Music can be a huge motivation when you're out trying to beat a personal record, whether it's working out at the gym or breaking a sweat outdoors. A fast-paced song about beating the odds--Kanye West's Stronger, for instance--can make all the difference. However, the problem with sweat and vigorous exercise is that regular headphones may not stay put.
Yes, it is possible to go for a run with a large pair of over-the-ear headphones on your noggin, but the weight and bulk of these types of cans will reduce your performance and possibly annoy you to no end. Lighter in-ear varieties are the preferred choice here, with sound quality taking a bit of a backseat, too. Although some audiophiles may scoff at this, we assure you that when you're pounding the pavement or panting, you'll barely notice the lack of detail or a recessed midrange
So what are "sports" headphones really?
In our earlier guides, we covered the two major headphone categories, in-ears and over-the-ears, both providing their fair share of benefits. Sports headphones--sometimes marketed as rugged headphones--tend to be more hardy versions of in-ear headphones, typically featuring some water resistance (so they don't break when you sweat), a more rugged build, durable cords and some sort of attachment to ensure they stay on your head or in your ears. Some headphones that are good for exercising with may not even be called "sports" headphones at all. These can be designed to lock firmly in your ear, around the earlobes or behind the neck, but may not be water resistant
