Music & Books on Audio
MermaidBex
Posts: 49 Member
Does anyone listen to radio or books while swimming? What's the best gear to get started in this? (Sorry, public pool & lake, boom box not an option.) I found something about Finis Neptune online, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to pay for something that pricey. Also don't know much about FN, is it any good? Is there something similar/better only cheaper? Out of my element here. Haven't listened to music in water before. Would like to spend more time in water then I've ever had a chance to is why I'm now exploring this question. I find listening to books/music helps my focus and gets me in "the zone" while exercising. Does any one know what I'm talking about or do you all just think I'm crazy? Waterproof help much appreciated.
0
Replies
-
I use a Finis Neptune daily. Bought second hand off eBay, so was much cheaper that way!
It works great. Works like a treadmill for me, keeping me at a specified stroke rate/ cadence, even if not set speed (which is also impacted by other factors including stroke length, body position, etc)!
I doubt any gadget will allow you to listen to radio underwater due to the technical challenges that come with that (just a guess - I could be wrong) so your limited to prerecorded music/books/audio with the Finis.
Since it works on bone conduction, no problems with ear buds falling out on tumble turns etc.
I will bump a discussion on swim gear from earlier!
0 -
I don't listen to music when I swim, but it is ESSENTIAL for pool running (a.k.a. the most boring activity known to humanity). I use this cheapo waterproof MP3 player. The headphones leave something to be desired, but the player itself works great and is incredibly straightforward. You just drag and drop MP3 files to it, and it plays them in alphabetical order by file name. Boom and done. You can clip it to your goggles or swimsuit strap and tuck the headphone cord in nicely.
MP3 players in general are difficult for me with swimming, because sound travels so much better underwater. The difference in volume with breathing and not breathing is too disconcerting for me.0 -
Pool running. O. M. G. Snooooze... except that it works you so hard, lol. What a great activity. Just so dang lonely. I'm going to look into an MP3. I hate pool running, but it keeps me off the land running, and when I can get out, I've not lost any ground.
So we'll give it a thumbs up?0 -
Yup I lurv lurv lurv my audiobooks whilst swimming. My current one is the el-cheapo that CC referenced above. And it does/did work great for about 3 months. Eventually the rubber facing over the controls came unglued and fell off, since then it has been dying an aggravating death where it occasionally decides I pressed the skip forward or back button when I didn't. I am replacing it with this even cheaper-el-cheapo. I take the philosophy that they are really only designed to last 3-4 months but at this price point they are almost disposable. On the other end of the scale you have the $150 waterproofed ipod minis and the neptune gear etc.
Also have found the 'waterproof headsets' only last 4-6 weeks ...but with a little effort you can find them for about $3 ea so I just buy like 4 at a time ...0 -
I just bought a Sony MP3 player last week that I've used four times since and works well. I can't listen to music, I've learned, as I SLOW DOWN (makes no sense, I know). But I've been listening to podcasts and love it. I learn while swimming!0
-
LCroissant wrote: »I just bought a Sony MP3 player last week that I've used four times since and works well. I can't listen to music, I've learned, as I SLOW DOWN (makes no sense, I know). But I've been listening to podcasts and love it. I learn while swimming!
That's how I learned to love running, lol. I just jogged around and learned so much from the TED radio hour!!0 -
I tried running yesterday before my swim (also with a podcast) and only made it 3/4 of a mile, which was disappointing, but perhaps the fact I was listening to a podcast about oysters and water filtration didn't help.
I wanted to be in the pool! My knees hurt a bit after just that tiny run, too. But I absolutely HAVE to alternate exercises or I'll only work out the same muscles every time. I'll try Ted talks next time and hope to make it a mile ... 0 -
i generally love my audiobooks during my swim. But I do remember one particular swim where the character in the story was experiencing total exhaustion from a forced march through the snow ....on and on about the tired and the cold and wanting to lie down for just a little while ...and how maybe it would be worth it to die if he could just get some sleep first ....
Man that was a tough swim!0 -
@LCroissant, I also listen to fun things like NPR's "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" and "The Moth." Sometimes it is very distracting and the time passes quickly. It also helps that I no longer try to run like a 20 year old-I'm much slower and I'm fine with that!
Stephen, that would be a workout kill!! I'm not sure if I could get through that while slogging through my laps, lol.0 -
@girlwithcurls2 -- have you tried Radio Lab? I LOVE their podcasts!
I have The Moth saved, and a few Wait, Waits I also enjoy This American Life. (And I listen to lawyer podcasts, which might seem boring to you, but they can be quite interesting!) 0
This discussion has been closed.