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Growing bored with an exercise routine is one of the top reasons that many people slack, or quit, exercising. If you are growing bored walking on your treadmill, there are many things you can do to make treadmill workouts more interesting. Here are some ideas that can keep your treadmill workouts fun and interesting:

Movies, Music, CDs and TV. Use your treadmill workouts as a time when you catch up on your favorite TV programs, the newest movie releases, audio books and motivational CDs. If you have music in your bones, workout to your favorite music and your workout times will go by fast. Don’t be afraid to sing along and entertain the kids and pets. They’ll get a kick out of it!

Pyramid Walking. Increase your walking pace by .1 mph every minute for 15 minutes. Then, slow your walking pace by .1 mph every minute for 15 minutes. This is an awesome mental and physical challenge.

Walking for Dancers. If you have good coordination and love to dance, you can use your treadmill workouts as a time to increase your balance and strength. All you have to do is walk backwards at an even pace for a portion of your treadmill workouts.

Count the Numbers. If you are a number junkie, count your steps every other minute. See how your steps change and increase as you move from one fitness level to another.

Circuit Training. Many people find that circuit training is a great addition to treadmill workouts. Start out by walking for five minutes. Then, step off your machine and do crunches, push ups, lunges or free weights for one minute. Then, get back on your treadmill and repeat until your workout is completed.

Stretching. Stretching exercises are also a great addition to treadmill workouts. Stretching is a favorite for many people because it feels good! After you successfully complete ten minutes of treadmill walking, get off your machine and treat yourself to five minutes of stretching exercises.

Climb and Walk. Someone who wants to take it to the next level can put a stepper next to their treadmill and take turns stepping for five minutes and walking for five minutes.

Walk Around the World. If there is a place you have always wanted to vacation or live, why not see how long it would take you to walk there? You can chart your progress on a map. This is a very fun challenge for many people.

Heart Rate Training. Heart rate training is quick and intense. It is favored by many who are looking to bring variety into their workouts while keeping their fitness goals moving to the next level. Heart rate training involves monitoring your heart rate for the duration of your workout and moving in and out of different heart rate zones for two or three minute intervals.

Did any of these suggestions interest you? If they did, try them during your treadmill workouts, or make up a few of your own routines. The most important thing is that you bring the interest and fun back to your treadmill workouts so that bad guy, boredom, knows he isn’t welcome.

Filed under: Health & Fitness