Is it safe to run with an iPod?

I know I am not alone when I say that running can get boring. You often do it by yourself so the only thing you can do to relieve your boredom is by carrying something you can listen to music on.

It’s common place to listen to your iPod at the gym while on the treadmill, elliptical, stair climber, or even lifting weights. It pumps music to your ears and helps you get through your workout, it can be super motivating too. But, are iPods safe? I’ll let you be the judge.

Pros:

• When you are working out at the gym it can get boring with nothing to help pass the time. The scenery is always the same and listening to the other 50 noisy people working out around you can be annoying. Music is a great way to break the boredom.
• iPods can help you keep your workout going. Music can help motivate and inspire you to get it done. If you have a playlist with upbeat and fun songs your pace tends to be a little faster because you want to keep up with the music. When you keep your mind on the music and focus on your breathing it can be easier to keep pushing, even past your typical 30 minute workout.
• iPods can help you stick with your workout program. Not only can you listen to music on your iPod, but you can also listen to books or motivational material. We all need motivation to help us keep up with our workout routine sometimes.
• iPods don’t distract others. You don’t have to worry about your music bothering anyone else while you work out, but you might want to keep your own volume down if you happen to sing along to your music. It may help inspire you… but other people might not appreciate your singing abilities.

Cons:

• iPods may be perfect for the gym, but it’s a totally different story on the road. When you are outside on the roads you don’t just focus on your workout. You need to also concentrate on your environment and surroundings so you can stay safe.
• iPods can prevent you from hearing cars that are on the road when your headphones are in. If you can’t hear traffic you run the risk of getting injured, or much worse.
• iPods will also prevent you from hearing approaching wild animals, dogs, or even people. You need to make sure you can hear your surroundings, especially when running alone.
• When you are running outside on your own you want to make sure you have a good tempo so that you don’t end up slowing down. Try and listen to the same playlist that you would while on the treadmill, so you keep your heart rate up.

iPods have definitly helped revolutionize the way we work out. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons and utilize your iPod safely.