Thank goodness we now have headphone choices instead of the giant earmuffs that once were standard -- those are just so goofy-looking. And trust me, I look goofy enough when I'm working out -- I don't need any help. However, with most headphones, you still have to deal with wires. At least, until now.

For this week's giveaway, we are so thrilled to offer the MOTOROKR S-9 Wireless Headset, as you might have seen on The Biggest Loser (or in Fit Gadgets just a couple of weeks ago). It comes with an iPod adapter and works with most Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, so you can listen to your music and take calls, all completely hands (and wires) free! And speaking of free, here's how you can win your own:

• To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling me what your favorite workout song is.
  
• The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Friday, November 14, 2008.
  
• You may enter only once.
• One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
  
• One winner will receive one Motorola MOTOROKR S9-HD Wireless Headset (valued at $129.99).
• Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia who are 18 or older.
  
  

Click here for complete Official Rules.

Winners are notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you're the winner!

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Around here, we're fans of The Biggest Loser. While we might not always agree with everything the trainers say, one thing that's tough to dispute is that having the right equipment can go a long way toward staying motivated. Just imagine trying to complete a long run without rocking out to your favorite playlist!

A few weeks ago, The Biggest Loser featured the Motorola MOTOROKR S9-HD headset (check out the video right here), which is a device that allows you to listen to music (or a workout) via Bluetooth while taking hands-free calls from most Bluetooth-enabled cell phones so you won't miss that call about the race coming up next weekend.

The S9-HD wireless stereo headphones offer high-def surround sound with noise-isolating ear buds. Plus, from a girlier standpoint, it goes around the back of your head, low enough that it shouldn't interfere with your ponytail. It also goes over your ears, so it won't slip or move out of place even during the most grueling workout. But it gets even cooler.

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A lot of us use earbuds or headphones pretty regularly, whether it's while working out or during a long subway commute or whatever, and most of us barely give our health and our hearing a second thought while choosing a playlist and adjusting the volume. But research shows we should be giving it some thought, as causing permanent hearing damage is easier than you might think. Experts have suggested some listening guidelines based on how loud you like to crank your tunes (these are for earbuds):

• At 80% of the maximum volume you shouldn't listen for longer than 1.2 - 1.5 hours at a time
• At 70% of the max volume you can listen for quite a bit longer: 4.6 - 6.0 hours
• And if you can keep it to 50% of the max or lower you can listen as long as you want

I have no idea what percentage I usually have my iPod set on, but I'm gonna figure it out!

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Take a look around any gym and at least 9 out of 10 people will have headphones on, either listening to the news/soap operas/sports that the gym TV is tuned into or playing music from an mp3 or CD player. In the gym, the desire to listen to something other than the strangers around you panting for breath is understandable, but do you listen to music outside of the gym as well?

Personally, I have mixed feelings about it. I like background noise, so if I can play music in the area that I am in, I enjoy it. Sometimes I find it to be distracting to have music playing right in my ear, where I can't really tune it out, though. Music is helpful with motivation and consistency when the beat matches your own rhythm, but it can really throw you off your stride when it doesn't.

What do you think? Do you workout with music?