Swimming with music has improved my swim workouts. We listen to music while running, weight lifting, and biking to stave off boredom, inspire us, and improve our rhythm. With the Finis SwiMP3, you can get the same benefits of music while in the pool. Finis' unique approach does not use earphones or ear buds, so it is comfortable to wear and the music quality is terrific when your head is in the water.
Why swim with music?
As we get older, many medical experts recommend swimming laps as aerobic exercise. Unlike running, it doesn't put strain or pounding on your legs, hips, and lower back.
It wasn't a priority to add music to my swim workouts. I enjoyed the serenity of gliding through the water. Once I tried the Finis waterproof MP3 player, I was hooked.
Swimming with music helps me keep a rhythm. I can set my stroke and breathing to the beat. Lively dance music gives me energy and takes my mind off my aches and pains.
A study by the National Strength and Conditioning Association supports my experience:
"Music is a well-known motivational tool that is used in recreational sports and athletic training. Improved enjoyment, particularly in repetitive endurance sports, has been reported, and satisfaction with music has a major enhancing influence in many participatory sports. Some researchers have found that music reduces the psychological stress and boredom of exercise routines, and improved performance times have been found in both elite and non-elite athletes."
The results of the study using the SwiMP3, showed that those who swam with music had longer workouts and faster times.
The Finis MP3 player is unique.
The Finis does not use typical earbuds. The water-friendly MP3 player clips to your goggle strap and the "speakers" are up against the area between your temples and cheek bones. This method of listening to music is called "bone conduction." Vibrations are transferred to cranial bones that send the sound to the inner ear.
When you put your head in the water, the whole pool becomes your speakers. The vibration is amplified by the water for a truly immersive music experience. The music appears to fully surround you with rich reproduction of instruments and voice.
While the experience is richer when your head is in the water, you can hear the music from the Finis outside the water too. Turn water exercises or walking into your personal Zumba class. Using the Finis SwiMP3, I found that water dancing is a good workout.
Great for Seniors
After years of aural abuse my aging parents use hearing aids. On a recent visit I let them try the Finis SwiMP3 while water walking in their building's pool. The SwiMP3 was a hit. They enjoyed the music using the bone conduction headset which they preferred to ear buds. With the SwiMP3, they didn't have to remove their hearing aids, could hear the surrounding environment and could chat while working out. My step mother is already hinting that she wants one for dancing around in the pool everyday now that they're in Florida.
Transferring music to the SwiMP3
The Finis SwiMP3 plays MP3 music. Connect it to your computer via the USB on the player's cord. It will appear in your file browser where you can drag and drop music to its folder. While the Finis doesn't play iTunes, there are easy-to-follow instructions in the included printed manual that explains how to convert iTunes songs to MP3. The SwiMP3 also charges via the USB and can reportedly play for up to 8 hours on a charge.
It is a good idea to memorize the location of the power, volume, and the song advance and return buttons so you can reach up easily to make changes without looking.
Finis makes a heart rate monitor for swimming that also uses bone conductivity. While it's a handy tool, it's not really possible to wear both at the same time. The only way to wear the SwiMP3 is to attach it to a goggle strap. Whether you are just beginning or you've been swimming laps for years, you may be surprised how swimming with music improves your workout.
