Showerthought: My buddy laughed at me for using headphones at the gym last year

He said I was missing the whole atmosphere and that loud speakers build hype, but after I tried his way for a month I lost 5 pounds of focus because I kept listening to other people's grunting instead of my own tempo, so now I'm back to my earbuds and wondering if anyone else tunes out completely too.

3 comments

3 Comments

robertgreen15d ago

Earbuds are the way to go at the gym, no question. Your buddy probably likes the hype music, but for actual lifting you need your own rhythm. I always bring my noise cancelling headphones and never look back. The gym is already loud enough with clanking weights and random conversations. Plus, you can pick your own playlist instead of whatever the staff decides that day. Try keeping one earbud out if you need to stay aware of your surroundings.

elizabeth90015d ago

Oh for goodness sake, this whole debate cracks me up. I get it, @robertgreen, you want your own little bubble at the gym, but have you ever tried working out next to someone who blasts their music so loud you can hear it through their earbuds? It's like being in two different concerts at once. I went to the gym last week and this guy had his playlist on speaker, and I swear I almost dropped a dumbbell on my foot because I was so distracted. But honestly, you're right about the staff's music choices. Mine plays this weird mix of pop and country that makes me want to leave after five minutes. I guess it just comes down to what bothers you less: your own tinny earbud sound or the chaos around you. Either way, we're all just trying to survive in a room full of sweaty people and clanking metal.

carr.gavin15d ago

Do you ever notice how people act like you have to do things their way to get any real benefit? It's the same with cooking or working on your car at home. Everyone thinks their method is the only one that works. I say find your own groove and stick with it, whether that's earbuds or blasting the house speakers.