music at my gym is actaully pretty good but i still like the ipod. It took a while to get used to the wires but i keep it cranked to the max and i cant hear anything so i dont have to hear others conversations or the noises around. I find it helps me focus. It also doubles as a anti-conversation piece. No body will talk to you and ask you silly questions if you have the ipod in. Earphones in you mean business and if someone you dont care for talks you just go about your business and pretend you cant hear them.