So you want to hit the gym with your iPod? You’ve got your favorite playlists set up to play your rock tunes, your disco tunes and your hip hop. What about accessories though? A nice case perhaps? Some better quality headphones? Perhaps a control device that allows you to change iPod functions without looking down as you sweat on the treadmill? Check out my list below for some fine iPod accessories ideas for the gym lifestyle.
1. XtremeMac SportWrap
Life as you mill around the gym floor is much better when you don’t have to carry your iPod in your hand. Enter the XtremeMac SportWrap. This sports armband, which comes in different sizes and colors for the iPod, mini and shuffle, is moisture resistant and secures firmly around your arm with a Velcro strap. The iPod is secure in a special, clear pouch with a self sealing headphone jack and easy access to the controls. The SportWrap is designed to hold excess earbud cord out of the way.
2. Nyko iTop Button Relocator
This nifty little iPod add on is designed to keep you from needing to fiddle with the scroll wheel as you run on the treadmill. It plugs into the top of the iPod through the headphone and remote jack and features color coded, tactile buttons. Each button faces upward and is geared towards a specific function, such as play, pause and volume. The iTop is small and lightweight, fitting very snugly on the top of the iPod. It requires no batteries.3. MarWare SportSuit Convertible
What this iPod sports case lacks in looks it makes up in protection. It offers rugged protection for your player in case it hits a weight machine with 2mm of neoprene outer construction, a fully lined interior, plastic inserts at sides and back, plastic screen protector and removable protective lid. It has an interchangeable clip system and comes with a low profile belt clip and armband. There’s also storage for your headphones in the lid.4. Shure E2C Sound Isolating Earphones
If you really want to get into your music as your workout, consider the E2C earphones from Shure. While they are a bit pricy, the quality sound you get out of them makes them worth the sticker shock. They use what Shure calls sound isolating technology to naturally block background noise. They are also built with high quality sound drivers and components and come with a personal fit kit of three sizes of disposable foam sleeves and three pairs of flex sleeves.5. Logitech Wireless Headphones
The Logitech Wireless Headphones for the iPod allows you to leave your iPod in the drink slot on the treadmill as you jog. A wireless adapter connects to your player and broadcasts digital sound to the headphones. Controls for volume, song selection, play and pause are built into one of the headphone sides and the unit has an estimated rechargeable battery life of eight hours.6. Griffin EarJams
Not in the mood to spend a lot on high end headphones? Happy with the ones which came with your iPod? Consider the Griffin EarJams then as a way to get a little more sound for your buck. This inexpensive solution to boosting your workout playlist snaps on to your iPod’s earbuds. They increase the bass quality and the sound in general. Since they insert inside your ear, they block out external noise. The EarJams come with multiple size ear pads and a carrying case.