“Let silence take you to the core of life.” ― Rumi
Exercise has always been closely associated with my personal journey into minimalism.
For my first birthday after becoming minimalist, I asked for a membership to our local gym. It was clutter-free. It was symbolic of the change that had taken place in my life. It was practical, intentional, and beneficial for life.
When I first began working out, I listened to music with buds in my ear. Everyone else seemed to be listening to something. And thus, I assumed it must be the best way to get in a good workout. I listened to playlists… radio… books… speeches… even baseball games.
But eventually, after a long period of trial and error, I turned off noise altogether during my workouts. I immediately fell in love with the refreshing workout environment of silence. It was peaceful. It was calming. And I began taking note of the numerous benefits.
Benefits of Exercising Without Artificial Noise
1. I have learned to enjoy the gift of silence.
In a world that is constantly filled with noise and distraction, I have begun to crave precious windows of silence. Running without music/talk of any kind provides opportunity on a consistent basis to experience it.
2. I can better listen to my body.
Distraction-free, I am able to better focus on the messages coming from my body when I exercise. I can feel my legs loosen during my first mile, my breathing deepen on uphill climbs, or my arms begin to give way during a set of reps. This attentiveness helps me better assess my body and keep me from injury.
3. It provides opportunity for meditation and prayer.
I consider solitude, meditation, and prayer to be important disciplines in my spiritual journey. Joining these practices with physical exercise turns it into a spiritual exercise.
4. It stimulates creativity.
There are numerous studies that directly link aerobic exercise and cognitive creativity. With no outside influence directing my thoughts, my mind is free to wander and create as it desires. Some of my most creative thoughts came while exercising. In fact, this entire post was recently written during a 3-mile run.
5. It allows space to discern voices.
There are countless voices seeking to gain influence in our hearts and minds. Learning to discern the healthy from the harmful is an important, never-ending pursuit. I have found that extended periods of exercise provide heightened senses to evaluate these voices. As a result, I am able to more wisely determine which voices to follow.
6. I exercise with less baggage.
When I was training for my first marathon, I quickly learned the value of traveling light. Learning to run without the requirement of a music source allows me that opportunity.
7. It is safer.
I live in the suburbs. Most of my runs take place on streets alongside bicycles and automobiles. Practically speaking, I feel safer when my ears are tuned to the environment around me.
When I tell people I prefer to run/workout without music, most of them are genuinely surprised. They quickly respond with specific rationale of how music helps them stay physically fit. It helps keep them motivated, distracted, focused, or in rhythm. And I get it. I really do.
But for me, because of the reasons listed above, I’ll choose exercising without noise any day… and hopefully everyday.
Egypt says
I’ve stopped exercising to music, and find I am more presnet with my breath, and my movement. It’s a wonderful break from all the noise and mental stimualtion to just let my mind roam. We all need white space in our days. As a minimalist i’m incoporating that mindset into everything I do. I agree with you on silence stimualting creativity. it’s only when our minds are allowed to roam that the imagination can come up with ideas, links and innovative solutions to challenges. Great post.
Eva says
As a dancer, I find that music stimulates my creativity instead of hindering it. However, as much as I use music to fuel me, I know my body also needs silence. It’s all about balance :)
Ana says
I got tired of spending my money in MP3, no matter, cheap or expensive, they always got ruined for the sweat and my carelesness. So, I decided to jog with no music. I do it in my lunch time and every day I look forward for this precious moment just for me.
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Urban Minimalist says
I use to exercise (walking) with my iPod, and I did so for three years. It was a necessity for me to get through my workouts back then. However, once I switched to cycling four months ago, I stopped using my iPod while exercising. Of course, there was the safety factor to consider. I needed to hear cars/pedestrians/other cyclists approaching me, so I never even thought about using my iPod to drown out my surroundings. But the awesome thing was the unintended benefits – the best benefit being increased awareness.
I’m aware of every single thing going on around me. I’m more alert and in the moment as I cycle. Because of this simple change, I actually found exercising more enjoyable because I am present in my environment every single second. When I used my iPod in conjunction with exercise, I was so dialed in that I passed by lovely scenery that I never paid attention to, let alone saw.
I found that I enjoy exercising better without the background noise in a pair of headphones or in-ear monitors. When I go for long walks, I leave my iPod behind 99% of the time now. Plus, it’s always better to move about as light as possible.
Angela says
The first time I went to the gym alone, I didn’t take any music. Everyone else had buds in & I felt weird? That very night I went to Wally World and purchased some. I feel pretty silly after reading this post. You’re so right … sometimes we need to think before we conform.
Urban Minimalist says
Indeed. Most of the time, it’s just social pressure that makes us want to conform to the norm. It’s perfectly okay to break out and do your own thing.