B.F. Skinner's work demonstrates that our actions are shaped by rewards and punishments. This insight underscores the importance of mental discipline in achieving physical goals. A strong mind drives disciplined behaviours essential for a strong body.

John Bargh's research on subconscious priming reveals how our thoughts and mental state can inadvertently impact our physical actions. This highlights the need for a resilient and focused mind to steer our physical efforts to something positive and rewarding

Albert Bandura's famous “Bobo Doll” experiment underlines the importance of environmental influence. Extrapolating his study to fitness, we can understand it as follows; surrounding yourself in an environment where self improvement is the focus and individuals help one and other, you are more prone to repeat the behaviours you observe

A much older psychological study yet the findings are still applicable to the present day.

His study was conducted with a dog to show how emotional states can be conditioned and how emotional responses can be altered. He conditioned the dog to respond differently to previously known stimuli, thus altering the dogs response and mental state

Applying this to fitness, it can be understood as changing your body's response to intensity. If you forge your mind, you will respond differently to stimuli compared to how you would prior. Instead of fearing the pressure, you excel in the pressure.