Perhaps you are not the group exercise type and prefer to go it alone on the treadmill, the elliptical or the bike. Perhaps you hit the tiles and lift, step up and squat. But let’s face it- we all need a little lift in the months while the sun is still low in the sky.

It’s been studied and proven: From Livestrong “The effect that music may have on you is complex. While you may not have given it much thought, it is not a coincidence that many gyms and exercise classes play music in the background. Music can aid exercise in a number of ways and can have a positive effect on fitness.

According to Costas Karageorghis, an associate professor with Brunel University in England, who has been studying the relationship between music and motivation since 1988. Dance and some rock songs, which usually have a tempo of between 120 and 140 beats per minute, have been shown to increase motivation. Bingo!

This is all just great, unless your ipod’s bumping tunes are unheard because you can’t keep your earbuds in. I’ve tried the buds that Apple supplies- but they fall out. It seems, that I have petite ear structure (oh were it that my hips and seat had the same!) I tried the switchback style, and they were uncomfortable and hot behind my neck. I tried the buds with ear wraps, and they just fell half way out. And then I was introduced to the Bose IE1 earbuds. The sound is what you’d expect from Bose- smooth, full and natural- wonderful really. The best part is that they fit and stay put! The soft flexible proprietary StayHear™ ear tips nestle inside the bowl of the ear while naturally conforming to the ear’s upper ridge. Heaven. Watch out, elipitcal-I’m baaaack!