What to Wear
Toning Major Muscle GroupsWhat to Look For in Fitness MP3 Players
A good player makes for a good workout
If you think you need a big MP3 player that’ll hold thousands of songs, think again. The size of most micro drives or even larger flash drive MP3 players is way too big for fitness use. You’ll be a lot happier if you get a compact, easy to use and easy to store player because you can take it with you everywhere you go. But that’s not all you should think about.
Other important considerations
- Small price - This point ties in to the one above. Players that hold more songs generally cost more. You don’t want to have to worry about ruining a costly MP3 player during your workout, so think frugally unless you’re sure the pricey player you want is extremely durable. You can find basic players that cost as little as $20 if you shop around.
- Attachments included - There are a variety of MP3 players with features like clips and lanyards included so it’s easier than ever to get a player that you can hang around your neck or snap onto a jacket. If you buy a player like this you won’t need to purchase a separate arm band or clip-on holster.
- Photo and video playback - Obviously this feature is not an essential one, but it’s nifty to have in certain situations. With this type of MP3 player you can download exercise demonstration photos or virtual trainer videos and check that you’re doing things correctly while you work out. The only downfall is you’d need a larger player to accommodate a decent size screen.
- Plug ’n play - If you know your way around computers, you can probably get any MP3 player you want and figure out how it works. But if you’re like most of us and just get by, a plug-and-play MP3 player that requires no software is the best choice. These often have USB connectors and plug in directly to the front or back of the computer tower.
- Removable or long-lasting batteries - If an MP3 player has batteries built in, you can’t use it while it’s charging. A better choice is buying an MP3 player that takes regular batteries. You can keep a set of rechargeables on hand and charge dead batteries up while the others are powering the player. Otherwise, make sure it promises a lengthy listening time.
Now that you know what to look for, here are a few examples of good fitness MP3 players to get you started on your search.