We made a decision to clear the deck.

Coats, towels, boxes, the cat. All of it. Tonight.

Friction is the real enemy. If getting on the treadmill means first moving two coats, a laundry basket and a box of holiday decorations, you have built a small obstacle course in front of your own good intentions. On a tired evening, the obstacle course wins.

Clear it completely, tonight, while you're motivated. Find a new home for everything on it, plug it in, and make sure the safety key is actually in the machine and not in a junk drawer.

Then keep it clear. Make a house rule: nothing gets set down on the belt, ever. A clear treadmill is an invitation; a cluttered one is a reminder of the last time you quit.

Do this today

Take everything off the treadmill, plug it in, find the safety key and turn it on for ten seconds just to hear it run.

Last reviewed October 30, 2026 · Sources · General information, not medical advice.