Goodtunes discussion

I recently decided I should join a fitness club so I filled my ipod with lots of peppy tunes and headed out. Unfortunately, there's a CD/radio there and it's usually on. I know I will never gain any perspective on the death metal some of the weight lifters choose but mostly people just listen to the local AM station. Trouble is, most of this music makes me cranky and I don't enjoy my workout. This is a very tiny town and this is the only fitness centre available so I figure I either have to quit, which I really don't want to do, or learn to appreciate today's pop music. It's not that I hate today's music - I like bands like Library Voices but I don't get most of the stuff on the radio. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying I don't like it. But now, if I want to continue my workouts, I need to learn to, at least, tolerate it. So, any helpful hints on what I'm missing about the popular music playing on the radio today would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Maxine. Why don't you bring your own media player and listen to your own music or a book on audio? That's what I would do. I didn't even hear the music the fitness gym played.

I haven't kept up with most pop music lately. I mainly listen to stuff I find online or randomly that is like stuff I like. I don't listen to top 40 radio either.

I bring my own ipod. Unfortunately, the stereo is right next to the equipment I like to use so I end up getting both sounds. I tried cranking up my ipod to drown out the radio but my hearing was wonky for an hour afterward and, weirdly, audio books put me to sleep, not a good idea on a treadmill. Because it is a small club, everything is in one room and the music is turned up so everyone can hear. I could turn it down but that seems unfair to everyone else. I even checked the sign-in to find a time when the club was empty - so far, I've tried 4 different times only to soon have company. I'm beginning to think I'm the only one of the 1800 souls in this town who owns an MP3 player. My only solution may be to get strong earplugs and hum 'Train in Vain' to myself while I'm working out.

Anyway, I do appreciate that you took the time to try to help. Thank you.

You might politely discuss your situation with management. Maybe they can move the stereo to another place. I think they would want every member to feel happy and comfortable at the gym.

Sorry you're dealing with that.