NDRI.com

The Mental Influence of Music At The Gym

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.

You may also be interested in . . .