# Gym + ipod...who knew? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 23, 2010, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169 "2010-02-23T21:10:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![guizot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guizot/32/3636_2.png) [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/41 "2010-02-25T04:05:43Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Didn’t you notice that 75% of people at the gym have iPods? The other 25% are a combination of old guys reading magazines on the bike and people who are bored shitless. Yeah, and also new gyms now build iPod docking stations into their treadmills, bikes, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Chef\_Troy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Chef\_Troy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chef_Troy)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/42 "2010-02-25T04:24:33Z")
The live version of “Brian Wilson” by Barenaked Ladies is my go-to song for kicking it up a notch on the elliptical. Normally I go at 6.5 to 7 miles per hour; “Brian Wilson” forces me to 9.5-10 mph. Gasp, wheeze, buckling knees. ---
**Author:** ![DragonAsh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@DragonAsh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DragonAsh)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/43 "2010-02-25T15:51:00Z")
This seems appropriate for the topic: I give you [XKCD](http://xkcd.com/668/)- mostly awesome, with a hint of kick-ass. I also second podcasts. You’d be amazed at how fast an hour flies by with an interesting podcast. On my iPhone right now: EconTalk The Brewing Network Chess.FM Common Sense & Hardcore History Composer of the Week ESPN Radio - Best of Mike & Mike The Guardian’s Football Weekly London School of Economics events podcasts The gym is also good to catch up on tv shows you missed - I’ve gone through The Wire and House entire at the gym, not to mention Firefly waaaay too many times to count ---
**Author:** ![si\_blakely](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/44 "2010-02-25T15:58:01Z")
Having spent months one time getting rid of a persistent fungal infection in my ears, the idea of trapping warm moist sweat in there while running/cycling/swimming gives me the shivers. Plus I like to hear what is happening all around. So I play music in my head. Si ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/45 "2010-02-25T16:33:10Z")
> [@si\_blakely](#): > > Having spent months one time getting rid of a persistent fungal infection in my ears, the idea of trapping warm moist sweat in there while running/cycling/swimming gives me the shivers. Plus I like to hear what is happening all around. So I play music in my head. Ever tried a [bone conduction](http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PMX80-Behind-Phones-Sports/dp/B001GT185K/ref=pd_cp_e_3) headset? I hear they’re pretty effective without covering your ears. I would guess the only downside is still hearing the gym noise. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/46 "2010-02-25T16:42:40Z")
> [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](#): > > Ever tried a [bone conduction](http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PMX80-Behind-Phones-Sports/dp/B001GT185K/ref=pd_cp_e_3) headset? I hear they’re pretty effective without covering your ears. I would guess the only downside is still hearing the gym noise. Perhaps you linked to the wrong set? The Sennheiser PMX80 Sport Series II you linked to is a set of earbuds that have a headband connecting them. They still fit in the ear canal. ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/47 "2010-02-25T16:47:35Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > Perhaps you linked to the wrong set? The Sennheiser PMX80 Sport Series II you linked to is a set of earbuds that have a headband connecting them. They still fit in the ear canal. Ah, you’re right. [Here ya go](http://www.jr.com/audio-bone/pe/AUO_AB10OR/). ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/48 "2010-02-25T16:55:42Z")
> [@si\_blakely](#): > > Having spent months one time getting rid of a persistent fungal infection in my ears, the idea of trapping warm moist sweat in there while running/cycling/swimming gives me the shivers. Plus I like to hear what is happening all around. So I play music in my head. > > Si Something like [this](http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-Q22LP-Headphones-Interchangeable-Headphone/dp/B00008VIX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1267116846&sr=8-1) might be an option if you want to give it a try: on-ear, with clips to hold them in place. Won’t block out much outside noise, won’t trap excessive moisture in your ears. Er, well, obviously there isn’t _anything_ that would work while _swimming_! ---
**Author:** ![Lightray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightray/32/391_2.png) [@Lightray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightray)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/49 "2010-02-25T17:20:56Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Won’t block out much outside noise, won’t trap excessive moisture in your ears. Er, well, obviously there isn’t _anything_ that would work while _swimming_! Ahem. 😛 > [@Lightray](#): > > And not just in the gym – in the pool, too! > > My parents got me a [SwiMP3](http://www.finisinc.com/Company/Tech_Sheets/Swimp3/swimp3_technology.aspx) for my last birthday. Best. gift. EVAR. Uses bone conduction, too. And if you have persistent bouts of ear fungal infections, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol, and put a couple drops in each ear after showering or sweating. Alternatively, use one of the OTC ear drops like [Swim Ear](http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=swim+ear&oq=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=9rCGS7eQFoy1tgeyyu2eDw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CCMQrQQwAg). I’m very susceptible to swimmer’s ear, swim frequently, but prevent it this way. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/50 "2010-02-25T17:23:53Z")
> [@Lightray](#): > > Ahem. :p… Ah - I missed that post the first time around! While this isn’t necessarily what an exerciser is looking for, someone who wants to listen to music while falling asleep might find [these](http://www.sleepphones.com/) useful. I haven’t tried 'em (though I do use my Nano when falling asleep - usually I just plug in one earbud on the side I’m not lying on). ---
**Author:** ![5\_time\_champ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/278dde/32.png) [@5\_time\_champ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5_time_champ)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/51 "2010-02-25T17:31:25Z")
I pity the po’ fool that doesn’t think the Rocky theme is the greatest workout song ever. Selections from Riverdance are also great to work out to. ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/52 "2010-02-25T17:43:57Z")
I credit Green Day, My Chemical Romance, and Fall Out Boy for the 50lbs I lost a few years ago, and I’m not embarrassed to say it. 😃 I keep a bunch of workout playlists on my ipod, and switch them up depending on how long I plan to spend and how my joints are feeling (my hips, knees, and ankles all SUCK, but that’s a rant for a different day). I think my favorite running song of all time is California Uber Alles. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/53 "2010-02-25T18:04:32Z")
Dude, I was the same way–I originally bought an iPod Shuffle back in '05 for the purpose of working out, and it made things way more cooler. And I’m just gonna say, that with the proliferation of podcasts, nothing is ever boring anymore. I just zone out and work 450 calories out of my blood. Tripler Zoning out under acceptable conditions is cool. ---
**Author:** ![si\_blakely](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/54 "2010-02-25T18:19:04Z")
> [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](#): > > Ever tried a [bone conduction](http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PMX80-Behind-Phones-Sports/dp/B001GT185K/ref=pd_cp_e_3) headset? I hear they’re pretty effective without covering your ears. I would guess the only downside is still hearing the gym noise. I almost mentioned thinking about trying them, but the gym is noisy anyhow and (as I said earlier) when outdoors, I like to keep touch with the environment. > [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Something like [this](http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-Q22LP-Headphones-Interchangeable-Headphone/dp/B00008VIX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1267116846&sr=8-1) might be an option if you want to give it a try: on-ear, with clips to hold them in place. > > Won’t block out much outside noise, won’t trap excessive moisture in your ears. Er, well, obviously there isn’t _anything_ that would work while _swimming_! Believe me, I sweat profusely, and even on-ear is more than I want to risk. > [@Lightray](#): > > And if you have persistent bouts of ear fungal infections, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol, and put a couple drops in each ear after showering or sweating. Alternatively, use one of the OTC ear drops like [Swim Ear](http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=swim+ear&oq=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=9rCGS7eQFoy1tgeyyu2eDw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CCMQrQQwAg). > > I’m very susceptible to swimmer’s ear, swim frequently, but prevent it this way. Fortunately, it was only the once, and while I swim plenty now, I don’t seem to have an issue. But the times I have tried anything on my ears, I can feel the sweat in my ears. So I don’t. Si ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/55 "2010-02-25T18:58:24Z")
When I don’t read on the Treadmill, I have the ipod. Heavy metal is the main course and I have a playlist just for the gym. It can really make the time fly and helps me go faster/run harder to boot. Just remember, An ipod does not render ones’ flatulence silent. An old guy at my gym did not know this apparently. ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/56 "2010-02-25T19:39:12Z")
> [@Hypno-Toad](#): > > When I don’t read on the Treadmill, I have the ipod. Heavy metal is the main course and I have a playlist just for the gym. It can really make the time fly and helps me go faster/run harder to boot. > > Just remember, An ipod does not render ones’ flatulence silent. An old guy at my gym did not know this apparently. Hey, better out than in. ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/57 "2010-02-25T19:50:03Z")
> [@jsc1953](#): > > What I like about elliptical + music is matching the strides/minute with the beat of the song. At 102 spm and nice bouncy beat, I think the best song I’ve found so far is “Africa” by Toto. > > Don’t you dare judge me. I picture when you get to “As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti” your matched pace goes spontaneously spastic leaving you a tangled mass of compound-fractured limbs poking out of the wreckage of the elliptical. Did that happen? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/58 "2010-02-25T19:53:56Z")
I, too, used to ride a stationary bike while wearing an I-pod. But a stationary dog came up and bit me on the ankle. I never heard him coming. ---
**Author:** ![Lightray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightray/32/391_2.png) [@Lightray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightray)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2010, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/59 "2010-02-25T20:42:13Z")
> [@Hypno-Toad](#): > > Just remember, An ipod does not render ones’ flatulence silent. An old guy at my gym did not know this apparently. Yeesh. Don’t remind me, please. Someone needs to get on Steve Jobs to invent a nosepod ASAP. ---
**Author:** ![Cumberdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2010, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169/60 "2010-02-26T14:11:14Z")
I’ve tried listening to recorded books and podcasts but I find myself getting into whatever exercise I’m doing and am unable to concentrate on the book. I have started listening to music but I keep it turned down fairly low and use it more for background noise to drown out the TV and other sounds. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gym-ipod-who-knew/530169.md?page=4)