Music is universally enjoyed by all, though the preference of genre varies. Many start their day with their favorite tunes playing out of the playlist as they go through their morning routine, including exercise or a run. When working out, any physical activity for that matter, music is known to motivate people, push them out of their comfort zone, and is even believed to help overcome fatigue or add to the rush. This is one reason why many runners prefer to run while listening to music through headphones or earphones.
However, as much as we all love music, the running fraternity is in the habit of being immersed in music while running.
Pros of using headphones while running
Using headphones or earphones while running can help you overcome the boredom of running alone. However, it is not advised, or even considered good etiquette, to use earphones while running in a group.
For those habituated to running with headphones, the volume should be kept at mid-level where you can hear the outside sounds, your body signals and the music.
Headphones and music can add to the push for many beginners.
“Once you are passionate about running and take it to the next level it requires discipline and decorum. More than music one must listen to their heartbeat,” says Mumbai-based running coach and ultramarathoner, Kavin Kondabathini.
“One can make use of the music while running. It is all about how you manage it,” says Kondabathini a two-time World Masters Games bronze medalist from India.
Cons of running with headphones
Gaurav Pant, a running coach from Gurgaon, does not use headphones while running to ensure he is aware of the traffic on the roads. He believes there is no point in getting yourself engaged using headphones while running because when you are engrossed in music, you become unaware of the surroundings.
“Those who are habituated can use one earpiece, avoid earphones that have noise cancellation options and run in the opposite direction of the traffic. This helps them to be aware of their surroundings,” adds Pant.
As a runner, you need to understand your body signals by tuning into your body. Music can block this process.
“If you are listening to music in a loud volume and running, you feel that you are running slow, but your heart is pumping too much. You might miss understanding the signal your body is giving,” explains Kondabathini.
Listening to music while running outdoors can get a person into a rhythm dictated by the music and not the body. This changes their pace of running without them realizing it. The heart rate increases. However, the body or the person’s fitness level may not be attuned to take the extra load. This could lead to fatigue and even injuries.
“Yes, music gets you in a happy mood. But the question arises if the body is capable enough to take in the chance of the pace and whether that load is damaging the body,” adds Kondabathini.
Does running with earphones improve performance?
Running performance does not improve with earphones or listening to music. One has put in the hard work, discipline, and consistency in training – working on technique, form, strength, diet, and sleep.
“When you are running on a treadmill in the gym using headphones is safe. It helps cancel the noise in the background and helps you focus on your running and be attentive,” adds Kondabathini.
Again, the music in itself, won’t be the factor that’s pushing your fitness envelope. It is the work you put in on the treadmill.
Tips for those who run with headphones
Running with headphones can quickly become a hard-to-kick habit. Running should not rely on music, say experts unanimously, advising to listen to music, if need be, while warming up for the run. This can pump you up for the run. After finishing the run, listening to soothing music while cooling down is a good habit too.
“If you are running with headphones, ensure you are aware of the area you are running in and which has less traffic. Always run in the opposite direction of the traffic,” advises Pant.
Both Pant and Kondabathini strictly advised to avoid using headphones while running amidst nature. The soothing music by nature — the chirping of the birds or rustling of leaves or the gushing of waves is better than any song in the playlist, the coaches say.
Running should also be a mindful exertion that takes one into a meditative zone. And the thoughts that come into one’s mind matter. Music can block those and stop you from having the much sought-after ‘me time’.
“In today’s world, getting ‘me time’ is rare and running freely offers it. Why do you want to hinder that with music from outside,” concludes Kondabathini.
Takeaways
- While using headphones or earphones while running, ensure you are aware of what is happening around you.
- Your running should not rely on music, say experts.
- Using headphones while running can be a hindrance and can completely shift the focus from the exertion, the body and the mind of the runner, to the external stimulus the music provides.
