[header] How to be more productive at the gym [title] Turn off notifications. [step] Any text or email you get while you're working out can wait a half hour or so until you're done. Barring an actual emergency, there's no need for you to constantly check your messages while you're exercising. 
[substeps] Notifications are a distraction that can cause you to lose focus. Starting and stopping your routine every few minutes to actually respond can destroy the effectiveness of your workout.