Go ahead: Talk yourself up, say professional trainer and researchers. In a test of vertical-leaping ability, people who said “bend and drive” out loud jumped higher than when they didn’t give themselves an instructional talk. The researchers say verbalizing the action may influence your brain’s cerebral cortex to activate more muscle fibers. As for those muscles, do box jumps: Squat, jump onto an 18- to 24-inch box, and then step down. Complete 3 sets of 5 reps, resting 3 minutes between sets.

A fullstomach could improve your appearance. Eating before you train speeds muscle growth, according to professional trainer and researchers. But the secret to more growth is consuming the right combination of nutrients to boost protein synthesis after a workout. Participants ate a 570-calorie meal consisting of 52 percent carbs, 34 percent protein, and 14 percent fat an hour before exercising.