the pattern in my watch list, hmm) trying to find ways to keep the spark with her husband. They embark on non-traditional ways (again, not spoiling it), but it gets twisted and complicated and naughty. I’m looking forward to cardio-binging season two when it comes out.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

This is not on Netflix but on Amazon Prime. If you haven’t heard about this show then you must be living under a rock, or must not know me personally. I’ve recommended it more than any other show in my life. I’ve watched seasons one and two twice, and am considering watching it a third time. I could have cardio watched this show for hours but my legs gave up. It’s set in the ’50s where Midge has a perfect life (again) until something happens in her life (again, not spoiling it) and she discovers she has a hidden talent for standup comedy. It’s hilarious and brilliant and beautiful to watch and I just can’t say enough. Watch it.

Vanity Fair

Also on Amazon Prime, this is period drama with a modern flair. This follows Becky, a ruthless social climber as she tries to claw her way out of her poor roots and into English high society. It’s set in the era of the Napoleonic Wars, but with modern music a la Moulin Rouge (although not at that scale). It’s just a fun treadmill watch.

Studio 54

My latest cardio binge watching. A documentary of the legendary Studio 54 which has always held a strange fascination for me. Probably due to the disco music, which you can hear throughout the documentary and fueled my workout. I’ve only glided to it for 35 minutes so far, but it’s definitely a must watch.

So those are my pics for Netflix/Amazon Prime Video cardio binging. These are the ones I have already seen and can recommend.

How have streaming services like Netflix changed your cardio? Any show recommendations you’d like to share? I need more cardio now that I’m in the no carb, no sugar mode.

xoxo