For some reason, I just can't seem to get enough sensory overload when I'm at the gym.

Sure, partly it's a way to fight the boredom. But I tap into every possible distraction I can find. I track my heart rate, speed, calories burned, and route on the elliptical trainer. Simultaneously, I'll listen to my iPod and scan something like six TV monitors at a time, following their captions every so often. And if a magazine happens to catch my eye, I'll prop that on the machine as well.

So, I got a little nervous when I came across this article about whether distractions, such as iPods and TV monitors, are counterproductive to a good workout. As it turns out there are pros and cons in this case.

Generally speaking, experts say that music, TV, and other entertainment while exercising provides some real advantages. For one thing, they motivate people to work harder (as much as 13 percent, according to the study they've cited.) Distractions also help us dissociate from fatigued muscles and other normal discomforts and keep working up a sweat.

But there's a downside. The distractions interfere with the mind/body connection that occurs during a workout.

Exercise is a great way to tune into our bodies. But we can't hear what our bodies are telling us if we're too busy listening to our iPods and/or watching a blur of news channels, music videos, and talk shows. It's particularly problematic for athletes in training, who need to pay attention to their bodies to dig deep, according to the study.

Since I'm not in training, I'll keep listening to my iPod at the gym. It may come at a cost, but experience has shown me that when I forget it at home (or forget to charge it), my workout can feel endless; listening to good music is more fun than watching the minutes creep past.