So you've done your research on the fastest way to lose weight (because of course you want the weight off ASAP), you've started a new eating plan and you are doing great with your diet. Now you just need to add a cardio workout to your routine, but the only piece of home equipment you have room for in your home is that tedious and infamous treadmill, and you hate it! It's just so boring even with a radio or TV.

Does this scenario sound familiar? Don't worry, you are definitely not alone. Many others have been in yours shoes (including me) and have gone through the same thing, just needing some cardio to complete a daily workout, but finding running or even walking on the treadmill just insanely boring almost to the point of being intolerable.

So what can you do for your workout that doesn't seem like torture? Here are a few ideas:

One thing that may help is to break up your routine into 15-minute sessions. Run or walk for 15 minutes, then get off and do some crunches or stretching, then back on the treadmill for another 15-minute session. You can also try listening to an audio book instead of the radio or TV. I actually use this and it really helps the time to fly by. Still seems like torture but not quite as bad and doesn't seem to last as long. Download an unabridged book to your iPod and you'll have 12 to 15 hours or so of company for your workout. Alternatively, you can read a book while walking. Some treadmills come with a place to set your book and hold it in place, but otherwise you can just rig it up yourself. I've used this method before but it's just easier nowadays to download the book and listen to it. But here is a tip to hold the book open if you go with that method - just use a big hair clip.

For some people, you just need a different workout entirely. If you have a local YMCA you can head over there for a workout every other day or so and add some variation to your routine with the many machines they have. It should also help to have some company. Bring a friend if you can, as that really helps the time go by faster.

Swimming is another way you can get in your cardio. If you don't have a pool, the YMCA has this available as well.

Biking is another great alternative. But I recommend the real thing, and not the stationary bikes because I find those just as boring if not worse than the treadmills. If you have some bike trails around where you live, a bike is a great investment in your quest on how to lose weight quick because it will really burn through the calories fast. If you happen to live in an area where there are a lot of hills, that's even better. If you do think you would like the stationary bike, you can buy a device that allows your regular bike to be used in the house. I actually would prefer this rather than use those exercise bikes that have your arms going back and forth which makes no sense to me. Who rides a bike like that?

There are a number of video games out now to help you lose weight, and those are really great for cardio. There is Dance Revolution, and Wii has a new fitness "game," and there are many others available so it should be no problem to find one that will grab your interest.

Dancing is another great way to get your daily workout in and lose weight. If you are into country music, try some line dancing. Most cities have at least one country bar with a dance floor that has line dancing lessons on certain nights of the week. It's great exercise, lots of fun, and a super way to shed some pounds fast. If country is not your thing, take some ballroom dancing lessons. With all the dance programs on TV lately this has become very popular so you should be able to easily find a place to take some lessons. Great fun.