When Im at the gym, Im 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. Heres what Ive been listening to for the past few months.. Ive 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 thats 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 Im 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 dont 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 youre 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 Im working on my cardio. They help me visualise possessing a better physique and increased confidence level. These dont 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 Im at the gym. So dont be mad the next time you see someone who is too into his music that he refuses to even smile at you. Its nothing personal.. its just that youre not in the same 'realm' as they are in.