In a Runner's World article a few years back, Julie Bowen, of Modern Family, said that she likes to listen to selections from The Great Courses while on the treadmill. And certainly lots of people like to listen to or watch the news while they exercise—though I think exercise is the perfect time to get away from the news. Perhaps what will get and keep you moving is listening to a book at the same time. The Library has a wide selection of e-audiobooks that patrons can access wherever they are and in conjunction with their fitness pursuits, whatever they may be. 

You can search for e-audiobooks in our catalog, via our SimplyE app or through Overdrive.

One might make this a self-reflective exercise by searching our catalog for e-books or e-audiobooks about fitness and self improvement. If you're running outdoors, maybe you'd enjoy listening to books about NYC history. For podcast aficionados, check out our own podcast The Librarian Is In and find more ideas in Emily Pullen's blog post, Books Written by Beloved Podcast Hosts.

Below are some apps that will help you combine fitness and reading:

SportsTracker 

This free app lets you listen to music or audiobooks, it's also compatible with the Libby app so you can listen to titles you borrow with your library card.

Runkeeper

The Runkeeper app allows you to play iTunes while the GPS and mileage tracker run. Runkeeper can be used for more than just running, with options for stationary biking, etc. Once, on a long run, I imagined an alternate ending for a popular but really disappointing big budget feature film, and was more pleased with my version. I’m sure something similar could happen with a disappointing book ending, especially if you’re the type of person who procrastinates finishing a book because you feel too invested in the characters and storyline.

C25K

This app name stands for "Couch to 5K". It’s designed to create small, achievable goals for wherever you may be. There’s even a Pooch to 5K version for running with your dog. Their Books to 5K page has some good recommendations for those beginning to run.

Zombies, Run!

This is a really inventive app that already combines storytelling and exercise. Although I don’t know of a way to incorporate audiobook tracks in this app, it uses zombieland settings to motivate and distract you from the running part.

Strava

This social-sharing app from Nike has lots of devotees and works for running and cycling. There’s a plugin to sync your music or e-audio.

Also, Bustle has a good rundown (see what I did there?) of seven running apps, some of which I didn’t discuss above. And Shapescale has compiled a list of nine running apps that have some sort of audio component, whether it’s audio cues or music integration.

This blog post was co-created by Lauren Lampasone, Adult Librarian, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library.