by Andy Chasse

Created on: June 04, 2009

Believe it or not, working out is serious business. Okay, so I'm a little biased being a personal trainer and competitive powerlifter - but let's not dwell on that. Serious business or not, pumping iron is a very productive activity performed by millions of people on a daily basis, regardless of location or class. I use the phrase "very productive" because the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. However, exercise is only as productive as the man or woman behind it.

I swear I'm not trying to take a dig at your productivity, but be honest with me for just a second. You can't deny that it may be occasionally difficult to retain your motivation as it pertains to exercise. Luckily, you're not the only one who deals with this lack of motivation. A vast majority of folks who involve themselves in the gym experience this. Exercise features constant ups and downs; it is often a rather bumpy journey. This rotation of good and bad has the potential to instill a great sense of accomplishment one day, and then come right back and tear down your newfound confidence the next.

I know, I know. I'm preaching to the choir, right? Let's skip the trash and move right to the sweets. Fortunately for you, I'm in a good mood today and I'm feeling rather giving. I'm sure you will find a way to make use of these five tips that will surely enhance your gym productivity!

1) Keep a training journal. Oh my, where to even start. I can't even begin to stress the importance of a well-kept training journal. And I'm not talking simply a log of your workouts. Its function is even deeper than that. A solid training journal will contain not only the logs of your gym time, but your thoughts about said gym time. These thoughts may become invaluable in the future when you are looking to move on to another program. In addition, the training journal will allow you to look back upon the greatest workouts of your past. Consider this instant motivation.

2) Set attainable goals. Use small increments to create baby goals, middle of the road goals, and big kahuna goals to ensure constant achievement. These goals may encompass every aspect your exercise regime. Be sure to use variety and always set a time frame. Last but not least - track them. This brings us right back to the benefits of a training journal!

3) Advance your knowledge. Read, read, read, and listen. Each increase in training knowledge will serve to further your confidence in your gym activity. I threw the "listen" in there for those who don't appreciate a well-written fitness article. Open your eyes and ears, close your mouth.

4) Communicate with your fellow gym rats. Even if you're of the "gym is serious business" mindset, talk to others around you. It's not going to hurt anyone. Besides, what else are you going to do in that dull downtime between sets? Make use of it by making a little small talk with the person at the adjacent station. You just might learn a thing or two.

5) Find a training partner. This may just be the most important piece of information I give away today. For those of you who prefer the solo route, more power to you. You're missing out, though. A good training partner will push you beyond your limits and motivate you beyond your own capability. Aside from this aspect, you gain a confidant, so to speak, in the workout world; someone to bounce ideas at and someone who will give you an honest gym rat opinion.

It's impossible to fail with the careful implementation of these simple, yet powerful, tricks of the trade. Use them well and your motivation will be through the roof in a matter of days. Godspeed, soldier.

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