I often blog about music and share some of my favorite workout songs with our readers. I don't think I need to explain how or why music affects our emotions, energy levels and motivation. Most of us have experienced the power of music firsthand in everyday life and during countless workouts.

Nowadays, most workout DVDs offer a "no music" option on their menus. I used to think that was weird until I saw several comments from blog readers who say that they prefer the quiet when exercising. And last week, when my iPod was stolen out of my car (my mistake for leaving it there!), I had no choice but to go without my trusty tunes for several days—and counting.

This led me to wonder: Is music a must for your workouts?

For the longest time, I always felt that I absolutely could NOT work out if I didn't have good music pumping in my ears. It set the stage for my workouts and helped motivate me. If I forgot my iPod, my chances of following through with my workout plans went way down. These songs provided a distraction from the monotony and of the workout itself. It gave me something to focus on other than the drudgery of the gym. It made exercise far more entertaining.

This past winter, I blogged about a winter run that had a profound effect on me. It was the first time I had exercised without music in as long as I could remember. And surprise—I LOVED it. For the past several months, I've been running and exercising at the gym without the use of my iPod. The best part is that I no longer see music as a crutch. And probably even better, I'm more in tune with my body, my thoughts, my breath and my feelings while I exercise. I have deeper thoughts. I come up with all sorts of ideas and solve everyday problems. I reach inside and motivate myself up big hills instead of relying on something external (like the perfect song) to do the work for me. I talk to myself. I give myself pep talks—one more block, one more minute, one more mile. Sometimes I sing to myself! I fine-tune my movements. I actually feel freer, happier and less distracted and, for the first time ever, I began to notice the stress and tension leaving my body along the way.

Recently, I ran two races and reached new personal milestones in distance without the use of any music: a 15K back in March and a 10.6-mile run a couple weeks ago. Yesterday I ran my fastest 3 miles ever, no iPod in hand. I used to watch competitive marathoners in total disbelief, wondering how they could possibly run so long without music to distract and entertain them. Now I get it.

I still enjoy using music when teaching classes and during my once-a-week long runs. Spinning would never be as fun without it. But when I'm on my own, I'm letting music take the backseat for a while. I think that developing a true love of running has helped me reach this point, and finding something that you enjoy would help you go music-free, too, as would a new and more positive outlook toward fitness. Over the past year, my attitude toward exercise has shifted substantially and I can say that I truly love the mental and physical challenge of a good workout. It's hard to say what came first, the silence or the love of exercise, but I'm pretty sure the two are related. It has taken me several years of working out to get to this point, so don't worry if you haven't felt it yet. I'm sure you will. And I'll be thinking of you and pulling for you next time I'm running (music) free...

How about you: Is music essential to your workouts or are you able to exercise sans tunes? Have you ever tried exercising without your favorite songs in tow?