Get fired up: to get motivated in the 30 minutes before you go to the gym, try one of these tips - Extra Training - Brief Article

* Walk to the gym if you live close by. "You're doing your warm-up on the way and are ready to go when you get there," says Dale Wagner, PhD, CSCS, department chair and assistant professor of exercise and sports science at Vanguard University of Southern California (Costa Mesa).

* Watch a thrilling event. Pull out a videotape that really inspires you. "Seeing an inspirational performance might be the extra motivation you need if you're struggling with a case of couch potatoism. For example, after watching Lance Armstrong's incredible ride in the Tour de France on TV, how could anyone still be sitting on the couch?" Wagner asks.

* Focus intensely on your goals and workout plans. "Always try to focus on what kind of exercises you're going to do when you get into the gym. If you already have a plan when you get in, you don't need to waste any time by thinking what, when and where to find the equipment. You should know your set-and-rep ranges and stay focused throughout the whole workout," suggests IFBB fitness competitor Lena Johannesen.

* Get pumped with your favorite tunes. If you usually drive to the gym, use that time to listen to some music that really gets you ready to work out. Crank up the volume and sing along -- nobody can hear you. Get movin'!

* Remember why you're going. "If you don't want to go, remember how good you feel when you leave," says IFBB fitness competitor Jenny Hendershott.

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