I found a tiny MP3 player that is perfect for most solo exercise activities like weightlifting and power walking. It can also enhance other activities like household chores without disturbing other people. In addition, it has a clip so that you can attach it to your waistband or belt.
It’s the Eclipse CLD 4GB. I love it.
Having music playing during exercise really keeps me motivated. If you like music, then I’m sure it will do the same for you. I also use it to play podcasts and audiobooks.
The great thing about MP3 players over any other music-playing device is that you can have exactly the list of songs on it that inspires you the most. This makes a huge difference in keeping your momentum going while you’re working out.
I remember the old days when I used a tiny FM radio or lugged around a portable CD player in a fanny (waist) pack. I was constantly changing the station or track trying to find the next song that inspired me. I don’t have to waste any time or energy on that absurd activity anymore. Every song is my favorite!
A smartphone can, of course, serve as an MP3 player. But there are issues in doing that like…
- Must be more vigil 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.
The Eclipse CLD is made by Mach Speed Technologies. 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 that 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 for exercise and other high-movement activities, I wouldn’t want to use an expensive one. The odds of damaging or losing it are too high.
I go through headphones pretty quickly since I listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks during so 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, it becomes second nature after a while. The design of the button pad looks the same as 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 GBs of memory. They returned a new one with 4 GBs 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 they are bigger. Tiny and inexpensive is best when it comes to an MP3 player for exercise and other high-movement activities.
When you’re working out, you don’t want to have to deal with any 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.