So you’re enjoying your walks, but getting tired of hearing the barking dogs or lawn mowers or just are bored with hearing normal sounds? Maybe it’s none of these but you just love music or would like to listen to a book while taking your daily walk. Well that’s what we’re covering today.
Why is music a good idea?
Well, it’s well studied and known that people almost always will keep in step with a beat. So, if your music of choice has a decent cadence, you’re likely to walk at that faster pace. Faster walking generally means covering greater distance in a shorter time frame and burning more calories. If walking off some calories is one of your goals, then this is definitely a way to increase that.
Music also is a big influence on mood for many. If you listen to upbeat or music you really enjoy you’re likely to find yourself feeling good. You may also continue that good mood long after your walk is over. Anything simple you can do to improve your walking experience I recommend.
What reasons could there be to not listen to music?
The biggest caution I give to people who choose to partake in music or other audio distractions during your stroll is awareness. Having both ears covered and something loud blocking most of your outside hearing is dangerous in a few ways. Will you hear a car coming? How about someone yelling? You definitely aren’t likely to hear footsteps behind you.
So, what I generally recommend when it comes to listening during your walk is either keep one ear uncovered or keep the music low enough that you can hear most of the surrounding stuff. I personally usually have one ear either fully or partially uncovered
Now, are there easy ways to have your music?
A common complaint people have when they try to listen to music on the go is the setup. Where do you run your wires or which Bluetooth headphones or ear buds will work the best? There are actually several cool jackets and backpacks that make it easy to run a wire from a device to your ears. I plan to get one of those backpacks soon. I’ll review it for you then.
Next, there’s Bluetooth devices. There are various size, style and quality wireless headsets. I have a couple I’ve used over the years. I personally like the bigger ones that cover my ears fully over the flat type or ear buds. Really, I just don’t like putting things inside my ears. The biggest issue I’ve had with different devices is quality of the connection they keep. The phone or tablet with the music on it is 2-3 feet from the headphones yet sometimes it loses connection or gets jittery. This never happens with a wired headset.
So, what is best for your walk?
Really, it is up to you. If your music isn’t blaring, you may not even need headphones at all. That would just depend on your level of self consciousness and if it will disturb too many others. Usually keeping the music to yourself is a better choice, though. Like most products, I usually say go for the highest rated, best reviewed version in your price range. Generally headphones, both wired and wireless range from $20 to over $200. A $200 pair is not necessarily better than a $40 one. Don’t be fooled by “name brands”. Just because something has a higher price tag doesn’t mean higher quality.
What’s best for your walk is what’s best for you personally. Wires may annoy you even if conveniently placed. Bluetooth may concern you for possible health reasons. You may not be a music person, but listening to a chapter or two on a walk may be perfect for you. Only you can decide if listening to something is going to increase your pleasure during your walks.
What have you decided?
Are grabbing your headphones as you read this or will you be thinking on it further? If you do decide to go with listening, what’s going to be pumped into your ears? As long as you like it and it’s legal I approve.
Can’t wait to see you strolling along,
Kimmie