iPods have become the essential prop in the universe of sports and exercise. In retrospect, we never realized the strenuous inconvenience of attaching a Walkman, and subsequently, even worse, a constantly-skipping CD player to our bodies to take on the treadmill or the sports field. Or perhaps we did, but lived with the complacent idea that this was the best way possible to marry exercise and the privatization of music to our very own ears. The 2nd Gen. iPod shuffle is perhaps the most practical music device created to date. Let’s consider it’s quarter-size stature, for starters. The shuffle easily fits and clips on wherever a coin or a button can.

There is also its capacity to hold a generous and impressive 1 gigabyte of music (for the sake of practicality, no one really needs more than 240 songs at one specific time - not even during a marathon). The iPod shuffle is one of those rare gadgets that subliminally and unobtrusively facilitates our daily, fast-paced lives, by providing the essence of music at our (literal) fingertips.So, with Apple providing the smallest MP3 player ever, It would only make sense to create an accessory that will allow the 2nd Gen iPod shuffle to be attached to the body whenever, wherever; under any type of condition. (Yes, this is intended for olympic swimmers, and storm chasers alike). Enter the proactive minds at H2O Audio, who got their hands all, um, wet, by creating the iS2, the “smallest waterproof case ever”; a silicone sleeve that snugs perfectly into a polycarbonate impact-resistant case. Paired with the H2O Audio Series Waterproof Headphones, H2O Audio created an effective protection against the most destructive of elements.

I have begun to incorporate swimming four times a week into my workout regimen. I admit I have become one of those I-can’t-workout-without-my-iPod specimens. How brilliant it is then, to be able to carry this from the weight room, to the sauna, to lapping in the pool, and finalizing at the whirlpool. The fact of the matter is that, yes, I was initially terrified to submerge my trusted little shuffle into a pool of water, and sure, it is inexpensive, but regardless, it is my source of stimulation, and that cannot be price-tagged. With hesitation, I strapped the iS2 to my arm (it comes with armband and all), plugged in the waterproof headphones, and with a here-goes-nothing attitude, I submerged into the pool.

The tune I was listening to at the moment remained as clear as when the music notes were dry. The iS2 and the ergonomically designed waterproof headphones allowed no interruption and, yes, I was as pleased as a fish in water.It is also worth mentioning that, with intense workouts, my perspiratory glands are unforgiving, and I have ruined a few pairs of other headphones due to the accumulation of sweat in my ears during long-distance runs, including a way-too-expensive, (albeit aesthetically perfect) Danish-made pair. The H2O Audio Series Waterproof Series Headphones were designed specifically to take on these types of natural obstacles in a workout. Not only did they remain unaffected by humidity, logically, but also tucked tightly in and around the ear.Overall, H2O Audio receives the highest of praises, not so much for designing products that protect our electronics, but most importantly, for allowing the enjoyment of uninterrupted entertainment and motivation for a better quality of life, whether at ground level or swimming ten feet under.

These are the specs on the H2O Audio iS2:These are the specs on the H2O Audio iS2:

• Submersible up to 10ft/3m (when paired with H2O Audio Waterproof Headphones)
• Patented Control Pad (provides full access to the shuffle’s controls)
• SealTight connector (compatible with standard 3.5mm headphone plugs)
• Sport Lanyard (included)
• Sport Armband (included)

These are the specs on the H2O Audio Series Waterproof Headphones:

• Acoustically engineered to work in up to 10ft of water. (when paired with an H2O Audio Series Waterproof Case)
• Waterproof speakers (designed for complete submersion)
• Behind the head design (keeps headphones in place during active watersports)
• Adjustable design (for individual comfort)
• Reactive coiled cable (eliminates tangles)
• Silicone earplugs included
• Compatible with standard 3.5mm audio jacks