Stay Motivated to Build More Muscle - 7 Tips to Successful Workouts

Anyone engaged in a muscle or body building program have probably come across times where you get in a slump losing your focus and determination. It’s like you get off track and you just can’t seem to get back on again. Having just come out of a cough and cold that ravaged my system, I was faced with this kind of a slump and it does not feel good. Luckily, I got an e-mail from Vince Del Monte, whose body building program I use, on just this topic. He suggests the following tips to keep you motivated to either get you to the gym or to get the most out of the time you do spend there.nn1. Find a partner to workout with. If you can find a partner who you think you may be able to work with you can use each other to motivate and inspire yourselves to work harder and more consistently. Be sure to make your objectives clear before beginning this partnership. You are not there to talk about the state of the economy etc. but to keep you working toward your limit and beyond. Save the conversation for a later time and use your partner to get feedback on technique and encouragement to work to your maximum potentialnn2. Use your Ipod if you have one. Or, if not, invest in one if at all possible. Download some new music that will help keep you dancing from one move to the next. Good upbeat music is perfect for keeping you excited about your workout giving you a rhythm and flow to take you to the end. This is also a powerful tool for keeping you focused by blocking the distraction of background noise and the possible interference of other members.nn3. Eat the right pre-workout foods. Vince suggests 2:1 ratio of carbs to protein about 90 minutes before your workout. Some healthy combinations are eggs and oatmeal or pasta and tuna or cottage cheese and fruit. Fueling your body with the proper nutrition for an energetic workout is essential. So before you go to the gym be sure to eat a healthy energy-boosting meal and you will be ready to push yourself to reach new heights in your muscle building career.nn4. Bring your weight lifting program with you to the gym. Having the printed program will ensure that you know exactly which exercises to do with the right number of reps, sets and weights. It’s also a good idea to review the program before you get to the gym. This allows you to flow from one exercise to the next making the best use of your time which definitely improves your focus and motivation. So don’t depend on that good memory, plan ahead for a successful workout every time.nn5. Continually review your goals. Reminding yourself about why you want to strengthen your body can help keep you moving in the right direction. You’ll find yourself working harder if you can be specific about what it is you want to accomplish. So rather than a vague “be healthy” as a goal, how about looking buff for your upcoming vacation or wedding or competition. Seeing results sooner than later through training harder will keep you more focused on achieving your goals.nn6. Use a stop watch. As Vince says, "keep your workouts honest". Know what your recommended rest periods are and stick to them to maximize your muscle gain as well as to keep your momentum and focus. You are also less likely to get distracted by others which can disrupt your rhythm.nn7. Drink some coffee or an espresso. Vince says he has some of his best workouts when he has a good strong cup of coffee about one hour before going to the gym. I love the brew myself so this works for me but I’m not sure I would begin this habit just for strength training. For us coffee drinkers that caffeine will increase your heart rate, tighten your muscles and release glucose into the bloodstream for extra energy. Try using any or all of these tips to stay focused and motivated. As always, find out what works best for you and stick with it. Soon all the rewards of your weight lifting program will begin to show with a trim, toned body that you will be proud of.