When I’m at the gym, I’m usually in my own world.. a world without the noise and distractions you sometimes come across at the gym. I can't hear the grunts, shouts, the talking and the music they play at the gym. What I hear, is my choice of songs on my MP3 player. Here’s what I’ve been listening to for the past few months.. I’ve categorised them by the feelings/moods/emotions they provoke within me, and what I primarily use them for.

As weird as you may think I am, the music that I listen to plays a big role in my workouts. They help me focus, and channel my thoughts and energy into determination and strength. Now that’s something simply amazing.

Feeling Good - Pre-workout

I ALWAYS listen to this one as I walk from the locker room down to the gym, looking around, mentally preparing myself for what lies ahead.

Don Henley - Boys of Summer

Psyching me up (Arouses Anger)

Used during weight training, especially when I know I’m at my last set, or want to push myself to new limits and give 101%. These songs motivate me in a negative way, but helps as long as I can channel my anger into my workout.

Clint Mansell - Summer Overture
Right Now - Fort Minor
Remember the Name - Fort Minor
Prodigy - Smack my bitch up
OST.Daredevil - The Man Without Fear-Drowning
OST.Daredevil - Simple Lies-Endo
Ice cube & Paul Oakenfold - Right Here Right Now
Linkin Park - One Step Closer
Linkin Park - Somewhere I Belong
Linkin Park - In the End

Psyching me up (in a feel good kinda way)

Used during weight training, these just psyche me up and put me in the mood to lift and be the best I can be. These don’t arouse anger, but motivates in a positive way.

Aaliyah - Try Again
Britney Spears – Toxic
The Rasmus - First day of my life
The Rasmus - In The Shadows
The Rasmus – Guilty
Linkin Park - Breaking the Habit
Real Mccoy - Another Night
Daddy Yankee Feat. Pitbull - Gasolina
Lil Jon, Pitbull - Culo
U2 – Vertigo
Velvet Revolver - Dirty Little Thing
Velvet Revolver - Big Machine
Velvet Revolver - Set Me Free
Velvet Revolver - Slither

Don't Give Up Just Yet

Sometimes used during weight training, and also during cardio. These songs put my mind in a state where I feel that I MUST persevere, and not give up. Helps a lot especially during cardio, when you’re tired and think you just cant run anymore.

Jay-Z & Linkin Park - Numb/Encore
Survivor - Burning Heart
Kenny Loggins - Top Gun - Danger Zone
Bonnie Tyler- Holding Out For A Hero
Survivor - Eye of the Tiger

Feeling Good

These are songs that just put me in a general good mood, and they help me while I’m working on my cardio. They help me visualise possessing a better physique and increased confidence level. These don’t work for me if I were lifting weights.

Believe Me - Fort Minor
Beyonce - Baby Boy
Usher – Yeah
Britney spears - Pepsi World Cup
Kevin Lyttle f. Alison Hinds - Turn Me On
Sean Paul - We Be Burnin
Black Eyed Peas - Pump It
Jennifer Lopez - Let's Get Loud

Cooldown

This one works every time to help me unwind after a workout

Robbie Williams – Feel

So, there you go. This is my world when I’m at the gym. So don’t be mad the next time you see someone who is too into his music that he refuses to even smile at you. It’s nothing personal.. its just that you’re not in the same 'realm' as they are in.

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"The Mental Influence Of Music At The Gym"   User Opinions

Sean :   Nice choice of songs, 'let the bodies hit the floor' by drowning pool is great for pushing your 1 rep max on the bench

thegryffin :   depending on my mood music is either a distraction or a definite booster. Live for this by Hate Breed is one of my psyche up songs at the moment. A nice little agressive number...

Sarah :   i ahve to go to the gym and listen to music otherwise i get bored, i enjoy working out to music as it keeps my concentration going. yeh thanks i just downlaoded some of the songs you recommended too. i find that listening to artists like kanye west, sean paul, rihanna etc help me when i'm running or cycling too.

BJ :   I know exactly what you mean. There are times when I will completely refuse to lift without music. I've even seen my maxes go up by nearly 10 lbs. when listening to heavier music. Music definately plays a major role in workouts.

*** :   I agree - I am the same exact way.. when I am in that "zone" I not only get a better work out, but I allow myself to enjoy the entire experience in itself and look forward to my next work out session. Thankyou, I used some of your songs!

richard :   its controversial , i think

Ziaul :   Exercise makes you fit! nice info.

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