What motivates you during a workout? When you’re about to get under a bar stacked with 45s that can staple you to the ground at any second, what do you think of?

Everyone has their own motivational triggers. Here are some powerful strategies to fire you up before a big lift.

Go Animal Mode

I’m not a fan of house cats—actually, I’m allergic to them—but I admire big cats, especially lions. A male lion in his prime is the ultimate representation of strength, power, and aggression.

When I walk toward the power rack, I see the lionesses move aside. I get under the bar, lock eyes with the buffalo, and then we go to war!

Nine times out of ten, the pride gets fed, but sometimes that damn buffalo gores me. I always get him next time, though!

Use Personal Threats as Fuel

I picture someone holding a gun to my head—or worse, to the head of someone I love—and suddenly, I find the strength to push out those extra reps.

After the set, I imagine myself taking that guy down!

Classic Movie Scenes for Maximum Adrenaline

Some legendary movie scenes can instantly put you in beast mode:

• The Rocky IV montage – Watch it here
• The scene from Immortals where Theseus charges full speed at the enemy – Watch it here
• The first fight scene in Troy – A must-watch before a heavy lift here
• Pretty much the entire 300 movie – Get hyped with this clip here

Visualize Growth and Strength

Arnold Schwarzenegger saw his biceps as mountains and pictured himself lifting tremendous amounts of weight with those “superhuman masses of muscle!”

Of course, you can simply command your biceps to grow as YouTube sensation CT Fletcher does here.

Pull the Trigger, Hit the Target

Everyone has their own trigger. What fires your “guns” when you’re battling weights?

• Is it Pumping Iron?
• Any of Ronnie Coleman’s legendary videos?
• Maybe you’re Driven Beyond Strength with Joe DeFranco – Watch it here
• Do you picture an upcoming event or someone special you want to impress?

Whatever does the job, find your trigger, pull it at the right time, and have a great workout!