How can I make tracks louder on my ipod?

Recently bought a new IPOD nano and the loudest volume setting it has does not seem that loud. Have done all the standard things in itunes like "Get Info" and "+100" in the volume settings. What am I doing wrong? I can still hear people talking at the gym, even though I have noise cancelling earphones (high quality) Also I have gone in to EQ presets on the pod and changed it to "loudness" and to "none" but still no effect? any suggestions greatly recieved.