Great Headphones For Indoor or Outdoor Exercise
Anyone who exercises regularly knows that awesome music is a huge asset to any workout routine. After all, what thing other than your favorite tunes can get you motivated for the gym? When selecting sport headphones, it's important to consider where you'll be listening -- indoors or outdoors. Indoor exercise at gym or at home is typically best accomplished with in ear headphones or closed headphones which isolate at varying levels from ambient noise and distractions. You also won't need to turn up the volume to hear the music very clearly. However, when running, walking or cycling outdoors, you'll need 'open' headphones such as an earpad style, that allow you to hear traffic and other potential hazards. In either case, your headphones will be working as hard as you and must withstand tough conditions, offer a sweat-proof design, and have flexible cords for easy mobility. When buying exercise headphones, keep in mind this category focuses on fit, durability and comfort over audio fidelity, although most listeners should find themselves very sonically satisfied with our HeadRoom recommendations.
Headphones For The Gym
In ear headphones are great for the gym as they are able to isolate you from all the noise and distraction. Add some fun to your workout with the Sennheiser/Adidas CX680 which are sweat-proof and tough-built to last eons. Some Sennheiser/Adidas models are available with an in-line microphone so that you can listen to music and answer your iPhone. The Sennheiser CX300-II is similarly priced and has a fun, thumping sound, and provide a moderate level of isolation. For wire-free listening at the gym, the JayBird models are workhorse Bluetooth headphones with an amazingly engaging and quite lovely sound.
Headphones For Running & Jogging
All these headphones will work for running and jogging, but remember to always stay aware of your surroundings. Nature gave us ears as an early warning system and you'd be surprised at how much you subconsciously rely on them for situational awareness. Lightweight headphones will "jiggle" less on your head than heavy cans and one of the lightest headphones for running is the clip-on Koss KSC75. They have excellent sound for the price and a lifetime Koss guaranty ensures they can be replaced for free at any time, for any failure. For a more secure fit, behind the neck headphones work well for running. The Sony MDR-G75LW is wonderful to look at and sounds quite good; the retractable cord will let you adjust the cable length for minimized cable slack. Perhaps amongst the best choice for dedicated running or jogging are the killer Polk Audio headphone series, all very tough-built sweatproof designs with extra-stable fit ergonomics.
