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19 Jan

Move Well First: A New Path for Coaching Fitness

January 19, 2022
Posted by Samson

Mass information in the fitness industry is a beautiful thing; It allows trainers and the general population to learn at high speed. But mass information can also lead to mass confusion. Figuring out how to train yourself and others can be a rollercoaster ride — and not always a fun one.

Man holding a loaded barbell in the front rack position

Luckily, the intentions behind this industry babble are usually genuine. Coaches want to help clients get results, and the general public just wants to feel better. Amid the confusion, however, there is a growing need for the fitness industry to develop a common language that both professionals and consumers can understand. And that common language should focus on helping society move better and more often over the long term.

Changing the language of the industry may feel like an impossible task, but two principles are undeniable:

Put motion quality first.
Help people move more.

Regardless of your goals (muscular hypertrophy, strength, power, etc.), these two factors are critical for the industry to move in the right direction. A movement-based approach to training has magical potential and must begin in children's physical education classes. The lack of a proprioceptively enriched exercise lifestyle for children is a major societal concern.

However, it's never too late to restore what Gray Cook calls "movement competency." Here is Gray's definition of finding movement competence:

We test this with motion screening. If the screening reveals pain or dysfunction in the form of limitations or asymmetries, there is a movement competence problem. Alternatively, there's a basic motion problem – choose your term, but make it point. Adequate competence indicates an acceptable basic movement quality.

Achieving movement competency becomes difficult when we focus our fitness programs solely on looking better. I'm a bodybuilder at heart and have been working to build bigger muscles and look better since I was 15 years old. Fast forward almost 20 years and I have found that my pursuit of aesthetics has resulted in flawed movement patterns. I'm now forced to work on improving my movement skills instead of working on looking good.

That doesn't mean I can never train for aesthetics, but I must earn the right to make that the sole focus of my training. Muscle building becomes more and more important with increasing age, but you can still have a high level of movement competence at any fitness level. Building muscle and getting stronger should be your main goal once you start moving well.

A catalyst for change

This was my catalyst for developing a movement-based approach to hypertrophy training. In the past, bodybuilders might do light static stretching, five minutes on a cardio machine, and a few warm-up sets before jumping into a 25-set chest and triceps workout. Young lifters without a lot of miles on their bodies can get away with this method for a while, though Ultimately, this approach can lead to asymmetry, injury, pain, and frustratingly slow progress.

You don't have to be in your fifties to have a high age of education. As Dan John says, "It's not the years, it's the miles." I've been training hard for almost 20 years, taking a week off here and there, but not often. The miles are deep in this young body.

If you're going to be a long-term weightlifter, endless sets of eight to 15 reps per body part may not be what your body needs. So what should a person aiming for a bodybuilding-like physique do instead of the typical splits? Rethink and master basic human movements and execute them with realistic sets, reps, and loads. If you first focus on moving better, you'll be surprised at how quickly your body can often lift heavy objects again.

A collaborative design

Like any other trainer or strength coach, my philosophy has evolved over the years. Today I follow philosophies of various proven methods.

Functional Movement Systems (FMS) is a useful approach to understanding movement baselines and exercise modifications. Most people would benefit from an FMS screening. Along with a detailed medical history of intake, FMS provides a solid basis for program design. For the beginner or veteran, the basics are the beginning and the end.

Any strength and muscle hypertrophy program should include a variation of the following movements depending on the individual's goal. This list is largely inspired by the legendary Dan John:

To press: Push-ups, bench press, overhead press
Draw: Dumbbell rows, reverse rows, pull-ups, pull-ups
squatting: Cup squat, front squat, back squat, single leg squat
Hinge: Deadlift, kettlebell swing, single leg deadlift, Olympic lift
Loaded transport: Farmer stretcher, suitcase stretcher, overhead stretcher, sandbag stretcher
Basis: swaying, rolling, crawling, crawling, Turkish getups
Core/Rotation/Anti-rotation: Ab wheel rollouts, cable press outs, chops, lifts

The new age bodybuilding template

Below is a basic hypertrophy template, which consists of lifting 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Breaking up your strength and conditioning into four to six week phases keeps your body fresh and resilient and improves overall physical readiness. This length of time seems to be the sweet spot since most people have what I call "exercise ADD."

Program components:

corrective
movement preparation
lift weights
finishers

1. Corrections

Correctives are based on FMS and health history. For example, a perfect score for an active straight leg is 3/3, 0 for pain. Your goal should be to achieve symmetry (a score of 2/2 or 3/3). If your score is 2/1, The following corrective exercises will use core and motor control to improve alternating hip flexion and extension.

Man performing lower body flexibility exercises on floor with band

Alligator Breathing: Lie down in a comfortable position for 2-3 minutes. I prefer to feel the abdominal wall on my stomach. Breathe in and out through your nose. Focus on drawing air deep into your stomach. It can be helpful to imagine drawing air down into your feet.
Assisted lowering of the legs: 10 repetitions per leg
Cook hip lift: Each side lasts 5 x 10 seconds

2. Movement preparation

Before you start exercising, spend 5-10 minutes on the following movement preparations:

kettlebell handle bars: 5 on each side
Half kneeling kettlebell halos: 10 repetitions
Cup squat with curious knees: 5 repetitions
lunge matrix: 6 repetitions
plank to down dog: 10 repetitions (not in the video)
customs Service Worm: 10 reps (not in the video)
Leap rope: 2-5 minutes (not in the video)

3. Lifting weights

Below are the rep counts for the three days of training. Organize your week so that you don't lift two days in a row.

Monday or Tuesday): 5×5
Wednesday or Thursday): 8×3
Friday or Saturday): 3 x 8-12

The following exercise options are based on the basic movement patterns:

To press: One-arm kettlebell press, one-arm bench press, push-ups
Draw: Reverse rows, pull-ups
squatting: Goblet squat, single leg squat, front squat
Hinge: Deadlift, single leg deadlift, kettlebell swing
Loaded transport: Peasant walk, carrying suitcases
groundwork: Turkish get up, crawl and roll
Core (rotation/anti-rotation): McGill Big 3, rollouts, anti-rotation press-outs

4. Finishers

Choose one conditioning finisher per session:

Airbike Sprints: 6-8 rounds of 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off
Concept 2 rowing machine: 1,000 meters
Ski Erg Sprints: 3 rounds of 1 minute, rest 2 minutes between sprints
Push/pull slide: 5 x 50 meters
battle ropes: 8 x 20 reps for 2 arm strokes. Rest 30 seconds between sets.

cooling down

Proper rest will give your body a better foundation to build muscle in the long run. Before you leave the gym after your workout, perform this cool-down routine:

Alligator breathing: 2 minutes
Head nod: 10 reps up and down and 10 reps side to side
Bird Dogs: 10 reps/side
Rock backs: 20 reps
Egg rolls: 20 reps
Rising and descending from the floor: 5-10 repetitions
Baby crawling, Spiderman crawling: 30-40 meters each

The change is here

I will always be a meathead at heart. I love bodybuilding and am amazed at how much weight powerlifters can lift. But the "Pedal to the Metal" workouts eventually take their toll.

If we continue to steer the general public toward endless sets of body part split workouts, people who aren't ready, and may never be ready, to impose Olympic lifting, and making the most of the squat, deadlift, and bench press, the transport may never come. Instead, let's focus on keeping people moving.

19 Jan

Blog

Sumo Deadlift Workout You Need To Perform Now

January 19, 2022
Posted by Samson

In the ultimate Sumo Deadlift, the lifter must lift a barbell with their hands in their thighs while extending their position. According to the Journal of Sports Science Medicine, this deadlift is extremely effective for longer-torso lifters with less deadlift experience. It's often easier on the lower back and allows the lifter to pull a heavier weight than the traditional deadlift, which is performed with a closer stance with the hands outside the legs.

Before trying the ultimate Sumo Deadlift, here's everything you should know about it:

Step-by-step breakdown of the sumo deadlift

Step 1: building the attitude

It would help if you start out with a wide stance and your toes pointing slightly outwards. The stance should be wide enough for your arms to reach down, inside your knees (elbows inside your knees). The breadth of one's posture varies from person to person. However, the width should allow you to have your shins perpendicular to the floor, your back flat, and your shoulders directly over the bar.

Tip: Pull your hips down toward the bar while keeping your core tight and tight. The knees must be pulled out far so that the upper body remains a little more vertical Sumo Deadlift than traditional deadlifts.

Step 2: Take the Slack out of the pole

Once in position, tighten your back, core, legs, and buttocks to develop a feeling of full-body tension. Pull the bar up slightly and push your legs through the floor (without moving the bar any further). Breathe in again after reaching your maximum tension position, then continue with step three.

Tip: Before each pull, imagine your body increasing in pressure while all your muscles are tensed and ready to fire at the same time.

Step 3: Ride your legs.

Now that you're in the correct position and the bar or your body isn't sagging, it's time to pull the barbell by simultaneously pushing through your feet and pulling the bar up. The idea is to keep the barbell close to your body as you stand up, rather than dropping your chest or raising your hips during the pull. Drive through your legs while pushing into your heels and keeping your hips and chest in place.

Tip: Keep your chest up and make sure the bar is against your shins as you pull to prevent the bar from shifting too far forward. This may bother you Sumo Deadlift and in the worst case lead to damage.

Step 4: Block the weight

You should start feeling the weight on your legs at this point. The bar may start pulling you down or stop moving altogether. Avoid sagging your chest or arching your upper back. Continue pushing through your heels, then squeeze your glutes to bring the bar up to hip height.

Tip: Squeeze your butt if you're having trouble completing the lift once the bar goes past your knees. This will help propel your hips forward and reduce the distance between the weight and the apex of the lift.

Benefits of the Sumo Deadlift

Here are some benefits of Sumo Deadlift athletes can expect when incorporating it into their training routine.

1. Simpler mechanics (for some)

The biggest selling point of the Sumo Deadlift is that it's designed to be user-friendly from the start (that is, for most people). The shorter range of motion is due to the wider stance and narrower arm position, which means most people can lift a little more weight than they can with the traditional deadlift. Some lifters, particularly those in the powerlifting scene, believe that a Sumo Deadlift is a form of cheating, and it is not, and if a weightlifter is small and has short arms, the sumo deadlift may not be the ideal option for them.

2. More power, especially at the top

One variation of the deadlift that might help you gain overall strength and muscle mass is the deadlift Sumo Deadlift (similar to the traditional deadlift and trapeze bar deadlift). The sumo deadlift can be performed in a variety of ways, including using bands, changing the tempo of the lift, and adding chains. Because you can typically lift a heavier load with this deadlift, you may be overloading your muscles with more weight than they are used to. This newfound strength should help you finish the top part of the lift more effectively when returning to conventional deadlifts or trap bar deadlifts.

3. Limits lower back strain

Unlike the traditional deadlift, the sumo deadlift requires the lifter to maintain a more vertical upper body position (due to foot placement). The lower back isn't as stressed as with the traditional deadlift because the vertical angle of the back is increased (the upper body is more upright). Strength athletes who want to limit lower back loading, monitor erector training volume, or target different pull components may find this useful.

4. Glute and quadriceps strength

the Sumo Deadlift stimulates the glutes (due to external hip rotation) and vastus medial (internal quads) to a greater extent than a traditional deadlift due to the foot placement and hip/knee angles in the setup. Strength athletes looking to improve specific muscles for aesthetic reasons or to strengthen a specific weak muscle can benefit.

Muscles stimulated by sumo deadlifts

glutes
hamstrings
quadriceps
Erector Spinae (lower back)
trapezius and back muscles

Sets, reps, and weight recommendations for the sumo deadlift

To improve deadlift mechanics: Do three to four sets of eight to ten reps at a controlled speed with light to moderate loads and rest as needed.
To get stronger: Do three to five sets of three to five reps with a heavy load, and rest as needed.
Muscle building: Do three to five sets of six to ten repetitions with a moderate to heavy weight. Alternatively, you can do two to four sets of 12 to 15 reps with a moderate weight. Rest periods should be 45-90 seconds.
To increase muscular endurance and fatigue resistance: With a light to moderate weight, do two to four sets of 12 to 20 repetitions with rest periods limited to 30 to 45 seconds.

Frequently asked Questions:

Question: Can you lift heavier with sumo deadlift?

Answer: You may be overloading your muscles with more weight than they are used to because they are Sumo Deadlift allows you to lift a larger load. They allow lifters to lift heavier weights and maximize their strength. When you return to conventional deadlifts or trap bar deadlifts, this improved strength should help you finish the top part of the lift more effectively.

Question: Is a sumo deadlift a real deadlift?

Answer: sumo deadlifts are just as real as any other type of deadlift. They're a type of deadlift that focuses on different muscle groups than a traditional deadlift. However, they differ in that they are not primarily a hip hinge movement, but also a knee hinge-initiated movement. These deadlifts can even improve on your traditional deadlift (and vice versa).

Question: Are sumo deadlifts heavier than regular deadlifts?

Answer: sumo deadlifts aren't always better or worse than traditional deadlifts, and training with both is a good idea. Traditional deadlifts work more of the hamstrings and lower back, while these work more of the glutes and quadriceps.

19 Jan

Blog

Hammer Curls: The Most Effective Fitness Workout

January 19, 2022
Posted by Samson

Hammer curl is a variation of the bicep curl that targets the muscles of the bicep curl that target the muscles of the upper and lower arm. This exercise is most effective when performed with dumbbells, alternatively cables or bands can be used. Hammer curl is a great exercise to build upper body strength. It is also known as a natural grip bicep curl, which should be performed at an intermediate level.

Hammer curls are strengthening exercises that help work the biceps and forearms. It differs from the traditional bicep curl because the palms of your hands face each other in this exercise. With proper posture, the hammer curl can help build stability and strength in the upper body and forearms.

Benefits of Hammer Curl

There are several benefits of hammer curl. Regular hammer curlers can benefit from upper body and forearm development. Some of the main benefits of Hammer Curl are as follows:

1. You work several muscles in your arm

Unlike traditional bicep curls, hammer curls target the short head of the biceps brachii. Additionally, hammer curl is an exercise that helps with full arm movement and activates the long head of the biceps brachii and elbow flexors.

2. They help develop grip strength

Brachioradialis is activated in the forearm when the hammer curls are performed. They help improvise grip strength. Good grip strength is very important for exercises like deadlifts and pull-ups.

3. Creates less pressure on the wrist

Unlike traditional bicep curls, hammer curls keep the wrist neutral throughout the movement, which helps emphasize the arms rather than putting pressure on the wrist. In the hammer curl, the arm muscles are activated by the pressure of the dumbbells.

Steps to Hammer Curls

To start hammer curls, you need to use comfortable weights that you can do 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps with. It's wise to choose weights that can help maintain good form throughout all sets and reps. The steps in this training are as follows:

1. Take two dumbbells and stand hip-width apart. Bend your knees slightly before you begin. The stance should be tall, with shoulders directly over the shoulders and a neutral neck and head position. The chon should remain tucked in throughout the workout to make it feel like an egg is under the chin. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed on your feet and you have good support to have a stable foot position when exercising.

2. Grasp the dumbbells slightly above your shoulders, palms facing forward. The upper arm of the body should be very close to the rib cage. Elbows should point to the floor. This is an ideal starting position for hammer curls. Present your body's shoulders and hips while engaging your core.

3. Keeping your arms still, squeeze your biceps and start bending your elbows.

4. Bend your elbows further until your forearms touch your upper arms. The dumbbells should be closed at the shoulders without staying in proper contact with them.

5. Squeeze your biceps and pause for a second at the end of the exercise movement.

6. Straighten your elbows to return to the original position. Come to a complete stop at the bottom before beginning another rep.

Variations of Hammer Curl

Once the hammer curl is incorporated into the daily bodybuilding training regimen, it is recommended that variations of the hammer curl be considered. These variations are intended to help achieve optimal results as desired by the individual.

1. Alternative hammer curls

This variation is performed by raising one arm at a time. It allows the trainee to focus on the lift form since the movement is unilateral. As you switch arms, be sure to maintain the shape.

2. Oblique hammer curls

Incline hammer curls are performed on an inclined bench. This particular variation of the hammer curl stretches the biceps muscles, allowing a greater range of motion for the exerciser's forearms.

3. Kettlebell Hammer Curls

A trainee can perform this hammer curl variation with one or two kettlebells. Typically, every lifter uses 12-pound weights. If you must drop the weight, make sure you don't lean backwards during the movement. In such circumstances, it's advisable to switch to 10-pound weights as it puts extra stress on the forearms.

4. Rope Cable Hammer Curls

It's another advanced variation of hammer curls in which the lifter uses a cable machine to maintain constant tension on the biceps. This pressure on the bicep muscles is applied throughout the range of motion.

How to train safely and avoid injury

If you have any pre-existing health conditions, it is advisable to consult your doctor before beginning this particular type of exercise. Using the right exercise techniques is very important to avoid injury of any kind. Since hammer curls are an evolution of bicep curls, the help of certified personal trainers is very important. Each individual has their own needs.

It is important to pay close attention to the body when exercising. If you want accurate results and continued strength gains, try to incorporate proper warm-up, rest, and nutrition into your exercise program. It's important to rest about 24 to 48 hours before you start training the same muscle groups so they have enough time to recover. If you feel any pain or discomfort, you should stop the exercise immediately.

The final result

Hammer Curl is suitable for trainees who want to develop their forearm and bicep muscles. Common mistakes a trainee makes when performing hammer curls can be corrected with the guidance of a professional trainer. Also, curling too quickly and floating curls can cause serious injury with this exercise.

In addition to the above variations, one can also do preacher hammer curls and hammer curls power squats. Hammer curl is the best way to build stronger bicep muscles and increase strength. Aside from that, exercisers also benefit from improvised grip strength and wrist stability.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

1. Why is it important to choose the right weight before starting the exercise?

One should always choose a weight that allows the person to have full control of their body during the training process.

2. What types of equipment can be used in place of dumbbells?

The different types of equipment that can be used alongside free weights include kettlebells, cables and bands, and incline benches.

3. What are the other things to consider when performing hammer curls?

The other things to consider when performing hammer curls are proper warm-up exercises, healthy eating, and good technique.

18 Jan

Blog

Monster Blaster 3.0 review: A boombox that booms just right

January 18, 2022
Posted by Samson

Monster Blaster 3.0.

Monster Blaster 3.0

RRP $400.00

"A boombox like the Monster Blaster 3.0 is perfect when you're thinking about parties."

benefits

Good build quality
Gets noisy both indoors and outdoors
Including Aux-In and microphone sockets
Easy pairing and setup
Decent portability

disadvantage

Only IPX4 water resistance
The battery life should be better
Sometimes tricky Bluetooth connections

What do you get when you fatten a bluetooth speaker? You get a boombox, or at least a modern take on this icon of acoustic portability from a bygone era. Monster has long made a habit of making it big in both design and sound, primarily focusing on moving a crowd with a rumbling boom.

That's why the Monster Blaster 3.0 seems so apt for the company. It's a third-generation, 120-watt boombox for any party, but how valuable is it when you can't just make music outside?

What's in the box

Despite the size of the speaker and box, there's not much to explore. In addition to the speaker itself, you will receive a power supply unit with a charging cable and the operating instructions. Monster doesn't put any other cables in the box, not even a 3.5mm cable, although it supports it via the Aux-In port in the device itself. If you have one, it works well with the Blaster 3.0.

draft

Monster Blaster 3.0. Ted Kritsonis/Digital Trends

The Blaster 3.0 comes in three colors: black, white, and red. My review unit was black, but I'd say the red is much more eye-catching. Aside from aesthetics, there aren't any functional differences between them, but if you want to make the sound even more visually striking, red would probably be the way to go.

Below the surface, Monster equips the Blaster 3.0 with two 60-watt speakers, as well as two passive radiators and a 60-watt woofer for the bass. There's no real "front" or "back" as the speakers face both ways for wider output, especially when you start cranking the volume up. Monster offers no way to articulate or consolidate the sound to push it in either direction. So if you place it close to a wall, you may lose some of the spaciousness that the sound can otherwise deliver.

You get some ports to work with, like the aux-in jack for 3.5mm cables, as well as a separate 3.5mm port for microphones.

The controls are pretty standard, with a power button and volume buttons. The mode button only really toggles between the indoor and outdoor modes, which is where Monster's ambient EQ feature kicks in to optimize the audio for both settings. The Blaster 3.0 doesn't have dedicated app support, so you don't have the flexibility to customize the sound to your liking.

You get some ports to work with, like the aux-in jack for 3.5mm cables, as well as a separate 3.5mm port for microphones. If you're planning on doing karaoke with this thing, it's certainly possible with this setup. The microphone works over the music playback, so anyone with a connected microphone can sing along with a tune or announce something when playing the presenter role. Technically, you could use the microphone jack without music in case you need to give a presentation. Without a built-in microphone, the Blaster 3.0 will not function as a speakerphone.

Monster Blaster 3.0 Bluetooth Speaker. Ted Kritsonis/Digital Trends

The USB port treats the boombox as a power bank, allowing you to charge portable devices whenever you need to pull some juice from the 5,200mAh battery. The only other ports are the power supply connector and a reset switch.

The rubber tab that covers and protects the ports is of limited value in terms of durability. The Blaster 3.0 has an IPX4 rating, so while you can take it to the pool or beach, you need to be careful. Getting sand out of its many crevices won't be easy, and salt water will almost certainly kill it.

The Blaster 3.0 weighs a moderate 13 pounds, although the very sturdy handle should keep it from slipping out of your hands. Rubberized feet underneath keep it slightly elevated, and Monster says they dampen any vibrations that could cause surface distortion.

setup and configuration

Monster Blaster 3.0 Bluetooth Speaker. Ted Kritsonis/Digital Trends

Getting started was super easy. I could either pair the old-fashioned way, going through the Bluetooth settings on my phone, or use NFC to quickly tap and pair from an Android phone. The Boombox works the same way with iOS and Android, so whatever the pairing process, everything else is the same.

Audible tones and riffs indicate things like power on and off, pairing status, and volume or mode adjustments. Monster visualizes volume through eight LEDs on the panel, giving you a clearer sense of how loud or quiet the Blaster 3.0 really is. As mentioned, the mode button only really toggles between the indoor and outdoor settings.

In many ways, this is sort of a plug-and-play speaker, at least in the wireless sense. With no app to manage anything, or a multitude of built-in features and components, it's really about plugging in a playback device and blasting audio from there.

sound quality

Monster Blaster 3.0 Bluetooth Speaker. Ted Kritsonis/Digital Trends

Once you get to that point, the Blaster 3.0 really earns its name. With only five LEDs (out of eight) on the volume scale, this boombox can get very loud – even more so in outdoor mode. What's interesting is that the bass isn't quite as boomy as I expected. Well, I mean the playing style indoors, since the woofer works much harder outdoors, but otherwise shows restraint.

As you'd expect, there's actually a tipping point for volume distortion – as well as bass response itself. What I mean by that is that the bass audibly goes up a notch as you turn the volume past four LEDs, slight distortion begin to creep in at six and then are very noticeable at full volume. Still, it wasn't as bad as I thought, and it could be a sign that Monster is learning less, sometimes leading to more in the larger scheme when it comes to how thick the bass should be.

Music sounds good whether it's just you or a group of people.

The key here is that the Blaster 3.0 maintains a level of clarity throughout so music sounds good, whether it's just you or a group of people. It does sacrifice mid-range depth to emphasize bass and treble, but that's no knock on a speaker that's clearly not aiming to impress audiophiles. This is all about being loud and lively, and when I think about how bass-heavy genres sounded on this thing, I can easily remind myself who the target is here.

The Blaster 3.0 is perfect for BBQs, pool and beach parties, parks and picnics, and pretty much every gathering in between. You can certainly enjoy it in the private comforts of home, except there are plenty of speakers to cover that. In true boombox style, this is an outdoor speaker in every way. The indoor part is just a bonus.

Despite its weight, it's not difficult to take with you on a road trip or to an event. It also has a more stable Bluetooth connection in open spaces. It can stutter indoors at times, and it wasn't always clear to me why. I could understand when the speaker was in a different room from the phone, but it also happened when they were in the same room just 10 feet away. I tried this with different devices to rule out the possibility that the speaker wasn't at fault, only to find that it happened regardless of what I paired with it.

battery life

Monster Blaster 3.0 Bluetooth Speaker. Ted Kritsonis/Digital Trends

Monster estimates battery life at up to 12 hours per charge, but that's never going to happen once you start cranking the volume. I recognize that Monster has to put a number on how long the Blaster 3.0 lasts per charge, but it also markets the boombox for what it is: a speaker.

No matter what, you're not getting as much battery life here as you probably should.

You can check the remaining lifespan by checking the charge LED on the control panel. Once it turns red, look for an outlet to plug into. There's no fast charging here, and it takes a good 3.5 hours to charge back up. You can get more life out of it by connecting a device via Aux-In, but no matter what, you're not getting as much battery life here as you probably should.

Our opinion

The Blaster 3.0 costs $400, so make good use of it and hold it for a while. It's not designed exclusively for outdoor use, but that has to be a key reason why you'd pay so much for a Bluetooth boombox. It won't disappoint an audience looking for pounding tunes while spending the day outdoors, although it will work if you're stuck indoors too.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're looking for something similar to what a DJ might use, this is it JBL party box 110 could fit for the same money. It's far less portable, mind you, but it comes with a snazzy light show and pumps out 160W of power. If you prefer a closer look, JBL is releasing its Boombox 3 this summer, and while it costs $500, the company claims 24-hour battery life and gives it an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. It's also compatible with JBL's PartyBoost feature, so you can pair it with other JBL speakers to distribute playback.

For a stylish option, the $400 Marshall Tufton only has 80 watts of power, but a 20-hour battery, an aux line-in connection and that undeniably cool Marshall guitar amp look.

Not to be outdone, Sony has already thrown in its own Boom box SRS-XG500 into the mix for $450, which offers IP66 water and dust resistance and an app to tweak the audio profile should you want to change it. If money is an object Anker's Soundcore Trance is a smaller $150/80-watt party box with a handle that also offers a light show and a claimed 18-hour battery life.

How long it will take?

That can largely depend on how you and your friends deal with it. Modest durability means you have to be careful who or what comes into contact with it. Sand and salt are the biggest hazards, while a splash or two of water should be fine. Monster offers a one-year warranty against malfunctions, but no damage from water or sand.

should you buy it

Yes, but only if the Blaster 3.0 ticks the right boxes for you. It can be flexible in where you use it, albeit not as much in its feature set, and that's important when you're paying this much for a speaker. Your friends and family will have no trouble listening to its booming sound. If that's enough for you, then you know what to do.

Editor's Recommendations

18 Jan

Blog

Best Sellers Skin Care Routine

January 18, 2022
Posted by Samson

Are you ready to build one Eminence Organics Skincare routine but not sure where to start? To help you, we've rounded up the best of the best: these are the tried-and-true products that licensed estheticians and skincare enthusiasts (like you!) swear by. Keep scrolling for a day and night skincare routine that's suitable for all skin types and uses only our best-selling products.

Day Care Routine

Your morning skincare routine is all about preparation and protection: getting your skin in the right condition to face the day ahead. Here are five daily skin care steps to follow.

1. Clean

A thorough cleanse prepares your skin to absorb the ingredients for the rest of your routine. Skincare trainer from Eminence Organics Natalie Pergar advises: “You should always start with a cleaner. You can use a gel or milk depending on how dry your skin is and you want to do this morning and night. Very easy."

To get your morning routine off to a flying start, we recommend the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser. This milky cleansing gel uses lactic acid to gently dissolve dead surface cells and reveal the young, healthy cells underneath. The result is a fresh, radiant complexion without excessive stripping. The skin feels fresh and perfectly cleansed. Superficial deposits, impurities and blockages are removed and the complexion appears clear, smooth and radiant.

Alternatively, you can start your day with the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser. This is a clarifying cream gel cleanser that treats oily and problematic skin with cucumber and tea tree oil. Sweet almond milk and yogurt reduce the visible signs of problem skin and pimples without stripping the skin of its moisture.

Application tip: Test your water temperature

Hot water can irritate and dry out your skin; instead, cool things down with lukewarm water, which will keep your moisture barrier intact.

2nd tone

Many of us skip this step in our skincare routine. Why? We tend to associate toners with alcohol-based stripping astringents; However, today's formulas have evolved to deliver moisture and nutrients that even out skin tone and prime the skin. Natalie says, "Think of your cleanser and toner as a shampoo and conditioner for your skin… Remember to do both daily."

Try the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist – ideal for all skin types. This refreshing facial mist is enriched with stone fruit to promote hydration and leave skin looking smooth and revitalized. This toner is especially helpful for uneven skin types as it leaves skin looking perfectly clear, fresh and vibrant with a brightened glow.

Application tip: Apply to damp skin

According to Health Magazine: "Damp skin is ten times more permeable than dry skin." Apply a few squirts of toner or facial mist while your skin is still damp to reap all the benefits of skincare.

3. Treat

Natalie tells us, "After you've prepped the skin, it's time for any finishing products. We always like to do what is called a 'treatment' of your skin and this helps if you have something you want to minimize or reduce the appearance of.' Serums, concentrates and facial oils deliver active ingredients deep into the skin helping to correct concerns and protect the skin from damage caused by oxidative stress.

Three of our favorite treatments are the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum, Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum, and Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate.

Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with vitamin C, leafy greens and botanical ferulic acid. The powerful vitamin C in this serum is stabilized by botanically derived ferulic acid. This serum delivers antioxidants to brighten skin, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of free radical damage.

Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum contains Strawberry and Salicylic Acid to gently exfoliate and brighten skin's texture while promoting hydration. The Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate contains a Lactic Acid Complex and antioxidant-rich mangosteen to renew skin, tighten pores and provide protection from environmental stressors.

Application tip: Less is more

Serums, concentrates and facial oils are incredibly effective. All you need to do is apply three drops (oils and serums) or two pumps (concentrates) to get the full effect.

4. Moisturize

All skin types need a moisturizer (yes, even if your skin is oily or acne-prone!). Moisturizing is a crucial step in keeping your protective moisture barrier intact and helping to keep hydration and environmental stressors at bay. During the day, Natalie recommends using an SPF moisturizer, which offers extra UV protection from sun exposure.

For a balance of hydration and SPF protection, we recommend Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 40. Apply this two-in-one moisturizer to protect your skin from the sun's rays while minimizing the appearance of dark spots.

Application tip: add water

For easier application, emulsify a small amount of moisturizer in your hand with a few drops of water.

5. Apply eye cream

Eye creams aren't just for your nightly routine. The right formula can work wonders by waking up tired eyes, protecting this delicate area and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Eye creams are best applied after serums and you only need a small amount for them to be effective, so try not to use them too often.

Our recommendations for a wide awake look? Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream and Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum. This best-selling Advanced Instant Lift fX eye treatment quickly eliminates tired eyes, minimizes the appearance of dark circles and smoothes fine lines in under two minutes.

Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum targets the appearance of under-eye wrinkles and crow's feet. A smoothing blend of coconut water and green apple fights fine lines and wrinkles while hydrating the delicate skin around the eyes.

Application tip: stay cool

Keep Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream in the fridge to enhance the soothing and cooling effects of the stainless steel rollerball. This adds an extra coolness to your eye cream application.

daily skincare routine infographic

Skin care routine for the night

When your head hits the pillow, your skin goes into overdrive, repairing, regenerating, and rejuvenating while you sleep. That's why your nightly skincare routine is all about targeted treatments that address pesky skin issues and conditions.

1. Clean

Even if you go without makeup all day, it's important to wash your face morning and night. Washing at night helps remove impurities that have built up during the day and can clog pores, leading to dry, irritated skin and even breakouts. One of the best ways to get rid of buildup on your face is to do a double cleanse, starting with a cleansing oil or balm, followed by a second cleanser of your choice.

An ideal combination that we love is the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil and the Stone Crop Gel Wash. Enriched with moisturizing Stone Crop, Stone Crop Cleansing Oil gently removes impurities without damaging your skin's moisture barrier. Ideal for even the most sensitive skin, the Stone Crop Gel Wash washes away impurities without drying out the skin. The skin is perfectly cleansed without feeling dehydrated and superficial deposits and impurities are removed. We love Stone Crop Gel Wash for its ability to deep clean pores without irritation, leaving skin looking radiant and feeling soft and clean.

Application tip: Double cleaning

First, dissolve the makeup with a cleansing oil or balm. Then use an additional cleanser to remove dirt, dead skin, and grime. This two-step process removes both types of imperfections from your complexion.

2. Exfoliation

In addition to your regular cleansing, you should exfoliate a few times a week to promote healthy cell turnover and skin renewal. Daily exposure to environmental stressors can cause deposits on the skin's surface, making it appear dull, rough, and uneven. Regular exfoliation removes these deposits and prevents clogged pores and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

Refine your skin with the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant. Achieve a bright and radiant looking complexion with our Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant. Rice powder absorbs oil while lactic acid and salicylic acid remove dead skin cells. Just add water and watch this powder scrub transform into a luxurious paste that lifts away impurities, tightens pores and smoothes skin.

Application tip: Add a powder scrub to your cleanser

To save time, double your double cleaning. Add Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant to Stone Crop Gel Wash to add physical and chemical exfoliation to your cleansing routine.

3. Mask

Masking a few times a week is one of the best ways to quickly see visible changes in your skin. Face masks deliver concentrated amounts of vitamins and nutrients to hydrate skin and treat a variety of skin concerns and conditions, from fine lines and wrinkles to blemishes and large pores. The treatment you choose depends on your skin type and the conditions you want to treat.

However, all skin types can benefit from the Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot. This stimulating treatment brings both warmth and moisture. Paprika stimulates blood flow to create rosy and glowing skin, and honey moisturizes for a smooth, youthful-looking complexion.

Application tip: double mask

Combine Eight Green's Phyto Masque – Hot with the soothing sensation of Calm Skin Arnica Masque. Apply Calm Skin Arnica Masque immediately after the first mask to deeply hydrate skin and soothe redness due to dryness.

4. Treat

The best time to pamper your skin with results-driven active ingredients and intensely nourishing ingredients is at night to optimize your skin's natural repair process. Whether you choose an oil, serum or concentrate, ingredients like our natural hydroquinone alternative, natural retinol alternative and Smart Collagen+ Complex can help restore skin's appearance overnight.

Some great treatment options include the Facial Recovery Oil or the Bamboo Firming Fluid. Let your skin benefit from the biodynamic ingredients in Facial Recovery Oil. Biodynamic methods improve quality and deliver pure and powerful active ingredients that contain even more vitamins, nutrients and active ingredients.

Bamboo Firming Fluid is a skin-plumping concentrate that gives you firmer-looking skin. The strengthening active ingredients from bamboo and coconut provide moisture and improve the appearance of skin elasticity.

Application tip: Let it absorb

Natalie recommends allowing your chosen treatment to sit fully (usually around five minutes) before moving on to the next step in your routine.

5. Night Cream

It might be tempting to use your day cream at night, but their formulas are very different. Nighttime moisturizers are much richer and designed to be absorbed while you sleep. In addition, they aim to repair damage done to the skin throughout the day. They replenish moisture, repair the skin's moisture barrier and address specific issues such as dark spots and the visible signs of aging.

In the evening, it's important to replenish your skin with night creams like our Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream For Face & Neck and Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. Luxurious Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream is enriched with Monoi, Argan, Evening Primrose, Jojoba and Grapeseed Oils to deeply hydrate and replenish skin moisture. It contains one Argan stem cell complex which makes the skin look firm and youthful.

The Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer has a firming and plumping effect on the skin. With each application, you will feel your skin tighten and tighten instantly. Coconut, shea butter and grapeseed oil smooth the skin's appearance.

application tip: Lock your neck

Much like the eye area, the neck has thinner and more delicate skin than the face, making it more susceptible to the signs of aging. When applying your night cream, be sure to include your neck: start at the collarbone and work your way up to the chin in smooth upward motions for a natural face lift.

6. Eye Cream

Because the delicate skin around your eyes is a different texture than the skin elsewhere on your face, applying your regular night cream isn't enough. Eye creams are not only formulated for this sensitive area, but also contain active ingredients that target the specific issues they are prone to, including dark circles, crow's feet and puffiness. At night, choose a rich formula that will deeply hydrate and plump your skin while you sleep.

At night, we recommend a soothing cream specially formulated for the eye area, like our Lavender Age Corrective Night Eye Cream. This rich eye cream is formulated for nighttime renewal. In addition to lavender and evening primrose oil, it contains a Argan stem cell complex that firms the skin and smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Application tip: be gentle

The skin around your eyes is extremely sensitive. Instead of rubbing your eye cream in, use your ring finger to gently pat it into the skin.

Check out our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, as she discusses these best organic skincare products, how to use them, and why you should use them. .

(embed)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J5nFVIChks(/embed)

Which Eminence Organics products are part of your skincare routine? Browse our best selling products and share your favorites in the comments below or on social media.

This article was originally written in January 2019.

17 Jan

Blog

Reboot your body with a 3-day detox plan

January 17, 2022
Posted by Samson

You may never know that your body needs a reset. But how? You simply need a detox plan. Your body is already equipped with a detoxification system, but a 3-day detox diet will help enhance the body's natural detoxification process. Detoxification is a dieting process to remove toxins from the body. But what are toxins? Simply put, it mainly includes pollutants, synthetic chemicals, heavy metals and processed foods. They have a negative effect on the body. Body cleansing can have amazing benefits.

Is a Detox Diet Safe?

Since a detox diet is low in calories and other nutrients that can have negative effects on the body, it is better to try a 3-day detox plan before embarking on a longer detox diet. But people with conditions like diabetes should choose to avoid dieting before seeing a doctor. Pregnant women should not think about detox at all.

Why does a person lose weight during a detox plan?

A person loses weight simply for two reasons. The detox diet is low in calories and second because it limits carbohydrates that help you reduce the body's water weight. But such weight loss results are not permanent.

Here we have put together a detox diet plan that is best for three days. You can expect to see a difference in your health and weight. At least you will feel better after the diet plan is complete.

The 3 day detox diet plan is as follows

This diet will completely replace the traditional breakfast and lunch with juices and smoothies and at the end of the day you can still have dinner with a good nutritional level.

Attention: If your body feels weak during the diet, we recommend stopping the plan.

day 1

Breakfast:

Glass of lemon water and green juice followed by juice

Green Juice Ingredients:-

1 whole cucumber
1 pear or green apple
Handful of spinach
Handful of parsley leaves
Squeezed half a lemon
½ tsp grated ginger

Grind them all into a glass of juice.

Late morning: coconut milk and chia smoothie

Ingredients are as follows

1 tbsp chia seeds
250ml coconut milk
Handful of raspberries
1 large ripe banana

Having lunch:

pumpkin soup

Use 1 red onion, a clove of garlic, 170g butternut squash, 1 large tomato on a baking sheet. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of turmeric, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of coriander seeds, and ½ teaspoon of mustard seeds on top. Roast all over in the oven. Use 300ml vegetable broth. Place the ingredients in a blender and grind until formed

Dinner:

tofu pan

120 g tofu roasted in a little coconut oil. Add one onion, one clove of garlic, half a teaspoon of grated ginger, 120g baby corn, 100g snow peas, 100g garden peas and 1 red bell pepper. Add 1 tbsp low-salt soy sauce and a handful of cilantro. Serve with grated cauliflower and steamed carrots.

day 2

breakfast: Glass of lemon water and green juice, followed by juice

Juice made from the following ingredients:

1 apple
5 leaves of lettuce
Half a full broccoli
Handful of kale

Late forenoon:

Fruit Nut Smoothie

Mix the following ingredients

1 tbsp cashew nuts
250 ml almond milk
Handful of strawberries
Handful of blueberries or lingonberries

Having lunch:

Mint soup with peas

Sauté 1 onion, 1 celery stick and 1 carrot. Pour 300 ml vegetable stock, 200 g garden peas and a handful of fresh mint. Spread some cream and serve fresh.

dinner

Fill your plate with any 4 green vegetables. Steam them first.
Use an easy homemade dressing made with lemon or lime juice and crushed garlic, herbs of your choice
First of all, apply some olive oil.

day 3

Breakfast:

Ginger Cinnamon Drink

Leave a few slices of fresh ginger root in a 6-8 oz. 10 minutes a glass of water.
Add a small pinch of cinnamon and stir.

Late forenoon:

Bend 5 vegetables of your choice into a glass of juice.

Having lunch:

Take any vegetables of your choice. Boil water. Add all the vegetables. Simmer heat for 16-18 minutes. Sprinkle Italian seasonings, herbs, salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Dinner:

Salmon with vegetables

Bake 1 salmon fillet with 1 tbsp low-salt soy sauce and 14 tsp grated ginger. Serve with roasted tomatoes, mixed peppers and steamed spinach on the side.

17 Jan

Blog

Dyson Outsize Absolute+ Review: the ultimate stick vac

January 17, 2022
Posted by Samson

Dyson Outsize Absolute+ being used on a kitchen floor.

Dyson Outsize Absolute+

RRP $899.99

"The Dyson Outsize Absolute+ is one of the most powerful and versatile handheld vacuums on the market."

benefits

Powerful
Automatically adjustable suction power
Large selection of tools and accessories included
Larger cleaning head for faster vacuuming
Larger dust bin for less frequent emptying
Laser sight works wonders

disadvantage

Heavier than average stick vacuum, especially when used as a handheld vacuum
It takes 4.5 hours to charge the batteries
Expensive

There's no denying that Dyson has done more for the modern vacuum cleaner industry than any other manufacturer. It's single-handedly made vacuums stronger, longer-lasting and – if we're being honest – better-looking, and I say that as one person who's had the opportunity to review dozens of vacuums and several Dyson models over the years.

The Dyson Absolute+ offers near unparalleled cleaning.

The Dyson Outsize Absolute+ has a 150% larger dust bin, 25% larger cleaning head and swappable batteries for longer cleaning sessions of up to 120 minutes.

Dyson's Outsize Absolute+ is a new cordless stick vacuum designed to bridge the gap between the lightweight, hyper-portable cordless machines it's already known for (like the V10 and V15 models) and larger, more powerful stands. In this case, the Dyson Outsize Absolute+ has been specifically designed for larger and more carpeted North American homes, so it's been outfitted with a bigger bin, a bigger cleaning head, more suction and an extra battery, as well as some new gadgets like a laser. I had the opportunity to try the Dyson V11 Outsize Absolute+ in real life at my home for a few weeks. It was like this.

The Dyson Outsize Absolute+ has a 150% larger dust bin, a 25% larger cleaning head and swappable batteries for longer cleaning sessions of up to 120 minutes runtime compared to the V10 and V15 models.

You get quite a lot in the package; There's the main vacuum handle with an integrated dust bin and filter, plus a small screen on the back that shows battery life and different cleaning modes.

What do you get with Dyson Outsize Absolute+?

There are three main cleaning heads and several accessories.

The Dyson Outsize Absolute+ with three attachments of its many attachments.

There are so many accessories that I had a hard time using them all.

XL cleaning head with high torque

You could call this the main cleaning head, and it's the largest brush head option in the pack. It uses Dyson's Dynamic Load Sensor to automatically adjust power to different floor types, allowing you to deep clean between carpet and hard floor without having to switch accessories.

Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head

With its cozy space-age name, this tool must be something special, right? It is. A fluffy brush is primarily designed for hard floors, as these fluffy rollers capture and attract fine dust particles, not scatter them, thanks to anti-static fibers. The laser, which is generated when you turn it on, shines light horizontally across your floors and catches particles so you can see them better.

hair screw tool

The hair screw tool's tapered anti-tangle brush bar captures long hair, fibers and pet hair, but is also designed to prevent hair and fibers from tangling around the roller. This happens with almost every other vacuum cleaner. With its cone shape, the hair should eventually make its way from the brush to the bin.

There are so many accessories that I had a hard time using them all. As for other attachments and accessories, there's a combination tool with a brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush, as well as an extra battery, cable, and some fasteners and clips. All parts (including filters) are washable.

Battery life and charging

One of the selling points of this vacuum cleaner is that it has 120 minutes of battery life. The Dyson V15 or V11, on the other hand, comes to 60 minutes. Is that because Dyson's battery technology has improved? In a word: no.

The Outsize Absolute+ comes with a second battery. This doubles the stated runtime. You'll need to have your second battery charged and ready to really make use of those 120 minutes; otherwise it is about 60 minutes per battery.

Fully charging one of the batteries takes a long 4.5 hours.

Cleaning with Dyson Outsize Absolute+

I figured adding lasers to your vacuum would be about as relevant as adding lasers to sharks. color me wrong

This vacuum cleaner is extremely easy to use and although it's noticeably heavier than the Dyson V15, it's still easy to transport. The tools and cleaning heads simply snap in and out without pulling or binding.

The Dyson Outsize Absolute+ cleaned all the surfaces of my house really well. It drives dirt out of carpets (like dried dog paw prints) and removes pet hair well; It's really amazing to see what ends up in the dustbin. It easily breathes in dog hair, crumbs, dirt and dust on hardwood floors.

When it comes to the two new specialized cleaning heads, I have to say that I was blown away by the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head. To be honest, I thought adding lasers to your vacuum was about as relevant as adding lasers to sharks. color me wrong

The Dyson Outsize Absolute+ uses a laser to indicate dirt and dust on the floor.

The laser does a stunning job of making seemingly invisible dirt, dust and particles glow. When I first used it I had already vacuumed the day before and thought there would be nothing to see. Boy was I wrong.

The green laser cuts across the ground surface at an oblique angle just right to illuminate dirt, debris and dust bunnies like small Christmas trees. It made hard-to-see dirt easy to see in both low and bright light conditions.

The Hair Screw Tool worked great. After attacking a dog bed, some upholstery, and then even the carpet, the tapered brush has absolutely no hair wrapped around it; no detangling necessary.

I think I should save some ink for the main cleaner head. To say it works great and cleans a large area quickly seems sort of an afterthought after writing about its siblings.

Emptying the container is easy and clean

One of the nice features of the Outsize Absolute+, which has been carried over from other models, is the point-and-shoot function for emptying the reservoir. After removing the tools, simply press the lever on the side to flip open the bottom of the bin and it will fall straight into the trash. No need to touch dirt or get your hands dirty.

Our opinion

Overall, the Dyson Outsize Absolute+ is by far the best large format stick vacuum on the market today. It cleans great and I can't complain about that. From carpet to hard floors, it's got you covered. It's definitely bigger and covers more area than the other, smaller Dyson models. I will say that it's heavy and especially less maneuverable when trying to use it handheld (e.g. with the mini motorized hair screw tool) but I think that's the price to pay for the performance and the larger trash can is payable. The new laser sight and anti-tangle head are ridiculously versatile additions that work amazingly well.