I found a tiny MP3 player that is perfect for most solo exercise activities, such as weightlifting and power walking. It can also enhance other activities, like household chores, without disturbing others. In addition, it has a clip so you can attach it to your waistband or belt.
It’s the Eclipse CLD 4 GB. I love it.
Having music playing during exercise keeps me motivated. If you like music, I’m sure it will do the same for you. I also use it to listen to podcasts and audiobooks.
The great thing about MP3 players over any other music-playing device is that you can have precisely the songs on it that inspire you the most. This makes a huge difference in keeping your momentum while working out.
In the old days, I remember using a tiny FM radio or lugging around a portable CD player in a fanny pack. I constantly changed the station or track to find the next song that inspired me. I no longer have to waste any time or energy on that absurd activity. Every song is my favorite!
Of course, a smartphone can serve as an MP3 player. But there are issues with doing that, like…
- Must be more vigilant about not bumping or scratching it.
- Must deal with its placement and movement while you’re working out.
- Must wear clothing with a suitable pocket. Some sports clothes do not have pockets.
Mach Speed Technologies makes the Eclipse CLD. Although the review ratings on this product fall short of five stars on some store websites, I found that it serves my needs very well. Most of the bad reviews I saw were complaining about the sound quality of the earbuds. I’d agree that they are only marginally satisfactory. But considering the price, I think it’s a good value overall. And I wouldn’t want to use an expensive one for exercise and other high-movement activities. The odds of damaging or losing it are too high.
I go through headphones quickly since I listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks during many activities. With inexpensive stereo headphones and especially noise-isolation earbuds, it sounds fantastic to me.
The button controls take a little getting used to, but like anything else, they become second nature after a while. The design of the button pad looks the same as that of other similar MP3 players I’ve seen.
My experience with Mach Speed Technologies’ technical support department has been outstanding. After having the Eclipse CLD for more than a year, the clip broke off. I have to admit that I gave that clip a workout! The warranty on the product is one year. Even though it had expired a month earlier, they sent me a new Eclipse CLD! But it wasn’t like the one I mailed in that had 2 GB of memory. They returned a new one with 4 GB of memory. I was stoked!
I’ve seen other small MP3 players with more memory, larger screens, and more features, but they also cost more and are bigger. Tiny and inexpensive is best for an MP3 player for exercise and other high-movement activities.
When you’re working out, you don’t want to deal with nuances, irritations, or distractions from a bulky, expensive, or uncooperative music player. For the best result, you need to be able to give 100% of your attention to your exercise. A tiny MP3 player with a clip allows you to do that.