Just before you go work out, if you have a chance, listen to music that gets you worked up. This puts your mind into a state of excitation, preparing your nervous system for the work ahead.

• The same kind of music is good to listen to during a workout, though some people prefer silence so they can concentrate completely.
• Music has been shown to decrease pain sensitivity during exercise.
• If the gym only plays radio stations that aren't to your taste, you can always try wearing a Walkman when you work out, though they can sometimes interfere with training depending on the exercises. Get one that is sweat-proof.
• If you can't stand the music at the gym and don't want to wear headphones, try channeling that aggression into your workout.

If you miss a workout, don’t focus on it as a negative. Take it as a day of rest and come back harder on the next one.

Here are some strategies for ignoring people who try to talk to you while you are training. You won't make any friends with these technique but you will be able to concentrate on your workout.

• Wear a Walkman.
• Wear sunglasses (this eliminates eye contact but can look out of place indoors).
• Wear a watch that beeps at the end of your rest period (this will let people know that it is time for you to work out now).
• Tell them you can’t talk right now.
• Stare at the floor/don't make eye contact with others.
• Keep your body language out of relaxation/approach-me mode (sitting back and looking around at people).