There's more to a great fitness regimen than a positive attitude and a good pair of sneakers. Jim White, a registered dietitian, personal trainer and spokesman for the American Dietetic Association, offered these tips on maximizing your workout:

• Keep yourself well-hydrated. "Being dehydrated can drop levels of strength and aerobic capacity," White said. Drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day including about 16 ounces an hour before you exercise, four-to-eight ounces every 15 minutes during exercise and another 16 ounces an hour after you finish working out.
• Incorporate a 5-to-10 minute warm-up and light stretching before you start working out. "It could just be going on a bike or a treadmill," White said. "It warms up the muscles and gets your mind ready for exercising." And don't forget to stretch after you exercise.
• Get going with some music. "Studies show this leads to a workout that increases muscular strength and endurance," White said.
• Work out with a friend and partner. "This can be a good distraction and motivating," White said. "If you want to increase your workout intensity, find someone who's a little bit fitter than you are."
• Make sure you're getting enough sleep. "That's going to make sure your focus is there," White said.
• Time your workout to suit your schedule. "Some people love to jump start their day," White said. "I work out every single night. It's a matter of preference."
• Set workout goals and write them down at the beginning of each week. You'll be more likely to stick to them.
• Some experts recommend doing weight training first, followed by cardio. But, White said, "the biggest thing is just to do it."