I was debating whether to make this a tech post or wellness post.  In this case, the two go hand-in-hand, so I chose wellness.

Image courtesy of aftershokz.com

AfterShokz has created a line of amazing headphones…well, unconventional “headphones”, that utilize military-grade bone conduction technology.  Have you ever wished there was a way you could listen to music, and still be tuned in to your surroundings?  AfterShokz has the answer, and they come in three forms.  Before I get into their products, how many of you workout at night?  Even though I have never felt unsafe, there are inherent dangers when walking, jogging, etc. in the dark.  You forget to wear reflectors, have your headphones/earbuds on or in, and SPLAT!  You’ve become the next news story in your town, not to mention “one with the street”.  Or, you’re walking around, talking on your phone, and smack into the person walking towards you because you weren’t paying attention…we’ve all been there.  These will definitely diminish the number of those types of avoidable incidences.

Where I happen to live, it is particularly hilly.  Everything is set in the hills, and we have coyotes, snakes, etc., and of course, bad drivers.  Oh, and did I mention the lack of street lights?  Now, I’m sure most of you are wondering why I choose to go for walks at night, when it is less safe, than during the day.  Simple.  My schedule.  Currently, my schedule does not allow for much recreation in the daytime.  That being said, sometimes being in broad daylight can be just as unsafe.  I tend to listen to music outside of working out, especially when I take the train into the city.  It helps to pass the time.  I never realized how much of the outside I tuned out until I tried the Bluez 2.  People, bikes, cars, and other sounds I stopped paying attention to because my earbuds would block out nearly all external noise.

I was lucky enough to be given a pair of Bluez 2 to test out.  It has made a world of difference in my everyday life and night workout routines!  All I have to do is charge up the headset (you can even do that with a powerbank), link it to the Bluetooth on my phone, and I’m good to go.  Instead of going in the ear, the piece sits in front.  There is a strap that adjusts the fit, and the product even comes with a bag, charging cable, and reflectors!  The sound quality is amazing, and I am still connected to the world around me.  The Bluez 2 is lightweight, so after the absolute threshold is reached, I can’t even feel them.  They don’t move, either, so there is no constant adjusting.  Since they do not go in the ear, there is no worry of them falling out during a jog.  I get the same feeling with certain sunglasses.  They’ll be on my head, and the next thing I know, I ‘m searching frantically because I assume I’ve misplaced them.

Regardless of what time of day you’re out and about (or why) listening to music with AfterShokz will keep you in tune with everything around you.  You not only hear the music as clear as you would through “normal” headphones, you also hear everything in your surroundings!  That alone increases anyone’s safety.  The Bluez 2 also links up via Bluetooth, so you don’t have any pesky cords to deal with.  Here is a quick chart to show you the difference between the models.  For more information, check out their website.

**Information courtesy of aftershokz.com**

If you haven’t picked up a pair, I highly suggest you do.  They range from about $40.00-100.00,  depending on the model, and I think they are worth every penny.  If you purchase a pair, I definitely want to know your opinion.

Stay beautiful!