02 May
Blog

Dumbbell Deadlift : Steps, Variations & Benefits

The dumbbell deadlift is just a game of the classic and more popular deadlift, in which an athlete lifts two solid dumbbells together that rest on either side. This exercise is very beneficial as it encourages the work of all core muscles and maintains proper movement and posture of the body. It also helps in improving overall body balance. It's no wonder they are one of the most effective exercises for making your body fitter, more muscular, and more powerful.

Below are the steps you need to take in order to properly perform the dumbbell deadlift.

Steps to effective deadlifting with dumbbells:

1. First stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.

2. Lift two heavy dumbbells with your palms, grasp them completely as an overhand grip, and hold them on either side of your body.

3. Now bend your knees and hips and lower your chest until it is parallel to the floor.

4. Let both arms hang in front of your knees and try to keep your body in a neutral position. Always remember to position yourself steadily and in an organized manner.

5. Then come back to the starting position and stand straight without changing the position of your back.

It is known that this is a repetition.

Variation of dumbbell deadlift:

1. One-legged dumbbell deadlift This variation of the dumbbell deadlift is practiced by lifting one leg off the floor and stretching it backwards.

2. dumbbell stiff leg deadlift This category of dumbbell deadlift is performed by keeping your legs motionless and lowering the weights so they are directly above your head.

3. One-armed dumbbell deadlift In this version, you need to hold the dumbbell between your legs while doing push and pull movements.

Services:

1. Improving the connection of your mind with your muscles

The dumbbell deadlift is an isolation exercise because it focuses primarily on one muscle joint – the hamstrings. Hence, this exercise mainly focuses on working on your hamstrings. This way, you can lift heavy weights without a lot of chaos, while also increasing the tension on your hamstrings.

2. Helps in increasing the mass of your hamstrings and glutes:

Practicing this workout will stimulate the fibers of your muscles, hamstrings, and glutes. This greatly helps in building your muscle mass, which makes your lower part of the body look more defined and improves your muscular activity.

3. Refine your athleticism by improving your athletic performance:

Practicing this exercise will increase your energy levels like never before! It will also refine your posture and make you fit enough to practice various sports with no problem.

Things To Consider When Performing Dumbbell Deadlift:

1. You should always choose the weights according to your load-bearing capacity. Do not lift heavy weights as it can cause injury and only damage your body.

2. Always make sure that your back is in a neutral position and not bent as this can cause long-term injury.

3. It is important that you lower your weights properly, following the exact vertical path you took to lift them.

4. Remember to hold the bar in front of your shin. The greater the distance between your shins and the bar, the greater the risk of lumbar spine flexion and a herniated disc.

frequently asked Questions

1. What muscles does dumbbell deadlift work?

Dumbbell Deadlift is primarily concerned with the work of the hamstrings, glutes, maximus, and quadriceps.

2. What's a good weight to start deadlifting?

225 lbs is considered significant for beginners, while 185 lbs is good and 115 kg is decent.

3. Is it okay to deadlift three times a week?

Yes, deadlifting three times a week is okay if you are physically fit and active.

01 May
Blog

Shark Vacmop Review: A Swiffer Sweeper on Steroids

Shark Vacmop Lights

"The Shark Vacmop takes everything I love about the popular Swiffer Sweeper and adds suction to better collect debris on the floor."

  • Sweep and wipe lightly at the same time

  • No uncomplicated disposal with pads

  • Decent intake performance

Shark's robotic vacuum cleaners are characterized by a balanced relationship between performance and price. While the cordless vacuum line is available from a variety of options, only one is particularly suitable for both picking up dirt from hard floors and cleaning up spilled material.

The Shark Vacmop uses the Swiffer Sweeper approach by acting as a dry sweeper and mop at the same time, saving you the hassle of needing two separate cleaners. You may be wondering if there are any compromises with a 2-in-1 device like this one. So I went through some good cleaning scenarios to find out.

From the sweeper to the mop

Arguably the most compelling feature of the Shark Vacmop is its ability to sweep and then mop with minimal effort. With your traditional Swiffer Sweeper, you need to discard the dry pad and then replace it with a wet one to make the transition possible. There's none of this with the Vacmop that makes it particularly versatile when it comes to cleaning up different types of dirt.

Shark Vacmop on the wallJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

The disposable pillow is effectively used for both sweeping and mopping as there is a small corner that soaks up dirt on the floor and stows everything in the pillow itself. The suction is adequate for most tasks, but I was surprised how it can still suck up dirt if the pad gets wet while wiping. I really appreciate the convenience of sweeping and mopping at the same time because it saves time.

There is a bit of resistance when pushing and pulling the 5 pound shark vacuum cleaner, however. It doesn't have the same level of effortless movement as a Swiffer Sweeper. Sure, the head can be hinged the same way a Swiffer can pivot to collect dirt and debris, but the drag makes it a little more difficult to maneuver.

Additional costs for disposable pads

Much like a Swiffer sweeper, the Shark Vacmop requires you to purchase disposable pads that need to be replaced as soon as they become dirty or filled with dirt. Removing the pad is a breeze, accomplished by pressing a button on the side of the head. The device unlocks the disposable pillow. All you really have to do is place it over a garbage can that it can be dropped into.

Shark Vacmop PadJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

While this makes it very convenient, you have to keep in mind that the Shark Vacmop will not work without the disposable pad. You also need to keep in mind that there is an ongoing cost to owning the Vacmop: about $ 24 for a 30-point refill of disposable pads. For comparison, a 40-pack of Swiffer Sweeper dry-sweeping wipes costs around $ 13 – so you pay significantly more for the Vacmop.

I really appreciate the convenience of sweeping and mopping at the same time.

There's also the multi-surface liquid cleaner that you need to buy if you want to mop your hard floors. It's $ 10 for a two-liter bottle that is then poured into the vacmop. Since the device is battery-operated, the liquid multi-surface cleaner is dispensed by pressing the button on the handle. I actually like how it dries out quickly on my wooden floors without leaving streaks. It is worth noting, however, that it is not a disinfectant solution. If you choose any other solution, all you need to know is that there is a risk of damage to the device.

You can cut your expenses by limiting the frequency of cleaning. However, don't be fooled by focusing solely on the $ 100 initial cost.

Short battery life

If you have a lot of space to sweep and mop, you should look for another solution as the Shark Vacmop has a 13 minute battery life. This is really short, which means it's best reserved for the clutter on site. While it is still possible to clean larger rooms, you will need to take breaks so that you can charge the Vacmop with the included magnetic charger.

Shark Vacmop magnetic connectorJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

I've mainly used the Shark Vacmop after dinner to remove any crumbs that are collecting on the floor. Since I don't sweep and mop the kitchen area for more than five minutes, the short battery life isn't an issue for me, but I can see how it can be a limiting factor for others.

Finally, I just want to point out that the package does not contain any other attachments. So don't expect to find a crevice or a brush tool.

Our opinion

Shark's take on the Swiffer Sweeper is interesting. There's no denying the fact that steroids are a Swiffer as it takes everything I love about the popular street sweeper and adds suction to better collect dirt on the floor – while also being able to switch to a mopper without having to remove the pad.

The $ 100 startup cost isn't bad, but consider the added cost of purchasing the disposable pads and the multi-surface cleaner.

How long it will take?

The Vacmop is made of robust plastic materials and offers a robust quality. In fact, it fell over several times with no signs of damage. There is a one-year limited warranty in case something goes wrong internally due to a defect.

Is there a better alternative?

The Dyson Omni-Glide is characterized by its lightweight construction, effortless movement and stronger suction power as a superior sweeper. Sure, it's significantly more expensive at $ 400, but that's the only money you'll need for it.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's inexpensive and there are few models that can sweep and mop at the same time.

Editor's recommendations




01 May
Blog

Hip Abduction : Top 3 Exercises & Benefits

During a glute workout, we often only focus on the gluteus maximus, the largest muscle in the buttocks. The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus are two other muscles in addition to the largest muscle in the hip. These other two muscles need to be focused in order to properly burn the hip.

What is hip abduction?

Hip abduction is the movement of the hips on the side away from the other leg. All three hip muscles play a role in hip abduction, but it is primarily the gluteus medius.

Benefits of hip abduction

  • Hip abduction makes your other buttocks exercises a little more effective.
  • Hip abduction increases the strength of all the muscles in your buttocks to aid your other exercises, most notably weight lifting. It has been shown to correct the condition of the knee valgus. Knee valgus is a condition in which the knee collapses and falls inward. This happens because of the low hip strength involved in other exercises such as weight lifting.
  • It helps in reducing knee pain.
  • It also helps in improving the body's balance during routine activities such as walking and standing.

Here is a reliable guide to 3 highly reliable and recommended hip abduction exercises. Try the variant mentioned with exercises to feel the burning sensation faster.

1. SIDE LYING LEG LIFT

Attitude:

  • lie on the left side of your body.
  • Stretch your legs across each other.
  • Rest your head on your left hand or on a pillow. It is recommended that you lie down so that gravity acts as a drag in performing the movement.

The movement: Raise your right leg up to 45 degrees in the air and bring it down. This is 1 rep. Do 15 to 18 reps before switching sides.

Tip: To focus more on the buttock muscle, point your feet slightly inward and nominally tilt the left waist bone a little forward.

One level higher: Use a resistance band around your lower thighs to increase the intensity of the exercise.

2. RESISTANT SPRING BAR

Attitude:

  1. Use a resistance band on your ankles.
  2. Get a quarter squat position by standing with your feet hip-width apart and bend forward at a bend and bend your knee.
  3. Keep your hands on your chest.

The movement: Jump out with your knees bent and jump back to the original stance. This is a repetition. Follow the same until you have completed 15-20 repetitions.

Tip: Bend your knees throughout the exercise

3. SIDE LYING KNEE LIFT

Attitude:

  • Lie on the left side of your body so gravity acts as a drag.
  • Rest your head on your left hand or on a pillow.
  • Bend your knees in front and make a V.

The movement: Raise your right knee in the air and keep your feet together. Raise the knee to 45 degrees and bring it down. This is a repetition. Do 15 to 18 reps before switching sides.

Tip: Keep the core engaged.

One level higher: Use a resistance band around your lower thighs to increase the intensity.

The final result

Even if your focus is not on building buttocks muscles, hip abduction is a good exercise to help you with your routine. It increases lower body balance and strength while standing or doing activities that involve your lower body. No weights or other equipment are required.

30 Apr
Blog

Sennheiser’s Mic Kit Brings Pro-Grade Audio to Your Phone

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 microphone switch

Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit Review: Pro grade audio recording for your phone

"With the Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit, you can exploit the potential of your smartphone as a mobile vlogging tool by adding high-quality audio and a comprehensive set of accessories."

  • Excellent audio quality

  • Complete set of accessories included

  • Compatible with phones and cameras

  • Headphone monitoring function

  • Requires you to learn new skills to put it to good use

  • The volume can be low

Your smartphone almost certainly has a high-performance video camera. Since it's always with you, it's really the perfect tool for vlogging and video creation on the go. Except that it always disappoints with the built-in microphone that has to do too many different tasks and just can't all be great.

Solving the problem has frustrated me for a while as very few of the options available are an idea. Sennheiser has now launched it MKE 400 Mobile Kitwhich allows you to record videos recorded on your phone with first class audio recording. Could this really be what I was looking for? I found out.

Why use your cell phone?

Every iPhone since the iPhone 6S has recorded 4K video, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and the latest Galaxy S21 series phones record 8K video. Hence, recording high quality videos with your phone has not been a problem for a while. If this is a huge priority for you, companies like Moment make impressive lens accessories for phones, and there are plenty of video editing apps out there for iOS and Android. Your phone is really a one stop shop for video creation.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Almost. Good audio quality is important when you want to publish your videos. Nobody will want to see if they can't hear you or if they can just hear wind noise or distortion. The microphone on your smartphone is a compromise as it has to perform various tasks and it isn't high on the priority list that makes you sound good on videos. It is not suitable for remote shooting or in noisy environments.

There are several ways to cure this. Lavalier microphones are popular, but they get tied down with a cord or you could invest in an expensive wireless microphone system. But there is a fine line between this step and considering taking fully to the next level with a DSLR-based setup, and the money really adds up at this point. It can feel demoralizing looking at the different options and sometimes unnecessary with your phone right there capturing perfectly good videos.

Everything you need

What does that matter MKE 400 Mobile Kit The special thing is that it was mainly developed for use with a smartphone. The packaging includes the Sennheiser MKE 400 shotgun microphone, a sturdy aluminum smartphone clamp to hold both the phone and your phone, and a Manfrotto Pixi mini tripod that doubles as a handle. A 3.5mm TRRS cable to connect the microphone to your smartphone and another 3.5mm TRS cable to use with DSLRs offer a lot of flexibility.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The MKE 400 is attached to the smartphone clamp with a standard cold shoe holder, as two AAA batteries are used for its own power supply. The mount itself has multiple 1/4 "threaded holes for attaching to a tripod, as well as a single 3/8" threaded hole and rubber lined clamp for your phone. This can be rotated from portrait to landscape and the clip can snap into place so it doesn't move – and your phone won't come loose.

The Manfrotto Pixi tripod is small but very robust. It's made of stainless steel and has a maximum height of 5.3 inches, with each of the feet ending in a rubber grip for added stability. It's fine for use with a phone, but Manfrotto doesn't recommend it to support something heavier than 2.25 pounds, so it might not work well with some DSLRs. Firmly press the button on the side and the head can be repositioned which gives it a lot of versatility.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Pixi tripod can be used on a surface or a handheld. The clamp is big enough to fit most phones – I've used it with the iPhone 12 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra – and the connection system is simple. You'll be done and ready in less than five minutes. It is incredibly portable and very solidly made.

What about the microphone?

The MKE 400 is a Shotgun microphone with a supercardioid pattern, that is, it is designed to pick up audio directly from the front and slightly from the back, but not so much from the sides, to reduce unwanted ambient noise. The MKE 400 name has been used by Sennheiser for years, but the company has updated the design and added functionality to this newly introduced model.

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 mic pageAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 microphone switchAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 dead catAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 clampAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

The windshield and shock mount have been placed in the metal microphone housing for a more compact and visually appealing look. A furry cover for "dead cats" is also included to further reduce wind noise. On the side of the microphone there is a volume-controlled 3.5 mm headphone output for monitoring the audio, a three-stage sensitivity gain control and a low-pass filter.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There are two AAA batteries in the box that can be used to power the microphone. Sennheiser estimates that they last 100 hours before they have to be replaced. It weighs 93 grams, about half of most modern smartphones, but still feels robust. It looks very modern and professional too, and if you only have the Sennheiser name on the side, it's very believable. It may sound strange, but that's a big deal.

How does it sound

I recorded audio with the Sennheiser MKE 400 outside when I was walking around and inside when I was sitting, in the car and in other relatively noisy environments. I connected it to an iPhone 12 Pro using the included 3.5mm cable and a Lightning dongle. It performed very well at all times, but most of all, it's a huge improvement over the audio recordings you would get if you just used the built-in mic or other cheaper mics.

The most obvious difference is the drastic reduction in background and ambient noise. The MKE 400 records your voice clearly and still picks up just the right amount of ambient noise. For example, if you are recording while taking an early morning walk, the microphone will still record the sounds of the surrounding forest for a natural, pleasant tone that accurately captures your surroundings without overwhelming your voice.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Plus, my voice sounds less artificial and removes the echo and harshness you get from the iPhone 12 Pro's microphone. I also compared it to a Rode SmartLav + lavalier microphone and again there was much less background noise and echo. Outside, it works well at about a meter to two meters away, provided you are facing the general direction of the microphone. It also records well when you are behind the microphone, as long as you are not too far away. In a moving car there is a little more echo behind the microphone, but since the ambient noise is minimized, the recording is not ruined.

The downsides are learning how to get the most out of the MKE 400. While it's not particularly complicated, there are a ton of trial and error that can't really be found with a simple plug-in lavalier microphone. For example, the volume is pretty low at the normal setting. In order to hear them well during playback on the iPhone, the volume must be around 75%. There is three-stage gain control, but setting this to the high level increases the overall noise, so there is a tradeoff between recording from further away and introducing more ambient noise.

https://digitaltrends-uploads-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sennheiser-mke-400-example-file.wav

The headphone jack on the microphone body lets you hear what is being recorded, which helps to a certain extent. This is difficult when you are alone and want to check the distance record, for example. I don't think the MKE 400 requires any experience or knowledge at a professional level, but I think you need patience and a willingness to learn about sound recording in order to get the most out of it.

The use of the Sennheiser MKE 400 has been approved. I'm used to recording with a wired lavalier mic and it's great not to have to worry about the cord. I also hate that I forgot to turn the microphone back on when I have to move away from the camera, which you won't worry about with the MKE 400. The sound quality is great too. It also works with the camera or voice recorder app and, if necessary, with a DSLR. Hence, it is hard to imagine that you would wish for much else.

Price and availability

The Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit costs $ 230 or £ 200. It is now available from Sennheiser's own online shop or from other Sennheiser dealers.

Our opinion

The Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit is a comprehensive, high quality and easy to use sound recording system for your phone. While it's made for a smartphone, don't think that it is fundamental as all of the features here will help you capture the best possible audio with your smartphone.

Sennheiser's decision to make it a full kit is inspired because you don't have to buy anything else. Hence, it's ideal for anyone just starting out or looking to upgrade from a more basic setup. Even so, performance is not straightforward, and the audio quality is a huge improvement over your phone's built-in microphone and even over competent lavalier microphones.

The versatility means it is suitable for handheld shooting facing the camera, desktop use, outdoor shooting, and even in noisy environments like the inside of a moving car – all without wires or a wireless bluetooth connection. It's not cheap, but the price reflects the capability, quality, and welcome simplicity of the overall package.

Is there a better alternative?

There are several different shotgun microphones that will work with your smartphone, but very few come with the accessories that the MKE 400 Mobile Kit offers. The prices also vary widely. This comica kit with a wireless microphone system is $ 170 while Rode's VideoMic camera mount kit is $ 147. A good lavalier microphone like the Rode SmartLav + costs around $ 90, and the Audio Technica ATR3350xiS microphone costs around $ 35.

All of them can pick up audio better than the built-in microphone in your phone. However, before you decide on a microphone, consider how and where you want to record. Sennheiser is never the cheapest brand, but quality is almost always guaranteed.

How long it will take?

The components contained in the mobile kit are robust and robust. They are mainly made of different metals, with only the base of the microphone being made of plastic. The universal 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting the microphone to your phone requires a dongle if it does not have the appropriate port. So make sure you have one on hand. No apps need to be installed and no firmware needs to be updated. The MKE 400 will last for years if handled well.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It is all you need to greatly enhance the audio recorded by your smartphone.

Editor's recommendations




30 Apr
Blog

How to Do Squats : The Ultimate Guide

A squat is considered a strength exercise in which you squat with your knees. The back of your knees should almost be in contact with your bum, or you can squat and then stand up again. This can also be done with weights or dumbbells. Squats work your lower body muscles – quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, gluteus maximus, minimus, medius, as well as your core muscles – spinae, obliques, rectus abdominis. Squats strengthen your body and your body's strengths, burn calories, lower the risk of injury, and many more functions.

Below is the ultimate guide to Doing squats right, It will add strength to your body!

Here's how to do squats efficiently and appropriately:

Below are some steps that will get you to ass squats in no time!

Directions:

1. You must be comfortable doing this exercise. Therefore, I would advise you to choose a foot position that you can easily perform. If you are unsure whether the view you have chosen is perfect for the exercise, you can stand by holding your feet shoulder-width apart. However, always remember that your feet should be pointing outwards at least 15 degrees.

2. Tighten your abs like someone is punching you. Always remember to look ahead and stand still and straight.

The above steps provide the starting position for performing squats.

3. As you squat, you should bend your knees and make sure your bum is moving backwards. Keep your knees aligned with your toes. All of the bends and squats associated with it affect the lower part of your body. Your upper body should remain calm and straight at all times.

4. Bend down slowly, observing the points above. When you are bent, return to the starting position.

To repeat.

Services:

1. Strengthens your lower body muscles

If you practice this exercise almost regularly, you will increase your energies and strengthen the level to a great extent. Once you become familiar with this exercise, you will find that you can lift heavy things and bend them a lot with ease.

2. Reduces the risk of injury

When you include squats in your daily workout, you can step up your bones, tissues, and ligaments, which in fact helps to greatly reduce the risk of injury.

3. Useful in burning calories

Performing this exercise is really useful in burning off any extra calories in your body as it is a high intensity exercise that involves compound movements.

4. Strengthens the core of your body

Another reason you should include squats in your workout is because it strengthens your core muscles. Tight and powerful core muscles improve your posture, maintain body balance, and make activities such as twisting, lifting, and bending much easier.

Mistakes To Avoid While Squatting

1. You should always do some warm-up exercises before doing any squats, as this will increase your body's heart rate and temperature, and mobilize your muscle joints. Exercise without a warm-up can lead to injury and must therefore be done at all costs.

2. You should always finish a squat as it will prevent you from getting its full benefits and increase the risk of injury if you don't finish it.

3. You should always keep your upper body still and straight when squatting as this will allow you to take full advantage of this workout.

frequently asked Questions

1. How many squats should I do each day?

It depends on your body capacity. However, it is always recommended to start with three sets of 2 to 15 repetitions per day.

2. Is it okay to do squats every day?

Of course, you can crouch down every day, and this will only prove to be beneficial for your body.

3. Does Squat Reduce Thigh Fat?

Yes, squats effectively reduce the fat that has accumulated in your thighs as they mainly work the lower part of your body.

30 Apr
Blog

Spa Treatments For Men: How To Bring In New Clients

Men's interest in their overall health and wellbeing is growing, and the spa is an important part of it – whether it is relaxing, self-medication, or taking care of their skin with the occasional professional facial. In the past, spa treatments were mainly marketed to women. But the idea that only women are interested in the spa is out of date and, frankly, a little short-sighted. If you are a spa professional, it may be time to learn how to bring men and clients with masculine identities into your spa space to increase your bottom line. Let's explore the ideal men's spa day treatments and find out what makes an extraordinary experience.

Are Men Interested in Spa Treatments?

Are you limiting your spa's customer base by not targeting men? According to ISPA's Consumer Snapshot Study, almost half of all spa visitors are men, at 49% (up from 29% in 2005). If your clientele doesn't, you could be missing out on a huge slice of a lucrative cake.

Health and wellness are not just for women – and men know it! Spa treatments are a great way for men to get into this self-care. Indeed, ISPA President Lynn McNees says the desire to relieve or reduce stress is the number one reason people visit a spa – regardless of gender. How can you attract more men to your spa?

4 Ways To Attract Men To Your Spa

1. Create a sense of belonging

According to ISPA's Consumer Snapshot 2016, men visit a spa less often if they are unfamiliar with or uncomfortable with the spa environment. There are several ways that you can help men feel welcome at your spa. First, examine your spa atmosphere and ask yourself who it might appeal to. Do your space, treatment menu, and marketing target all genders? If not, it might be time for an update. American Spa's 2020 Trend Report lists “gender neutral” skin care as one of the top trends of the year. And this category will only keep growing!

To capitalize on this development, consider swapping out an overly or traditionally gendered decor in your space and opting for a clean, modern aesthetic that feels inviting to everyone. It is also a good idea to replace the gendered language in your marketing communications with a more universal and gender neutral language.

Another option is to segment your email list to target specific demographics in your customer base. For example, Dori Soukup told by InSPAration Management DAY WELLNESS Magazine: "You should approach men separately for certain promotions." She suggests segmenting your email database so that you can target men and women separately, but also group them all together in your broader marketing newsletter if needed.

Man gets a facial massage

2. Let customers know what to expect

Another way to create the ultimate men's spa day is to give clear directions and let them know what to expect. For anyone new to the spa experience, a little extra communication goes a long way in helping them relax. That is why they came to you in the first place! DAYSPA Magazine suggests "easing the fear of the first time beforehand by answering questions beforehand about what to expect during your spa visit". For example, make sure you have clear, concise descriptions of each service on your spa menu or website. Posting spa etiquette guidelines in waiting areas or locker rooms can also help.

Finally, make sure your beauticians give clear instructions on how to prepare their clients for a treatment. This includes keeping customers informed throughout the service and even explaining what to do when they leave the room. We promise – it is better to provide too much information than not enough!

3. Make participation in the spa and booking convenient

To encourage men to visit your spa, remove any barriers (mental or physical) that cause them to take a break. Spa owner Tracy Whynot says DAYSPA that comfort is important for men who visit their spa. Think of: simple online booking systems, introductory skin care options, a men’s specific service menu or pre-set spa packages for men to avoid overwhelming choices. Convenient services will remove potential barriers and allow a new spa-customer relationship to grow and prosper.

4. Customize your spa treatments

Like all customers, men want their spa and facial treatments to be tailored to their individual skin problems! And while many of men's skin care needs are the same as women's (we see them every day, SPF!), There are some differences. For example, men's skin tends to be thicker and produce more sebum (oil) than women's skin. This means they can usually handle more physical exfoliation and may be the reason why men often prefer lighter moisturizers.

Not to mention the fact that facial hair requires special care and maintenance, regardless of whether the man is shaving or not. Because of this, it is a good idea to offer a wide range of skin care treatments and product options to help solve any skin problems you may encounter. Because, as American Spa puts it, "The truth is, we all need to take care of our skin regardless of gender."

Customer loyalty

Now that you have these welcoming strategies for attracting men to your spa, how do you keep them long term? The good news is that the most effective way to retain new customers who are men is the same way to retain every customer: providing a great experience. Still not quite sure what men want? Just ask! After all, loyalty is about getting to know your customers as individuals (regardless of gender) in order to successfully address their underlying needs and skin issues. Chat with customers face-to-face or send an occasional customer feedback survey if you have an email database. This may help you learn more about the needs of all of your customers!

Looking For Skin Care For Men? Browse our curated selection of skin care products. Learn How to Become an Eminence Organics Spa Affiliate for Award-Winning Education.

29 Apr
Blog

How to do a Diamond Push-up and It’s Benefits

Push-up has always been a classic bodyweight exercise that doesn't require any equipment. There are many variations of push-up to target different muscles. Diamond Push is nothing more than a push-up variant that mainly targets the triceps. This variation is one of the most difficult variations of pushups. Your triceps must already be active to perform these push-ups like a pro.

Benefits of Diamond Push-Up

  • It's an effective bodyweight exercise for your arms that focuses primarily on the triceps muscle.
  • It improves the size and strength of the triceps.
  • At the same time, it burns the chest while the chest is secondarily locked into place when performing a diamond push-up.
  • Last but not least, it doesn't require any equipment and can be done anywhere.

REQUIREMENTS

A full body heat is always recommended to improve performance and prevent injuries.

Triceps pushups or diamond pushups are counted in the difficult category. Therefore, it is always recommended to start slowly with 2-3 repetitions.

First, treat yourself to a classic / simple push-up to achieve the arm strength required for a diamond push-up.

HOW TO PRESS A DIAMOND

Attitude: Acquire a push-up position. Make sure to keep your hands under your chest. Make a diamond shape with your hands by touching your thumbs and forefingers (<>) like this.

The movement: Bend your elbows and pull your body down until your chest hits the floor. Slide back into the stance. This is a repetition.

Tip: Keep your core tight and your back straight throughout the exercise. If you find it hard, take it slowly. Do 2-3, then slowly increase the number of repetitions over time.

Variation: To make a diamond push-up easier, place your legs on your knees instead of your toes to reduce the arm strength required for a diamond push-up.

29 Apr
Blog

Returnal Review: The PS5’s First Must-Play Exclusive is Here

return

"Returnal takes full advantage of the capabilities of the PS5 to give players a fast-paced and furious sci-fi spectacle."

  • Quick fight

  • Great risk-reward systems

  • Fascinating story

  • Immersive DualSense functions

  • Demanding difficulty

  • Limited build options

Returnal is finally bridging the gap between AAA and indie video games. While these worlds have often felt separate from each other, the new third-person shooter is proof that they can naturally merge. Its DNA is as ingrained in indie gems like Dead Cells as it is in big budget sci-fi shooters like Mass Effect.

The exclusive PS5 comes from Housemarque, a Finnish studio known for niche titles like Super Stardust and Nex Machina, which draw the influence of arcade shooters. The studio announced it would change direction in response to weak sales and famously declared that "Arcade is dead". Fans feared the pivot might crush the studio, but it turns out that Housemarque's take on an AAA game only reinforces his indie spirit.

Returnal is a brave science fiction shooter that successfully breaks down the gaming industry's longstanding genre barriers. While its punishing roguelite elements can detract from its narrative strengths, fast-paced combat and a gripping atmosphere make it one of the more exciting, high-end PlayStation exclusives to appear in quite a while.

Live, die, repeat

Describing how Returnal works is no easy task. It might look like a regular third-person shooter, but that barely scratches the surface. It's also a roguelite, bullet hell game, and Metroidvania adventure all rolled into one (that's a lot to deal with, I know). This jumble of influences may sound like an “too many chefs” situation, but Housemarque is a master chef when it comes to genre fusion. Every taste is perfectly balanced.

The basic requirement is that players control an astronaut named Selene, who is in a science fiction version of Groundhog Day after their ship crashed on the planet Atropos. She must shoot and work her way through six different biomes as she collects new perks, weapons, and upgrades along the way. When she dies, she will be sent straight back to her ship with most of her equipment removed.

Fortunately, players don't start exactly from scratch. Clever progression hooks are branded in. If you defeat the massive boss of a biome, the path to the next area remains unlocked for the next round. There are permanent skills that can also be collected, such as: B. a grappling hook or metal legs with which the players can walk on lava. This little piece of Metroid-style gear gating is constantly revealing secrets around the world, and fun to explore every time the randomly compiled map.

It's an aggressive action game that is always fun to just do the basics.

Everything is glued together by fast-paced action. The movement itself is satisfactorily quick and enables evasive ballet as giant space squids throw balls in all directions. The weapons are a blast thanks to the perks that unlock permanently over time and give each weapon type a different feel. Weapons use a short cooldown system instead of limited ammo, so players are encouraged to go wild on encounters. There's also a powerful melee sword blow that provides a solid incentive to rush headlong into battle. It's an aggressive action game that is always fun to just do the basics.

There's a lot more complexity to talk about, like an adrenaline system that gives stat boosts every time players get three kills in a row without getting hit. All these small systems together form an experience that is always on the gas. This is where it's easy to see where Housemarque's arcade roots come into play. Returnal feels like a top-down shoot-em-up reimagined as a big budget 3D action game. The studio may claim that "Arcade is dead," but it's alive and well in these high octane battles.

Hollywood Sci-Fi

In terms of sound, Returnal's closest comparison to director Ridley Scott's films. The game has Scott's signature brand for threatening science fiction, much like Alien or Prometheus. Selene's story is both otherworldly and deeply personal. Sinister narrative sequences in Selene's house that mysteriously appear on Atropos slowly build up her troubled story before it leads to a gripping emotional conclusion.

Returnal gameplay PS5 game

Without giving too much away, it's a terrifying story that justifies the game's cyclical roguelite setup. There is something inevitable that consumes Selene and makes her relive her past over and over again. The journey is not so much about shooting every enemy in sight as it is about uncovering a deeply repressed memory.

Much of the game's haunting tone is achieved through Atropos itself, an ominous planet full of danger. From a sprawling desert full of mechanical octopuses to an icy tundra where there is almost no organic life, Selene is truly cut off from society. It's a lonely experience that creates the awkward isolation of games like Metroid Prime.

Returnal is the most compelling argument for PS5 technology we've seen so far.

Housemarque went to great lengths to immerse players in this environment. As an exclusive PS5 product, Returnal takes full advantage of the DualSense controller to make Atropos feel more tactile. The haptic feedback simulates soft raindrops and slimy parasitic winds. The controller's built-in speaker also gives some helpful hints, such as: B. a sharp squelch, which indicates that the old fire of a weapon has been charged.

Returnal is the most compelling argument for PS5 technology we've seen so far. While exclusives like Destruction AllStars made the Dualsense a gimmick, Returnal shows how well thought-out details can help create a comprehensive interactive experience so that a fictional planet feels real.

The difficulty debate

Returnal's difficulty will surely be a point of discussion. Like many roguelites, it is a merciless and sometimes unforgiving video game. There are no additional levels of difficulty or accessibility options to make the gaming experience easier for players. That can be extremely frustrating given the compelling story it tells. Anyone who is only there for the narrative but cannot keep up with the demanding action is simply out of luck.

The problem here isn't so much that the game is "too difficult", although that is certainly the broad criticism that is likely surrounding it. Instead, Returnal doesn't offer enough versatility when it comes to what constitutes a winning strategy.

return

As with other roguelites, every run is about creating a successful build by making constant micro-decisions. The game offers players a consistent range of risk-reward decisions, whether through malicious objects that can cause the suit to temporarily malfunction or parasites that, in addition to a debuff, provide a huge advantage. These do an especially good job at changing the feel of each run and encouraging players to experiment with potentially risky side effects in order to earn a high reward.

Unfortunately, there don't seem to be many recipes for success. Every single “good” run I've had came with a defense buff and some sort of suit repair that would heal me if I had poor integrity. The runs I had this on could last for hours and take me through multiple areas with ease. Those I haven't been with were often inevitably doomed. Since items like artifacts appear randomly, I have often saved my currency until I found the right one. It also doesn't help that players can only hold one weapon at a time, which reduces the potential for creating a toolset that can handle different situations.

Returnal doesn't offer enough versatility when it comes to what constitutes a winning strategy.

Part of the problem is that failed runs are not necessarily worth the effort. Hardly anything useful carries over from run to run, and it can take hours to search one area to get the strength it takes to tackle the next. Entering a new biome after a long flushing process that is only crushed in the first encounter is an emptying experience. This makes the runs that lead to progress feel much sweeter, but there is an imbalance between success and failure.

It doesn't feel like players are trading notes with each other about their eclectic win builds. They are more likely to share their misery and relief, as they would in a Dark Souls game. These conversations can create a barrier to entry that transcends Retunal's complex plot and engaging story that deserves to be the center of attention.

Our opinion

Returnal is a winning combination of big budget production value and creative, cross-genre gameplay usually reserved for cult indie hits. It tells a haunting science fiction story that thematically justifies the cyclical roguelite setup. Demanding action combined with a lack of workable build options make too many runs frustrating non-starters, but a compelling puzzle and fast-paced action always provides a strong reason to die and try again.

Is there a better alternative?

Hades is still the best roguelite out there, and there's no shortage of great budget space shooters, but Returnal is for the most part the best of both worlds.

How long it will take?

Because of its roguelite nature, that depends on skill. Some players could finish the game in 15 hours. Others could take 40. Expect to end up somewhere in between, with some daily challenges and post-game exploration to extend its lifespan.

Should you buy it?

Yes. For PS5 owners, it is the best exclusive product since the console launched and can remain unchallenged on this front until Horizon Forbidden West.

Editor's recommendations




29 Apr
Blog

Uses, Advantages, Effects & Dosage Information

In the 1960s, an American pharmaceutical company called G.D Searle & Co. brought along the anabolic steroid pill known as Oxandrolone. It is also known as Anavar or Var. Anavar (Oxandrolone) is popular for Cut and fill cycle Bodybuilding has been winning since its development.

Men use these steroids, but it is one of the few steroids recommended for women as it is not a very toxic steroid. It is slightly androgenic and anabolic. Both male and female bodybuilders run the Anavar cycle before competitive bodybuilding events. Bodybuilders use Anavar to build lean muscle while athletes want to shed excess body fat.

These anabolic steroids were banned from use in 1989 as it was a non-prescription drug. This made it difficult for bodybuilders to get Anavar without a prescription. They brought it off the black market and took these steroids. In the 1990s, it was easier for athletes and bodybuilders to shop for Anavar online.

This article will cover the basic details of Anavar such as: B. Anavar, its uses, Anavar dosage and its side effects. So let's get started!

1. What is Anavar?

Anavar is also known as Oxandrolone or Var. It is the most popular oral steroid. Athletes and bodybuilders prefer Anavar to reduce fat mass and promote muscle building. Anavar is available for medical use to help patients recover from chronic infections, trauma, or surgery. Anavar is an oral, alpha-alkylated steroid and its toxic effects are very moderate.

Anavar is available in the US market. However, you can also buy Anavar online from some reputable European or Asian pharmaceutical companies. You can also find Anavar for sale available on the internet.

Anavar is prescribed to people with osteoporosis or who have been using corticosteroids (prednisone or hydrocortisone) for a long time. If you consume these steroids properly, the side effects of Anavar are very minor. Misuse of this drug can lead to several liver health problems.

2. Anavar Uses and Benefits

When buying Anavar online, make sure that the product purity is 100% as the genuine products can deliver the possible results. Anavar gives you various advantages. Mentioned here below:

  • Increase muscle mass
  • Reduce fat
  • Increase strength
  • Reduction in vascularity and fluid retention
  • Increase the number of red blood cells
  • Increase your metabolism
  • Safe for women
  • Adds muscle mass
  • No water retention
  • No estrogenic activity
  • Prevents catabolism and preserves muscles

Anavar use is very useful for bodybuilders and athletes, but you are not taking it properly. If you abuse this drug, it can cause various side effects.

3. Side effects of Anavar

Anavar side effects are mild when using pure products, but the high dosage of these steroids can affect various health problems as follows:

  • Liver toxic
  • Imbalance testosterone levels
  • Increase your blood pressure
  • Increase your cholesterol level
  • Baldness
  • a headache
  • acne
  • Swelling in the legs and arms

4. Anavar dosage information

Both men and women use Anavar for both cutting and bulking. Anavar is meek. When men need these steroids, they need large amounts. It binds well to AR as high doses are necessary. You can use 20 mg / day. If you are AIDS patient, it is necessary to take 20-80 mg to curb weight loss and burn victims to gain weight.

For men, you can start with 100 mg / day and see how your body reacts. If you take a dose below 20 mg you will not get any results. For women, it is enough to take 2.5-10 mg / day. This drug does not cause virilization problems or water retention due to mild androgenic effects.

These compounds create resistance to liver metabolism and anabolic activity. When you take Anavar, it does not cause serious hepatotoxic effects such as jaundice, hepatitis, hyperplasia, cholestatic hepatitis and tumors.

Anavar is successfully used to treat flesh wounds and improve a patient's respiratory function. Both of these properties make Anavar a great choice for bodybuilders and athletes alike. This is the general Anavar dosage. Now let's look at some basic information about the bulk and slicing cycle of Anavar.

→ Anavar cycle for bulking

Anavar filling cycles are different for men and women. Men need to take a high dose for better results. Here is an example of a high dose for men:

Bulking Cycle For Women:

You can also add another two weeks to this cycle. However, always remember that a longer cycle carries a higher risk of side effects.

→ Anavar cycle to the To cut

Anavar helps maintain muscle mass and strength that are often lost when dieting. For the cutting cycles, the cans are lower than the filling quantity. Here are the cutting cycle cans for men:

The Anavar cutting cycle for women is as follows:

→ How to Stack Anavar

Anavar has fewer androgenic and estrogenic side effects. It's best to use in a batch. Anavar is mainly stacked with testosterone. You can also stack Anavar with some other steroids like Winstrol, Primobolan, and Masteron.

Here is the dosage of Anavar and Testosterone Enanthate:

This cycle should be best for puffing and adding lean mass. Before making a stack of other steroids, always define your goal and then use the right steroids along with Anavar for the best results.

For women, stacking Anavar with other steroids can be beneficial for both bulk and cutting cycles. Generally, women do not stack cycles for the first time using Anavar. However, advanced users stack Anavar with other steroids such as Clenbuterol, Winstrol, and Primobolan. Here is the cut pile cycle with Anavar and Clenbuterol:

→ Anavar PCT

Anavar is one of the safest anabolic steroids available today. Still, it does cause some problems in your body. If you are on the Anavar cycle at a low dose for less than 4 weeks, you will not need to do PCT. PCT should be needed when using anabolic steroids. When it comes to Var, it all comes down to the Anavar cycle or some other steroids that you stack it with.

Clomid and Nolvadex are the two most commonly used PCT products for Anavar cycles. You can use them at lower doses for 4 weeks. Women don't need to use PCT because they have very low testosterone levels.

Most women do not experience any side effects while using Var. However, when they consume Anavar for a longer cycle, mostly 8-12 weeks, some side effects occur because Anavar is a hormone. Any fluctuation in hormones can cause undesirable problems in the female body.

Whenever you consume Anavar, make sure you are using liver supplements and the correct dosage, and that you do a PCT after the cycle is complete. This will help you avoid several side effects.

5. Conclusion

You can avoid most of the side effects by using the correct dosage and doing a bicycle form. A lower dosage of Anavar for at least 2-3 weeks will not produce any results. For the best results with Anavar, you need to take this steroid as described above. With the right dosage, you can achieve desirable results.

Both men and women use Anavar for their cutting and filling programs. You cannot buy Anavar without a prescription from a pharmacy. You can Buy Anavar online However, make sure the products are genuine.

29 Apr
Blog

LG C1 OLED 4K HDR TV Review (OLED65C1PUB)

LG C1 OLED 4K OLED TV

LG C1 Series 65 "4K OLED TV

“The LG C1 remains the preferred OLED television. It just makes sense. "

  • Excellent contrast

  • Perfect black levels

  • Improved processing

  • Ideal for games

  • Impressive sound

  • Sluggish user menus

  • Confusing picture settings

If you are in the market for an OLED TV, then you should check out the LG C1. LG's C-Series OLEDs have been among my top picks (if not one of the top picks) for our list of the best TVs since the C6 was launched about 5 years ago. LG's C-Series has changed, for the most part, incrementally from year to year, and this year is no different. However, the upgrades the C1 OLED received over last year's CX OLED are mostly significant in terms of processing, sound (yes, sound) and games.

Since I've already told you to seriously consider this TV, I would like to take this opportunity to explain why.

Historical, LG C Series OLED TVss have the same panel and the same processor as the more expensive Gallery Series or G-Series OLEDs from LG and better workmanship than the B-Series OLEDs. This year, with the introduction of the new, cheaper A-series, the C1 still justifies its slightly more expensive price. Compared to the new G1 OLED, the C1 is now considerably cheaper because the G1 has received an improved, brighter panel known as the OLED evo. All this to say: the C1 has always hit a sweet spot in LG's OLED range – this sweet spot is now a little sweeter. Now let's examine some details.

Video review

Jump to: Design | Details | User interface | Under the hood | Sound | Measurements | Image quality | Problems | Play | Our opinion

design

The LG C1 OLED looks exactly like its predecessor, the CX: Striking. I'm still amazed at how thin the panel is. When mounted on the wall, the C1 looks very elegant and modern. On its stand, the TV looks equally chic with a brushed metal shovel and offers both aesthetic and functional benefits. There are practically no bezels, which gives the C1 an "all-picture-no-nonsense" appearance.

LG C1 OLED 4K TV standDan Baker / Digital Trends

LG C1 OLED 4K TV remote controlDan Baker / Digital Trends

LG C1 OLED 4K TV side viewDan Baker / Digital Trends

LG C1 OLED 4K TVDan Baker / Digital Trends

This year, the TV remote control has undergone a design change. The new Magic Motion remote control is now a little shorter and has a flattened back. It now sits better in the hand and no longer wobbles when placed on a flat surface. The buttons are few, but far more than on the Samsung remotes or the included Roku TVs.

Another major improvement to the remote control is that it is less likely to click the center scroll wheel and accidentally unintentionally dive into an app or menu.

LG C1 OLED 4K HDR details

While we tested the 65-inch model OLED65C1PUB, our test also applies to the other screen sizes available in the series.

Screen size Model no RRP
48 inches

OLED48C1PUB

 $ 1,500
55 inches OLED55C1PUB $ 1,800
65 inches OLED65C1PUB $ 2,500
77 in OLED77C1PUB $ 3,800

user interface

As with all 2021 OLED televisions from LG, the C1 benefits from a newly designed WebOS Smart TV interface. Rather than relying on a bunch of apps at the bottom of the screen as it did in previous years, LG's custom smart TV platform is now much more like Google TV than Samsung's Tizen interface. It has big tiles for apps, lots of recommended content (possibly too much), and it's easier to read thanks to its dark theme.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

On the menu page, where users select picture presets, adjust picture settings, sound settings, etc., WebOs provides explanations of what each setting does and how it affects the experience. That's what we like about Sony televisions, too.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

While the TV's Settings menu is easier to understand, it is now a little sluggish. I'm not used to seeing a circle graphic about loading as the TV shows different options or the next branch of the menu tree. To be fair, this is mostly only tolerated during the initial setup of the TV. Often times, those who do not surf the menu will not find this repulsive.

Under the hood

The first of three key improvements to the 2021 LG C1 OLED is its processor: The Alpha 9 Gen 4. As in previous years, the visible improvements in this next iteration are minor, but not insignificant. I noticed smoother gradients (fewer streaks of color) and possibly a slightly better preservation of bright highlight details, although admittedly the last part is difficult to measure – this is a purely subjective observation.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Most of the benefits of the new processor are related to what LG calls AI picture and sound processing – AI Picture Pro, AI brightness settings, automatic genre detection, and AI Sound Pro. The first three have different effects on picture quality, while the fourth is designed to improve sound.

To be honest, I didn't find any of them necessary to get a great picture. I'm also not sure how much A.I. is really involved here. I understand that processing detects different picture elements and tries to optimize the picture based on those elements. A dark scene in a Batman movie can benefit from increasing the black levels for better shadow detail in dark scenes, while suddenly retaining the bright highlight details in a bright scene, for example. But in general, I think the C1 did a great job producing a beautiful image without the extra layers of processing and other wizardry. Ultimately, I left all four settings disabled and, as I'll show soon, got great results.

A sound upgrade

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

I don't know what LG did for the C1 OLED, but it sounds fantastic – a bit better than last year's CX OLED. Most of the discussion about sound at a briefing with LG was about AI Sound Pro, which I ultimately turned off (it works fine for adding virtual surround to movies, but I didn't like what it did to music and soundtracks) . Regardless of what improvements were made to gain, driver placement, or overall sound tuning, these were very effective. This TV sounds great! I would still recommend at least one soundbar with a sub for an upgrade.

Through the measurements

If you're not into measurements and data, feel free to jump forward, but I think my nerds out there (and I use the term affectionately) will appreciate this.

A sucker, for those of you who join us right now, is a term used to describe a measure of brightness, and since there's a bit of a sucker war going on – everyone wants a big sucker number to point out their superior HDR capabilities – I thought I would tell you what results I got when measuring the LG C1 OLED.

I started with the TV's ISF Bright picture preset, calibrated the two point white balance where I pulled out a little red, and in the standard dynamic range (SDR) the TV clocked out in 195 nits with the OLED pixel brightness to the default of 80 and peak brightness . When I increased the OLED pixel brightness to 100 I measured 233 nits, and then when I turned the peak brightness setting to High I got 335 nits.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Depending on how bright you want your TV to be for daily viewing of content in SDR, the C1 should be able to compete with a moderate amount of ambient light in the room.

In HDR, I had to fix the white balance a little more, but when that was done I got 750 nits in a window of up to 25% which is solid. Not as bright as the new and improved LG G1 or Sony A90J OLED TVs, but what I was expecting based on what I got from last year's CX OLED – no changes.

The color measurements were also very good, as always, and that shows in the image quality which, to put it right, is superb.

General image quality

LG C1 OLED 4K OLED TVDan Baker / Digital Trends

LG C1 OLED 4K OLED TVDan Baker / Digital Trends

I kind of forget how much I like this OLED range from LG. It gets me every time. If you want to see how good the C1 can look – well, I have a wide list of recommended 4K Blu-rays that I would recommend – but available to just about anyone: check out Our Planet on Netflix in 4K Dolby Vision at (required) premium subscription level). It's great recorded and mastered and looks excellent in Dolby Vision. It's a feast of beauty for your eyes.

From top to bottom, the pictures look just amazing.

This TV does almost everything right. It's bright enough to do HDR justice, it's got perfect blacks – which, as I cannot emphasize enough, has a huge impact on the overall look – and the color is deep and rich and vibrant. It doesn't matter what you see, the C1 OLED makes you look at its best, and can and does for a cheaper price than most other OLED TVs.

LG C1 OLED 4K OLED TVDan Baker / Digital Trends

LG C1 OLED Review screen close-upDan Baker / Digital Trends

The upscaling is good – although not a miracle worker as we discussed earlier – the HDR tone mapping is also excellent. From top to bottom, the pictures look just amazing.

Now we need to talk about some issues that can arise with movement and shadow detail.

Inherent problems

While OLED TVs are an incredible technology, they have some inherent problems and they are incredibly tied to areas where the TV excels.

For example, OLED televisions have an instant response time of less than a millisecond. That is less than a millisecond until an OLED pixel is switched on or off or the color is changed. This is ideal in most cases for reducing motion blur and a real boon for gamers. Unfortunately, when you pair this instant response time with content with a low frame rate (such as 24 frames per second or 30 fps), you run into a problem called "stuttering".

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

This is stuttering, not jerking – this TV does a good job of playing content at 24 frames per second from a cadence point of view. Stuttering is related to how long a television needs to hold a picture before showing the next picture. Another view is what the gap is between the response time of the television and the next picture that emerges from the content.

The effect is shown as a kind of blinking that draws your attention to it and away from the focus object. You definitely have a tendency to notice. This is where a compromise comes into play: you can either endure the stutter or use motion smoothing to reverse it, creating a "soap opera effect". As far as I know, many of you reading this soap opera effect don't mind. Whether this is a disadvantage for you depends on your personal preferences. If you don't mind the soap opera effect, turn on motion smoothing and you're golden. If you're a movie purist, turn it off and put up with the stuttering – otherwise your C1 OLED is awesome.

The next topic to discuss is shadow details. Another way of referring to it might be the term "crushed blacks" which I don't normally use because it feels misleading as it is actually very dark gray that is being crushed and even then it is not being crushed, it is just not showing up. But I digress.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The problem is that parts of the image that should be darker gray tend to appear black on an OLED because OLED materials don't like to light up at extremely low voltages. Fortunately, LG has compensation for what you can manipulate so you can get better shadow detail at the expense of increased blacks, or better black levels at the expense of shadow detail. This can be an issue with extremely dark films – Prometheus and the opening sequences in Captain Marvel come to mind – but it probably affects the players the most. More on that in a moment.

The final issue to address is the potential for screen burn-in. As I've written countless times (sorry, some things take a while to get old, but I know this is very important), OLED screens are based on organic materials that get darker as they age. If you overuse a particular color or pattern for an extended period of time, that area of ​​the screen may become disproportionately dark and appear to "hang up" on the screen. A good example of this would be a station identification error in the lower right corner of a sports / news network or the ticker at the bottom of the screen showing stock prices or updates to game results.

The fact is, screen burn-in isn't a problem for most viewers. However, if you're the type of person who watches the same channel, say, six or more hours a day, five or more days a week, I would recommend you consider a non-OLED TV – maybe the excellent Samsung QN90A Neo QLED, maybe?

Play

Games on the LG C1 OLEDDan Baker / Digital Trends

Game modes on the LG C1 OLEDDan Baker / Digital Trends

LG C1 OLED - game optimizationDan Baker / Digital Trends

Games on the LG C1 OLEDDan Baker / Digital Trends

I think I can be pretty concise here. The C1 is fantastic for most game scenarios. Only LG equips a good number of its televisions with four HDMI 2.1 inputs. For this reason alone, it's one of the most versatile TVs for gaming. You also get FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility – I don't think any other brand supports both yet. The HDR images are fantastic and the input lag is very low.

Since LG's Game Optimizer dashboard "amplifies" the reduction in input delay, the input delay is less than 10 ms. The Game Optimizer dashboard is also a great place to adjust the black levels for better shadow detail, and there are even presets for different game genres that work quite well. This is just a really comprehensive suite of player-friendly features, so it's impossible for me not to call this TV one of the best for gaming.

Our opinion

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

With its beautiful design, great picture quality, gaming capabilities, and minor improvements over the previous year's model, the LG C1 OLED is the best OLED TV choice on the market.

Is there a better alternative?

For a brighter OLED TV, the LG G1 is a good choice. I also expect the Sony A80J to be a solid competitor in roughly the same price range (though more expensive). For a non-OLED option, the aforementioned Samsung QN90A is also an excellent alternative.

How long it will take?

Due to its extended functions, the LG C1 OLED should continue to exist in the future. It's unclear now if LG's brighter and slightly more accurate OLED Evo panel is slipping down to the C-series, so I wouldn't wait for that to happen. This is a good year to buy.

warranty

LG provides a one-year limited warranty on the C1-Series OLED when purchased from an authorized LG dealer.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if an OLED TV is right for you and it doesn't require intense brightness to display in bright rooms, the LG C1 OLED is currently the best value for money OLED TV.

Editor's recommendations




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