“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.
The Maui Taoist says
We call that,
cultivation of your life force,
Qigong
Annie says
For me it depends on where I am exercising and how. I mostly do so in a gym because it’s safer and easier, but they play horrible pop music. (I have asked them to vary it but to no avail, and I like my gym too much otherwise to switch.) Using my music at the gym while I do cardio is inspirational and motivating. I keep at my workout longer and at a better pace. It actually frees my mind since I’m not thinking about how annoying the piped-in music is. I don’t use it while weight training so I can be more aware of what I am doing and others around me. Also, I often weight train with my husband and we like to talk while we train to encourage each other.
When I exercise outside I leave the earbuds at home. It’s safer and I’m usually walking with someone and prefer to chat or just listen to nature.
Erika says
I have a long commute every day and have found I am much more relaxed after arriving at my destination when I can drive in silence. I have not yet allowed myself to go for a run without the crutch of music to distract me, but am convinced now this might be worthwhile experiment. Thank you for this post.
Rohit Gosalia says
I personally – believe in listening to Nature – have never in my life put music in my ears when running/walking – or any other outdoor activities. I agree with all benefits – and strongly recommend to avoid closing your ears to the world when you are exercising outdoors.
Tony @ WeOnlyDoThisOnce says
What a thoughtful post. I must admit, I am a music lover..and listening to music while exercising makes it all worthwhile. What can I say?? I will try to go bud-less a few times…but I don’t have high hopes!! Love my music…
A&M says
Music is an important part of life – but too many people now need music playing at all times.
(PS Hell is other people’s music)
Dennis says
Music isn’t allowed on course at most mountain bike races. When I got into racing I decided to train without music, so I would be used to it. Once I developed the habit, I haven’t had any desire to have music in my workouts… Of course I usually have a song stuck in my head the entire time anyway.
Amy says
I am glad to read this post. I find music is a very enjoyable aspect when walking or running alone, however I also find it distracts from what is around me. I am not able to hear the sound of the wind in the tree’s, the birds chattering, or a neighbor calling hello. Most importantly I am not able to hear other sounds that keep me safe, a car behind me, or the possible approach of someone else. I prefer for these reasons to go without music and find that I am able to enjoy my surroundings much more when I am outside. I keep the music for days I must use the treadmill.
Frederique says
Music covers annoying sounds like cars engines and other machines, it helps feeling peaceful rather than irritated by human made polluting engines.
Ideally I prefer silence or natural sounds like birds, waves and wind, but for city people silence is a rare luxury, music is the natural cheap replacement for poor urbanites.
christina says
I tend to do a lot of things without music. So many moments of my life are filled with noise, and I need the quiet time to declutter my head.