Benefits of Running With Music
Running without music is peaceful and stress-relieving. You appreciate the scenery and surroundings and time just fly by. You’re able to concentrate and center yourself. It’s a special state of mind.
But having music can also be an enriching experience where you can train and feel much better than ever before. Music can add a lot of fun to your run or even make it more challenging.
Here are some of the proven benefits of running with music:
Music can make you run longer
When you’re running with music, you tend to go a bit slower than your usual pace, which can sometimes even be effortless. Although you’re still challenging yourself, exercising with music actually makes it easier for you to run longer.
It Loosens up Your Body
Your movements are less mechanical and you’re more likely to have fun when you have music as your running companion. It also helps you to forget about pains or soreness.
Music Can Make You Run Further
Music motivates you to run further and get an 'extra kick' from the guaranteed adrenaline rush that comes from running and enjoying upbeat tunes. This may give you a much needed push to continue with your workout.
Improves Your Mood
Listening to music keeps you motivated during exercise, making the time go faster and improving overall enjoyment of running. It’s hard to get bored while listening to music because you can shorten or lengthen the songs without having to count your steps or minutes. This makes treadmill running more fun and enjoyable.
This in turn, will help you increase the number of times you go the gym.
While the motivation is great, music can also improve your mood and reduce stress, enabling a more productive work or school day.
How can you listen to music and run?
There are two main ways of doing it. The first way is to buy and wear wireless earbuds to listen to music while jogging. This is the more expensive, but higher quality option because you don’t have to worry about wires getting tangled in your legs while you run.
The second, more affordable way is to buy a good running belt and place your phone in it. The running belt should be adjustable because it will be positioned different places on different people. If your phone has a great audio jack, then you should be able to plug it into the audio input on a wireless earbud.
Distracts You From Discomfort During Your Run
Running is a tough sport.
Whether you find it hard to squeeze in your run during the morning rush hour or at night, it’s always easier to tackle the tough terrain, especially if you have your favorite song with you. Even if it’s not a favorite, you’ll notice less discomfort when you’re jamming out.
Improves Running Performance
Motivation is a big issue for a lot of runners. Having your music can help you overcome many mental barriers. In addition, listening to music provides a competitive edge for many athletes.
Running sounds can distract you from focusing on your breathing process.
Music can help you maintain a solid breathing pattern, which can improve your running performance.
According to research, listening to music can improve your mental endurance in endurance sports. But it doesn’t necessarily mean listening to music makes you work out longer. You will find yourself working out harder because you are enjoying yourself.
A study found that athletes who enjoyed their exercise burned about 20% more Calories than those who did not. Therefore, it’s a good idea to find something that makes you happy and can help you lose that fat.
Safety When Running With Music
It’s a love/hate relationship. From holding an iPod to using earphones, running with music has a considerable amount of perks.
And while we can agree that listening to tunes makes running more enjoyable, we can also agree that there are some risks that come with listening to music when running.
Some runners like listening to music because it helps them run farther, stave off boredom, and even run faster. It’s a major reason why iPods, and now smartphones, have become so popular with runners.
Running with music provides an optimal level of distraction allowing you to concentrate on your run, not your surroundings. But this can be dangerous because you will be less aware of your surroundings and have less time to react if you do encounter an emergency as a result.
Here’s a look at some of the risk factors when running with music.
Allow Ambient Noise
I love a peaceful running experience, but if there are intermittent background noises, I don’t mind them at all. In fact, I believe they help me run better.
A smooth, easy run is great, but I find that I’m lacking motivation at times. I like adding some challenging treadmill workouts from time to time, but I am not a fan of the background noises that come with structured running programs like Jeff Galloway’s Run-Walk-Run method.
In my experience, it is best to allow a little bit of ambient noise while running to help you stay motivated and focused. You can still enjoy your audiobook or workout playlist, but you don’t necessarily have to block out everything else. I usually put in earbuds at the start of my run so I can get into my rhythm, then I pull them out the rest of the way and allow some background noise.
Keep Music at a Reasonable Level
Runners love their music. But does music really help you get a better workout? Experts don’t completely agree.
Some suggest that music distracts your body from the pain through a process called the Flow State. This is where, while listening to your favorite tunes … you’re so completely focused on what you’re doing that you’re able to entirely tune out any distractions.
Others suggest that listening to music may make it more difficult to determine changes in your body during a run that may signal the onset of fatigue. This could lead to you pushing yourself too hard or too far.
In some cases, music can even cause you to take your mind off of running.
As a result, you may be less attentive to those subtle hints your body tries to send and you may waste energy running in the wrong direction, or not running when you should be.
Still, many runners feel a special connection with their music. It allows you to really get lost in the moment and forget you’re exercising.
If you do listen to music while running, make sure that you keep the volume at a reasonable level, so you can still hear the noises around you.
Remove in Heavily Trafficked Areas
The most convenient place to listen to music while running is with earbuds or headphones.
But let’s face it – it’s not the most attractive look, and you’re probably worried about getting dropped by your favorite athlete as you’re getting passed by the slowest walkers in the area. The best thing to do when you’re running is to remove the buds from your ears and hear the sounds around you. This will protect your hearing. You will notice that it’s not as loud as you think and it will allow you to be more aware of your surroundings.
Also, when you’re running you’ll want to listen to music with more bass. You’ll need to make sure your phone is secured in a pocket or sports bra so it doesn’t bounce up and down with your movements.
Pros and Cons of Different Headphones
Depending on how you plan to use your headphones, there’s a wide range of different earphones available for runners. You can choose between in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear headphones.
If you have never owned a pair of sports headphones before and are completely new to this world, you may be wondering what the difference is between in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear headphones.
What’s the disadvantage of sports headphones over earphones?
Over-ear headphones are great for blocking out external noise and for letting you use one ear if you need to hear your surroundings or your music isn’t that loud. Over-ear headphones are also much less expensive than dedicated sports headphones, so you may want to start out with a pair of over-ear headphones before investing in sports headphones.
Sports headphones, in their most basic form, can be used by athletes during training. They are designed to fit comfortably around the ear and provide a key element of the workout experience — sound. Music has a great effect on blood pressure, which can help maintain it within safe limits. When you pick the right design, sports headphones can even be used for swimming, biking, running, and even during a physical therapy session, whatever the sport.
Wired vs. Wireless
There are two main types of headphones for running – a wired pair or a wireless pair.
Wired headphones come in a wide range of styles, and these are more commonly used by long distance and professional runners. Most wired earbuds feature a rubber piece that goes into the ear like a typical earbud. These are more secure and therefore less likely to fall out while running.
Wireless headphones use a Bluetooth chip and a transmitter that receives your music signal and then sends it to the headphones in full stereo.
There is a wide variety of wireless headphones in the market these days. These are generally more expensive than their wired counterparts and carry additional costs because you have to pay for Battery replacements and the Bluetooth connectivity.
Bone conduction vs. In-ear
Vs. On-ear vs. Over-ear headphones for running and jogging
With the latest developments in wearable technology, more and more people are switching to wireless bluetooth headphones for their daily activities. But it is not only the mobile phone communication applications that can be used with bluetooth headphones. Sport headphones have also become very popular in recent years.
Nowadays, there is a wide range of bluetooth sport headphones on the market. The most popular models are in-ear, on-ear and over-ear devices and all of them serve different purposes. Here’s a comparison of the most popular types.
If noise reduction is not a requirement, in-ear sport earphones are great for running. They stay put in your ear and are very light. It is very easy to wear a double pair of headphones for extra security just in case they fall out.
Over-ear sport headphones are more versatile than in-ear devices since their audio quality is a bit better. They also give you more freedom of the neck, so they are nice to wear for long workouts.
In-ear headphones might not be ideal when you have to jog in unfriendly weather conditions. In this case, on-ear headphones, which also cover the outer ear, are perfect for jogging outdoors in cold and rainy conditions. They will keep your ears warm and allow you to stay outside for longer without having to listen to the elements.
Pros and Cons of Different Devices
While running, you may enjoy listening to music. It’s something to distract you from the monotony of running, and it keeps you pumped up during the run. However, depending on the type of music you listen to, music can either help you relax or even propel you towards a much faster run.
If you’re exercising outdoors, you may not have access to your smartphone, but if you’re indoors you can use your smartphone.
Music can be an important tool to help you find your rhythm when you run. If you’re a beginner, you can boost your confidence if your run pace matches up with the music.
Here are some of the the most popular options for listening to music while you run:
- A portable Bluetooth speaker
- An MP3 player
- A smartphone
- A watch
- A portable fitness tracker
- Bluetooth speakers
A portable Bluetooth speaker allows you to listen to music and podcasts almost anywhere. So it’s a great solution if you want music with you while you’re running. It’s up to you to decide if you want to use any headphones or if you’d rather go cord-free.
Smartphones
Every year there is a new generation of smart phones in the market with better features and better reception. It’s no surprise that when you are training for marathon that you want to listen to music while you are running.
But, you have to be careful to choose the right device. You want something that has a decent storage capacity so that you can keep most of the music that you enjoy and listen to most. You don’t want to be distracted with the concern of low memory space and too much jumping between songs.
You want a device that can connect to your headphones without losing its signal and dropping in volume.
You don’t want a bulky device that is distracting you while you are training or that annoys you by playing music unexpectedly from your pocket or your backpack.
Most people have a smartphone these days and a mobile app for music, and if so, get this. If you also like to take photos or videos occasionally, get your camera app and do it with the timer. You don’t want to be jumping all over the map while you are running.
MP3 Player
Vs. Bluetooth Headphones for Running
The ideal running partner that provides motivation is a good playlist. And there’s no better way to disperse that checklist of songs in your head than a trusty pair of headphones.
Headphones are one of the pieces of equipment that runners carry with them at all times. They come in handy not only to listen to some kickass music but also to help us avoid traffic, navigate from place to place, and simply make our lives simpler.
Given their utility, it’s no surprise then that brands have turned headphones into a fashion statement, making them aesthetically pleasing and more functional at the same time.
This piece of equipment is an extension of the runner’s body and the lines between professional-grade headphones and those that are more affordable, such as those included in smartphones, are rapidly blurring.
As a result, running earbuds and headphones are also becoming more and more advanced and, in turn, more specialized.
There are a lot of cool features to choose from and one of the most popular is the Bluetooth wireless connection.
But how do they stack up against your standard wired MP3 player?
Here’s a comparison of the two options, as well as other features you may want to look for when shopping for a new pair of earbuds or headphones.
Running Watch With Music
Having the right tunes for your workout is a must, but listening to music while running isn’t always easy. If you run on the road or at the gym, or outdoors with an iPhone, the risk of theft is higher. Plus, earbuds can fall out or get damaged by sweat.
So if you are looking for a good music player that is built to withstand your tough activity, a running watch is a good option.
A running or fitness watch can be made with a waterproof exterior so you can wear it in the shower or pool, and even while you sweat during exercise.
Plus, they are equipped with music storage and connectivity features to allow you to keep your phone in your pocket.
Here are a few things you should know about using your watch while running.
Pros and Cons of Different Ways to Carry a Device
Running mp3 players have changed the way we all listen to music during exercise. Once the domain of CD players and gigantic shoulder-mounted boomboxes, in-ear headphones have transformed the experience of running with music.
But as with all great technologies, there are a couple of downsides that you should consider before deciding on the best way to listen to music when you run, keeping the device in your line of sight, strapped to you, or in your pocket.
Shorts/Pants Pocket
The number one reason why most runners don’t listen to music while running is their concern over destroying their smartphones by sweating or accidentally dropping the device in water or something.
So the easiest and most convenient way for most of them is by using a headphone with a short wire.
You can listen to music on earbuds connected to your smartphone by plugging the wire into a headphone jack on your phone.
Just be aware that one disadvantage of using earbuds is you won’t be able to hear oncoming vehicles or people talking to you if you are wearing them.
Armband
Here’s a quick guide that will help you pick the best armband for running and listening to music.
First off, let’s discuss the differences between running armbands and regular armbands.
A running armband has special features that make it ideal for runners – and the most important feature is sweat resistance. You are going to be running quite a bit in this thing, and if it isn’t sweat resistant, it is not going to last for long.
Runners should also look for an armband that is lightweight and has an adjustable strap so that it can easily be loosened and tightened as desired. Also, some runners like to carry their phones in an armband during exercise rather than risk having the phone bounce around in their pockets, which can be uncomfortable.
After you’ve determined your needs, you’re ready to start shopping.
This Armband review will help you find the best armband by comparing the top ten products based on their features, quality, ratings, prices, and more.
So if you need to listen to music while running, cycling or doing any other kind of exercising, this guide is all you need.
Running Belt
When it comes to music while running, you can invest in good Bluetooth or wired earbuds, but a lot of people prefer to go with a good old-fashioned running belt.
There are a number of different running belts on the market designed specifically to work with a Smartphone in your pocket. Some running belts have extra features such as a built-in armband to hold your phone, a built-in earphone cord for when you don’t want the bulkiness of a large armband, or a looped earphone cord to hold all of the cables together when they’re not in use.
The main perk of a running belt is that it keeps any music apps you have on your phone convenient and accessible but out of the way. I used this Running Belt from CYCLING-X. It really comes in handy when exercising.