Arm or Waist?: My phone and keys bouncing around... - Couch to 5K

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Arm or Waist?

RedSockBlueSock profile image
29 Replies

My phone and keys bouncing around are starting to get on my nerves as my runs get longer.

What are peoples opinions regarding wearing belts or arm holders? I feel a belt might be better for security rather than having my phone on display on my arm. However, I'm not sure how restrictive having something around your waist might be.

I'll be using Bluetooth headphones so cables won't be a problem.

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RedSockBlueSock profile image
RedSockBlueSock
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29 Replies
Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate

I have both an arm band for my phone and also a waist bag , I stopped using the arm band as I found it was in an awkward place to get to my phone if needed it , also the holder used to slip down my arm as I was running which was an annoying distraction .So out of the 2 I prefer the waist bag .

But I only use it on longer runs of around 10k as it holds drink bottles also

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Belts for me...Freetoo...phone and keysI have a slightly larger one with small water bottles for long runs xx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

Leggings with pocket

Frenc profile image
FrencGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun

Absolutely agree! Leggings with a phone size pocket in the back are brill. 😀

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate

You don’t say if you’re a lady or a gent, however, I hate carrying stuff , can’t stand anything on my arms either......I did try.......i have decathlon trail shorts, capris and skort (skirt with integrated shorts) they have zip pockets front and back - the back one is big enough for a smart phone, plus other pockets for snacks around the waistband/hipsLove ‘em.....I carry a soft 250ml water bottle (also decathlon) in the back pocket usually.

Or I use a belt/running bum bag, and for long distance I’ve got a vest....loads of pockets, you can take your packed lunch in one of those 😂

Mx

Rayblade900 profile image
Rayblade900

Hi. I use a Karrimor waist bag for keys and phone. Doesn't hinder my running at all.

sportsdirect.com/karrimor-x...

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

My wife has an arm band........she swears by it, but rarely uses it.

I have a waist belt.......which is larger, more flexible, has several pockets and doesn't cause any asymmetries whilst running.

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate

I have a cheapy version of a flipbelt. Works well, though I wear it more on my hips than round my waist.

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate

Love my waist belt. In fact, I have two! One really small one for short runs, and a large one for long runs, when I might need to take a drink In the summer. Both are comfy as long as you do them up tight. You might need to work out the best positioning for you. I wear the large one with the bag part at the back. The smallbone, the bag is at my front. I tried an armband but hated it. If you need to fumble for anything, or reset your phone etc, it's easier to access a bag and you can keep moving, or at least walk.

Couchphoenix profile image
CouchphoenixGraduate

I use an arm band phone holder, which has a little pocket for my front door key....,does the job perfectly, it’s made by Mpow and I bought it off eBay for £8.45👍

Helebe profile image
HelebeGraduate

I started with an arm belt for my phone but found it tricky to put on and switched to a waist belt bag, it's only big enough for my phone and key, but I find it less bulky and more comfortable.

Starbi profile image
StarbiGraduate

I had a waist belt but it drove me mad bouncing up and down (only a little, but still a nightmare) I've just bought a Freetrain vest and love it. It's great having the phone right in front of you and easy to look at while running too. It has a zip up pocket on the left shoulder and a velcro one on the right. Pockets are a little small but ok if you don't have a load of keys. I usually put a card or cash note behind my phone just in case 😃

Eveegirl profile image
Eveegirl

Bought a running belt from Home Bargains. £1.99!! It’s perfect for me. Stretchy so I can fit my iPhone 8 in main pocket then a small pocket for my front door key. It doesn’t inhibit me atall. Won’t run without it. I’m just starting week7 tonight

happysouls profile image
happysoulsGraduate

I've tried a variety of belts/bags. I find my favourite is a compact bag just big enough for the phone and keys. It has a little pouch at the side where I keep a lipbalm. I twist the bag round so that it sits in the small of my back when running and I don't notice it's there. The belt being stretchy is key to comfort for me. It's tight but just right and holds it in place so the bag stays completely in place. I've had others that move during running and even the slight banging against me I didn't like. If I take a water bottle it is one that I keep in my hand.

Tgostswimmer profile image
Tgostswimmer

A running belt has worked best for me. I have a SPIbelt, which stretches to accommodate whatever you need. It never bounces as I run, can adjust the pocket/s so they are resting comfy on your belly/back/hip...

I would question why you need "keys"... just take one front door key?

Good luck finding something that suits.

Voldatort profile image
VoldatortGraduate

I've got a waist belt, or use bottoms with a pocket, but another option is look for a cycling top/jersey -they have a pocket at the back.

Susiepaul profile image
SusiepaulGraduate

I've got a Nudic arm pouch, which has room for my phone and a small bunch of keys too as 2 separate pockets.

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate

Another yay for a running belt...I used an armband for my 1st year of running but that only carried my phone and occasionally came undone if I got too sweaty!Changed to a flipbelt and never looked back...you do have to let it sit where it wants but great once you're used to it.

I can carry my phone, keys (there's a clip to snag them on to for extra safety) and if on a long run a couple of gels and a mask with no trouble 👍

Tracymed profile image
Tracymed

I use a running belt and it doesn’t bother me at all I also have leggings with pockets on the side. The arm band pinched my arm so wasn’t to happy with that x

Hedgehogs123 profile image
Hedgehogs123Graduate

waist bag, easier to get to and half the time I don't realise I;m wearing it. 😀🏃‍♀️

JulieByf profile image
JulieByfGraduate

I took the risk and bought a slim waist band with 2 zip pockets that expands enough to take a phone and keys plus their is room for more if needed. Cos its a snug fit nothing moves around and there is no jangling of keys or annoying movement of phone. It's very comfy, I dont even know I'm wearing it. I think it was £10 for 3 belts, so I've always got one to go if the others are in the wash.

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

I buy shorts and leggings with a pocket in big enough for my phone. I hate belts and I hate arm bands. If I need to carry more, I wear a running vest.

I wear a bumbag, but with the buckle at the back and the bag in front. It thus allows easy access to my phone, but more importantly to the tissues you always need!! I also carry a small water bottle in it. I just don't notice it once I get running. I only carry one house key. But I also made a little card with my name, address, next of kin, and medication, in case I have an accident or medical emergency.

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate in reply to

They’re all that way round aren’t they?

in reply to Tasha99

oh, I just assumed bumbags were worn like rucksacks, with the bag at the back. Could be wrong - I am in my second childhood 😳

RedSockBlueSock profile image
RedSockBlueSock

I've gone for a belt. With regard to keys, I need to find my spare keys so I can just take a single one. At the moment, it's too much hassle taking one key off then putting it back on again after half an hour so I just take the entire set.

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate in reply to RedSockBlueSock

I’ve got a key safe on the side of the house. It’s brilliant. No taking keys on a run 😊 Mainly bought for son coming home from school but I find it very helpful!

amazon.co.uk/MASTER-LOCK-Sa...

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

Like CMoi, I got a cheap ersatz flipbelt from Amazon, It has slots where your stuff slides in and it's got a little clip for keys.

Beastie_MCCXIX profile image
Beastie_MCCXIXGraduate

I'm a big guy and the arm bands always fall down and the waist type do not fit me at all. I use this. Fits large phone, keys and is easy to access.

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