Workout Music: Friend or Foe?

chanstriste13
chanstriste13 Posts: 3,277 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
i really dig my music, and i feel that it plays a huge part in carrying me through my workouts - especially my jogging sessions. should i aspire to get to where i can jog with no music, or does it matter? the thought of my ipod running out of batteries in the middle of a jog would make me stop in my tracks! is that something i should work on? what are your thoughts?

Replies

  • lhurtubise
    lhurtubise Posts: 693 Member
    I think that if the music helps use it! Even some of the most accomplished runners I know still use it. So keep jogging with your tunes!
  • coolsmartygirl
    coolsmartygirl Posts: 299 Member
    I know I can slowly go through my workout without music. But I work out harder with it. I have a playlist of songs from my zumba class that just make me want to move. Even when I put them on at work. Music isn't something to be ashamed of, it's a work out tool that you need, nothing more.
  • graysmom2005
    graysmom2005 Posts: 1,882 Member
    My iPod got water logged on mile 11 of a half marathon this January. I was not amused. LOL!
  • ickybella
    ickybella Posts: 1,438 Member
    I feel like I'm not a real runner because I prefer to have music with me. I have run without it, and I don't really pay attention to it as I spend most of the time thinking, but I need the beat in the background; otherwise, my clumsy feet would be running with no real pace and I'd probably kill myself. I keep looking for a metronome mp3...
  • sprinkies
    sprinkies Posts: 309 Member
    music definitely helps me through my workouts, so does watching the TV's at the gym! if i don't have either during a long run, i honestly would call it quits and leave lol. i'm doing a rock and roll half marathon in september and i'm still considering taking my ipod with me even though there's music during the entire run. ehhh
  • misscfe
    misscfe Posts: 295 Member
    I feel like I'm not a real runner because I prefer to have music with me. I have run without it, and I don't really pay attention to it as I spend most of the time thinking, but I need the beat in the background; otherwise, my clumsy feet would be running with no real pace and I'd probably kill myself. I keep looking for a metronome mp3...


    Real runners run with music all the time. I have several friends that are serious runners and they run with music too. I think it is just what the individual prefers.
  • chanstriste13
    chanstriste13 Posts: 3,277 Member
    i'm doing a rock and roll half marathon in september

    fascinated. smitten. googling!
  • chanstriste13
    chanstriste13 Posts: 3,277 Member
    thanks for all the responses! sometimes i feel like i should be able to enjoy the breeze or the birds or the...traffic. but i'd much rather be listening to my 70's techno mix!
  • hoyagirl03
    hoyagirl03 Posts: 220 Member
    Enjoy the music! If it makes you happy and reach your goals, I say you're good to go!!!
  • sarah44254
    sarah44254 Posts: 3,078 Member
    I don't listen to music only because I'm too technologically challenged to do so. I have no ipod or whatever the heck. Boyfriend is happy to lend me his Zune mp3 player but I have no idea how to load songs on, or how to change songs/pause/stop/play. I'm totally stupid about it.

    So anyhow, I don't listen to music! I wonder if it would be easier with it. A metronome mp3 would be amazing. :) I don't think that music is detrimental to running at all.
  • wendycheng
    wendycheng Posts: 26 Member
    Work out playlists are the best. I look forward to getting new music to run to it! And some music makes me feel like working out.
  • c2sky
    c2sky Posts: 487 Member
    I LOVE music, but sometimes they don't allow it during a race or event for safety reasons. I took my music with me on one marathon, and people didn't talk to me. I missed that. I much prefer having someone to talk with once in a while. But music is key. I personally think an ipod was the best exercise tool ever invented. I read that people work out up to 20% harder with music. So certainly don't feel like you're cheating or anything.

    But sometimes, I also listen to the birds. I know that sounds really corny, but I love to listen to the sounds of nature, once in a while.
  • LilRedRooster
    LilRedRooster Posts: 1,421 Member
    When I first got into running, I didn't have an iPod. I actually had an old Walkman tape player, if anyone can believe that, but I found that taking the tape out, flipping it, fast-forwarding, or rewinding it was just too obnoxious to have to do in the middle of my run, so I always ran without music, for years. I never paid it any attention, just sort of let my mind drift, for the most part.

    I do have to say, though, since I got an iPod as a gift a few years ago, I love running with it. Music adds to the trail scenery, my mindset, and everything about my workouts, so I love to use to it. That, and there's no rewinding, waiting for the tape to fast-forward, or flipping, which is amazing, haha.

    I wouldn't say you aren't a "real" athlete or runner because you use it, and it's not cheating. The only worry I would have is that some races don't allow you to run with music, so if you intend to run those, you might want to consider running without it once in a while. Otherwise? I wouldn't worry about it. :)
  • Schwiggity
    Schwiggity Posts: 1,449 Member
    I don't see it as a problem. For a while I thought I might try to workout without music, but I just can't do it. And most of the races I know of locally don't mind if you use it (though they say they "discourage" it). Whenever my phone's battery dies mid-workout it kills my performance really.
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