The other day, my Monday evening Ripped class had an unusual addition: A camera man. They were filming a segment for a special on TV, and wanted to capture some of the action from our class. And with the cameras rolling, I had one of the best workouts of my life. Why? I was showing off, of course. Studies show that when you know people are watching you work out, you work out harder.

While it's important to know your own limits, no one wants to be seen as that person who takes too many breaks or who doesn't lift as much as the rest of the class -- especially when you're potentially on TV. But even when the cameras aren't rolling, I find myself working out harder when I'm in the front of the class near the instructor and hard-core regulars because I know people will notice if I put my weight down.

So next time you work out, make yourself visible, or, if you work out alone, pretend someone is watching you. And show off! Give it your all and show people what you can do.