Headphones For Indoor And Outdoor Exercise
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Anyone who exercises regularly knows that great music is a huge asset to any workout routine. After all, what other than your favorite playlist could get you motivated for the gym at 6:30 a.m.? When selecting headphones, it's important to consider where you'll be listening--indoor or outdoor. Indoor exercise at the gym or in your home is usually best accomplished with in ear headphones or closed headphones, which isolate at varying levels from outside noise and distraction. When running, walking, or cycling outdoors, you need open headphones, such as an earpad style, that allow you to hear traffic and other potential hazards. In either case, your headphones will work as hard as you do and must withstand varying conditions, have sweat-proof properties, and have flexible cords for easy stow-away. When purchasing headphones for exercise, we recommend focusing on durability, fit, and comfort over extreme audio fidelity, although most listeners will find themselves happily satisfied with our 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 Skullcandy Smokin' buds, which come in a variety of colors on the outside, and bumpin' bass on the inside to keep you moving. Some versions are available with an in-line microphone so that you can listen to music and answer your phone. The Denon AH-C452K, iHarmonix iHX Pro ev, and the Sennheiser CX300-II are all similarly priced, and have a fun, thumping sound, and offer a moderate level of isolation. Those looking for a little higher quality sound will appreciate the Etymotic ER6i. These workhorse headphones create a fuller seal for the most isolated listening experience. Very good sound and durability, coupled with replaceable filters that allow you to service the headphones when they get dirty, make these cans long lived.
Headphones For Running & Jogging
The above headphones will work for running and jogging, but only in an area that is completely isolated from traffic and other dangers you may not hear, such as a on a track. 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. Light weight headphones will "jiggle" less on your head than heavier cans. One of the best headphones for running is the clip-on Koss KSC75. They offer excellent sound for the price and a lifetime guaranty ensures they can be replaced for free at any time, for any failure. For a more secure fit, behind the neck headphones work very well for running. The Sony MDR-G75LW is stunning to look at and sounds quite good; the retractable cord will let you adjust the cable length for minimal "flopping around." The slightly more expensive but better sounding Sennheiser PMX100 has both a neckband and ear clips for an extremely secure fit.
