This post was originally published as part of a guest series on Glowing Co.

Maybe you’re embarking on a new workout journey. Or maybe you’ve been at this for a while: pounding the proverbial (sweat-drenched) pavement but in need of a kickstart that will get you excited about your tried-and-true routine. For either scenario, I have a piece of advice to push you outside of your comfort zone: during your next group workout, stand in the front row and be the star student of that class.

Why? Because your workout will be better, your confidence will be contagious and your effort will be inspiring.

A big element of group fitness – whether you’re working out in a small, semi-private setting or a larger group class – is owning your workout and taking control of how hard you work and how far you push yourself. When you make the decision to stand in the front row, you heighten your accountability – to yourself, to your instructor and maybe most importantly to your sweat-mates. You show up for your workout in the biggest way, and you’ll reap the benefits. Here’s how:

1. You’ll get the most out of your workout.
Guess what happens when all eyes are on you? No cheating. Fewer skipped reps and water breaks. This all adds up and results in more calories burned, more purposeful movement and – voilà – a better workout than you would’ve gotten had you been hiding in the back.

2. The teacher’s pet gets the (best) abs.
You have no idea how grateful your instructor is for your front-row superstar energy. It’s contagious and sets the energy for the whole class — so what’s in it for you? Your instructor will likely return the favor with attention galore. Don’t shy away from this; tailored cues, corrections and modifications will take your workout to the next level. And remember, the better your instructor gets to know you, the better she’ll know your strengths and weaknesses – making her uniquely qualified to call bullshit and push you during a weak moment and give you a fist bump when you’re nailing it.

3. You’ll be 100 percent engaged and present.
When you’re in the front row, you have the pleasure of staring yourself down during your workout. Sounds intimidating enough to send you running to the back corner, I know. But if you seize this as an advantage, you’ll look yourself in the eye and stay present in your intention for your class (why did you come? why are you going to push yourself through the toughest, grittiest moments of class?). You’ll watch your movement, perfect your form and boost your confidence (because, yea, you look good). Even if you’re working out in a classroom without mirrors, you’re part of the starting line up. You’re an example for your classmates, and knowing all eyes are on you will keep you focused, engaged and present for every minute.

4. “Fake it til you make it” works.
Really. Sometimes I tell tribers in class to choose an athlete they love and channel them. Think about that person and ask yourself: what would their posture be? how would they perform this exercise? what would their attitude be? It will give you a visual that inspires you and that your body can imitate. The more you strive for that perfect form or perfect movement, the closer it will get to perfection, every time.

5. You’ll be more likely to come back and stick to your routine.
You’ll establish a presence, your instructor and fitness buddies will expect you to show up… and you will. I realize that this sounds mildly ego-centric, but let’s run with it because (1) you. are. a. star. and (2) it’s an underrated but incredibly effective accountability factor. When you become confident in your workouts, you begin to own them and identify as someone who’s into fitness. Your instructor and your classmates will view you this way, and most importantly, you’ll begin to think of yourself this way. It’s a gift that keeps on giving because this feeling of confidence, familiarity and recognition will keep you coming back for more.

Before I made the fitness industry my industry, I was a fitness enthusiast. And when I started standing in the front row of my frequented classes, everything I’ve outlined here happened and transformed my relationship with working out. Fast forward to today: I’d like to think the love affair is still going strong.