5 Innovative Music Items for Running to the Beat

Anyone with a smartphone knows you can listen to music as you run. But look beyond your phone’s own music jukebox. We did—GPS watches that store and can play hundreds of songs, and headphones that keep you aware of your surroundings, can measure heart rate via your ear and even provide watch- and phone-free music and GPS workout tracks.

While running with music isn’t for everyone, some studies have shown that music at a beat near cadence or heart rate can improve performance and endurance by reducing perceived effort, boosting spirits when tired and by syncing the body’s rhythms to the music.