Breathe underwater and listen to music

Swimming has been touted as a great way to get, or stay, in shape, and it appeals to people who want an intense, no-impact workout. The only problem with swimming lap after lap after lap is the sometimes numbing boredom that results. While gymgoers have distractions such as television or music, swimmers have little to keep their minds occupied. To the rescue is this snorkel with an FM radio built in.

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Aqua FM: The device uses bone conductivity to transmit the sound from radio to ear via the teeth and jaw. Users bite down on a soft rubber mouthpiece, according to Aqua Sphere President Don Rockwell, who added that the device was made with the aid of an orthodontist and fits most mouths. “You don’t have to clamp down very hard, so your jaw won’t get tired,” he said.

Conducting sound through the teeth and bones isn’t dangerous, according to Dr. Kenneth Burrell, senior director of the Council on Scientific Affairs for the American Dental Assn. Although he hadn’t seen the device, Burrell said that if the mouthpiece doesn’t fit in the mouth correctly, it could be uncomfortable and possibly lead to jaw pain.

Price: About $130. Available at Reef Seekers Dive Co. in Beverly Hills, Sport Chalet in Los Angeles and Triathlete Zombies in Santa Monica. Or go to www.aquasphereusa.com.

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-- Jeannine Stein