STOP! Headphones for joggers are a danger to health! Well that's what one health columnist said recently, but just what did she mean exactly? Well, when questioned further she told the interview that joggers who wear headphones are a danger to themselves and others simply because they were not alert to their surroundings. "They bang into things and bump into other people, not to mention the dangers of crossing busy roads without being able to here oncoming traffic!" she added. Hmm! well I'm happy to say I've never had any such incidences and the thought of jogging without my headphones is just unimaginable.

We live in an age where most folks are addicted to their MP3 players and even the olds are plugged in these days. We've all seen the suites with their bobbing heads as they commute on the trains and busses during the Monday to Friday work-run. But for me and countless others, the MP3 player and a decent set of headphones really comes into its own during what would otherwise be a boring workout!

I used to hate jogging for exercise but I can't get enough of it these days. Ever since I got a decent set of headphones for the job, I've been running like a whippet most evenings. My Logitech Wireless Headphones are just perfect for my MP3 Player. They are ultra light weight and so comfortable that I feel quite undressed without them.

It's really important to choose the right headphones for jogging exercise. For one thing, they have to be more steady and snug than the standard types because of all the movement going on. The standard ear buds that came with my player tended to fall out all the time and I was constantly having to stick them back into the lug holes.

Whether you chose the in-ear, over the head, or over the ear neck-band earphones types, they have to be secure while running. There are some very good models around these days and once you ascertain which ones will stay in place, it's just a matter of preference with sound and style. My girlfriend uses Sony MDREX71's and I have to say they sound fantastic, but for some reason, I just don't feel comfortable wearing them for jogging.

I've recently purchased the hugely popular Samsung D500 slide phone with 1.3 megapixel camera, MP3 player, video & Bluetooth device etc. So in effect, my old MP3 player is redundant as I can now jog with phone, music, and digi camera all bundled up into one neat little package. Another great feature of this mobile is that I can also use the MP3's as ring tones. Yeah okay, so I'm a gadget geek but who cares, I love it!

But seriously folks, if you really want to get into shape and you've not yet got an MP3, I suggest you look as some of the new mobile phones which include the player. Exercise used to be boring, a necessary evil for those of us wanting to keep in tip top shape. Not anymore thanks to the mini MP3 player. I tell you, now that I've got music while I exercise and a decent set of headphones for jogging, my fitness regime is no longer something I dread but look forward to each and every day.

But to end on an important note, it's not wise to crank up the music too loud when you're out and about. For one thing, it can have a long term damaging effect on your hearing, and another is you really do need to be aware of what's going on around you during your jog, otherwise you might just run into trouble as the health columnist was quoted at the start of this short article.