Pay Attention

How many times did your parents say, "Pay attention to what you're doing?" I don't know about you, but my mom said that all the time.

That's also good advice to follow when you're strength training. Over the years, I can't count the number of times I've seen people mindlessly going through their routine while they daydreamed, replayed a conversation or argument in their head, thought about work, chatted with fellow exercisers, etc.

For maximum benefit you need to concentrate on what you're doing. You need to make sure you're using a weight that's challenging. If you're pumping out rep after rep while you converse with friends, you're not getting the most from your time.

Stop thinking about what you'll have for dinner or what chores you need to do. Focus. It's important to perform each exercise using proper form. Work through a full range of motion and squeeze the muscle you're working.

Make the decision to stay focused during exercise sessions. You'll get a better workout and faster results.