Boredom is one of the main killers of exercise programs. If you feel your treadmill workouts are becoming boring, mix it up a bit. There are a lot of things you can do to make your treadmill workouts interesting and enjoyable. Here are a few ideas:

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. One way to keep your mind from growing bored during treadmills workouts is to try mental challenges. Pyramid walking is when you try to increase your walking speed by .1 mph every minute for 15 minutes. Then, decrease your walking speed by .1 mph every minute for the last 15 minutes.

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. To give your body an aerobic and strength training workout, walk for five minutes. Then, get off of your machine and do lunges, push-ups, crunches or work with weights for one minute. Repeat this process throughout your workout.

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.

Step and Walk. Take turns walking on your treadmill and using a stepper. The number of minutes you allot to each is individual based upon your fitness level.

Walk To a Destination. Many people love finding out how many miles it is to a favorite destination or relatives home and seeing how long it takes them to walk there on their treadmills. Chart your results and see how far it takes you to walk where you want to go.

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.

This is just a small snippet of the things that you can do to bring fun back into your treadmill workouts. Find out what works for you and don't be afraid to change it up. Chasing away boredom is crucial to keeping your exercise program going long term.