Working out is becoming something of a national pastime, with nearly a fifth of all Americans participating in sports and exercise every day. Working out is a worthwhile activity, but not one that needs to be undertaken in silence – but it can be difficult to know how to choose headphones suitable for exercise. Here are some key ways to find the right headphones for working out, and for you.
Comfort
Comfort should be one of your top priorities when choosing headphones. You are likely to be wearing them for upwards of an hour, and while performing strenuous activities; as such, your headphones need to be snug, well-cushioned, and unlikely to jostle around on your head while you exercise. Look for headphones with memory-foam ear cushions, and a finely-adjustable headband.
Ease of Use
You’ll also want your headphones to be easy to use, so you spend less time messing with them and more time working out unimpeded. Wired headphones couldn’t be simpler, but the wire could get in your way. Wireless headphones can give you more control, letting you skip songs, pause and even change the volume from your headphones – but difficult controls can make for a frustrating time.
Sound Quality
Many people take the audiophile’s perspective when choosing headphones, and for the sound quality could be a dealmaker or deal-breaker. But an important distinction needs to be drawn here. Professional sound engineers and producers might choose higher quality “monitor” headphones, which deliver a balanced sound with no boosts or cuts in the EQ range. Hi-fi earbuds and headphones might include sound-shaping algorithms or design, typically with an aim to boost bass for a fuller, more visceral sound. Given the noisiness of exercise and gyms at large, the latter option may well be the best choice, even if sound quality suffers as a result. Clarity is not necessarily a priority when instead you’re looking for motivation.
Here, it is also important to mention hearing. It can be tempting to turn your music all the way up when exercising, to feel the full benefit of your workout jams. However, doing so for prolonged periods of time can cause hearing damage; booking an online hearing test can ascertain if you have already suffered hearing damage, but it is an important factor to consider when picking your next set of headphones. Volume isn’t everything!
Sweat Resistance
Last but certainly not least, your headphones need to be more than comfortable to survive a workout. You need to ensure that the earbuds or headphones you choose are durable and sweat-resistant; there are sensitive electrical components inside headphones, to which the addition of fluid could be disastrous. You should also ensure the headphones are made with long-lasting materials, as repeated use and sweat can cause certain plastics and rubbers to degrade quicker.
