Fitness Fitness Technology

The Waterproof Headphones That Won’t Slip During My Sweatiest Workouts

Kells McPhillips

September 7, 2019

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Graphics: Well+Good Creative

In case you don't have a Google alert for "Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson" (as I do), here's the 411: in late May, the actor-slash-fitness-fanatic released a pair of headphones in partnership with Under Armour and JBL. The Project Rock's True Wireless Flash earbuds come with all the trappings of sporty ear-wear you see from Apple, Beats, Jaybird, and more. The only real diff? They're waterproof. Which, to anyone who likes to sweat reads: "will not slide out of your ear canals no matter how many burpees you do."

Upon first opening the packaging of the headphones, two words pop into my head: bad. ass. Each wireless bud displays the image of bull and the punchline "Blood. Sweat. Respect." is stamped on the packaging like a challenge. If that's not a slogan, I certainly don't know what is. As I slip them into the ear, I imagine I'm physically carrying the warrior spirit of The Rock in my eardrums (you know, like a total weirdo). The actor is the closest human equivalent to The Hulk, so I feel mighty as I stride into the gym, open Instagram, and find the strength training video I'll be relying on for my workout.

Once I've turned on my training playlist, I wedge the buds into my ears and turn the volume all the way up. (Disclaimer: This is terrible for you eardrums! You should never do it, just sayin'.) Cardi B. sings to me and suddenly I'm imagining a glorious scene in which she and The Rock are singing a duet. That image alone is enough to help me power through deadlifts, kipping attempts, and all the squats in between. Because, what a pair! And what a pair of headphones!

"Blood. Sweat. Respect."

When, at last, I remove them with sweaty, slightly shaking hands, I remember one more feature of The Rock's masterpiece. You see, the tips themselves are designed to be antimicrobial. So while your run-of-the-mill earbuds are probably germy AF after an hour dedicated to swoll, The Rock's are clean as a whistle. Or... you know, close to it.

Maybe slipping on shorts—not leggings—ups your confidence at the gym. Or, perhaps, you're more of a shell-out-on-cute-scrunchies and a 6-pocket sports bra kind of person. You do you. And if it just so happens that slipping on a certain pair of headphones inspires you to chant "Sweat. Blood. Respect" at yourself in the weight room (in The Rock's deep, sweet tone—nonetheless), then we are kindred spirits.

Airpods are at least 400 percent better with a running buddy, FYI. And if you're on the market for running shoes, we've got your back.