07 Sep
Blog

AKG K371-BT Headphones Review: Portable Studio Monitors

akg k371 bt headphones review 9

"The K371-BTs are portable, detail-oriented cans that live up to the AKG heritage."

  • Excellent reproduction of critical details

  • Nice folding design

  • Quality touch controls

  • Good battery life

  • Uneven pressure can lead to fatigue

  • Weak bass

AKG's legacy lies in studio environments where musicians look for strong performance from their cans with critical hearing. Because of this, AKG makes some of the best detail-focused studio headphones on the market that are especially appreciated by recording artists. Not only are these headphones very expensive, they are also not tailored for everyday use.

The AKG K371-BT fills that void as a portable set of studio monitors that are also relatively inexpensive. They cost approximately $ 180, and while they don't offer active noise cancellation, they want to take AKG's legacy with them on the go.

How are you? Let's get into that.

Simple and uncomplicated packaging

The K371-BTs come in a simple, lightweight cardboard box that is safely recyclable as it doesn't have any thick coatings or textures. That said, the presentation isn't all that impressive, but I think it's more important to me to responsibly dispose of a box than to indulge in how it looks and feels.

akg k371 bt headphones review 3 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/akg-k371-bt-headphones-review-3 - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAJaron Schneider / Digital Trends

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The headphones come with a soft carrying case, a USB-C to USB-A charging cable, and three (!) Aux cables – wrapped, short and long straight – for hard conduction into a computer or soundboard. They even come with a 3.5mm to ¼ inch plug adapter, just like dedicated studio monitors. At the other end, plugged into the headphones, it looks almost like a mini XLR. It's a huge port, and I couldn't find any information from AKG about why it was connected to that port, but it could be that the sound quality improves dramatically if you plug in instead of relying on Bluetooth – more on that later .

The three different cables are a first for me and I didn't think I'd appreciate them as much as I did. I'm usually a fan of the coiled cable, but because of the way the connector is constructed (more on that later) I preferred the long straight cable. I like that I had a choice.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Lots of companies don't go out of their way with the tote bag (some don't include one at all), but the AKG tote bag doesn't get called in the blink of an eye. I really like it. The outside is a kind of rough, tough stitched nylon while the inside is a soft velvety material that feels like a great home for the headphones. It's still a soft case, so any protection it could offer is minimal, but at least it looks and feels good.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

properties

The AKG K371-BTs have only a few specific features. They have neither active noise cancellation nor a Bluetooth multipoint, nor are they integrated into an intelligent assistant. Instead, the focus is on sound quality and ease of use.

In terms of ease of use, the only visible button / switch on the headphones is located on the left auricle and is used to turn the headset on and off. After connecting, a small LED in the switch lights up blue. It turns white (and flashes) when the battery level is low and stays white while charging. Then turns off completely when the battery is fully charged.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

To control the music, the left auricle has a touch-sensitive pad that feels identical to the non-touch-sensitive pad on the right auricle – a seamless implementation. The pad is sensitive to swipes and double taps: swiping up or down increases and decreases the volume, swiping forward or backward to jump forward or backward, and double-tapping the pad pauses or plays the music. I've used a lot of different headphone touchpads and the implementation here is among the best. Since the pad itself is relatively small and easy to recognize by its feel, I don't often get the desired response with a touch command. Overall, it works great.

I've used a lot of different headphone touchpads and the implementation here is among the best.

Thanks to a small microphone on the left ear cup in front of the charging port and slightly forward on the headset, the K371-BTs can also be used for calls, so that you can better record your voice. Learn more about the quality of these calls below.

The battery life of these cans is very good at 40 hours per charge. It's not the best on the market for a noise-canceling headset (this award goes to the Jabra Elite 45h, which takes an impressive 50 hours), but it's solid.

They don't seem to have a quick charge feature, unfortunately, but they'll fully charge from an empty state in two hours.

AKG does have a headphone app, but confusingly, not all AKG wireless products are supported, including the K371-BTs. It comes as a very surprising to me that a brand like AKG has inconsistent app support. The ability not to adjust the EQ on these headphones is an unfortunate disadvantage that we will discuss below.

Fit and comfort

I have to say that the AKG K371-BTs are unfortunately not the most comfortable headphones I've tested. They collapse so that they can easily be stowed on a hinge that also determines the fit. This joint results in a wobbly fit when they are over my ears. It's hard to explain, but it feels like the bottom of the mug isn't as tight to my head as the top, which makes it feel like the pressure on the top of the mug is more extreme. This one-sided fit leads to fatigue quickly when I wear it.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

I really like how the headphones break down. The way AKG makes them fold up and fold in on itself feels like a design that puts less stress on the joints and results in a headset that will last a long time.

Unfortunately, the AKG K371-BTs aren't the most comfortable headphones I've tested.

The ear cups are a leather-like material that feels pretty normal, but is by no means bad. For the price AKG charges, they're just pliable and soft enough to meet my expectations. The pillow on the headband is also made of air-filled silicone and is moderately comfortable. Nothing to write home about, but no major complaints either.

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I mentioned earlier that I really appreciate the different cable options because I didn't like the coiled cord I usually choose for my headphones. This is because the huge connector that AKG chose for the connection point to the headphones is so sturdy that it doesn't bend or fold easily. The cable stuck out to my shoulder, and the coiled cable in particular was pulled against the side of my neck due to the tension from the coil. When it hit my shirt I could hear it echo through the cord and into the cups, which was extremely distracting. When I switched to either of the two straight cables this problem subsided.

Studio quality audio

For those who have worked in music or even video editing, solid, neutral headphones with excellent treble clarity are a must. If this is what you expected in the AKGs, you will get it. These are wireless studio monitors, and with the K371-BTs, you get everything you'd expect from the name. So while you are getting super clear sound that is great for critical listening, you also have a situation where the bass presence is not particularly strong.

The K371-BTs are strongest with vocals. Podcasts, voices in movies, and music for copywriters are where you'll love these headphones the most. The voices are incredibly crisp and clear without getting icy or sharp. This is a sign of high quality, well-coordinated drivers. If you're like me and love listening to the vowel tones of the copywriters more than the words they say, you will likely be very happy with what the K371-BTs offer.

The song of you! from Lany and Oxygen from RØMANS come into their own with the K371-BTs, whereby the details of their pitch and cadence are crystal clear, while the sound is of soul-touching quality.

You get solid performance over Bluetooth, but since they only support AAC and SBC codecs, these headphones really break out of their case when you connect using one of the three included cables. I enjoy the freedom bluetooth offers, but if you want you can plug these in while working in a recording studio and be very happy with the fidelity they can offer. Wired listening is a huge quality upgrade over Bluetooth, especially if you're listening to high-fidelity audio sources like a Tidal Mastes track. They won't compete with the best AKG brands and aren't quite as good as the V-MODA M-200, Grado, or Audeze wired headphones, but they're in the same stadium. For its $ 180 price tag, that means something.

The critical listening experiences … are displayed here in full.

As I mentioned earlier, like many studio-only monitors, the bass performance of the K371-BTs is pretty low. The lower registers are absolutely there for you, they are only represented with a flat EQ that corresponds in its strength to the mids and highs. This is great for audio work, but for the occasional listening I really like to hear more oomph. Since there is no way to adjust the EQ, this limits who really likes these headphones.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

In Avengers: Endgame, the final cinematic battle sequence sounds hollow compared to how it is played back on other audio devices. That said, the K371 BTs were reinforced when Sam (Falcon) was talking to Steve Rogers (Captain America) through his earpiece just before the Avengers rallied. It was shockingly clear – clearer than I can remember ever hearing. The critical hearing chops I mentioned are fully displayed here. And for what it's worth, despite the lack of that bass, the headphones still kept me tingling with excitement as I watched all of these heroes lined up.

Call quality

The K371-BT's microphone is good enough, but there is nothing to write home about. Your voice can sound far away at times, but is generally pretty clear and appropriate. On the other hand, you won't have any problems hearing calls as the noise isolating headphones do a good job.

Oddly enough, the touch controls don't support answering or hanging up a call. I can't imagine it would have been that difficult to associate it with the same gesture as pausing and playing a song, but with the K371-BTs, all you have to do is use your phone to control calls.

Our opinion

Personally, I really enjoy studio monitors when I'm at work and appreciate the critical detail these headphones can provide. Unfortunately, I think that many people who would otherwise love these headphones will be disappointed with the lack of bass response and the fact that the equalizer cannot be adjusted. They are very good but can end up being a niche.

Are there any better alternatives?

The $ 180 price tag is good as it is just below many other great options that rival $ 200, such as The Skullcandy Crusher Evo, which has significantly more bass. The Sony WH-CH710N is a solid choice as is the Jabra 85H, which is available now for $ 200. After all, the very good HD 450BTs from Sennheiser are available for only $ 150 and a good set of cans.

How long will they last?

These headphones are well built and shouldn't break anytime soon. With the ability to physically connect them to your computer, they're useful even if the battery runs out. In addition, there is a one-year manufacturer's guarantee.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you are looking for a pair of versatile studio monitors. They aren't the best bluetooth headphones you can get, and they aren't the best studio monitors either, but they're a very good device that can work well as either.

Editor's recommendations




07 Sep
Blog

Withings ScanWatch Review: In-Depth Health Tracking

Withings Scanwatch Evaluation Close face

"The Withings ScanWatch is a comprehensive health and wellness tracker that is also a classy, ​​high-quality watch that you will be proud of."

  • Clinically approved ECG and SpO2 monitoring

  • High quality materials and workmanship

  • Easy to use, informative app

  • Long battery life

  • No sleep apnea monitoring yet

  • Clock hands often obscure the screen

You will see a lot of hype about the Withings ScanWatch's health monitoring credentials which are undeniably impressive, but don't let Tit fool you into thinking they are only for those with health issues. The classic design and high-quality materials avoid any stigma of "medical devices" and make the ScanWatch an excellent everyday watch for anyone interested in tracking and improving their general wellbeing.

design

The Withings ScanWatch is one of the best looking hybrid smartwatches you can buy today. Not sure what makes it a hybrid? Hybrid is used to describe when a traditional watch meets a smartwatch. The ScanWatch has a conventional analog dial with a small secondary screen showing relevant data. It's not a touchscreen, the watch doesn't have an operating system like Google's WearOS and doesn't need to be charged every day.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The ScanWatch made of stainless steel with domed sapphire crystal above the dial is effortlessly elegant, minimalist and yet visually interesting and extremely high quality. I wear the 42mm model, but a 38mm model with redesigned lugs and a less chunky bezel is also available for smaller wrists. You can also choose one with a black watch face instead of the white watch face shown here, which will make the display look less obvious.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

At 83 grams and 13.7 mm thick, you'll find that the ScanWatch is on your wrist first and then quickly gets used to it. I was able to wear the watch 24 hours a day without any discomfort. The bracelet is made of fluoroelastomer and is very long. It's almost too long on my 6.5-inch wrists, but the generous number of holes makes it suitable for all wrist sizes.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

While fluoroelastomer is recognized to be less likely to cause skin irritation than some other materials, it can cause a reaction in some. I wore the watch day and night to test all of its properties, and by the end of the first week I had developed a rash with the bracelet sitting on my wrist. This is not something I personally experience normally, but an online search shows that this is not uncommon and almost certainly related to the heat, sweat and other environmental factors associated with wearing a watch all the time. If you have sensitive skin, it may be worthwhile to change the strap. Fortunately, it's easy as the 20mm strap attaches with quick release pins.

Apart from that, the design of the ScanWatch is well made and attractive. It goes with everything, looks pleasantly expensive, is made of high quality materials and if the strap is not for you, it is easy to change.

Screen and controls

When you examine the face, you'll see a simple complication that shows your steps as well as the little PMOLED screen above it. This is activated via the digital crown button on the side of the case. Press to wake up the screen and rotate to navigate through menu options. Then press again to select it. It's simple, accurate, and there's a tiny haptic tap to confirm your actions.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's bright enough to be displayed in all situations, aided by the monochrome tone and automatic brightness adjustment. However, it's unfortunate that the watch's hands don't get out of the way when the screen is activated. This means that data is often obscured. There is a lift-to-wake function, but it only shows the time that is not really needed. It would have been more useful if a configurable data item or prior notification had been displayed immediately.

ScanWatch requires the Withings Health Mate app to be installed on your phone. Although I used it connected to iOS, it is also available for Android. The connection is easy and only takes a few moments. It has also remained stable. Data syncs when you open the app and is quick and seamless with no input required.

The hands do not move out of the way to better view the ScanWatch's screen. Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

You can choose to have ScanWatch display notifications. These are displayed with an icon for the app as well as a brief preview of the message and a subtle haptic warning. In the Health Mate app, you can choose which apps you want to receive notifications from, or you can just turn the feature off completely. I found it useful, but with no way to remember one if you miss it, it can't keep up with the notification system on an Apple Watch or WearOS smartwatch.

The ScanWatch quietly tracks your health and fitness. Unlike many smartwatches, it is not required. There are no activity notifications letting you know it is time to move or wash your hands. You can turn off notifications or customize them to your liking, and there is no battery fear either. If you want a health-conscious smartwatch to wear and forget, you will really love the Withings ScanWatch.

Health monitoring tools

The ScanWatch has an impressive array of sensors that provide comprehensive tracking of critical health data. The heart rate sensor on the back of the watch connects to two electrodes and a third on the front of the watch to record an electrocardiogram (EKG) to detect atrial fibrillation. It's the first hybrid smartwatch to be clinically approved to detect both these and breathing problems that can occur overnight. The ScanWatch also measures the SpO2 oxygen saturation level, and other sensors detect altitude and movement. GPS is also on board.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

All of this means that the ScanWatch monitors heart rate and respiration and provides warnings in the event of heart rate irregularities and breathing disorders. It also reports blood oxygen levels, steps, distance traveled, altitude, and pace while running and swimming. All sensors work at night so sleep problems can be detected. A future update will enable sleep apnea alerts, but this vacation will not be available at startup. The heart rate, your ECG value and the SpO2 values ​​are displayed on the watch screen. However, for more detailed data, you need to open the Health Mate app.

The heart rate monitor is easy to use. It takes regular measurements without prompting you to do so and sends alerts when the heart rate is too high or too low, or when it detects irregularities. At this point the use of the EKG is suggested. An EKG measurement takes 30 seconds, is performed on the watch and just involves touching the side of the case. Upon completion, you will receive a message indicating whether further action should be taken. Fortunately, mine just kept saying "normal" which I take as good news and proof that the sensor is doing its job.

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You take an SpO2 reading in a similar way, but your hand is either more difficult to position or the system is more volatile than with an EKG. It is common to get “inconclusive” results and the results can vary widely. Blood oxygen levels have recently attracted attention as an indicator of the severity of a COVID-19 infection. Is the ScanWatch an indispensable tool in 2020?

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) Council instructs patients with COVID-19 who have been advised to monitor blood oxygen levels to take measurements three times a day to see changes more clearly. The use of a medical-grade pulse oximeter is also recommended. Although Withings says the meter on the ScanWatch is medical grade, my many inconclusive and disparate results show how complex the process is and the importance of proper positioning to get accurate data. A recent Wired report also warns against relying on consumer technology as an early warning system for severe COVID-19 infection.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

What does it do if it is not really suitable for it? A wrist-worn SpO2 sensor is better suited for checking blood oxygen levels at altitude, e.g. B. when hiking in the mountains or while sleeping. Understanding blood oxygen levels in sleep is a key component in identifying health problems. The ScanWatch's Respiratory Scan mode detects blood oxygen levels, heart rate and breathing during the night for a complete picture of your rest. Sleep tracking is one of my favorite features in ScanWatch as it breaks down all of the data it collects in a clear manner and provides a simple sleep score for your night. This makes it easy to see where improvements can be made and to keep you informed of ongoing issues.

Fitness tracking and app

Fitness tracking on this watch is relatively straightforward outside of a welcome VO2 Max indicator to better gauge the effectiveness of your workout. It's not as comprehensive or hardcore as the Suunto 7 or Garmin's single-sport watches, but more like a Fitbit. Activating workouts on the watch is easy, and the Withings made good sense of adding long presses to start and stop workouts so that this doesn't happen accidentally.

The data collected for an activity such as walking is limited to duration, distance and calories burned. Don't expect data like cadence while running or stroke length while swimming. While it has automatic detection for training, it is not very accurate. During a few hours of cleaning an apartment, the ScanWatch thought I swim and ride my bike and I assure you I haven't done either.

withings scanwatch review custom app "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/withings-scanwatch-custom-app-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

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The Health Mate app is a great way to present all of your data. Even when it comes to helping you understand improvements, don't expect the guide to come right away. Getting insights and advice takes time and effort and is possibly the most user-intensive aspect of ownership. The app has a virtual assistant that initiates a conversation about your goals and lifestyle. Through these daily interactions, the app gives advice. Not enough information was gathered in my first week to give me anything substantial. As with all lifestyle changes, it will take time to take full advantage of wearing the ScanWatch.

The ScanWatch is not a fitness-oriented smartwatch, but measures the most important aspects of a workout and daily exercise in order to get a clearer picture of your general health and your lifestyle, which complements the detailed data collected by the sensors. This makes it less relevant to the marathon runner or Iron Man trainee, but more relevant to the health conscious person interested in understanding and improving overall wellbeing.

Battery life and charging

Withings claims a battery life of 30 days between charges, depending on the features you use. I haven't tested the ScanWatch that long, but it should be reachable. After seven days of use with day and night tracking, the battery is 63% discharged. It's worth noting that the expanded use of the SpO2 and EKG functions drains the battery much faster, as does the Respiratory Scan function used at night. Charging takes two hours and is done by placing the watch on the included magnetic wireless charging disc.

Price and availability

The Withings ScanWatch is available now in the UK for £ 280 if you opt for the 42mm model or £ 250 for the 38mm model. The ScanWatch will be released in the US later this year once the Food and Drug Administration approval process is completed. It costs $ 299 for the 42mm model and $ 279 for the 38mm ScanWatch and is sold through Withings' own online store, Amazon and Best Buy.

Our opinion

The Withings ScanWatch is a comprehensive health and wellness tracker as well as an elegant, high-quality wristwatch. Despite the medical nature of multiple functions, it never feels inaccessible or like it was only designed for people with conditions that require constant monitoring. The ease of use and continuous tracking of day and night, clinical approval that inspires confidence, and a reliable and informative app make the ScanWatch a helpful part of anyone's efforts to improve their health or change their lifestyle.

Is there a better alternative?

The Withings ScanWatch is a comprehensive health tracker with general smartwatch functions. The alternative is to change those aspects and go for the $ 400 Apple Watch, the best smartwatch you can buy with very powerful everyday fitness tracking capabilities, including an EKG. If you don't own an iPhone, the $ 270 Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a great choice for Android phone owners.

If you want SpO2 monitoring for exercise purposes, the $ 300 Garmin Forerunner 245 is a good choice, or if you prefer the EKG feature, the $ 130 Withings Move EKG is a cheaper alternative with a similar one Style like the ScanWatch.

How long it will take?

The Withings ScanWatch is waterproof to 30 meters and can be worn while swimming. The stainless steel case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal should keep it looking good for a while.

When ScanWatch starts, sleep apnea detection is not activated. This is a feature that Withings was promoting when the watch was unveiled at CES 2020. The company announces that it will arrive in Europe and the US later this year once the feature has been approved for use. No timeframe was given.

The watch's battery and the support of the Withings app are the main factors that limit the life of the ScanWatch. However, it is unlikely that any of these factors will soon become a factor. You can wear and use the ScanWatch with confidence that it will last for years.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Withings ScanWatch is a desirable mix of stylish, classic design that goes with everything, as well as extensive, user-friendly and clinically recognized features for health and wellbeing.

Editor's recommendations




07 Sep
Blog

Bodybuilding 101: Sculpting a Powerful Physique

Bodybuilding 101: Shaping a powerful body - fitness, bodybuilding, strength and conditioning, strength training, hypertrophy, daily exercise, nutrition plan

The desire to build an impressive physique still holds true for many in the fitness world. Yes, being functional and practical has its place, but we all want the by-product to be a handsome, muscular, strong body that flaunts all of our hard work.

There's no better way to highlight these goals than to say goodbye to hypertrophy-based resistance training. This type of exercise, also known as bodybuilding (based on actually building body muscles, not exercising) has subsided and flowed over the years.

Functional cross-training, weight lifting, and even powerlifting have stolen the limelight recently. But bodybuilding is making a comeback for good reason.

With the goal of building muscle, increasing strength and reducing body fat, there is no better training method than bodybuilding to restructure your body.

This guide provides the basics and building blocks for these goals. Whether you're a newbie or just want to clean the proverbial blackboard and start over, this is for you.

What is bodybuilding?

The term bodybuilding has many meanings. One that immediately comes to mind is sport. Large, improved mass monsters that shake the ground they walk on, lift tons (literally) and wind themselves up a flight of stairs.

Of course there are other areas of sport such as natural bodybuilders, competitors, and competitions at professional and amateur level.

The other side are the uncompetitive leisure enthusiasts. Even in this niche, there are those who just love the workout and challenge, and those who use it as a workable tool to reshape and reshape their bodies.

This guide is for those who want to naturally reshape their bodies by building solid, high quality muscle while either maintaining or losing body fat.

Hypertrophy style strength training is the most efficient and optimal way to rebuild your body and change your shape.

Part 1: Workouts to Build Muscle Mass

The first item on your to-do list is to jump right into a kick-off training plan to get you used to this type of workout. No, this shouldn't be just for those who live in the gym. Think of it as your break-in schedule for your first four weeks of training in this style.

Some things to consider before you start::

  • This program mainly focuses on hypertrophy (muscle building). This will be a different practice than building sheer strength or power.
  • You need to keep a close eye on the clock for rest periods between sets. They are shorter than you are used to.
  • Proper form is a must for the program to be successful. No jerking, hopping, or lifting the weight just to finish a lift.
  • Don't think of this as a weightlifting program. Think of it as muscle training. Focus on working your muscles instead of lifting from point A to point B.
  • Don't put a lift in the program because someone said you should if it causes pain or injury. Not everyone is built the same, so you can replace them if necessary.
  • Run the following plan for four weeks on non-consecutive days; B. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Take a rest day between each workout day to give your body time to rest, recover, and build muscle.

The 4-week kick-off training plan

Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Flat bench barbell press 2 x 12 3 x 10-12 60
Chin up 2 x 12 when pulling down 3 x 10-12 60
Barbell back into a crouch 2 x 12 3 x 10-12 60
Standing dumbbell shoulder press – – 3 x 10-12 60
Barbell curl – – 3 x 10-12 60
Parallel bar dip – – 3 x 10-12 60
Standing calf elevation 1 x 12 3 x 10-12 60
Floor crunches – – 3 x 20 30th

After you've completed the kick-off plan, you may want to continue with this plan for another four weeks or have a desire to move on to something more advanced and adopt another program.

The key, however, is getting your body to adapt to a new program without pushing your limits, over-exercising, and burning out. In addition, there are a few important things to keep in mind when building your program.

How to create your mass training program

Let's go step by step. I'll also provide an example below to illustrate an effective training program that you can use right away.

  1. Choose how many days a week you want to exercise. One of the best schedules is to exercise four times a week. With this in mind, you should take photos for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with Wednesday and the weekend off.
  2. Use a simple split routine. Work out your entire body twice a week with a simple split routine. This means, for example, the chest, back and shoulders on Mondays and Thursdays, arms and legs on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  3. Next is the exercise selection. You shouldn't choose more than two exercises for larger body parts like your chest, back, and legs, and no more than one for smaller areas like your arms, shoulders, and calves. Just make sure you use exercises from the list of mass builders instead of smaller isolation moves.
  4. Determine the volume (sentences). Your overall volume doesn't have to be too high. We tend to do a little more where we excel and reduce what is difficult. Perform an even field of play and shoot four to five sets per exercise. This should get you in and out when the gym is in about an hour.
  5. Choose a repetition range. Traditionally, pure strength training results in a lower rep range of two to four or six reps, while hypertrophy (muscle mass) tends to be in the six to 12 rep range. Depending on your goal, between four and 12 reps is ideal for each goal.
  6. Don't forget to rest. A long, forgotten practice that has been lost in this world of the distraction of mobile technology, this factor is one of the most influential in your training. For example, if hypertrophy is the goal, rest periods of 45 to 90 seconds are best. Resting too long will result in less fatigue and more wasted time in the gym.
  7. Commit to it. Lastly, you need to commit to your plan. With no commitment, all of the planning that you carefully went through is in vain. Make yourself a six month promise that you will get through this.

When you have developed some semblance of strength and coordination, you can proceed to the following program for 12 weeks. You will find that this plan is divided into two main days.

One that trains your chest, back, and shoulders in one day and legs and arms the next. Here you don't train more than two days in a row before taking a day off for repair and growth.

The 12 week plan

Day 1 (Monday) Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Press the incline barbell 2 x 12 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Flat bench dumbbell press – – 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Pull-up with medium or wide grip (add weight if necessary) 2 x 12
(Pulldowns)		 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Barbell or two-armed row of dumbbells – – 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Standing barbell military press 1 x 12 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Dumbbell upright row – – 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Lift hanging leg – – 3 x 10-15 30 seconds
Ground crunch – – 3 x 10-15 30 seconds

(Optional) interval training –

Choose any form of cardio for a total of 14 minutes

 2 minutes

1 minute high intensity and 2 minutes low intensity (4 rounds)
Day 2 (Tuesday) Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Barbell curl 1 x 12 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Close-grip bench press 1 x 12 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Leg press 2 x 12 4 x 8-10 90 sec
Squat barbell – – 4 x 8-10 90 sec
Romanian deadlift dumbbell 1 x 12 4 x 8-10 90 sec
Sitting calf rearing 1 x 12 4 x 8-10 90 sec
Tend sit-up – – 3 x 10-15 30 seconds
(Optional) Interval Training – Choose any form of cardio for a total of 14 minutes 2 minutes 1 minute of high intensity and 2 minutes of low intensity (4 rounds)
Day 3 (Thursday) Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Press the incline dumbbell 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Flat barbell or machine press – – 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Reverse line 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Machine row or pulldown with close grip – – 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Sitting dumbbell side on the side 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Seated dumbbell shoulder press – – 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Prone to crunch – – 3 x 15-20 30 seconds
Hanging knee-ups – – 3 x 15-20 30 seconds
(Optional) Interval Training – Choose any form of cardio for a total of 14 minutes 2 minutes 1 minute high intensity and 1 minute low intensity (6 laps)
Day 4 (Friday) Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Incline bench dumbbell curl 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Lying two-armed dumbbell nose breaker 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Bulgarian split squat 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Barbell squats or leg presses – – 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Curl lying or sitting leg 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Standing calf elevation 1 x 12 3 x 8-12 60 sec
Lift hanging leg – – 3 x 15-20 30 seconds
(Optional) Interval Training – Choose any form of cardio for a total of 14 minutes 2 minutes 1 minute high intensity and 1 minute low intensity (6 laps)

* Note: The HIIT cardio can either be done on a free day (Wednesdays and weekends) after training.

Youngsters against those over 40

If you're reading this and happen to have a 1 as the first number your age, start here.

As a teenager, you are new to training. Instead of going directly head first, you need a training period. Your nervous system isn't ready to do anything to work out in the gym.

Instead, you need to get the job done, create paths, and fix your form and function for the basic lifts before you can move on to anything more advanced. Here are some timeless principles that you should stick to from now on:

  1. More connection, less isolation. Yes, that sounds like a broken record and comes straight from the “no duh” manual, but it has to be emphasized over and over again. With so many lifters migrating to focus tricks and machines that meticulously isolate every muscle fiber, I feel like the message of compound multiple joint exercises has been lost.
  2. Progress is king. This principle is key when making changes. Use progressive overload with moderate weights and repetitions. Getting heavier or lighter some days is okay as long as you keep moving the needle forward.
  3. Practice form and function. As another simple but seldom followed rule, practicing correct form is one thing, but performing the correct function is new to many. This is the ability to brace, contract, and move certain areas of the body in relation to movement. For example, the deadlift has many things that need to take place other than just lifting the bar off the floor. The hips, core, shoulder girdle and other key components need to take place.

Rules for the Teen Training Program

Perform the following program on three non-consecutive days per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday). Feel free to do cardio or other recreational activities on non-training days.

  • Look for warm-up periods, including general warm-up periods (walking, jogging, skipping rope) and specific warm-up sets for each area being trained.
  • Pay close attention to the rest periods. This is one of the most abused aspects of training, but it has a huge impact on progress.
  • Remember to practice both correct form and function. Take the time to get it right.
  • Feel free to switch exercises if you have to. The principle of simplicity still applies to avoiding over-thinking.
  • Stay on the program for at least four weeks, preferably six. This allows your body to adjust and see results. After four to six weeks, take a few days off from weight training and then do the program again if you prefer.
day 1 Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Flat bench barbell press 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Medium or wide pull-up 2 x 5 4 x max repetitions 60
Barbell back into a crouch 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Barbell Romanian Deadlift 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Ground crunch – – 3 x 15 30th
Lift leg raises – – 3 x 15 30th
day 2 Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Barbell deadlift 2 x 12 4 x 6-8 120
Standing barbell shoulder press 2 x 12 4 x 6-8 60
Parallel bar triceps dip 1 x 8 4 x max repetitions 60
Barbell curl 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Standing one-legged calf raise 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 30th
Day 3 Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Press the incline barbell 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Barbell bent row 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Barbell crouched forward 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Kettlebell reverse lunge – – 4 x 8-12 60
Lift hanging leg – – 3 x 15 30th
3-way sit-up – – 3 x 15 30th

The over 40 crowd

If you're the typical 40-year-old, you have a full-time job, family, and other social responsibilities that keep you from getting an education like you did when you were young.

You now have a busier lifestyle and unpredictable deadline complications. There's a good chance that what you're trying to achieve with your workout has changed too. You no longer want to be the biggest, "baddest" guy in the gym. You just want to build muscle, lose fat and make everything painless.

Comparing it to (possibly much younger) colleagues at the gym is a potential hazard. The onslaught of fitness brothers on social media can play with your head.

You were young once too and managed to do sketchy things in the gym. Allow the wisdom of your age to overwhelm your ego and nostalgia. Don't go down the black hole to follow others as they will exercise caution – especially in the 20+ years you are younger.

We all know (and complain) that our metabolism slows down as we age. Aside from gaining a few pounds, it directly affects your ability to recover. But that's not a death sentence.

You can keep practicing habits for best results and to improve metabolism, recovery, and progress. The benefit of being the seasoned lifter is that you only need to tweak a few things because you have a solid foundation in place.

However, if you are a newbie, you need to develop healthy and effective habits from the start so that you can reap some great rewards and stay injury free.

The 40 Plus training plan

This program can easily fit into four days a week– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. You can either treat Wednesdays and weekends as rest days or take part in leisure activities or active recreational activities such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling.

You can choose any schedule. However, make sure you don't exercise for more than two days in a row.

Finish each day with a thorough stretching session and do the program for four to six weeks. After that, either take a week off from training but stay active, or turn down the volume and intensity for a week before restarting the program.

Warm up

  • Do two rounds of 10 repetitions each of the following warm-up round:
  • Crouch jump
  • Push up
  • Alternating lunge
  • Reverse line
  • Bike crunch
Monday – Thursday Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Press the incline dumbbell 2 x 12-20 3-4 x 10-12 60
Flat bench dumbbell press or machine press – – 3-4 x 10-12 60
Chest supported row of dumbbells 2 x 12-20 3-4 x 10-12 60
Reverse line – – 3-4 x max repetitions 60
One-armed lateral elevation of the dumbbell side or lateral elevation of the cable side – – 3 x 10-15 60
Arnold press – – 3 x 10-15 60
Superset: Hanging leg raises and ground crunch – – 3 x 20 each 30 after each superset
Tuesdays and Fridays Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Sitting dumbbell curls 1 x 12-20 3 x 8-12 60
Reject the tight grip bench press 1 x 12-20 3 x 8-12 60
One-legged dumbbell calf raise 1 x 12-20 3 x 10-15 Switch each leg without a break
Back foot raised dumbbell Bulgarian split squat 2 x 12-20 3 x 10-15 per leg 30 after each leg
Exercise ball curl lying leg – – 3 x 10-15 60
Reverse dumbbell lunge – – 3 x 10-15 per leg 60
Bike crunch – – 3 x 20 30th

Do women have to train differently?

In a word, no. Muscle is muscle. The main difference between men and women is hormones – men obviously have more testosterone than women.

With testosterone as the driving force that allows one to build muscle and increase strength, Women are slightly disadvantaged in terms of developmental limits.

However, in terms of exercise selection, programming, and set and rep programs, there is no reason to distinguish programs for men from women.

Basic strength training should target everyone and drawing a line between the sexes is just not necessary given the bigger picture.

Part 2: Diet to Build Muscle Mass

Nothing is as complicated as the diet marketing landscape that seems to be raising its ugly head on every corner.

Every few months there seems to be a latest and greatest diet plan out there that is guaranteed to give you the results you want. These plans always seem to be rather narrow-minded, as they eliminate certain foods entirely or only let you eat at certain times of the day. Some even go so far that after a certain amount of time you eat what you want.

At the end of the day, a balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich proteins, plenty of vegetables and fruits, and some healthy sources of fat is always the answer to long-term health benefits and muscle building purposes. If the latest craze seems too good to be true, it probably is.

How to create your mass meal plan

Let's also go through your nutrition plan step by step. As with the exercise plan, I'll also provide an example nutrition plan so you have a real snack to put into action.

  1. Determine how often to eat. Gone are the days of eating punctually every two hours. That just creates too much stress and not to mention becoming a slave to your schedule. At the very least, make sure you have three solid meals with a snack before and after your workout.
  2. Start with protein. No, you don't have to eat a whole chicken or 12 ounces of beef with every meal. Also, don't rely too much on protein powder. About one gram per pound of body weight is enough. If you go a little deeper, you won't sweat. Get protein from chicken, lean beef, ground beef, fish, cheese, eggs, protein powder (for post-workout exercise), and Greek yogurt.
  3. Don't be afraid of carbohydrates. The bottom line is that if you want to build muscle, you need carbohydrates. Make sure they are complex and avoid added sugars. In addition, rice (white and brown), potatoes (sweet and white), oats, green vegetables, fruits such as apples, bananas and berries, as well as whole grain bread and pasta. Start with two grams per pound of body weight and then adjust as needed.
  4. Add the right type of fat. It is a breeze that you need healthy fats to balance your weight gain diet. Oils found naturally in fish, fish oil supplements, avocados, nuts, and nut butters are good choices. Shoot about 0.5 grams per pound to start with.
  5. Diet before and after exercise. It is important to learn something before exercising, especially if you are between nine and five years old. This should have a lean protein and complex carbohydrate to get you through your workout. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a post-workout diet on hand immediately after your workout that should contain a fast-acting source of protein and some quick-digesting carbohydrates to aid the recovery process.
  6. Schedule cheat days. What's a nutrition plan without a cheat tag? When your diet is relatively clean and full of good things, have a couple of meals over a weekend and have everything you want. Not all day, just for a meal or two. It will give you something to look forward to by the end of the week and give you a much-needed mental break.
  7. Be consistent. As with exercising, you need to stay consistent with your eating plan. A good day or two a week is not enough. If you want to build serious muscle, every day counts.

Example of a basic muscle mass nutrition plan

The following nutrition plan is sufficient for the average 180 pound lifter looking to gain lean amounts of muscle. This is just an example and can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Training days

Meal 1 (breakfast):

  • 3 whole eggs scrambled eggs or omelette
  • 2 slices of wheat bread (toasted) with low-sugar jam or jelly or ½ cup (dry) oatmeal mixed with skimmed milk

Meal 2 (lunch):

  • Chicken breast salad with ½ avocado, vegetables and an oil-based dressing
  • 1 small baked potato, sweet potato or 1 cup of rice, cooked

Or

  • 2 slices of wheat bread, 4 ounces of deli meat, deli slices, low-fat mayonnaise or mustard, and 1 piece of fruit

Pre-workout:

  • 1 apple or other fruit such as blueberries or bananas
  • 1 cup of Greek yogurt or 1 scoop of whey protein powder
  • Handful of mixed nuts

After training:

  • 1 cup of blueberries, medium-sized bananas, or other fruit
  • 1 scoop of whey protein powder

Meal 4 (dinner):

  • 4 to 6 ounces of fish, chicken, ground beef or turkey, as many green vegetables as you like, lettuce, 1 small potato or 1 cup of rice, cooked

Non-training days

Meal 1 (breakfast):

  • 3 whole eggs scrambled eggs or omelette
  • 2 slices of wheat bread (toasted) with low-sugar jam or jelly or ½ cup (dry) oatmeal mixed with skimmed milk

Meal 2 (lunch):

  • Chicken breast salad with ½ avocado, vegetables and an oil-based dressing
  • 1 small baked potato, sweet potato or 1 cup of rice, cooked

Or

  • 2 slices or wheat bread, 4 ounces deli meat, deli slices, low-fat mayonnaise or mustard
  • 1 piece of fruit

Meal 3 (snack):

  • 1 apple or other fruit such as blueberries or bananas
  • 1 cup of Greek yogurt or 1 scoop of whey protein powder
  • Handful of mixed nuts

Meal 4 (dinner):

  • 4 to 6 ounces of fish, chicken, ground beef or turkey, as many green vegetables as you like, lettuce, 1 small potato or 1 cup of rice, cooked

Part 3: Exercises and Variations

Now that you have a solid exercise and diet foundation, it's time to quickly familiarize yourself with the exercises included and their variations. Of course, you can replace certain exercises with exercises that you find more effective and that pose a lower risk of injury.

As mentioned earlier, some exercises are more comfortable than others in terms of your specific body structure, limb length, strengths and weaknesses.

Now let's split each body part into groups and mention some tips and techniques to look out for.

chest

  • Flat and inclined barbell presses: Grasp the bar a few centimeters beyond the shoulder width with a closed overhand grip (thumb around the bar). Slowly lower the bar to about chest level and stop at the bottom without hopping. Push the bar back up until your elbows just lock into place. Keep your elbows slightly bent at the top, then return in full control.
  • Variations of the dumbbell press: You can also perform chest presses with dumbbells on the flat or inclined bench. The same rules apply here, except that you now have the added challenge of controlling two independent dumbbells. Lower them down the sides of your chest, then push them back up without clinking the dumbbells together.

Back

  • Pull-ups and pull-ups: There are many variations on each of these back exercises. For a simple pull-up, however, you take an underhand grip and pull your chin up and over the bar. For pull-up variations (wide, medium, and tight grip), take an overhand grip and pull your chest toward the bar, pulling with your elbows.
  • Inverted lines: For those who have problems with traditional pull-ups and pull-ups, this row variant is a good replacement. Set a parallel bar around waist height and lie down under it. Grasp the bar just above shoulder width with an overhand grip and keep your entire body stiff from head to toe. Pull up until your chest touches the bar, maintaining that rigid body line, then slowly lower yourself back down.
  • Barbell and dumbbell rows: For barbell rows, position your upper body at a 90-degree angle to your legs until it is parallel to the floor. Pull the barbell toward the center while maintaining the bent position. For the dumbbell version, either grab two dumbbells and do the same thing as the dumbbell version by pulling the dumbbells to your side, or try the one arm version. Bend over and grab a dumbbell with one hand and hold onto a sturdy structure with the other. Proceed as with the double arm version and switch back and forth between the sides.

Shoulders

  • Barbell and dumbbell presses: In an upright sitting or standing position, grasp a barbell with an overhand grip slightly above shoulder width. Start with the barbell just below your chin and push it straight up. Once you clear your head, slide your head through so the barbell lands over you. For the dumbbell version, position the dumbbells on either side of your head to start just above your shoulders. Press up and down without clinking the dumbbells together. Return slowly.
  • Upright rows: Grasp a pair of dumbbells in front of your thighs, palms facing back. Use your elbows to pull the weight up along your body until your elbows are above your hands and the weight is now below your chin on either side of your face. Come back slowly and repeat.
  • Lateral and bent side elevations: Grab a pair of dumbbells by your sides for side elevations. Lift each dumbbell by your side until it protrudes straight on each side at shoulder level. Come back slowly and repeat.
  • The Arnold press: This unique exercise begins with a pair of dumbbells in the top position of a dumbbell lock – the weight curls up close to your shoulders. Push up and at the same time rotate the dumbbells from your ankles forward to the palm forward position as you push over your head. On the way down, reverse the movement and repeat the process.

legs

  • Back squats: With a loaded barbell on your back, descend with the weight as if you were sitting in a low chair under your hips. Keeping your back straight and core tight, stop at the bottom, then use your hip and thigh strength to push back up without blocking your knees.
  • Leg presses: Attach the leg press seat so that the torso and legs form a 90-degree angle. Just before your hips release from the seat, lower the sled and pull your lower back tight. Push up in a controlled manner without blocking your knees.
  • Bulgarian squats: This unique exercise relieves those who find squats problematic for their backs.
  • Lunges: With a loaded barbell or dumbbells in each hand, step forward with your knees at a 90-degree angle, and then return your body to an upright position. Perform repetitions for either alternating legs or one leg at a time.
  • Romanian deadlift: With a loaded barbell or dumbbell and with your knees unlocked but stiff, hang on your hips and keep your back as straight as possible. Feel a deep stretch in your glutes and hamstrings. Reverse direction and keep rigid knees in the starting position.
  • Lying leg curls: Lie on the reclining machine with your knees in line with the cam of the rotating arm. Roll the weight together slowly and under control while resisting the urge to swing it up. Lower your back slowly and in a controlled manner.
  • Standing calf lifts: Keep your knees slightly bent but stiff under the shoulder pads. Lower your heels for a deep stretch. Take a short break before lifting yourself up again for an intense contraction. Resist the ricochet.
  • Seated calf raises: As with the standing version, you will do this in a similar manner, but with your knees in a fixed bent position. Resist the hop again.

weapons

  • Barbell and barbell curls: Hold a barbell with an underhand grip shoulder width apart with the bar in front of your thighs. With elbows attached to your sides, roll the weight up until you reach full contraction before slowly lowering the weight back down. For the dumbbell version, hold each dumbbell with your palms facing inward against your sides. Curl the weight together while twisting (supinating) your wrists forward. Come to your shoulders for a contraction before reversing the movement back down.
  • Tend to dumbbell curls: Do this as detailed above, except that you are reclining on an incline bench with your arms hanging down on each side for a bicep stretch.
  • Parallel bar tricep dips: Use a parallel bar and keep each bar neutral with your hand. Start in an upright position with your elbows locked and your torso straight. While maintaining the upright position, lower your body until your elbows form a 90-degree angle. Reverse direction and repeat for repetitions.
  • Close-grip bench press: Lie on a bench and hold a loaded barbell shoulder width apart. Keeping your elbows down by your sides, the entire time. Touch your chest (don't bounce) and reverse the movement.
  • Lying triceps extensions: Lie on a flat bench with a loaded barbell or two directly above you. Just bend at your elbow and lower the weight towards your forehead. Stop just before touching the bar and reverse the motion to the starting position.

Put it into practice

Replenishing muscle mass is not a rocket operation. It's pretty simple really. All it takes is a commitment from you, some discipline, and the practice of daily consistency.

Over time, you have built an impressive foundation and, most importantly, a feel for how your own body works and what you need to build a better physique on your personal journey. Pick a plan, stick with it, and reap great rewards.

06 Sep
Blog

Asus ZenBook 14 UX425 Review: A Fantastic Value

asus zenbook 14 ux425 review 2020 05

"The Asus ZenBook 14 is an extremely portable laptop at a greatly reduced price."

  • Solid build quality

  • Elegant design

  • Useful keyboard and touchpad

  • Great battery life

  • Incredible value

  • No headphone jack

  • A touchscreen option is missing

Asus has an incredible number of ZenBook models, and not all of them stand out.

The last Asus ZenBook 14 we tested, the UX433 model, was one of them. It lacked some features that left it behind – like no Thunderbolt 3 ports that are unforgivable in a premium laptop – and it was average in several areas where the competition excels. This year Asus quietly launched the ZenBook 14 UX425 model, which adds some missing features and makes some noticeable improvements across the board – all while lowering the price.

I have a model with a 10th Generation Intel Ice Lake Core i5-1035G1 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, a 512 GB solid-state drive (SSD) and a 14-inch Full HD IPS display (1,920 x 1,080) tested with low power consumption only consumes one watt of power, half the usual two watts. What's pretty noticeable is that this configuration is only $ 800 – add $ 100 and you get a Core i7-1065G7 with Iris Plus Graphics. Has Asus made enough improvements to make the ZenBook 14 better than its competitors, especially considering how low it is?

design

Asus has been working hard for a number of years to make laptops that use small frames to fit into smaller cases. In this sense, the ZenBook 14 UX425 is smaller in almost all dimensions than its predecessor, the UX434, thanks to the 90% screen-to-body ratio. It's the same width but a little less deep and now only 0.54 inches thick compared to 0.67 inches. It also comes in at 2.58 pounds compared to 2.98 pounds.

The focus of the UX425 model is clearly on being thin and light, rather than incorporating some of the more powerful features of the UX434 like a discrete low-end GPU. Miniaturization puts the ZenBook 14 in good company; For example, it's not far from the LG Gram 14's 2.2 pounds – and this is a laptop that was explicitly designed to be as light as possible. The ZenBook 14 competition will likely include more popular 13-inch laptops like the Dell XPS 13. It's thinner than the XPS 13 (0.57 inches) and lighter (2.65 pounds). That's impressive for a 14-inch laptop.

Asus did not save on the processing quality either. The ZenBook 14 has an aluminum case that feels quite sturdy and has passed a number of military certification tests. I could pick a few nits, of course. The lid is a bit flexible and the keyboard has a touch of flex. Overall, the laptop feels solid despite its lightness.

The hinge is also perfect, easy to open with one hand and still hold the display in place. Kudos to Asus for developing a laptop that feels it deserves a premium price despite being close to the budget range.

Aesthetically, the ZenBook 14 looks very similar to a ZenBook. This is done on purpose – Asus is just as important to give their ZenBooks a uniform look as Lenovo is to the ThinkPad line. On the lid is Asus' iconic concentric swirl with the Asus logo on the right in the middle of the circles.

Otherwise, the laptop is simple but cleverly designed and looks quite elegant to me. Asus shows its design here too and the ZenBook 14 can hold its own in the looks department. My test device was pine gray, but a purple nebula is also available.

Connectivity would be great if it weren't for a blatant omission. On the left side of the laptop is a full-size HDMI 2.0 port with two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support. That's huge – previous ZenBooks skipped Thunderbolt 3 and it was a blatant faux pas compared to other premium laptops. At $ 800, it's even more impressive. On the right side you will find a USB-A 3.2 port and a microSD card reader (a shame that it is not a full version). Wireless connectivity is cutting edge with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.

What is the omission? Asus had to free up some space given the laptop's thin bezel, and the company had the choice of removing the HDMI port or the 3.5mm audio jack. Apparently, the customers they interviewed preferred the HDMI port and the audio jack was omitted.

It comes with a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle, but that was a big mistake in my opinion. If you have two Thunderbolt 3 connections, adding an external monitor – or using a dock for multiple monitors – is trivial. But do you use one of the ports to connect headphones or speakers? Sorry Asus, this doesn't make sense to me.

performance

The Asus ZenBook 14 UX425 uses Ice Lake Intel 10th generation CPUs, and my test device was equipped with the Core i5-1035G1. This is a mid-range 15 watt processor that should offer solid productivity performance, but shouldn't be considered for demanding creative endeavors.

In my tests it performed relatively better on synthetic benchmarks than on real tests. In Geekbench 5, for example, the ZenBook 14 achieved 1,209 points in the single-core test and 4,321 points in the multi-core test. That's quick for the CPU, as it outperforms laptops like the Acer Spin 3 with 1,215 and 3,615 and the Acer Aspire 5 with 1,129 and 2,899.

The ZenBook 14 lags behind in certain content creation tasks.

However, in our handbrake test that converts a 420MB video to H.265, the ZenBook 14 took almost five and a half minutes to complete the test. The Acer Spin 3 was done in just over four minutes and the Acer Aspire 5 15 seconds faster. I was surprised that things went so bad on this test – the trailing edge and air vents provide little support when the lid is opened, which should improve airflow and allow for more sustained performance. Even so, the ZenBook 14 lags behind in certain content creation tasks.

That doesn't mean it isn't a good performer for its targeted productivity tasks. If you're not doing demanding creative tasks, the ZenBook 14 is fast enough.

However, don't expect real games. The laptop comes with entry-level Intel UHD graphics, which should be limited to older titles and esports titles with lower resolutions and graphical details. You should try the Core i7 model with its Iris Plus graphics to play light games.

display

So far, the design and performance have been top notch for a $ 800 laptop. Next up is the display, a component that companies sometimes forego in order to squeeze in under a certain price.

Asus didn't do anything like that with the ZenBook 14. This would be a very good display for a premium laptop and an excellent display for the mid-range price. This is the average (for premium laptops) in just one area: the color gamut is 94% of sRGB and 72% of AdobeRGB. These colors are wide enough for productivity and multimedia applications and only creative professionals would disappoint.

From there, however, the display is above the premium average. The brightness is relatively high at 352 nits and is well above our preferred threshold of 300 nits. The contrast is 1,060: 1, which is above our preferred 1,000: 1 ratio and well above the 800: 1 average you'll find on most premium productivity machines. Color accuracy is very good at 1.42 (1.0 or less is considered excellent), and Gamma is just about right at 2.2.

I enjoyed using the display while writing this review – text popped, colors were bright and not over-saturated, and there was plenty of brightness no matter where I worked (except in direct sunlight, of course). I would be happy with this display in a laptop that costs twice as much as the ZenBook 14.

This display is much better than the LG Gram 14 2-in-1, and while it can't compete with the Full HD display on the Dell XPS 13, it's not far away – and the ZenBook 14 is hundreds of dollars less expensive .

Keyboard and touchpad

One of my favorite keyboards adorns the Specter line from HP and some newer Envy models. It has large buttons with plenty of spacing, plenty of travel, and a light mechanism that still provides a click, precise feel. Why do I mention the HP keyboard? Because the one Asus built into the ZenBook 14 looks and feels remarkably similar. It even has the same row of Home, PgUp, PgDn, and End buttons on the right edge.

I'm not saying Asus copied HP on purpose, but whatever – it's an excellent keyboard that comes close to the HP version. I'd say I like it almost as much, although the Asus iteration is a little too light with its touch.

The touchpad is another standout feature of the ZenBook 14. It's considerably wider this time around and therefore quite large for the size of the case on a Windows 10 computer. More importantly, it has a smooth and comfortable glass surface for accurate tracking and clicking. Of course, it includes Windows Precision drivers that make multi-touch gestures and general swipes a dream.

Asus remains adamant when it comes to adding touch displays to its clamshell laptops.

Most notable, however, is the NumberPad 2.0 feature, which embeds an LED number pad on the touchpad that is useful for anyone who needs to enter numbers. You can turn the NumberPad on and off easily enough by touching and briefly pressing an icon in the top right corner of the touchpad. Change the brightness by touching and holding an icon in the upper left corner. Turning on the NumberPad doesn't interfere with using the touchpad as a touchpad, which is a good thing.

However, Asus remains adamant when it comes to adding touch displays to its clamshell laptops. There's no option with the ZenBook 14, and that's a favorite of mine. I hate using a laptop without a touch display. I'm also used to using my thumb to scroll through web pages and tapping buttons that appear without having to activate the touchpad. I could be in the minority here, however, so Asus may have simply decided that it isn't worth the extra weight and thickness for a (theoretically) small number of users who want the feature.

Windows Hello support without a password is provided by an infrared camera and facial recognition. It works quickly and accurately, and while I prefer a fingerprint reader – which the ZenBook 14 doesn't have – it's a useful feature.

Battery life

Asus increased the battery capacity of the ZenBook 14 UX425 in this generation from 50 to 67 watt hours. It's huge. As already mentioned, the display is also a 1-watt version with low power consumption, which, in our experience, usually leads to an excellent battery life. I was hoping that the ZenBook 14 would follow suit.

As it turns out, the ZenBook 14 did very well in our test suite, even if it doesn't quite match some of the other laptops with low-power displays. It took more than four hours in our most demanding Basemark web benchmark test, which is a solid result, and which is most affected by the CPU and GPU, and the least by the display. Compared to another powerful 14-inch performer, the LG Gram 14 2-in-1 with 72 watt hours of battery life, it only lost a minute. The Dell XPS 13 lasted about 20 minutes longer.

In terms of battery life, the ZenBook 14 is an all-day performer and a lot more.

However, the ZenBook 14 caught our eye in our next two tests. First, our web browsing test made it to 11 hours, a strong score that lagged the LG Gram 14 by 18 minutes and the XPS 13 by about 30 minutes. In our video test, in which a local Full HD Avengers trailer is looped, the ZenBook 14 managed just under 15 hours, compared to the LG Gram 14 with about 16.5 hours and the XPS 13 with about 12.5 hours.

It's hard to be disappointed with results like this, although I expected a better result given the low-power display. The Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 with its low-power panel lasted a remarkable 21.8 hours in our video test. This is where the savings on the display make the biggest difference. Still, the ZenBook 14 is an all-day high performer and so much more. You can expect to have a full day of work with enough battery life to binge Netflix that evening.

Our opinion

At $ 1,200, the Asus ZenBook 14 UX425 would be a superior, thin, and light laptop that comes highly recommended. At $ 800, I'm more inclined to call it a bargain.

Regardless of the price, the Asus ZenBook 14 is a great laptop with a solid all-metal construction, a refined, thin and light design, a great keyboard and useful touchpad, and fantastic battery life. Throw in a $ 800 prize and we're talking about exceptional value.

Is there a better alternative?

The LG Gram 14 is an option if you want a 14-inch display that approaches the lightness of the ZenBook 14. You'll pay more, but get similar specs, and the Gram 14 won't be nearly as thin. Another 14-inch option to consider is the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7, an AMD Ryzen 4000-based laptop for $ 100 more that is faster and has even better battery life.

If you don't mind shrinking the screen size, the Dell XPS 13 is a more expensive alternative. The performance will be a little better, the display will be a little higher quality and the battery life will be a little better. But it will also cost more.

If you're looking to save some cash, consider the Lenovo Flex 5 14, a 14-inch 2-in-1 with AMD's Ryzen 4000 CPU. It's faster and almost as well built as the ZenBook 14, but it won't even come close to reaching its battery life. It's also only worth $ 600 and offers quite a bit of intrinsic value.

How long it will take?

The ZenBook 14 UX425 is well built and configured with the latest technology. You will be productive for years. The one-year warranty is disappointing, as usual, but Asus offers one-year accident protection.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you're looking for a thin and light laptop for productivity and media consumption, you can't go wrong with the ZenBook 14. And you won't be spending much either.

Editor's recommendations




05 Sep
Blog

Iron Harvest Review: Real-Time Strategy With Feeling

Review of the iron harvest

Iron Harvest Review: Real-Time Strategy with Feeling

"A fun real-time strategy game that is slowed down by a lack of polish and content."

  • A heartfelt story

  • Strong design ethos

  • Plenty of mechanics

  • Excellent destruction physics

  • Steep difficulty curve

  • Certain gameplay with no polish

  • A small selection of content

Iron Harvest is a real-time strategy game set in an early 20th century European alternate story where the wildest creations of steampunk became a reality. While the game attracts you with its huge, lumbering mechs, it's the surprisingly personal story at the heart of the campaign that keeps you going along with an excellent visual design.

With a variety of ways to deal with the various conflicts, Iron Harvest is a fun RTS. Still, its steep learning curve could put new players off to strategy games, and its rather limited selection of content could turn RTS veterans away.

A heartfelt, if predictable, campaign

Real-time strategy games are about controlling multiple units at the same time in large conflicts. Therefore, the campaigns included in these games usually work at the macro level and deal with the bigger picture of the combat forces. Iron Harvest shows these conflicts, but at the heart of its story is Anna Kos, a young citizen of the fictional Eastern European nation of Polania. At a very young age, her brother leaves her village to fight in the First World War. What was intended as a short engagement spans years, and the wreckage of mechanical war machines eventually pollutes the country and creates the eponymous iron harvest. Anna and her favorite bear Wojtek are embroiled in the aftermath of the crisis, which, like the story of the real world, ignites the flames for a second, even more devastating conflict.

While the game attracts you with its huge, lumbering mechs, it's the surprisingly personal story at the heart of the campaign that keeps you going along with an excellent visual design.

It's an emotional story of loss, duty, and sacrifice that fits surprisingly well with some of the game's crazier elements, such as the weirdly vicious Lev Zubov, leader of the opposing Russian forces. While the beats of the story can sometimes be seen from a mile away, strong appearances by the main characters help sell the narrative. Unfortunately, part of the voice of supporting characters and NPCs is far weaker, which detracts from immersion a bit. That, and the stiff animations during the cutscenes, made me wish the developers had a slightly bigger budget to iron out some of the kinks and provide a more polished presentation.

Iron Harvest BattleProvided by Deep Silver

The graphics in the cutscenes leave a lot to be desired, But when the game pulls out the camera for gameplay, the world really comes together, and some of the missing detail is lost in the wider, well-executed level design. What makes the world funnier is how destructible it is. It's incredibly satisfying to attack enemies with a mech and watch it storm through a warehouse, leaving a pile of bricks behind.

The game's aesthetic is inspired by the Polish artist Jakub Rozalski and his collection of paintings from about 1920. Playing the game is like bringing one of Rozalski's works to life, which is a visual delight as variations of brown contrast with the bright orange of exploding missiles or the deep blue of the Polish rifle uniform.

The gameplay is deep but difficult to master

Iron harvest conflictProvided by Deep Silver

Iron Harvest makes a point of taking cover and flanking the enemy, something few other games in the genre involve. Adding mechs to the fight that can wipe out that cover in seconds makes for an incredibly active RTS. There is always something to do and you will be constantly reacting to the turn of the battle. While in some strategy games you order orders, wait to see what the outcome is, and then mess up your armed forces, Iron Harvest offers no such respite, which makes it a refreshing entry into the genre.

It is incredibly satisfying to see real-time physics in action.

However, I often wish that my armed forces would respond with the speed necessary to carry out their duties. Sometimes I would click on a unit to offer an order and then watch as it took them a few moments to carry it out. When they finished, I needed something other than them. The enemy A.I. was also frustrating at times. I would have troops firing from behind cover at enemies who were only noticed in the open air and returned shots in vain. In some places they even took cover behind the same stone wall my troops were on, and I just had to wait and see which troop outlasted the other. Moments like this really spoiled my experience with generally decent gameplay.

The campaign is a slow introduction to game mechanics, and I highly recommend completing it before venturing into the standalone A.I. Battles – and certainly before you try to face another real strategist in multiplayer. Even so, the insane juggling of controlling the field of play, managing resources, maneuvering opponents, and building my army, even after getting familiar with the gameplay, was often overwhelming. Publisher Deep Silver offers a nearly 100-page guide that goes into the details of the various game mechanics. In order to face some of the more difficult encounters, it is necessary to understand all of them.

Iron Harvest BuildingsProvided by Deep Silver

A lack of content

In contrast to the wealth of mechanics, there is a poor choice of content. After I finished the story, I switched to the A.I. Conflicts and multiplayer offers and exclaimed audibly: "Is that all ?!" The game only has a handful of maps and mission types to choose from, which pale in comparison to many other RTS titles. Future content is planned for the game, but a fee will be charged.

After I finished the story, I switched to the A.I. Conflicts and multiplayer offers and exclaimed audibly: "Is that all ?!"

Those looking to explore the various game modes and forego the story will have a hard time familiarizing themselves with the many facets of Iron Harvest. It's easy to get annoyed at the difficulty, especially if a player is new to RTS titles. The difficulty can be in the A.I. Skirmishes and challenges on offer, but found the medium setting too easy and the difficult setting way too challenging. I was as dejected in the latter as I was in the former, and I wish the game was a middle ground between the two.

Our opinion

Iron Harvest is a solid real-time strategy game where the developer's passion for the genre flows into the story and design. However, there are some unfortunate missteps when it comes to the difficulty that will put off more casual RTS fans and a lack of content that might put seasoned players off.

Is there a better alternative?

The game is heavily inspired by Company of Heroes, which is a more polished game by comparison, but lacks some of the more exciting concepts like the steampunk mechs. Age of Empires II: The Definitive Edition is currently very popular with RTS players and offers one of the most extensive packages in the genre.

How long it will take?

The campaign lasts around 15 hours, but as mentioned earlier, there isn't much variety with the additional missions. Only players who want to test their skills with some of the higher difficulties will play for ten hours.

Should you buy it?

Finally. Wait for the game to add more content and tweak elements like the difficulty curve and unit responsiveness.

Editor's recommendations




05 Sep
Blog

2020 Juiced Bikes Scorpion Review: A Comfort-First E-Moped

Juiced bikes Scorpion

"If Juiced Bikes' Scorpion is your first e-bike ride, prepare to be pampered."

  • Best-in-class comfort

  • Excellent value for money

  • Standard luggage rack and fenders

  • Bright motorcycle style LED headlight

If Juiced Bikes & # 39; Scorpion is your first e-bike ride, you will be pampered. There are lots of good things to say about the versatile moped-style Scorpion, but the first thing you will notice, especially if you've ridden other electric two-wheelers, is how smooth and comfortable it is to ride. The Scorpion is a Class 3 e-bike with a top speed of 45 km / h, a maximum range of 45 miles per charge, and a list price of $ 2,199, which is often reduced by $ 200 to $ 400.

Why is it so convenient?

Juiced Bikes Scorpion seat and luggage rack Four main factors are responsible for the smooth ride of the Scorpion: seat, driving position, front and rear suspension and standard 20 x 4 inch wide fat tires.

The bulbous, firmly padded seat of the Scorpion looks like a moped than a bicycle. It reminded me of the retro minibike style Juiced Bikes City Scrambler. I shot all the way back in this seat for the greatest possible comfort but is not required on the Scorpion as its tall handlebars and pedals allow for an upright sitting position that is naturally comfortable. Sitting upright without a windshield can quickly get you down on a motorcycle at highway speeds, but the 28 km / h top end of the Scorpion, while cheeky for an e-bike, doesn't cause wind resistance fatigue.

The Scorpion also has front and rear suspensions. I left the adjustable front fork spool suspension in the default position with a hydraulic lock. Many e-bikes have similar front forks, but rear suspensions are less common. The Scorpion's spring-loaded rear suspension absorbed the bumps of curbs, driveway aprons, and speed bumps with aplomb.

Finally, the Scorpion's puncture-proof fat tires, mounted on standard Mag wheels, have a maximum of 35 pounds per inch of air pressure, which I routinely lowered to around 26-28 pounds for mostly smooth paved roads. If you want to ride the Scorpion in rough terrain and make jumps, as shown in early Scorpion ads, it is better to dial up the front suspension and let the tires run hard. But I didn't jump or drive off the sidewalk (other than a couple of lawns) and I didn't change the suspension settings or inflate the tires.

I weigh 175 pounds. The Scorpion's capacity, including the driver and luggage, is 275 pounds, so different drivers would likely adjust the suspension based on their weight, driving style, and preferences. It's good that the Scorpion has suspension front and rear, and better yet, the suspension is adjustable.

Juiced Bikes Scorpion left handle, USB open

The Scorpion has much, much more to offer than its comfortable ride. The Scorpion has function pedals with a Shimano 7-speed freewheel. You can pedal without electrical assistance, but this sturdy bike even weighs 100 pounds. Even if you remove the battery, you are still moving 90 pounds. I've tried pedaling to make sure I can do it, but I don't want to go far or uphill.

The electric drive train of the Scorpion consists of a Bafang 750 watt rear hub motor (1,300 watt peak), a 13 Ah, 673 watt hour, 52 volt lithium-ion battery and a 25 ampere controller. With this electric drivetrain, you can drive up to 32 km / h with the accelerator, up to 40 km / h with the accelerator and pedal in class 2 mode and at 28 to 30 km / h in class 3 mode .

Pedal support on the Scorpion is provided by a 16-magnet cadence sensor and increases power proportionally to the speed at which you pedal. Various support modes can be selected via the matrix LCD of the Scorpion. The Top-R mode releases the full electrical assistance power, even if you pedal very slowly – as long as you keep the pedals moving. The Scorpion has a twist grip throttle similar to a motorcycle. You need to be careful not to accidentally spin it when slowly pushing the bike – into your garage, for example – as, like most electric vehicles, full torque kicks in instantly.

The Scorpion is equipped with hydraulic 180mm disc brakes front and rear, fenders and a small luggage rack. In addition to the side reflectors on the frame, the e-bike has a 2,000-lumen LED headlight in motorcycle style and an integrated LED rear light with brake lights. A convenient USB port near the left handle allows you to connect a smartphone to charge it. Juiced Bikes doesn't include mirrors on the Scorpion so I've added a kit that I'll keep for this purpose when testing. Mirrors are the only item that isn't up to the standard I wanted on the Scorpion, but Juice Bikes sells a pair that goes with the bike for just $ 12. If I were to buy a Scorpio, I would also bring a pannier to carry extra gear and groceries or other groceries while I run errands around town. The standard seat height is 30.9 inches, but Juiced Bikes also has a $ 49 seat option that increases the heat to 33.5 inches.

Our opinion

Juiced Bikes Scorpion headlights

The Juiced Bikes Scorpion is an attractive, well-equipped, modern e-bike in retro moped style. The Scorpion is a Juiced Bikes product. So you know it's going to be highlighting performance when compared to other e-bikes anyway, but the Scorpion's standout feature is rider comfort.

At 100 pounds on a battery, the Scorpion is too much to comfortably carry up and down stairs every day, but the extra weight is due to the e-bike's trustworthy ruggedness.

Is there a better alternative?

Moped-style e-bikes are a relatively new category, the first of which was RadRunner from Rad Power Bikes. The RadRunner is smaller, lighter, and slower, but at $ 1,199, it's significantly cheaper than the Scorpion. If you like the retro look of the Scorpion but prefer a minibike frame format, Juiced Bikes' City Scrambler ($ 1,799) is a great choice, as is the Super 73 S1 ($ 1,995). Neither the RadRunner nor the Super 73-S1 have front and rear suspension.

If you like the Scorpion style but want a little more "juice", the performance-enhanced HyperScorpion version ($ 3,499) has a custom Bafang 1,000 watt (1,700 watt peak) electric motor, a 19.2 Ah battery and a 33 amp motor controller. The HyperScorpion also contains mirrors, indicators and a combined cadence and torque sensor for pedal assist mode.

How long it will take?

The aluminum alloy frame of the Juiced Bike Scorpion and the components of the brand ensure that this bike will last for years. Juiced Bikes has a one-year warranty on electrical and mechanical components. During the first 30 days of the warranty period, the company will pay for shipping for defective parts, both ways. After 30 days, the customer pays for the return.

Should you buy one?

Absolutely yes.

If you're looking for a rugged Class 3 e-bike that is exceptionally comfortable to ride, Juiced Bikes Scorpion is a fast, versatile ride that doubles as everyday transportation.

Add mirrors and panniers and the smooth-running Juiced Bikes Scorpion is ready to be your primary mode of transportation around town.

Editor's recommendations




04 Sep
Blog

Bodybuilding 101: Sculpting a Powerful Physique

Bodybuilding 101: Shaping a powerful body - fitness, bodybuilding, strength and conditioning, strength training, hypertrophy, daily exercise, nutrition plan

The desire to build an impressive physique still holds true for many in the fitness world. Yes, being functional and practical has its place, but we all want the by-product to be a handsome, muscular, strong body that flaunts all of our hard work.

There's no better way to highlight these goals than to say goodbye to hypertrophy-based resistance training. This type of exercise, also known as bodybuilding (based on actually building body muscles, not exercising) has subsided and flowed over the years.

Functional cross-training, weight lifting, and even powerlifting have stolen the limelight recently. But bodybuilding is making a comeback for good reason.

With the goal of building muscle, increasing strength and reducing body fat, there is no better training method than bodybuilding to restructure your body.

This guide provides the basics and building blocks for these goals. Whether you're a newbie or just want to clean the proverbial blackboard and start over, this is for you.

What is bodybuilding?

The term bodybuilding has many meanings. One that immediately comes to mind is sport. Large, improved mass monsters that shake the ground they walk on, lift tons (literally) and wind themselves up a flight of stairs.

Of course there are other areas of sport such as natural bodybuilders, competitors, and competitions at professional and amateur level.

The other side are the uncompetitive leisure enthusiasts. Even in this niche, there are those who just love the workout and challenge, and those who use it as a workable tool to reshape and reshape their bodies.

This guide is for those who want to naturally reshape their bodies by building solid, high quality muscle while either maintaining or losing body fat.

Hypertrophy style strength training is the most efficient and optimal way to rebuild your body and change your shape.

Part 1: Workouts to Build Muscle Mass

The first item on your to-do list is to jump right into a kick-off training plan to get you used to this type of workout. No, this shouldn't be just for those who live in the gym. Think of it as your break-in schedule for your first four weeks of training in this style.

Some things to consider before you start::

  • This program mainly focuses on hypertrophy (muscle building). This will be a different practice than building sheer strength or power.
  • You need to keep a close eye on the clock for rest periods between sets. They are shorter than you are used to.
  • Proper form is a must for the program to be successful. No jerking, hopping, or lifting the weight just to finish a lift.
  • Don't think of this as a weightlifting program. Think of it as muscle training. Focus on working your muscles instead of lifting from point A to point B.
  • Don't put a lift in the program because someone said you should if it causes pain or injury. Not everyone is built the same, so you can replace them if necessary.
  • Run the following plan for four weeks on non-consecutive days; B. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Take a rest day between each workout day to give your body time to rest, recover, and build muscle.

The 4-week kick-off training plan

Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Flat bench barbell press 2 x 12 3 x 10-12 60
Chin up 2 x 12 when pulling down 3 x 10-12 60
Barbell back into a crouch 2 x 12 3 x 10-12 60
Standing dumbbell shoulder press – – 3 x 10-12 60
Barbell curl – – 3 x 10-12 60
Parallel bar dip – – 3 x 10-12 60
Standing calf elevation 1 x 12 3 x 10-12 60
Floor crunches – – 3 x 20 30th

After you've completed the kick-off plan, you may want to continue with this plan for an additional four weeks, or you may want to move on to something more advanced and adopt another program.

The key, however, is getting your body to adapt to a new program without pushing your limits, over-exercising, and burning out. In addition, there are a few important things to keep in mind when building your program.

How to create your mass training program

Let's go step by step. I'll also provide an example below to illustrate an effective training program that you can use right away.

  1. Choose how many days a week you want to exercise. One of the best schedules is to exercise four times a week. With this in mind, you should take photos for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with Wednesday and the weekend off.
  2. Use a simple split routine. Work out your entire body twice a week with a simple split routine. This means, for example, the chest, back and shoulders on Mondays and Thursdays, arms and legs on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  3. Next is the exercise selection. You shouldn't choose more than two exercises for larger body parts like your chest, back, and legs, and no more than one for smaller areas like your arms, shoulders, and calves. Just make sure you use exercises from the list of mass builders instead of smaller isolation moves.
  4. Determine the volume (sentences). Your overall volume doesn't have to be too high. We tend to do a little more where we excel and reduce what is difficult. Perform an even field of play and shoot four to five sets per exercise. This should get you in and out when the gym is in about an hour.
  5. Choose a repetition range. Traditionally, pure strength training results in a lower rep range of two to four or six reps, while hypertrophy (muscle mass) tends to be in the six to 12 rep range. Depending on your goal, between four and 12 reps is ideal for each goal.
  6. Don't forget to rest. A long, forgotten practice that has been lost in this world of the distraction of mobile technology, this factor is one of the most influential in your training. For example, if hypertrophy is the goal, rest periods of 45 to 90 seconds are best. Resting too long will result in less fatigue and more wasted time in the gym.
  7. Commit to it. Lastly, you need to commit to your plan. With no commitment, all of the planning that you carefully went through is in vain. Make yourself a six month promise that you will get through this.

When you have developed some semblance of strength and coordination, you can proceed to the following program for 12 weeks. You will find that this plan is divided into two main days.

One that trains your chest, back, and shoulders in one day and legs and arms the next. Here you don't train more than two days in a row before taking a day off for repair and growth.

The 12 week plan

Day 1 (Monday) Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Press the incline barbell 2 x 12 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Flat bench dumbbell press – – 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Pull-up with medium or wide grip (add weight if necessary) 2 x 12
(Pulldowns)		 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Barbell or two-armed row of dumbbells – – 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Standing barbell military press 1 x 12 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Dumbbell upright row – – 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Lift hanging leg – – 3 x 10-15 30 seconds
Ground crunch – – 3 x 10-15 30 seconds

(Optional) interval training –

Choose any form of cardio for a total of 14 minutes

 2 minutes

1 minute high intensity and 2 minutes low intensity (4 rounds)
Day 2 (Tuesday) Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Barbell curl 1 x 12 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Close-grip bench press 1 x 12 4 x 6-8 90 sec
Leg press 2 x 12 4 x 8-10 90 sec
Squat barbell – – 4 x 8-10 90 sec
Romanian deadlift dumbbell 1 x 12 4 x 8-10 90 sec
Sitting calf rearing 1 x 12 4 x 8-10 90 sec
Tend sit-up – – 3 x 10-15 30 seconds
(Optional) Interval Training – Choose any form of cardio for a total of 14 minutes 2 minutes 1 minute of high intensity and 2 minutes of low intensity (4 rounds)
Day 3 (Thursday) Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Press the incline dumbbell 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Flat barbell or machine press – – 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Reverse line 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Machine row or pulldown with close grip – – 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Sitting dumbbell side on the side 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Seated dumbbell shoulder press – – 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Prone to crunch – – 3 x 15-20 30 seconds
Hanging knee-ups – – 3 x 15-20 30 seconds
(Optional) Interval Training – Choose any form of cardio for a total of 14 minutes 2 minutes 1 minute high intensity and 1 minute low intensity (6 laps)
Day 4 (Friday) Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Incline bench dumbbell curl 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Lying two-armed dumbbell nose breaker 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Bulgarian split squat 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Barbell squats or leg presses – – 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Curl lying or sitting leg 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60 sec
Standing calf elevation 1 x 12 3 x 8-12 60 sec
Lift hanging leg – – 3 x 15-20 30 seconds
(Optional) Interval Training – Choose any form of cardio for a total of 14 minutes 2 minutes 1 minute high intensity and 1 minute low intensity (6 laps)

* Note: The HIIT cardio can either be done on a free day (Wednesdays and weekends) after training.

Youngsters against those over 40

If you're reading this and happen to have a 1 as the first number your age, start here.

As a teenager, you are new to training. Instead of going directly head first, you need a training period. Your nervous system isn't ready to do anything to work out in the gym.

Instead, you need to get the job done, create paths, and fix your form and function for the basic lifts before you can move on to anything more advanced. Here are some timeless principles that you should stick to from now on:

  1. More connection, less isolation. Yes, that sounds like a broken record and comes straight from the “no duh” manual, but it has to be emphasized over and over again. With so many lifters migrating to focus tricks and machines that meticulously isolate every muscle fiber, I feel like the message of compound multiple joint exercises has been lost.
  2. Progress is king. This principle is key when making changes. Use progressive overload with moderate weights and repetitions. Getting heavier or lighter some days is okay as long as you keep moving the needle forward.
  3. Practice form and function. As another simple but seldom followed rule, practicing correct form is one thing, but performing the correct function is new to many. This is the ability to brace, contract, and move certain areas of the body in relation to movement. For example, the deadlift has many things that need to take place other than just lifting the bar off the floor. The hips, core, shoulder girdle and other key components need to take place.

Rules for the Teen Training Program

Perform the following program on three non-consecutive days per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday). Feel free to do cardio or other recreational activities on non-training days.

  • Look for warm-up periods, including general warm-up periods (walking, jogging, skipping rope) and specific warm-up sets for each area being trained.
  • Pay close attention to the rest periods. This is one of the most abused aspects of training, but it has a huge impact on progress.
  • Remember to practice both correct form and function. Take the time to get it right.
  • Feel free to switch exercises if you have to. The principle of simplicity still applies to avoiding over-thinking.
  • Stay on the program for at least four weeks, preferably six. This allows your body to adjust and see results. After four to six weeks, take a few days off from weight training and then do the program again if you prefer.
day 1 Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Flat bench barbell press 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Medium or wide pull-up 2 x 5 4 x max repetitions 60
Barbell back into a crouch 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Barbell Romanian Deadlift 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Ground crunch – – 3 x 15 30th
Lift leg raises – – 3 x 15 30th
day 2 Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Barbell deadlift 2 x 12 4 x 6-8 120
Standing barbell shoulder press 2 x 12 4 x 6-8 60
Parallel bar triceps dip 1 x 8 4 x max repetitions 60
Barbell curl 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Standing one-legged calf raise 1 x 12 4 x 8-12 30th
Day 3 Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Press the incline barbell 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Barbell bent row 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Barbell crouched forward 2 x 12 4 x 8-12 60
Kettlebell reverse lunge – – 4 x 8-12 60
Lift hanging leg – – 3 x 15 30th
3-way sit-up – – 3 x 15 30th

The over 40 crowd

If you're the typical 40-year-old, you have a full-time job, family, and other social responsibilities that keep you from getting an education like you did when you were young.

You now have a busier lifestyle and unpredictable deadline complications. There's a good chance that what you're trying to achieve with your workout has changed too. You no longer want to be the biggest, "baddest" guy in the gym. You just want to build muscle, lose fat and make everything painless.

Comparing it to (possibly much younger) colleagues at the gym is a potential hazard. The onslaught of fitness brothers on social media can play with your head.

You were young once too and managed to do sketchy things in the gym. Allow the wisdom of your age to overwhelm your ego and nostalgia. Don't go down the black hole to follow others as they will exercise caution – especially in the 20+ years you are younger.

We all know (and complain) that our metabolism slows down as we age. Aside from gaining a few pounds, it directly affects your ability to recover. But that's not a death sentence.

You can keep practicing habits for best results and to improve metabolism, recovery, and progress. The benefit of being the seasoned lifter is that you only need to tweak a few things because you have a solid foundation in place.

However, if you are a newbie, you need to develop healthy and effective habits from the start so that you can reap some great rewards and stay injury free.

The 40 Plus training plan

This program can easily fit into four days a week– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. You can either treat Wednesdays and weekends as rest days or take part in leisure activities or active recreational activities such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling.

You can choose any schedule. However, make sure you don't exercise for more than two days in a row.

Finish each day with a thorough stretching session and do the program for four to six weeks. After that, either take a week off from training but stay active, or turn down the volume and intensity for a week before restarting the program.

Warm up

  • Do two rounds of 10 repetitions each of the following warm-up round:
  • Crouch jump
  • Push up
  • Alternating lunge
  • Reverse line
  • Bike crunch
Monday – Thursday Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Press the incline dumbbell 2 x 12-20 3-4 x 10-12 60
Flat bench dumbbell press or machine press – – 3-4 x 10-12 60
Chest supported row of dumbbells 2 x 12-20 3-4 x 10-12 60
Reverse line – – 3-4 x max repetitions 60
One-armed lateral elevation of the dumbbell side or lateral elevation of the cable side – – 3 x 10-15 60
Arnold press – – 3 x 10-15 60
Superset: Hanging leg raises and ground crunch – – 3 x 20 each 30 after each superset
Tuesdays and Fridays Warm-up sets Working sets Rest in seconds
Sitting dumbbell curls 1 x 12-20 3 x 8-12 60
Reject the tight grip bench press 1 x 12-20 3 x 8-12 60
One-legged dumbbell calf raise 1 x 12-20 3 x 10-15 Switch each leg without a break
Back foot raised dumbbell Bulgarian split squat 2 x 12-20 3 x 10-15 per leg 30 after each leg
Exercise ball curl lying leg – – 3 x 10-15 60
Reverse dumbbell lunge – – 3 x 10-15 per leg 60
Bike crunch – – 3 x 20 30th

Do women have to train differently?

In a word, no. Muscle is muscle. The main difference between men and women is hormones – men obviously have more testosterone than women.

With testosterone as the driving force that allows one to build muscle and increase strength, Women are slightly disadvantaged in terms of developmental limits.

However, in terms of exercise selection, programming, and set and rep programs, there is no reason to distinguish programs for men from women.

Basic strength training should target everyone and drawing a line between the sexes is just not necessary given the bigger picture.

Part 2: Diet to Build Muscle Mass

Nothing is as complicated as the diet marketing landscape that seems to be raising its ugly head on every corner.

Every few months there seems to be a latest and greatest diet plan out there that is guaranteed to give you the results you want. These plans always seem to be rather narrow-minded, as they eliminate certain foods entirely or only let you eat at certain times of the day. Some even go so far that after a certain amount of time you eat what you want.

At the end of the day, a balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich proteins, plenty of vegetables and fruits, and some healthy sources of fat is always the answer to long-term health benefits and muscle building purposes. If the latest craze seems too good to be true, it probably is.

How to create your mass meal plan

Let's also go through your nutrition plan step by step. As with the exercise plan, I'll also provide an example nutrition plan so you have a real snack to put into action.

  1. Determine how often to eat. Gone are the days of eating punctually every two hours. That just creates too much stress and not to mention becoming a slave to your schedule. At the very least, make sure you have three solid meals with a snack before and after your workout.
  2. Start with protein. No, you don't have to eat a whole chicken or 12 ounces of beef with every meal. Also, don't rely too much on protein powder. About one gram per pound of body weight is enough. If you go a little deeper, you won't sweat. Get protein from chicken, lean beef, ground beef, fish, cheese, eggs, protein powder (after a workout), and Greek yogurt.
  3. Don't be afraid of carbohydrates. The bottom line is that if you want to build muscle, you need carbohydrates. Make sure they are complex and avoid added sugars. In addition, rice (white and brown), potatoes (sweet and white), oats, green vegetables, fruits such as apples, bananas and berries, as well as whole grain bread and pasta. Start with two grams per pound of body weight and then adjust as needed.
  4. Add the right type of fat. It is a breeze that you need healthy fats to balance your weight gain diet. Oils found naturally in fish, fish oil supplements, avocados, nuts, and nut butters are good choices. Shoot about 0.5 grams per pound to start with.
  5. Diet before and after exercise. It is important to learn something before exercising, especially if you are between nine and five years old. This should have a lean protein and complex carbohydrate to get you through your workout. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a post-workout diet on hand immediately after your workout that should contain a fast-acting source of protein and some quick-digesting carbohydrates to aid the recovery process.
  6. Schedule cheat days. What's a nutrition plan without a cheat tag? When your diet is relatively clean and full of good things, have a couple of meals over a weekend and have everything you want. Not all day, just for a meal or two. It will give you something to look forward to by the end of the week and give you a much-needed mental break.
  7. Be consistent. As with exercising, you need to stay consistent with your eating plan. A good day or two a week is not enough. If you want to build serious muscle, every day counts.

Example of a basic muscle mass nutrition plan

The following nutrition plan is sufficient for the average 180 pound lifter looking to gain lean amounts of muscle. This is just an example and can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Training days

Meal 1 (breakfast):

  • 3 whole eggs scrambled eggs or omelette
  • 2 slices of wheat bread (toasted) with low-sugar jam or jelly or ½ cup (dry) oatmeal mixed with skimmed milk

Meal 2 (lunch):

  • Chicken breast salad with ½ avocado, vegetables and an oil-based dressing
  • 1 small baked potato, sweet potato or 1 cup of rice, cooked

Or

  • 2 slices of wheat bread, 4 ounces of deli meat, deli slices, low-fat mayonnaise or mustard, and 1 piece of fruit

Pre-workout:

  • 1 apple or other fruit such as blueberries or bananas
  • 1 cup of Greek yogurt or 1 scoop of whey protein powder
  • Handful of mixed nuts

After training:

  • 1 cup of blueberries, medium-sized bananas, or other fruit
  • 1 scoop of whey protein powder

Meal 4 (dinner):

  • 4 to 6 ounces of fish, chicken, ground beef or turkey, as many green vegetables as you like, lettuce, 1 small potato or 1 cup of rice, cooked

Non-training days

Meal 1 (breakfast):

  • 3 whole eggs scrambled eggs or omelette
  • 2 slices of wheat bread (toasted) with low-sugar jam or jelly or ½ cup (dry) oatmeal mixed with skimmed milk

Meal 2 (lunch):

  • Chicken breast salad with ½ avocado, vegetables and an oil-based dressing
  • 1 small baked potato, sweet potato or 1 cup of rice, cooked

Or

  • 2 slices or wheat bread, 4 ounces deli meat, deli slices, low-fat mayonnaise or mustard
  • 1 piece of fruit

Meal 3 (snack):

  • 1 apple or other fruit such as blueberries or bananas
  • 1 cup of Greek yogurt or 1 scoop of whey protein powder
  • Handful of mixed nuts

Meal 4 (dinner):

  • 4 to 6 ounces of fish, chicken, ground beef or turkey, as many green vegetables as you like, lettuce, 1 small potato or 1 cup of rice, cooked

Part 3: Exercises and Variations

Now that you have a solid exercise and diet foundation, it's time to quickly familiarize yourself with the exercises included and their variations. Of course, you can replace certain exercises with exercises that you find more effective and that pose a lower risk of injury.

As mentioned earlier, some exercises are more comfortable than others in terms of your specific body structure, limb length, strengths and weaknesses.

Now let's split each body part into groups and mention some tips and techniques to look out for.

chest

  • Flat and inclined barbell presses: Grasp the bar a few centimeters beyond the shoulder width with a closed overhand grip (thumb around the bar). Slowly lower the bar to about chest level and stop at the bottom without hopping. Push the bar back up until your elbows just lock into place. Keep your elbows slightly bent at the top, then return in full control.
  • Variations of the dumbbell press: You can also perform chest presses with dumbbells on the flat or inclined bench. The same rules apply here, except that you now have the added challenge of controlling two independent dumbbells. Lower them down the sides of your chest, then push them back up without clinking the dumbbells together.

Back

  • Pull-ups and pull-ups: There are many variations on each of these back exercises. For a simple pull-up, however, you take an underhand grip and pull your chin up and over the bar. For pull-up variations (wide, medium, and tight grip), take an overhand grip and pull your chest toward the bar, pulling with your elbows.
  • Inverted lines: For those who have problems with traditional pull-ups and pull-ups, this row variant is a good replacement. Set a parallel bar around waist height and lie down under it. Grasp the bar just above shoulder width with an overhand grip and keep your entire body stiff from head to toe. Pull up until your chest touches the bar, maintaining that rigid body line, then slowly lower yourself back down.
  • Barbell and dumbbell rows: For barbell rows, position your upper body at a 90-degree angle to your legs until it is parallel to the floor. Pull the barbell toward the center while maintaining the bent position. For the dumbbell version, either grab two dumbbells and do the same thing as the dumbbell version by pulling the dumbbells to your side, or try the one arm version. Bend over and grab a dumbbell with one hand and hold onto a sturdy structure with the other. Proceed as with the double arm version and switch back and forth between the sides.

Shoulders

  • Barbell and dumbbell presses: In an upright sitting or standing position, grasp a barbell with an overhand grip slightly above shoulder width. Start with the barbell just below your chin and push it straight up. Once you clear your head, slide your head through so the barbell lands over you. For the dumbbell version, position the dumbbells on either side of your head to start just above your shoulders. Press up and down without clinking the dumbbells together. Return slowly.
  • Upright rows: Grasp a pair of dumbbells in front of your thighs, palms facing back. Use your elbows to pull the weight up along your body until your elbows are above your hands and the weight is now below your chin on either side of your face. Come back slowly and repeat.
  • Lateral and bent side elevations: Grab a pair of dumbbells by your sides for side elevations. Lift each dumbbell by your side until it protrudes straight on each side at shoulder level. Come back slowly and repeat.
  • The Arnold press: This unique exercise begins with a pair of dumbbells in the top position of a dumbbell lock – the weight curls up close to your shoulders. Push up and at the same time rotate the dumbbells from your ankles forward to the palm forward position as you push over your head. On the way down, reverse the movement and repeat the process.

legs

  • Back squats: With a loaded barbell on your back, descend with the weight as if you were sitting in a low chair under your hips. Keeping your back straight and core tight, stop at the bottom, then use your hip and thigh strength to push back up without blocking your knees.
  • Leg presses: Attach the leg press seat so that the torso and legs form a 90-degree angle. Just before your hips release from the seat, lower the sled and pull your lower back tight. Push up in a controlled manner without blocking your knees.
  • Bulgarian squats: This unique exercise relieves those who find squats problematic for their backs.
  • Lunges: With a loaded barbell or dumbbells in each hand, step forward with your knees at a 90-degree angle, and then return your body to an upright position. Perform repetitions for either alternating legs or one leg at a time.
  • Romanian deadlift: With a loaded barbell or dumbbell and with your knees unlocked but stiff, hang on your hips and keep your back as straight as possible. Feel a deep stretch in your glutes and hamstrings. Reverse direction and keep rigid knees in the starting position.
  • Lying leg curls: Lie on the reclining machine with your knees in line with the cam of the rotating arm. Roll the weight together slowly and under control while resisting the urge to swing it up. Lower your back slowly and in a controlled manner.
  • Standing calf lifts: Keep your knees slightly bent but stiff under the shoulder pads. Lower your heels for a deep stretch. Take a short break before lifting yourself up again for an intense contraction. Resist the ricochet.
  • Seated calf raises: As with the standing version, you will do this in a similar manner, but with your knees in a fixed bent position. Resist the hop again.

weapons

  • Barbell and barbell curls: Hold a barbell with an underhand grip shoulder width apart with the bar in front of your thighs. With elbows attached to your sides, roll the weight up until you reach full contraction before slowly lowering the weight back down. For the dumbbell version, hold each dumbbell with your palms facing inward against your sides. Curl the weight together while twisting (supinating) your wrists forward. Come to your shoulders for a contraction before reversing the movement back down.
  • Tend to dumbbell curls: Do this as detailed above, except that you are reclining on an incline bench with your arms hanging down on each side for a bicep stretch.
  • Parallel bar tricep dips: Use a parallel bar and keep each bar neutral with your hand. Start in an upright position with your elbows locked and your torso straight. While maintaining the upright position, lower your body until your elbows form a 90-degree angle. Reverse direction and repeat for repetitions.
  • Close-grip bench press: Lie on a bench and hold a loaded barbell shoulder width apart. Keeping your elbows down by your sides, the entire time. Touch your chest (don't bounce) and reverse the movement.
  • Lying triceps extensions: Lie on a flat bench with a loaded barbell or two directly above you. Just bend at your elbow and lower the weight towards your forehead. Stop just before touching the bar and reverse the motion to the starting position.

Put it into practice

Replenishing muscle mass is not a rocket operation. It's pretty simple really. All it takes is a commitment from you, some discipline, and the practice of daily consistency.

Over time, you have built an impressive foundation and, most importantly, a feel for how your own body works and what you need to build a better physique on your personal journey. Pick a plan, stick with it, and reap great rewards.

04 Sep
Blog

Samsung HW-Q800T Review: Amazon Alexa, Can You Say Wow?

Samsung Q800T soundbar

"The Q800T offers great sound, smart home connectivity and loads of convenience."

  • Easy setup

  • Built-in Amazon Alexa

  • Impressive low end

  • Support Dolby Atmos and DTS: X

  • No rear speakers

  • Several Samsung TV exclusive features

The race for the soundbar's sweet spot is on. Vizio may have had a head start over the past few years in making sound bars that offer great audio and functionality at a manageable price. But LG, Samsung, and others are hot on the heels of Vizio.

Samsung's new HW-Q800T soundbar, a 3.1.2 system with built-in Amazon Alexa, appears to be a competitor at $ 750. The proof, however, lies in the performance. So let's see what the latest version of Samsung is made of.

design

The Q800T has similar dimensions to several other soundbars I've tested in this price range. The length of 38.6 inches and the height of 2.4 inches is very close to the LG SN7Y and the Sony HT-G700. For some reason this seems to be the agreed size for midrange drivers.

Samsung Q800T soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Actually, there's a reason for these long bars – and a good one at that. With Dolby Atmos firmly entrenched as the buzzword for home audio, these companies need to add more drivers to the compact body that is their standard soundbar. The Q800T has drivers that represent each channel of the typical sound stage from left to right and right, as well as drivers that provide the height channels of its 3.1.2 setup. So yes, bars of this size are warranted.

The included wireless subwoofer is pretty hefty at 21.6 pounds, slightly dwarfing the smaller woofers from LG (17 pounds) and Sony (16 pounds). Four or five pounds of difference might not sound like much, but it matters for reasons that I'll explain later in this review.

This package does not include rear speakers. However, you can buy a $ 130 pair from Samsung to complete your surround sound setup. As much as I want to be able to run this slide, the traditional theater snob in me has to point out that ideally, $ 750 worth of equipment should arrive with rocking rear speakers. Granted, you can technically spend more and still get less – the $ 799 you'd spend on a Sonos Arc will only blow you away (no subwoofer or wireless surround speakers), though that may not be the fairest comparison with all coming features is with a Sonos product. At the same time, Vizio's incredibly powerful 5.1.4 soundbar system lets you spend $ 700 less and score more from a component standpoint.

This Samsung device is anything but a thorn in the side and should blend in well with most rooms.

Aesthetically, I don't have much to say about the Q800T, and that's certainly not a bad thing. If you're an avid reader, you know that my colleagues and I generally work with soundbars under a "Low Profile is a Good Profile" motto. The Q800T is the epitome of this, a black bar with a corresponding black subwoofer, which is only distinguished by its size in a room. I might prefer the sleeker finish on this year's LG bars, but that's a matter of personal preference. This Samsung device is anything but a thorn in the side and should blend in well with most rooms.

configuration

By now, most sound bar manufacturers have cut the fat out of the set up process and reduced it to a fairly straightforward plug and play process where literally all you have to do to get up and running is your bar and To power your sub. Then add the connection from your display to your soundbar. In that regard, the Q800T is no different from a similar product I tested this year.

Samsung Q800T soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

All in all, I had the Q800T crank out the disgustingly loud theme song from The Office within 10 minutes of opening the box, and it only took that long because I had to be careful unpacking the review unit. I assume the average person, who may not have to worry about maintaining the structural integrity of the packaging, can get their Q800T back in half that time.

If you want, you can wrap the setup right there. However, since this is a network soundbar, it's worth downloading the Samsung SmartThings app on your mobile device and taking the time to connect your bar to Wi-Fi and link your Amazon and Spotify accounts. Trust me, even if you don't see the point of this soundbar on your network yet, it's worth the extra step.

I will notice a small hiccup I had during the setup process, although this was mainly due to user error. I turned on the subwoofer in front of the soundbar and left the subwoofer's automatic pairing function aimlessly looking for a soundbar that was virtually nonexistent. After powering the bar, I had to go back and follow Samsung's directions to manually pair the sub. The moral of the story here is to get your soundbar up and running before turning on the sub. Hopefully I'm making these simple mistakes so you don't have to.

links

Before I discuss the Q800T's connections, I want to confirm that I am about to sound like a broken record but will move on anyway. Like so many bars before and probably so many, the Q800T doesn't have a sufficient number of HDMI ports. It's not something I can officially hold against soundbars right now as it has been proven common practice in the industry, but you should get multiple capable connections when spending that kind of money.

Samsung Q800T soundbar remote controlNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Now that I've got that mini-rant out of the way, the Q800T has an HDMI input and a corresponding HDMI output with the bonus of eARC. There's also a single optical input which, while useful in some cases, should put the HDMI option in the background if possible. Visually, it limits the audio format you can experience, while HDMI supports all of the 3D sound your ears can handle.

The Q800T has built-in Bluetooth that allows you to easily pair your mobile device and stream music. However, depending on your situation, it is usually better to stream audio into the bar over WiFi to eliminate the failure and quality issues that can affect a Bluetooth connection. The Q800T goes one step further thanks to its built-in Amazon Alexa integration. Asking the soundbar to play music was as rational as possible, and the voice assistant seemed decently responsive to my commands, even when music was playing from the bar.

Being in an environment with other connected smart devices can also improve your viewing experience. I routinely asked my soundbar to turn on the TV, selected a YouTube video to broadcast to the TV, and adjusted the volume accordingly with another voice command. No remote controls were required.

Asking the soundbar to play music was as rational as possible, and the voice assistant seemed decently responsive to my commands, even when music was playing from the bar.

There are some connection options that are unique to Samsung TVs and mobile devices. You can technically connect the Q800T to a Samsung TV via WiFi, although I must imagine a wired connection is more reliable. Samsung mobile devices have an option called "Tap Sound" that allows you to tap the top of the soundbar with your device to play the content. That sounds like a decent, if somewhat unnecessary, benefit, and I didn't have a Samsung device on hand to test this out.

Sound quality

I'm not going to dance around here: the Q800T sounds very good. This may seem like an easy judgment, but don't be fooled – there's a lot that went into this five-word conclusion.

Samsung Q800T soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

First, it's important to consider all of the audio features built into this bar. The Q800T features Samsung's Acoustic Beam technology, which the company says mixes the sound to create the impression that it is "right where the action is on the screen." This works well in conjunction with the bar's Dolby Atmos and DTS: X support, not to mention the Q800T's various sound modes (Surround Sound Expansion, Game Pro, Standard, and Adaptive). Incidentally, of these sound modes, I opted for Adaptive, which, according to Samsung, should optimize the sound for each scene. There have been a few movies where I had to turn up the volume for quiet moments with little dialogue and then quickly climb down when louder action was introduced. But for the most part, Adaptive seemed to be the most useful of the modes.

When all of these functions are tied together, the resulting sound is truly outstanding when you watch movies and TV. The bar provided a wider soundstage than I thought possible and helped create an experience that was just below real surround sound but still had a reasonably inclusive effect. The subwoofer almost stole the show and produced some of the best low-end songs I've heard from a soundbar woofer this year. In films like The Lighthouse, where sound plays such an important role in dictating the tone of the story, it really added depth to the audio and rocked scenes like one from Capone when a deteriorating mob boss was played insane by Tom Hardy rattles rounds from his golden machine gun.

After the tragic news of Chadwick Boseman's death, I queued some standout Marvel products such as Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame to allay my grief and test the Q800T's 3D sound capabilities. I found the audio to be on par with the Atmos sound on the LG SN7Y. The advantage of the Q800T lay with the Q800T as the rest of the drivers in the ensemble (especially the subwoofer) helped create a bigger, more cinematic sound than the bar, with uploaded speakers nicely added. I don't think Samsung or LG can compete with properly placed speakers in a traditional speaker setup, but I'm sufficiently convinced of the capabilities of these well-executed Atmos bars. And I think most consumers will be too.

I am confident that this soundbar will provide an exceptional listening experience for most ears.

Music playback was solid too, thanks in part to the soundbar's support for a variety of formats including FLAC, WAV, and ALAC. I think watching movies with this bar is the more remarkable experience, but I'd be lying if I said the way Harry Styles' Watermelon Sugar or Chris Stapleton's Starting Over sounded on this system didn't sound to me liked. I feel like I am criticizing soundbars for not being able to create the stereo separation that is critical to the music. While it's well documented that I still prefer the classic theater setup, the Q800T sells its stereo sound very well.

I am confident that with all the settings available, from setting the mid and high channel levels to adjusting the equalizer in the SmartThings app, this soundbar will provide an exceptional listening experience for most ears. For me, the missing piece of this puzzle is the lack of rear speakers, which would have completed a compelling movie theater experience. Sure, you can spend the extra $ 130 on the wireless environment, and some that might be worth it. But for this price, it wouldn't have been inconceivable for Samsung to add rear speakers to elevate the already great sound to the level of excellence. The fact that Vizio did it for $ 50 less only makes this point worse.

Just like the Samsung-specific connections, the Q800T also has an audio function that harmonizes with Samsung QLED televisions. According to Samsung, the Q-Symphony technology is supposed to synchronize the speakers in the QLED TV with the soundbar speakers in order to achieve a “fuller, more haunting” sound. Unfortunately, I have a Sony TV, which means I was unable to test this particular feature.

Our opinion

At $ 750, the Q800T isn't cheap, especially when you factor in the lack of surround speakers. Even without them, Samsung's new Dolby Atmos soundbar offers great sound and a wealth of convenience, especially for those who have already invested in the brand.

Are there any better alternatives?

For $ 500, you can get a similar 3.1.2 experience on the LG SN7Y, even though it lacks the Wi-Fi capabilities. The Vizio SB36514-G6 is a great option that offers 5.1.4 sound for $ 700. However, the setup is more complicated and not quite comparable in the lower area.

How long it will take?

From a technical point of view, the Q800T is relatively future-proof with HDMI eARC, 4K and HDR 10+ passthrough as well as Dolby Atmos / DTS: X support. A one-year guarantee doesn't hurt either.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The HW-Q800T has proven to be a great sounding system that is easy to set up and use thanks to features like Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa integration. It's expensive, but it won't disappoint.

Editor's recommendations




04 Sep
Blog

Google Pixel 4a Review: The Best $349 Smartphone Camera

Google Pixel 4a review camera back hand

"The Google Pixel 4a has an amazing camera tucked away in one of the most bleak phone designs of the year."

  • Excellent camera

  • Great software

  • Regular software updates

  • Long battery life

  • Boring, cheap design and materials

  • Disappointed screen

There's a good chance you already know that the Google Pixel 4a is cheap at $ 350, that the Android software is updated frequently and is easy to use, and that the tiny phone is a solid everyday companion. You've probably heard that the camera is good too, but do you know exactly how good it is?

It's so good that it really is the only reason you should consider buying the Pixel 4a. Because here's something else you may not know about the Pixel 4a: Otherwise, it's a little boring. I will explain.

The best part

The Google Pixel 4a camera is incredible for its capabilities, and it messes with cameras on phones that cost two or three times the cost of the Pixel 4a. There is only a 12.2-megapixel camera on the back of the Pixel 4a. It's a no-nonsense sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), and that's about it. There is no wide angle mode, no optical telephoto mode (although it is enlarged by digitally cropping the image) and no fancy features like 8K video recording. Instead, it is based on Google's computational photography expertise, and that is what sets it apart from its capabilities.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This is not a new formula either, as the Google Pixel 4, Pixel 3a and Pixel 3 have excellent cameras for the same reason: software expertise instead of hardware muscle power. The lack of flashy extras and multiple lenses limits the versatility of the camera slightly, but you can't have it all for $ 349 – and what you get is enough for anyone without an unlimited smartphone budget.

The colors are wonderfully natural, the exposure is just right and the dynamic range is always judged perfectly. Every photo you take will appear the way you want in almost any setting, with no need for editing. Portrait mode offers better edge detection than multi-sensor cameras, and night vision mode is incredible and manages brightness and contrast perfectly for a natural color balance in dark scenes. Removing concerns about the end result increases your creativity and confidence.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Close-ups are shockingly good too. The Nodus Sector watch's images, taken with 2x zoom, show a lot of detail, and even with 7x digital zoom, the photo is not affected by noise or pixelation. The Pixel 4 has been my go-to for close-ups for a while – the close-ups in the G-Shock Frogman test were taken with the Pixel 4.

When I wrote my practical report on the Asus ZenFone 7 Pro, I was on the move and my camera equipment was already packed away in a box. I had to take a picture of the phone so I used the Pixel 4a. The results are excellent in my opinion and only needed a few tweaks before being used in the article. It's not that the photos were good, which is surprising – it's the confidence I had in the Pixel 4a's ability to just grab it and take the pictures. I didn't feel the need to find my main camera when I knew the Pixel 4a would do the job without requiring additional editing attention. I just wouldn't have the same confidence in many other phones at any cost.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's not just the photos – the app and controls are great. Tap to focus and the camera will keep focus while you adjust the position. What is really great is that it shows you this is done on the screen with a moving focus marker. It's a minor matter, but it gives you peace of mind that the photo you are taking will look the way you want it. There's easy adjustment and locking of brightness and exposure, plus a handy horizon indicator that gives a subtle haptic warning when it's straight. It's all so polished, quick, easy, and incredibly capable.

Remember, I just described a camera with a lens on the back of a $ 349 smartphone. Whatever you've heard about the Pixel 4a's camera, it's all of that and a little more. It's the major and for a lot of people. the only reason you buy the phone.

The boring part

The Pixel 4a's camera makes me wiggle my knees, but the design and materials used make my eyes roll. It's as if the entire design budget has been used to bring the on / off switch to a slightly mint green color, as the rest is a snooze dom level. You can argue that it doesn't matter because the camera is so good, but it's not true – the hasty approach you seem to be taking here doesn't keep me using the phone for very long. I'll admit that it looks better than the Pixel 3a from the front thanks to its much smaller bezels, but that's hardly praise.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Black plastic is the most basic material Google could have chosen, and it's as bleak as it sounds. The texture offers some hold, but it tends to get greasy and look ugly. The fingerprint sensor on the back is functional, but very 2016, while to me it looks like the camera sensor and flash have been put in the wrong holes in the drill square module. The buttons on the side just feel cheaper than the black plastic case.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

When you pull the Pixel 4a out of your pocket or put it on the table, you won't feel any emotion at all. It is the unbranded plastic bag in the smartphone world. This is the reminder that it is actually a $ 349 phone.

The fine parts

Other than the great camera and boring design, everything else about the Pixel 4a is just right for you. It's acceptable how everything works, but it's never blind. The 5.8-inch OLED screen is a good size, and on paper the 2340 x 1080 pixels resolution is great for the price, but in reality it can be a little bland and it won't get bright enough. I can't remember the brightness being below maximum at any point and still not being easy to read in bright sunlight or cloudy conditions.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Much is written about Google's version of Android on the Pixel phones, and it's well organized and harmless to the eyes, but it's really the three years of guaranteed future software updates that make the operating system more appealing than blooming. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor with 6GB of RAM is fine, but that's all. The benchmark results show how acceptable the phone is for everyday use, regardless of whether it is used for gaming or browsing:

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 2276 (volcano)

Geekbench 5: 1648 multi core / 551 single core

The only area in which it is possible to rise to the "good" status is the battery. I get two days of this with moderate general usage, although it doesn't respond well to lengthy video calls or other high-energy actions. It takes almost 1 hour and 45 minutes to charge, but we can't expect much else when the phone is cheap. With the clever software from Google, apps that need power can be well managed so they don't cause too many problems.

Price, availability and alternatives

The Google Pixel 4a costs $ 349 or £ 349 and is available through Google's own online store and from Amazon, as well as a selection of vendors. These include Verizon and AT&T in the US and Vodafone in the UK.

Google Pixel 4a review camera module

Google Pixel 4a Review Selfie Camera

If you don't worry about amazing photos and just want a cheap smartphone, the Nokia 5.3 is just $ 200 with a bigger screen, Android One software with regular updates, and a slightly more interesting design. If you're looking for a phone that looks better and still has a good camera, the $ 399 Apple iPhone SE 2020 is a good buy.

Conclusion

Buy the Pixel 4a for the camera. It's really amazing how powerful it is for any price, and the photos it takes are breathtaking. Just be aware that the rest of the phone, other than the software, is perfectly normal.

Editor's recommendations




04 Sep
Blog

How To Tell If Your Skin Is Purging Or Breaking Out

When trying to take care of your skin with a new routine, the last thing you want to see after a week or two is a less than outstanding complexion. Whether you add more active ingredients or carefully follow a cleansing routine, you may be wondering what on earth is causing the increase in tiny pimples, noticeably clogged pores, or even blotchy dryness if you haven't experienced them before. Top Questions: Are these new products the source of your problems? Are they causing a temporary purge or a permanent reaction? How can you tell if your skin is flushing or breaking out?

Here's what happens: Whenever you start a new regimen or incorporate new products into your current skincare routine, skin cleansings are common. Every time you use ingredients to boost cell turnover (think of ingredients that shed dead skin cells to reveal fresh, younger-looking cells), there's a good chance you're going through a period of cleansing too! That is not to say that everyone experiences a cleanse after using an exfoliating product. All skin types are different and while some may cleanse more than others, it all depends on what is deep inside the pores that can be pushed out.

While seeing a skin cleanse in the first few weeks of a new routine may not be encouraging, there are a few tips you can incorporate into a routine to help your complexion get through this transition period.

What is skin cleansing?

Before these youthful-looking cells are exposed from deeper layers of the skin, many other things are pushed to the surface, resulting in tiny white heads or blackheads, as well as peeling or dry, flaky skin. Different ingredients in a skin care product react faster to the cleansing process than others. For example, agents formulated to increase or speed up cellular turnover or exfoliation are likely to trigger a cleanse – chemical peels like hydroxy acids are one of the most common types of ingredients behind a skin cleanse. After applying an active scrub to the skin, it loosens the clogging deep in the pores and pushes it to the skin surface – what looks like a breakout but actually just goes through your skin.

Another point to consider: the cleansing you see after starting a new skin regimen or after using active scrubs are typically microcomedones (tiny pimples that are not visible to the eye) that are present under the surface of the skin and during it accelerated cell turnover reaches the surface. You may also find that the common areas of your breakouts such as your nose, chin, or forehead become more flushed.

Skin Cleansing Vs. outbreaks

While flushing can be normal after starting a routine or using a new product, it's important to understand the difference between flushing and breakouts from a reaction so that you know what is considered "normal" and whether you're on one Ingredient react or not.

Here are some features to look out for when determining if your skin is cleansing or if you are actually experiencing a reaction-type breakout:

For most skin types, using acid peels for the first time can cause some initial dryness and redness – especially if they are used too often at first. If you use products outside of this category, e.g. For example, if you have non-active ingredient serums, toners, or moisturizers and find that your skin is irritated or breaking, it may be because of sensitivity to a particular ingredient.

Remember that there are huge differences between causing flushing and promoting acne development. What Causes Acne? Factors like hormones, oil production, and bacteria are usually responsible for breakouts. It's also a good idea to understand the five most common types of acne, how they differ from a skin cleanse, and how they present themselves in different ways so that you can customize your routine.

How long does it take to clean the skin?

A good rule of thumb when following new products is that you have about a month to really start working with your skin to adjust to the ingredients and go through a proper sales process.

Following a routine is one of the best things you can do for your skin when starting out with new ingredients.

The average skin cycle lasts around 28 days. So, do at least one full cycle to remove dead skin cells and go through most of the cleansing process before making any changes in a routine.

Although every skin type is different, it usually only takes one cycle for the most noticeable cleansing to be done. However, it can take anywhere from four to six weeks to truly see the benefits of using powerful skin care ingredients. Consistency is the key!

What to do when your skin is flushed

When your skin is going through the cleansing process, maintaining a routine is important, but you also want to be gentle. Keep these tips in mind when taking care of your skin during a cleanse:

Avoid picking on bumps or small pimples.

As tempting as it may be, leave your skin alone to prevent further inflammation, acne, or discoloration.

Don't add products that routinely dry out the skin.

When using active ingredients or scrubs, avoid anything that can lead to dryness. For some, the cleansing process involves removing any excess sebum or oil so you don't want to over-exfoliate and cause dry, red skin.

See a professional.

Contact an Eminence Organics Spa Affiliate for a virtual or in-person consultation and book a facial when your skin begins to remove imperfections deep within the layers of your skin. Your esthetician can help remove excess impurities and gently cleanse them for a clear and glowing complexion.

Here's how to prevent outbreaks caused by reactions

Would you like to incorporate new products into your routine but don't want to deal with a full flushing process? Start slowly. Gradually incorporate actives like acid scrubs into a routine that will allow your skin time to adjust without noticeable cleansing or reaction. The best way to start with a product is to use it twice a week and then increase it up to three or four fold over the course of a month until you use a product on a daily basis or as directed.

What to do if your skin reacts

Using active ingredients too quickly and too early can lead not only to breakouts, but also to dryness, peeling and redness. All of this can be avoided if it becomes easier to use over time.

Do you have a skin reaction that seems like more than a cleansing? Do not use any new products for a week. If the breakouts go away, then your skin is most likely reacting to an ingredient and may not be the best option for your skin type.

One way to ensure that you are finding the best products for your skin is to seek advice from a licensed professional at an Eminence Organics spa partner who can analyze your skin type and concerns, and then provide a range of options that Meet your requirements. To find out more about which active ingredients are suitable for your skin, or to get in touch with an Eminence Organics spa partner for a personal or virtual consultation, visit our spa locator.

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