While hitting the gym or jogging around in the park, you see a wide range of sizes and shapes (of course, the headphones). Staring at them, you must wonder, are wearing headphones for some benefits or hanging them around the neck as a showpiece. Is it bad to wear headphones while working out?
Wearing headphones while working out doesn’t affect your health, even though you can earn some benefits with proper use. However, things sound perilous with extended use as risks of ear infection, distracting you from the surroundings, and irritation due to sweating.
Should you wear headphones while working out?
Do you think it is bad to wear headphones while working out? Technically speaking, no! Adding this little piece to your workout session can boost your experience and deliver your positive vibes.
Nevertheless, not all encounter the same experience as we did. For some, wearing headphones while working out can be the reason for distraction and irritation.
If you are wearing headphones while working out, ensure to select the right type. Wearing the wrong type prolonged can cause skin irritation, chances of ear infection, and distraction.
Benefits of working out with headphones
Regardless of whatever anyone says, there are proven benefits of wearing headphones while working out. Here in this section, I’ve curated the foremost ones.
1. Reduce pain and fatigue
Hormones play a crucial role in our body, from regulating our mode to lessening the pain and stress. While stretching and lifting weights, our muscles feel the pressure and pain as a result. Headphones in this scenario can distract you from the pain.
Put your headphones on and play your favorite playlist. Music will release serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine hormones to boost your mode and increase your pain-bearing capabilities.
2. Boost motivation
In those days, when you feel like giving up and not working out, put your headphones on with some energetic music for a smashing workout session.
Listening to rock music reduces the stress and cholesterol level and enters your mind in positive vibes. All you need to do is make sure you are selecting the right music to boost motivation.
3. Increase endurance
There is no joke! Studies have proved that those who work out while wearing headphones tend to work out longer and cut down weight faster due to their high endurance level.
Music increases your endurance level by 15%. It takes you out of your comfort zone and creates an environment where you feel more motivated and reach your goals faster.
4. Improve coordination and cadence
While doing cardio or running, your heartbeat is at a disturbing rate. Having music played on the headphone can improve coordination and cadence.
Similarly, aerobics require coordination and peace of mind. Play a beat song to synchronize with the rhythm. Moving along with the beat makes things easier and better.
6 reasons you should avoid wearing headphones during working out
After knowing the benefits, let us check some of the reasons why you should avoid wearing headphones during workout sessions.
1. Affecting your balance and hearing
If reading this, you are like, how’s that possible that your balance will affect by wearing headphones for too long? Let me give you a sneak peek.
There is a fluid present inside our inner ear that maintains body balance. Wearing headphones prolonged and hearing loud music affect the sensory organs.
Exercising or running with a compromised balance is risky; you might fall or hurt yourself. This phenomenon also applies to those who listen to loud music prolonged in regular lives.
2. Restricting your movement
The main hurdle in your free movement can be the headphone cord, little did you know. Whether you do pushups or squats, the wire can roll over your hands, causing you to fall over your face.
Consider a pair of headphones that has a wire of adequate length. Even better if you go with wireless headphones to say goodbye to the wire-mess.
3. Drowning out sounds around you
The moment you put those headphones on, you cut from the surroundings. For some reasons, this is good, while for others, this is chancy. Suppose you are listening to loud music and jogging around a traffic area. Will you be able to listen to what’s happening in your surroundings? Of course, not!
Listening to loud music while working out indoors might sound sensible. But when it’s about outdoor, you need to think again. Be alert of your surroundings regardless of whatever you do.
4. Distracting you
Some workout sessions require music to boost motivation, while some necessitate silence to concentrate. The music can effortlessly drown you in the world of imagination and distract you from your real chore.
Avoid wearing headphones during weight lifting workouts; while wearing for must during cardio on a treadmill. Also, your fellow gym partners might get distracted from their workout session because of the loud music.
5. Increasing the risks of ear infections
How often do you clean your headphones? Twice a week or once a month? Remember, you are wearing the headphones while working work out, and sweat is continuously dripping in the foams. Delaying the cleaning routine can put you at risk of ear infections.
Clean your headphones twice a week and store them in a case. Use a lint-free cloth or cleaning wipes to clean the headphones every time.
6. Irritation due to sweating
If you have sensitive skin, you will indeed encounter this issue. Sweating is a must thing while working out. The cushion of the headphone contact with your skin can cause skin allergies, all thanks to sweating. Avoid wearing headphones if you have sensitive skin and excessive sweating issues.
Which Type of Headphones is appropriate while working out?
The struggle for having the best headphones while working out is to improve your health and fitness. Let us check which type is best for you- after knowing is it bad to wear headphones while working out or not.
Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
No matter what people say, no one can beat the outclass performance of over-ear wireless headphones while working out. The over-ear design effortlessly fits your ear and keeps you comfortable despite heavy sweating. Besides that, you are free to move the way you want, all thanks to the wireless design.
Bluetooth Earphones
Another best option you can opt for is Bluetooth earphones. The best part about these earphones is their highly-portable and ergonomic design. You don’t have to worry about wireless rolling over your neck or earpiece coming out due to excessive sweating.
Conclusion
With this detailed guide, I hope you know, is it bad to wear headphones while working out. Wearing the headphones or not during workout sessions is per your taste. On wearing it, you will encounter unbeatable benefits. Contrary to it, prolonged use can also cause severe damage.
FAQs
Can you wear headphones while working out?
Why not? If you feel less motivated and lazy to work out, wear headphones to boost your stamina and release happy hormones for positive vibes.
Will sweat ruin headphones?
Yes, sweat can damage your headphones if you are not cleaning them properly. Excessive moisture is trouble for headphones. Make sure to clean the cushion each time you are done working out.
Is it better to work out with earphones or headphones?
The decision between both is per your taste. Earphones are smaller than headphones. If you prefer earphones, make sure they are wireless. While for headphones, go with over-ear wireless headphones.