About MP3 Swim Goggles

MP3 swim goggles, also known as swim music goggles, are a recreational swimming tool that enable you to enjoy music while you swim laps or just kick around in the pool. While certainly not designed for speed, these goggles are ideal for long training sessions or for relaxing in the lake or on a gently bobbing float.

Function

MP3 swim goggles are designed for recreational use. They hold a certain number of digital tunes or other recorded media in a small MP3 player that is attached to the goggles. Tunes are piped into the ear via a waterproof earbud that is also attached to the goggle straps.

Features

MP3 goggles tend to be a bit bulky because the MP3 player itself needs extra support in order to not flop around behind your head while you swim. They hold one to several hours of playtime, depending on the model. They may transmit sound on one or both sides of the head.

Types

MP3 swim goggles come in only a few varieties. Those with the best sound quality use bone conduction technology to send vibrations up the jaw or cheekbone directly to the inner ear. This eliminates distortion caused by the water. Less elaborate models use plain earbuds. Almost all models carry the MP3 player on the back of the head and are Mac and Windows compatible.

Benefits

MP3 goggles can be hard to get used to, but they are a great training tool if you are working on building endurance and swim large numbers of laps at a time. Also, they are a great way to keep yourself motivated either with positive music or by listening to encouraging speeches or motivational tracks while you work out.

Considerations

MP3 goggles are a great tool, but they can detract from your training. While they may help you pass the time, you are less likely to focus as hard on your strokes and your technique while you are distracted by music or recorded speeches. Possibly even more seriously, the goggles are cumbersome enough that they can affect your stroke technique by altering your habitual head position.

Warning

Swimming with an MP3 player comes with the same dangers that running with one does. Because you have an inner entertainment system, you will be less aware of the world around you. Pay careful attention to other swimmers and your own situation at all times to make sure that you are interacting safely with others in the pool.

Resources

• Learn more about MP3 swim goggles here.