There’s nothing like having your favorite ‘get-pumped-up’ music in your ears while you
run or lift weights.
But when you don’t have the right headphones for your workout, you can become distracted
and find yourself dealing with the headphones instead of focusing on your workout.
Choosing the best headphones for your workout will be mostly determined by how you exercise,
and what you plan on doing.
Some things you should ask yourself include:
● Will I be outside?
● Do I need waterproofing?
● How long will I be wearing the headphones?
● Does my device have Bluetooth?
Once you have determined what you’ll be doing, you can make a better decision
for your needs.
Thousands upon thousands of headphones are available, yet they’re not all created equal.
But what makes a pair of headphones great for taking along on your workout?
● Durability
● Sweat resistance
● Comfort
● Noise isolation
● Perfect fit
● Great sound
● Long lasting battery – if they are wireless
They Must Stay in Place
Fussing with your headphones while you work out is something we’ve all experienced.
Not only is it extremely annoying to keep adjusting the ear buds or the cords, but it
takes away from the workout itself.
When you’re working out, lighter headphones typically work best.
Memory wires and ear hooks are among a few designs that allow for less adjusting
throughout the movements of a workout.
Not to mention, having a comfortable and stable fit will keep your ears from having
discomfort after long periods of use.
Resistance to Moisture and Sweat
You’re working out to work up a sweat.
Sport headphones are designed to be moisture and sweat resistant so they can last as
long as you do through your sweaty work out.
Or if you’re taking a jog outside and rain suddenly hits, you don’t need to worry about
your headphones getting ruined.
Durability
When you’re exercising, you’re creating fast movements and this increases the chance of you
hitting your headphones.
The best headphones for the gym will be able to take a few hits without seeing any damages.
One alternative to durability is purchasing cheap headphones you won’t feel guilty about taking
some damage.
Just be sure they’re at least comfortable so you don’t damage your ears!
Noise Isolating
These are great for when you’re in the gym.
They can block out the conversations, sounds, and equipment around you, and allow you to fully
focus on your music and your workout.
Noise cancellation headphones are also beneficial because they prevent you from having to turn up
the volume to block out the environment around you.
According to healthyhearing.com, a maximum of 60% of volume should be used to prevent damage
to your hearing.
If you use noise isolating headphones, you will not need to keep your music so loud.
For those who like running in the park, or move their workout outside, be careful when using noise
canceling headphones.
They can block out sounds such as a person or vehicle approaching which can potentially become
dangerous.
Battery Life (If they are wireless)
If you’re using wireless headphones, the battery life should at least make it through one workout-
if not two or three.
If wireless is your thing, search for a pair of headphones that will have a minimum of 4-5 hours
worth of charge.
Quality of Sound
Just because you’re preoccupied with your workout does not mean you have to have bad sound!
The sound of headphones differs from model to model and the different specifications of each
can be good for one person and bad for the next.
It just depends on what you’re looking for.
Deep bass?
Clear and crisp?
No matter which way you like to hear your tunes, make sure the headphones you choose can deliver.
Checking reviews before you buy or testing them out in the shop are the best ways to find out how
they will perform sound wise.
Overear Headphones vs. Earbuds
There are pros and cons between both types of these headphones.
Depending on what your needs are and what specifications the headphones will provide, you can
help determine which style is best for you.
Overear Headphones
It’s basically common sense that bulky overear headphones will not work for the gym.
This is due to the size and weight keeping them from staying put on your head.
They tend to, however, be more comfortable and are actually better for your ears than earbuds.
If you’re doing a slow, controlled movements workout or long stretching session, overear head-
phones are perfect.
Earbuds
A pair of earbud headphones are usually the go-to choice for active people.
They’re small, easy to carry, and will typically stay put throughout the workout.
One thing you should be careful of is how the earbuds can affect your hearing.
When you use earbuds, they directly place the sound into your ear canal putting you at risk
for hearing loss.
According to centerpointaudio.com, sounds above 85 decibels can begin to harm your hearing.
Many times, people will turn up the volume of their headphones to block out sounds or try to
achieve better sound.
When you do this for long periods of time you are at greater risk of hearing loss.
Even though earbuds are comfy and will stay in place, just be aware of how loud you turn up
your music.
If external noise is an issue, definitely invest in a pair of noise cancelling headphones.
“To make the right choice of headphones
for your workout style make sure you
keep your ears comfortable, and your
hearing protected no matter which
headphones you end up choosing.”
At the end of the day, you need to make the right choice of headphones for your workout style.
Make sure you keep your ears comfortable, and your hearing protected no matter which head-
phones you end up choosing.
About the Author:
Nick is the Editor of Headphone Selection which helps you choose the best headphones. He is music obsessed and loves hiking.
What are you looking for in your headphones when you work out?
Comment below with your thoughts and what type of headphones you use!
I just had to pop by and check out your post. My cat gnawed my beats the other day, ahh! Great post & info! Found you from Ilka’s Blog. Hope you’re having a great weekend!
I just want them to stay in my ears!
Actually, also I want to hear some ambient noise and for the cord not to be annoying. Maybe I’m high maintenance? My current running earbuds are on the way out and are driving me nuts.
I agree, that is one of my most important considerations too!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Kat. I appreciate it.
For me it’s always been hard to find good headphones for running. I have the ones that fit over your ear, in an oval shape, but they look so goofy. But nothing else works well for me. I certainly don’t use them in the gym, but then again some people wear some strange stuff when they workout in public so I’d probably be safe…
Hi Kris,
I am so glad you shared your preferences with us. I still use in ear headphones most of the time, but slippage is a problem sometimes. I may invest in over the ear headphones soon.
This is some great information, and I appreciate your point that earbuds tend to be better for physical activity. I’m going to be starting to work out in the morning, and I want a good way to listen to music while I do so. I’ll definitely look into getting some good earbuds so they don’t get in the way while I’m exercising. Thanks for the great post!