25 Jul
Blog

The 12-Week Workout Designed to Amplify Fat Loss

If you want to improve muscle definition and accelerate your way to washboard abdominal musclesThen use this fat-loss-specific, three-phase, muscle-preserving training system. Everyone is wondering what to do after the COVID lockout.

Tom MacCormick has put together a great article that describes how you can make profits again. This inspired me to put together this special piece for the guys out there who just want to drop this unwanted COVID-19 fat gain.

Now that more and more gyms are reopening, many guys want to get back in shape quickly.

This simple, effective methodology increases energy consumption session by session and leaves you in a sweat pool – You can expect to be done in less than 45 minutesprovided you do proper physical preparation before starting.

The goal is to increase energy consumption over timeand that starts with the efficiency of mobilizing and using energy via the mitochondria. It shows that increasing muscle / strength endurance quality shows the more positive effects by increasing mitochondrial density. 1

The more mitochondria we have in our cells, the faster we can lose fat and improve muscle development. People who participate in this type of training increase the total content of GLUT-4 transporters in the trained muscle. This means that there is an increased maximum capacity for glucose transport in the trained muscle. 2

This increase in mitochondria is the reason why phase 1 should prepare you for the successive training phases.

During each phase, the intensity and density increase in each primary exercise and phase.

the main goal

The goal of any fat loss-specific programming is to increase the amount of work (density) that is done in each successive training phase.

This is a great workout that is used in most phases of my new client's initial fat loss. From the start, my clients' programs have been designed to increase energy delivery by manipulating multiple variables to complement the efficiency of energy production and fat mobilization.

In every fat loss program, we need to address three key components:

  1. Increase the intensity and quality of lifting.
  2. Increase the training volume in every training phase.
  3. Increase the density of training for each successive phase.

Phase 1 – weeks 1-4

The lower / upper superset

Phase 1 – How it works

By switching between a lower and an upper body movement, we can do more work while one muscle is resting and another is working. This constant shift of the muscles:

  • Pays more attention to the body
  • Increases energy consumption
  • Equivalent to burning more calories

Exercises like deadlifts, bench presses, squats can be useful, but are not necessary. As we know, there will be an improvement in the first 2-3 weeks of a new training program from a neuromuscular adjustment point of view before substantial muscle growth can occur

It is therefore important to choose movement patterns that you can use to make progressScore them from the first phase so that you can make even greater progress in the successive phases.

If you don't feel well, don't squat. If you're not comfortable with deadlifts, don't lift. It's easy; You want a result. Do not do things that could prevent you from achieving this result.

Phase 1 – directions

Carry out each training (A&B) twice a week. Exercise series A and B follow the Superset format, while the C series contains three exercises that act as finishers. You complete the required number of sets for the A series before moving on to the B series and then the C series of exercises.

There is also a smaller rest period between each superset. This is simply the time it should take to prepare for the next exercise in the sequence. Stay true to the rest times and get your work done.

Phase 1 – training plan, weeks 1-4

  • Monday – Training A.
  • Tuesday – Training B.
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Training A.
  • Friday – Training B.
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Phase 1 – Training A.

Complete each series of letters in a superset (one at a time). Once you have completed the second exercise, start your rest period.

The 12-week training to increase fat loss - training, weight lifting, fitness, training, weight loss, fat loss, squats, deadlifts, abdominal muscles, bench press

Phase 1 – Training B.

Complete each series of letters in a superset (one at a time). Once you have completed the second exercise, start your rest period.

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 2 – weeks 5-8

The lower / upper superset step loading method

Phase 2 – How it works

After the same suit as phase 1, phase 2 changes with a slight adjustment between a movement of the lower body and the upper body. The adjustment shifts the intensity of the weight that is raised during the primary exercises, as well as an increase in workload.

The step loading method is simple; With each set, you decrease the number of repetitions and increase the weight (intensity) to call these high-threshold motor units. While it is important to lift hard, the goal is not to lift as hard as possible or to come very close to failure on the first set of exercises.

As the groups of eight advance, look at how shortly before the failure you use a 2-RIR approach for these sets. This just means that you are using a weight that allows you to do the reps of 8 but still have two reps in the tank.

The exercises in this phase continue with the same exercise style as in the previous phase, with some angles or types of equipment used being slightly different.

Phase 2 – directions

Carry out each training (A, B, C) in sequence. Double each week and keep spinning as you will see below. Exercise series A and B follow the Superset format, while the C series contains three exercises that act as finishers. You will complete the A series before proceeding with the B series and then with the C series.

There is also a smaller rest period between each superset. This is simply the time it should take to prepare for the next exercise in the sequence. Stay true to the rest times and get your work done.

The step-load method is therefore used in the A-series Make sure you join in and increase the intensity after hiring.

Phase 2 – training plan, weeks 5-8

Week 5

  • Monday – Training A.
  • Tuesday – Training B.
  • Wednesdayy – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Training C.
  • Friday – Training A.
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 6

  • Monday – Training B.
  • Tuesday – Training C.
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Training A.
  • Friday – Training B.
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 7

  • Monday – Training C.
  • Tuesday – Training A.
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Training B.
  • Friday – Training C.
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 8

  • Monday – Training A.
  • Tuesday – Training B.
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Training C.
  • Friday – Training A.
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Phase 2 – Training A.

Complete each series of letters in a superset (one at a time). Once you have completed the second exercise, start your rest period. The goal is to improve the recruitment of high threshold motor units week by week by increasing the intensity of the weight used.

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 2 – Training B.

Complete each series of letters in a superset (one at a time). Once you have completed the second exercise, start your rest period. The goal is to improve the recruitment of high threshold motor units week by week by increasing the intensity of the weight used.

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 2 – Training C.

Complete each series of letters in a superset (one at a time). Once you have completed the second exercise, start your rest period. The goal is to improve the recruitment of high threshold motor units week by week by increasing the intensity of the weight used.

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 3 – weeks 9-12

6-12-25 Body Comp method

Phase 3 – How it works

Three exercises are used for each muscle group, which are divided as a tri-set into the following format:

  1. Rib cage and back
  2. legs
  3. Shoulder and arms

The goal of this phase is to use it at the peak of our fat loss efforts and increase the density of each session, accumulate a ton of lactic acid and cell swelling.

This does not mean that you only chase the pump each time you exercise. It is important to adjust the number of repetitions to the weight being lifted to maintain an intensity level, especially during the first exercise with six repetitions.

Pay attention to the pace used in each exercise as this also determines the training response we are looking for:

  • Maintain the intensity.
  • Keep up the pace.
  • Keep the tension up.
  • Don't leave anything in the tank.

Tip:: Try not to reduce the working weight used in this phase. If you feel tired on some days, just use the rest technique for five seconds and do the required number of repetitions to finish the set.

The great thing about this phase is that you can follow the standard rotation of the workouts and then choose the second session of your choice.

  • Do you want to work on your chest and back or do you want to improve those delts and arms?
  • The goal is to complete all three workouts and add the 4th workout of your choice.

I'll outline the three different scenarios in which the focus can be different.

Phase 3 – training plan, weeks 9-12

Week 9

  • Monday – Chest, back
  • Tuesday – Legs
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Chest, back
  • Friday – shoulders, arms
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 10

  • Monday – Legs
  • Tuesday – Chest, back
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Legs
  • Friday – shoulders, arms
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 11

  • Monday – Chest, back
  • Tuesday – shoulders, arms
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Legs
  • Friday – shoulders, arms
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 12

  • Monday – Chest, back
  • Tuesday – Legs
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Chest, back
  • Friday – shoulders, arms
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Phase 3 – chest and back

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 3 – legs

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 3 – shoulders and arms

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Strategic nutrition

We all know that no matter what exercise method you use, the bottom line is how you organized your food intake. While it's mostly about the training system itself, there is a special diet periodization that works incredibly well with this approach.

For those who want a little more information on how nutrition can affect your physique and performance, I also gave some in-depth background information on exercise nutrition in this article.

Otherwise, just follow the guidelines below.

Phase 1 – nutritional goals, weeks 1-4

In phase 1, you want to take a low-carb approach. These first four weeks are intended to help improve insulin sensitivity, glucose transport and mitochondrial density.

Although there are several ways to classify a low-mod carbohydrate approach, I'll keep it simple and base it on a percentage of total food intake.

  • protein – 35%
  • carbohydrates – 20%
  • Fats – 45%

For example, an 80 kg man with a TDEE of 2,200 kcal would be hired as follows:

  • protein – 0.35 x 2,200 = 770 kcal divided by 4 = 192 g
  • carbohydrates – 0.2 x 2,200 = 440 kcal divided by 4 = 110 g
  • Fats – 0.45 x 2,200 = 990 kcal divided by 9 = 110 g

Phase 2 – Nutrition Goals, Week 5-8

Phase 2 will be a decrease in fats and an increase in carbohydrates to further improve insulin sensitivity and glucose transport by appropriating the increase around our workout. This also serves to condition the absorption of glucose and amino into the muscle cells while increasing performance.

  • protein – 35%
  • carbohydrates – 30%
  • Fats – 35%

Let us assume that after 2,200 kcal of food from the 80 kg man he removed 200 kcal for phase 2:

  • protein – 0.35 x 2,000 = 700 divided by 4 = 175 g
  • carbohydrates – 0.35 x 2,000 = 700 divided by 4 = 175 g
  • Fats – 0.30 x 2,000 = 600 divided by 9 = 67 g

Over the past four weeks, we'll be following the same trend as in phase two, with a reduction in fats but a percentage increase in both protein and carbohydrates.

Phase 3 – Nutrition Goals, Week 9-12

If he continues with the 80 kg man and assumes that he will drop another 200 kcal, his nutritional goals would be the third phase:

  1. protein – 0.4 x 1,800 = 720 divided by 4 = 180 g
  2. carbohydrates – 0.4 x 1,800 = 720 divided by 4 = 180 g
  3. Fats – 0.2 x 1.800 = 360 divided by 9 = 40 g

This last phase culminates in the scope and density of the planned training sessions. Due to the high volume, the Timing of carbohydrates around your workout will be crucial. The insulin sensitivity, the glucose transport and the distribution of the nutrients have been prepared for this, so you can expect some crazy pumps.

References::

  1. Tanaka, H., Swensen, T. "Influence of strength training on endurance performance." Sport Med. 25, 191-200 (1998).

  2. Tiidus, Peter M & Houston, Michael E., 1941-2008. (Author.) & Tupling, A. Russell, 1970- (Author.) "Biochemistry Primer for Exercise Science (4th edition)." Human Kinetics, Champaign, Ill, 2012.

  3. Toshio Moritani et al. "Neuromuscular adjustments in the acquisition of muscle strength, strength and motor tasks." Journal of Biomechanics, V. 26, Supplement 1, 1993, p. 95-107.

24 Jul
Blog

Eve Cam Review: Marred By Performance Issues

Eve Cam in the kitchen

"Keep going. You can find much better HomeKit-enabled cameras."

  • Easy setup

  • Low price (for a homekit camera)

  • Bad capture frame rate

  • Disappointing video quality

  • Weak speaker

  • Favorable construction

HomeKit is slowly putting together a decent range of home security cameras for Apple's smart home ecosystem. With iOS 14 offering new features, the future looks promising.

We checked the Logitech Circle View not too long ago and now we have another HomeKit offer – the Eve Cam. There are some similarities between the two of what can be expected from cameras that support HomeKit, but it saves a bit of the price.

Simplified setup

I can't stress the simplicity of setting up a surveillance camera for HomeKit enough, but the Eve Cam is once again proof. It is not technically necessary to download an app, although it can be installed using the Eve app for iOS, which ultimately only opens the home app. From here, simply scan the QR code on the Eve Cam with an iPhone XS – and that's it. Easy enough? You bet! The advantage of HomeKit is that I wasn't forced to register a new account or set up passwords as everything is managed through my iCloud account.

However, I had the annoying problem that I was initially unable to connect to the Eve Cam after moving it to another room. I tried several times to manually reset the camera, but my iPhone XS simply couldn't recognize it.

After several more attempts, it somehow recognized it, but the same problem reappeared when I tried to move it again. After repeating it several times, it miraculously connected, after which I noticed a firmware update notification.

Fortunately, this may have resolved my reconnection problems since the Eve Cam has since been able to reconnect when I unplug it.

Flattering design

Although the price is slightly lower than that of the equally competent Logitech Circle View, the Eve Cam has an unflattering design. For starters, the all-plastic design makes it feel brittle and cheap. It lacks the essential feel of Logitech Circle View, which has a metal base and a matte exterior.

The Eve Cam has a somewhat flattering design.

Indoor placement is critical due to the 150 degree field of view. It's average if you compare it to some of its contemporaries, but it follows the 180-degree field of view that you get with Logitech Circle View. It is best to place it in corners for the best possible coverage.

As soon as it falls onto a surface, the sticky coat under its base ensures that it stays in place. If you want to attach it to a wall or ceiling, it comes with the required bracket and a 7.2 foot power cord. The base is also magnetic, providing additional flexibility in choosing the facility.

Below average performance

The Eve Cam records videos with a resolution of 1080p and 24 frames per second. While the resolution is expected from a camera in this range, the frame rate is very disappointing as 30 FPS seems to be the norm. As a result, the footage does not look smooth. You can still spot a scene, but with a competition of at least 30 frames per second, the lackluster frame rate of the Eve Cam is a noticeable disadvantage.

The video quality isn't worth writing at home either, mainly due to the poor dynamic range, subdued colors and soft details. This is a more serious problem than the frame rate.

If there is a lot of contrasting light in the frame, the highlights are often blown out to achieve a more neutral exposure in the rest of the shot. It's usually not that difficult to spot faces, but finer details often appear soft. You will find it difficult to see fine details in clothing, and objects in the distance can be very difficult to identify.

Eve cam close-upJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Night vision does most of the job. Visibility is an average of about 20 feet indoors. That should be more than enough for most average-sized houses, but again, the performance of the Eve Cam is disappointing – mostly due to the soft graphics that make it difficult to see details.

Finally, the internal speaker can be used for bidirectional navigation, but it won't scare intruders. It is crisp, weak and difficult to recognize voices in it. You are more likely to confuse thieves than to scare them.

Data protection at its core thanks to HomeKit

As a HomeKit-enabled surveillance camera, all concerns regarding data protection are eliminated. In fact, all cameras supported by HomeKit offer the same data protection functions. This includes encrypted videos stored in iCloud, LEDs on the camera that show the status of the Eve Cam, the ability to electronically disable the camera based on my iPhone's GPS location, and more.

Our opinion

The Eve Cam has all the basic ingredients to make it a decent HomeKit-enabled surveillance camera. However, the disappointing picture quality, the low video frame rate and the mediocre design make them well behind the rest of the package.

How long it will take?

The all-plastic construction makes it light but brittle. It may not hold as well as other cameras. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty that covers defects, though this is standard in the industry.

Is there a better alternative?

The Logitech Circle View is a solid HomeKit-enabled camera that offers the same features, but has significantly better performance and a more stable design. The best thing is that picking it up on the Eve Cam doesn't cost you much more.

Do you have a limited budget? In this case, the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt is the ultimate indoor camera, as it is available at an affordable price of $ 50 and offers 360 degrees of view with its pan-and-tilt function.

Should you buy it

No, just no.

Editor's recommendations




24 Jul
Blog

The 12-Week Workout Designed to Amplify Fat Loss

If you want to improve muscle definition and accelerate your way to washboard abdominal musclesThen use this fat-loss-specific, three-phase, muscle-preserving training system. Everyone is wondering what to do after the COVID lockout.

Tom MacCormick has put together a great article that describes how you can make profits again. This inspired me to put together this special piece for the guys out there who just want to drop this unwanted COVID-19 fat gain.

Now that more and more gyms are reopening, many guys want to get back in shape quickly.

This simple, effective methodology increases energy consumption session by session and leaves you in a sweat pool – You can expect to be done in less than 45 minutesprovided you do proper physical preparation before starting.

The goal is to increase energy consumption over timeand that starts with the efficiency of mobilizing and using energy via the mitochondria. It shows that increasing muscle / strength endurance quality shows the more positive effects by increasing mitochondrial density. 1

The more mitochondria we have in our cells, the faster we can lose fat and improve muscle development. People who participate in this type of training increase the total content of GLUT-4 transporters in the trained muscle. This means that there is an increased maximum capacity for glucose transport in the trained muscle. 2

This increase in mitochondria is the reason why phase 1 should prepare you for the successive training phases.

During each phase, the intensity and density increase in each primary exercise and phase.

the main goal

The goal of any fat loss-specific programming is to increase the amount of work (density) that is done in each successive training phase.

This is a great workout that is used in most phases of my new client's initial fat loss. From the start, my clients' programs have been designed to increase energy delivery by manipulating multiple variables to complement the efficiency of energy production and fat mobilization.

In every fat loss program, we need to address three key components:

  1. Increase the intensity and quality of lifting.
  2. Increase the training volume in every training phase.
  3. Increase the density of training for each successive phase.

Phase 1 – weeks 1-4

The lower / upper superset

Phase 1 – How it works

By switching between a lower and an upper body movement, we can do more work while one muscle is resting and another is working. This constant shift of the muscles:

  • Pays more attention to the body
  • Increases energy consumption
  • Equivalent to burning more calories

Exercises like deadlifts, bench presses, squats can be useful, but are not necessary. As we know, there will be an improvement in the first 2-3 weeks of a new training program from a neuromuscular adjustment point of view before substantial muscle growth can occur

It is therefore important to choose movement patterns that you can use to make progressScore them from the first phase so that you can make even greater progress in the successive phases.

If you don't feel well, don't squat. If you're not comfortable with deadlifts, don't lift. It's easy; You want a result. Do not do things that could prevent you from achieving this result.

Phase 1 – directions

Carry out each training (A&B) twice a week. Exercise series A and B follow the Superset format, while the C series contains three exercises that act as finishers. You complete the required number of sets for the A series before moving on to the B series and then the C series of exercises.

There is also a smaller rest period between each superset. This is simply the time it should take to prepare for the next exercise in the sequence. Stay true to the rest times and get your work done.

Phase 1 – training plan, weeks 1-4

  • Monday – Training A.
  • Tuesday – Training B.
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Training A.
  • Friday – Training B.
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Phase 1 – Training A.

Complete each series of letters in a superset (one at a time). Once you have completed the second exercise, start your rest period.

The 12-week training to increase fat loss - training, weight lifting, fitness, training, weight loss, fat loss, squats, deadlifts, abdominal muscles, bench press

Phase 1 – Training B.

Complete each series of letters in a superset (one at a time). Once you have completed the second exercise, start your rest period.

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 2 – weeks 5-8

The lower / upper superset step loading method

Phase 2 – How it works

After the same suit as phase 1, phase 2 changes with a slight adjustment between a movement of the lower body and the upper body. The adjustment shifts the intensity of the weight that is raised during the primary exercises, as well as an increase in workload.

The step loading method is simple; With each set, you decrease the number of repetitions and increase the weight (intensity) to call these high-threshold motor units. While it is important to lift hard, the goal is not to lift as hard as possible or to come very close to failure on the first set of exercises.

As the groups of eight advance, look at how shortly before the failure you use a 2-RIR approach for these sets. This just means that you are using a weight that allows you to do the reps of 8 but still have two reps in the tank.

The exercises in this phase continue with the same exercise style as in the previous phase, with some angles or types of equipment used being slightly different.

Phase 2 – directions

Carry out each training (A, B, C) in sequence. Double each week and keep spinning as you will see below. Exercise series A and B follow the Superset format, while the C series contains three exercises that act as finishers. You will complete the A series before proceeding with the B series and then with the C series.

There is also a smaller rest period between each superset. This is simply the time it should take to prepare for the next exercise in the sequence. Stay true to the rest times and get your work done.

The step-load method is therefore used in the A-series Make sure you join in and increase the intensity after hiring.

Phase 2 – training plan, weeks 5-8

Week 5

  • Monday – Training A.
  • Tuesday – Training B.
  • Wednesdayy – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Training C.
  • Friday – Training A.
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 6

  • Monday – Training B.
  • Tuesday – Training C.
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Training A.
  • Friday – Training B.
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 7

  • Monday – Training C.
  • Tuesday – Training A.
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Training B.
  • Friday – Training C.
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 8

  • Monday – Training A.
  • Tuesday – Training B.
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Training C.
  • Friday – Training A.
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Phase 2 – Training A.

Complete each series of letters in a superset (one at a time). Once you have completed the second exercise, start your rest period. The goal is to improve the recruitment of high threshold motor units week by week by increasing the intensity of the weight used.

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 2 – Training B.

Complete each series of letters in a superset (one at a time). Once you have completed the second exercise, start your rest period. The goal is to improve the recruitment of high threshold motor units week by week by increasing the intensity of the weight used.

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 2 – Training C.

Complete each series of letters in a superset (one at a time). Once you have completed the second exercise, start your rest period. The goal is to improve the recruitment of high threshold motor units week by week by increasing the intensity of the weight used.

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 3 – weeks 9-12

6-12-25 Body Comp method

Phase 3 – How it works

Three exercises are used for each muscle group, which are divided as a tri-set into the following format:

  1. Rib cage and back
  2. legs
  3. Shoulder and arms

The goal of this phase is to use it at the peak of our fat loss efforts and increase the density of each session, accumulate a ton of lactic acid and cell swelling.

This does not mean that you only chase the pump each time you exercise. It is important to adjust the number of repetitions to the weight being lifted to maintain an intensity level, especially during the first exercise with six repetitions.

Pay attention to the pace used in each exercise as this also determines the training response we are looking for:

  • Maintain the intensity.
  • Keep up the pace.
  • Keep the tension up.
  • Don't leave anything in the tank.

Tip:: Try not to reduce the working weight used in this phase. If you feel tired on some days, just use the rest technique for five seconds and do the required number of repetitions to finish the set.

The great thing about this phase is that you can follow the standard rotation of the workouts and then choose the second session of your choice.

  • Do you want to work on your chest and back or do you want to improve those delts and arms?
  • The goal is to complete all three workouts and add the 4th workout of your choice.

I'll outline the three different scenarios in which the focus can be different.

Phase 3 – training plan, weeks 9-12

Week 9

  • Monday – Chest, back
  • Tuesday – Legs
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Chest, back
  • Friday – shoulders, arms
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 10

  • Monday – Legs
  • Tuesday – Chest, back
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Legs
  • Friday – shoulders, arms
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 11

  • Monday – Chest, back
  • Tuesday – shoulders, arms
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Legs
  • Friday – shoulders, arms
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Week 12

  • Monday – Chest, back
  • Tuesday – Legs
  • Wednesday – Active recovery
  • Thursday – Chest, back
  • Friday – shoulders, arms
  • weekend – Active recovery / rest

Phase 3 – chest and back

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 3 – legs

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Phase 3 – shoulders and arms

Courtesy of The Physique Coach

Strategic nutrition

We all know that no matter what exercise method you use, the bottom line is how you organized your food intake. While it's mostly about the training system itself, there is a special diet periodization that works incredibly well with this approach.

For those who want a little more information on how nutrition can affect your physique and performance, I also gave some in-depth background information on exercise nutrition in this article.

Otherwise, just follow the guidelines below.

Phase 1 – nutritional goals, weeks 1-4

In phase 1, you want to take a low-carb approach. These first four weeks are intended to help improve insulin sensitivity, glucose transport and mitochondrial density.

Although there are several ways to classify a low-mod carbohydrate approach, I'll keep it simple and base it on a percentage of total food intake.

  • protein – 35%
  • carbohydrates – 20%
  • Fats – 45%

For example, an 80 kg man with a TDEE of 2,200 kcal would be hired as follows:

  • protein – 0.35 x 2,200 = 770 kcal divided by 4 = 192 g
  • carbohydrates – 0.2 x 2,200 = 440 kcal divided by 4 = 110 g
  • Fats – 0.45 x 2,200 = 990 kcal divided by 9 = 110 g

Phase 2 – Nutrition Goals, Week 5-8

Phase 2 will be a decrease in fats and an increase in carbohydrates to further improve insulin sensitivity and glucose transport by appropriating the increase around our workout. This also serves to condition the absorption of glucose and amino into the muscle cells while increasing performance.

  • protein – 35%
  • carbohydrates – 30%
  • Fats – 35%

Let us assume that after 2,200 kcal of food from the 80 kg man he removed 200 kcal for phase 2:

  • protein – 0.35 x 2,000 = 700 divided by 4 = 175 g
  • carbohydrates – 0.35 x 2,000 = 700 divided by 4 = 175 g
  • Fats – 0.30 x 2,000 = 600 divided by 9 = 67 g

Over the past four weeks, we'll be following the same trend as in phase two, with a reduction in fats but a percentage increase in both protein and carbohydrates.

Phase 3 – Nutrition Goals, Week 9-12

If he continues with the 80 kg man and assumes that he will drop another 200 kcal, his nutritional goals would be the third phase:

  1. protein – 0.4 x 1,800 = 720 divided by 4 = 180 g
  2. carbohydrates – 0.4 x 1,800 = 720 divided by 4 = 180 g
  3. Fats – 0.2 x 1.800 = 360 divided by 9 = 40 g

This last phase culminates in the scope and density of the planned training sessions. Due to the high volume, the Timing of carbohydrates around your workout will be crucial. The insulin sensitivity, the glucose transport and the distribution of the nutrients have been prepared for this, so you can expect some crazy pumps.

References::

  1. Tanaka, H., Swensen, T. "Influence of strength training on endurance performance." Sport Med. 25, 191-200 (1998).

  2. Tiidus, Peter M & Houston, Michael E., 1941-2008. (Author.) & Tupling, A. Russell, 1970- (Author.) "Biochemistry Primer for Exercise Science (4th edition)." Human Kinetics, Champaign, Ill, 2012.

  3. Toshio Moritani et al. "Neuromuscular adjustments in the acquisition of muscle strength, strength and motor tasks." Journal of Biomechanics, V. 26, Supplement 1, 1993, p. 95-107.

24 Jul
Blog

RHA TrueConnect 2 Review: Comfortable, With A Big Battery

RHA TrueConnect 2

"The RHA TrueConnect 2 offers excellent battery life for comfortable radio buds."

  • IP55 weather resistance

  • 9.5 hours of playback

  • Comfortable design

  • Good sound quality

  • Limited codec support

  • The call quality needs to be improved

It is not easy to be RHA TrueConnect 2. Not only are you expected to outperform your own ancestor in the outstanding first generation TrueConnect, you must now achieve an impact in a class of real wireless earbuds that has become exponentially more competitive almost overnight.

Objectively speaking, RHA has improved its original earbuds with its new TrueConnect 2 for $ 150 by doubling the battery life of the buds and increasing water resistance. But are these unique real wireless champions so advanced that they can maintain their status in a packed field of great earphones? That is the question of the hour for RHA.

Out of the box

Especially with real wireless earbuds, it is standard to keep the packaging simple. True to this tradition, there are no surprises with the TrueConnect 2. The packaging contains the earphones and their charging case, a USB-C charging cable and several pairs of stainless steel earplugs.

RHA TrueConnect 2 caseNick Woodard / Digital Trends

With TrueConnect 2, no app can be downloaded. So you just have to get a mobile device with Bluetooth functionality up and running. These buds have a Bluetooth 5 connection. After over a week with these buds, I still didn't have a single connection problem. If you're looking for buds that work just like Apple's AirPods, these are the ones for you.

design

There's not much to say about the design of the TrueConnect 2 here, which hasn't been said about the first generation RHA buds yet. Both pairs are almost identical in design, probably because there was nothing broken on the original blueprint that was to be repaired.

RHA TrueConnect 2 caseNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Back in these second-generation TrueConnects is the golf tee structure popular with AirPods, as well as the same matte black finish that the originals were clad with (there is also a dark blue option). We said it in the first review and it is just too good not to repeat it. These are Darth Vader's AirPods, although I suspect that he already had all of the noise cancellation required in this helmet.

They're slightly heavier than the AirPods (6 grams compared to Apple's 4), and the case weighs an impressive 79 grams compared to the smaller 40-gram AirPods case. However, the TrueConnect 2 is as well built and unique as the original, mainly because there is really no physical difference between the two.

What is different are the controls in this pair. The first generation each had a button that required multiple presses to activate each command. With the second generation TrueConnect buds, RHA has integrated capacitive touch controls to make the use of the buds considerably easier. I will agree that it is better – to a certain extent. The touch controls are a bit too sensitive, which caused me to accidentally pause podcasts and music repeatedly when I tried to adjust them in my ear.

Speaking of adjustments, the TrueConnect 2 fit is reasonably secure for more intense activities, although full disclosure was fairly warm during my time testing these buds, so the runs I usually take with new earbuds were much shorter. They have held up well for these routes, but I cannot say how well they would stay in place for the world's long distance enthusiasts. No matter how long you have these buds, they are comfortable thanks to the soft foam tips included in the set.

properties

The RHA TrueConnect 2 has some new features as well as some remnants of the originals that still offer solid benefits. The problem, however, is that these functions are often insufficient to distinguish these buds from the multitude of new competitors that perform the same functions.

RHA TrueConnect 2Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

RHA has almost doubled the battery life compared to the first TrueConnect buds and equipped the new version with 9.5 hours of playback and 44 hours of total battery life with the supplied case. These numbers slightly outperformed the Apple AirPods and would have been considered groundbreaking statistics if, for example, these buds came out a few months earlier. The Samsung Galaxy Buds + and the Sony WF-SP800N both hit the RHA and have better playback times (11 and 13 hours respectively). Although I haven't even unpacked the USB-C charging cable because it took so long, 9.5 hours don't have the same shine as at the beginning of this year.

The water resistance has also been improved in the new TrueConnect 2 with a degree of protection IP55 compared to the IPX5 of the first generation. The new review offers the TrueConnect 2 protection against dust and is not only waterproof, so these earphones are more than suitable for training. Sony's WF-SP800N has the same resistance, but costs $ 50 more. The Jabra Elite Active 75t are fully waterproof with IP57 protection, but again cost $ 50 more than the TrueConnect 2.

The TrueConnect 2 is also compatible with voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Apple's Siri or Amazon Alexa. However, if you want buds specifically for this functionality, Google Pixel Buds 2, Apple AirPods or Amazon Echo Buds are better alternatives.

Apart from these three features, the TrueConnect 2 offers only a few functions. For example, you don't have active noise cancellation. Competitors like the AirPods or Pixel Buds don't do that either, but an increasing number of competitors are adding ANC on a budget (I can think of the Edifier TWS NB as well as the Panasonic RZ-S500Ws), and RHA could have taken a step up the apples and glasses of the world by working in an effective noise cancellation. It looks like his absence is hard to ignore here.

Audio quality

RHA says it "refined" the TrueConnect 2's sound signature, but the truth is that these buds probably don't sound much different than the originals of the average ear. But that's a good thing, because both pairs sound damn good.

RHA TrueConnect 2Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

The authoritative bass of the first generation made the transition to TrueConnect 2 well and showed controlled low-end in songs like One More Night by Maroon 5 or Lizzo & # 39; s Truth Hurts. Bass isn't everything, and thankfully, the dynamic 6mm drivers at the heart of these buds seem to be able to handle all the frequencies that get in their way. The Faces & # 39; Ooh La La has always been one of my favorite test tracks as I know exactly how these opening chords should sound, and I'm happy to report that TrueConnect 2 did them justice.

I am disappointed that RHA has discontinued aptX support, which is what we were looking for in the originals. The TrueConnect 2 offers SBC support, but is otherwise incredibly limited in terms of audio codec availability. Still, I would be confident that these buds can compete with most other competitors in their price range, from the AirPods to Google's Pixel Buds to the Samsung Galaxy Buds +, with the quality difference in this vicinity being almost entirely subjective. The TrueConnect 2 doesn't touch our benchmark buds in terms of audio quality, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, but we didn't expect it for half the cost anyway.

The TrueConnect 2 has a dual microphone setup that, according to the RHA, is supposed to focus on your voice and remove background noise at the same time to improve call quality. In my experience, RHA has done it reasonably right. My voice was exceptionally clear on calls with these buds, but in several cases the other end of the call received all background feedback. Walking down a busy street with a wood chipper growling in the distance is not a pleasant experience for the person you are talking to.

Our opinion

The RHA TrueConnect 2 used a pair of very good real wireless earbuds as a base and improved them in some key areas. Although TrueConnect 2 has taken a solid step forward, it seems like all the other three have made it. Still, sound quality and features can be difficult to balance compared to price. While we were looking for more here, it is difficult to criticize RHA for the end product because the cost is relatively low.

Are there any better alternatives?

For an additional $ 50, the Sony WF-SP800N for $ 200 could be a very compelling option due to its better battery life, comparable weather resistance, and excellent active noise cancellation. If you're looking for buds that are friendlier to a particular operating system, you won't lose much quality if you look at the $ 199 Apple AirPods or $ 179 Google Pixel Buds 2, though the TrueConnect 2 both outperforms battery life.

How long will they last?

The TrueConnect 2 comes with a three-year warranty, which is by far one of the best guarantees I've seen for real wireless earbuds. RHA stands by their buds, which should give you some level of certainty as to how long they will last.

Should you buy them

Yes. Although many competing buds have gained ground on RHA, the TrueConnect 2 are a solid pair of buds just like their predecessors. You might fall into a sea of ​​similar earphones in the not too distant future, but at the moment these are some of the better buds you can find in this price range.

Editor's recommendations




24 Jul
Blog

Training for Size, Training for Mass

Bryan Haycock is the creator of hypertrophy-specific training, HST for short. In this episode we delve deeply into:

  • Exactly what flows into HST, including what actually does muscle growth
  • The principles of programming for hypertrophy
  • The mistakes most athletes make when it comes to training for size
  • The misunderstood concept of strategic deconditioning and science prove it 20 years after the concepts behind HST were developed

If you liked this podcast and you cared about it, rate and rate it so that we can spread the word and motivate and inspire others to take their performance to the next level. More podcasts of this kind can be found on the Six Pack of Knowledge page.

Your host Tom MacCormick is a personal trainer and online coach whose goal is to be the curator of the world's greatest hypertrophy experts. If you are interested in working with Tom or learning more about him, follow him on Instagram @tommaccormick or visit his website www.tommaccormick.com.

24 Jul
Blog

LG SN7Y Soundbar Review: Affordable, Quality Dolby Atmos

LG SN7Y soundbar

"The LG SN7Y is nailing Dolby Atmos at an affordable price of $ 500."

  • Sleek design

  • Easy setup

  • Solid overall sound quality

  • Impressive Dolby Atmos

Of all the sound bars in LG's 2020 range, the SN7Y is possibly the most fascinating. It's a 3.1.2-channel soundbar system with support for a variety of audio formats – including Dolby Atmos and DTS: X Chief – that offers a much cheaper entry fee than the company's flagship models.

The system lacks the rear speakers for real surround sound and there is strong competition from Samsung, Vizio and Sony. After spending a lot of time with this bar, one thing is clear: without a doubt, the $ 500 SN7Y deserves a place at the table of the affordable Atmos soundbars.

design

After you've reviewed LG's premium SN11RG long before you received the SN7Y, the similarities between the two ends of the spectrum are hard to miss. One is of course much larger; The SN11RG is 57 inches wide compared to the 35-inch SN7Y, which closely matches competitors like the Sony HT-G700 (38.58-inch). Otherwise, the SN7Y is a miniature version of its relatively more expensive relative design with a sleek surface that resembles a much more expensive product.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The bar itself contains drivers for the front left, middle and right channels as well as a pair of loudspeakers to provide the height channels of the 3.1.2 system. LG has gone into details about the actual drivers again, apart from the fact that they are each powered at 30 watts and the heights are 35 watts each. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean much.

The included wireless subwoofer has a rear opening and weighs around 17 pounds. Again, this is very close compared to Sony's 16-pound radio woofer. There are no rear speakers in this setup. This is a disappointment when you get a full 5.1.2 setup from Vizio for the same price. You can choose to purchase the LG rear speaker kit to complete the system. However, we are talking about another $ 180.

The remote control is almost identical to the accessories that come with the SN11RG, with the exception of a Google Assistant button, which is missing on the remote control for the SN7Y. That's because this bar doesn't have Wi-Fi, a sad fact we'll cover later.

configuration

Possibly the only advantage when there are no rear speakers or WiFi is the added simplicity of setting up this system. There are no cables to connect between rear speakers and subwoofers like a conventional Vizio system, and no app to download and configure the soundbar settings found in a product like the Sonos Beam. It's much slimmer with the SN7Y.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The soundbar needs power, as does the subwoofer. Once powered on, they are paired wirelessly, as is standard with most wireless sub-setups. The soundbar must of course be connected to your display, and I will go into the various types of connections this bar offers in a moment. Once this connection is established, you can enjoy the system.

Since you don't have to worry about the rear speakers, you can place your subwoofer anywhere in your room. It's no secret that subwoofers have different reactions depending on where they're placed in a room. However, wired rear speaker setups always limit the position of your woofer. Without setbacks and even if you choose the wireless stern kit, LG puts you in the driver's seat to determine the best placement for your submarine.

links

The LG SN7Y has an HDMI HDCP 2.3 input and a corresponding HDMI output that supports 4K, Dolby Vision and HDR10 passages. The number of entries is limited, but not unexpected. The HT-G700 from Sony has the same setup, but supports eARC, while the LG is limited to ARC. The SN7Y also has an optical audio input and a USB input to round off an essentially uneventful series of physical connections. I can't knock LG for this, as many competitors have similar connection options at this price. I just wish we had more ways to connect for $ 500. But judging by general adversity that is changing in this regard (Polk Audio's new soundbar is one of the exceptions), my wishes may be in the minority here.

LG SN7Y soundbar remote controlNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Here's my legitimate concern about the SN7Y connection: Just like the Sony HT-G700, the SN7Y doesn't have Wi-Fi compatibility, which may have been a forgivable sin in the past few years. But it's 2020. It's problematic to bring out a $ 500 audio product that can't connect to Wi-Fi. This is illustrated by the fact that the Vizio and Samsung alternatives both support this.

A typical example: While you can stream to the SN7Y using Bluetooth 4.0 technology, you will inevitably find some connection problems. If you just chill on the couch and listen to music, you will probably be fine. For example, if you are having a dinner in the back yard and forget to leave your phone in the living room, the rest of the house has to endure noise that is constantly interrupted until you are within range. In comparison, Wi-Fi has long been the more reliable streaming option and should be included in all sound bars in this price range.

Sound quality

Like the SN11RG, LG has set up the SN7Y remarkably for most audio tasks. The bar supports high-resolution 24-bit / 192 kHz audio and a list of surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, DTS: X, Dolby Digital Plus, and more. The soundbar can also accept the formats FLAC, WAV and AAC via USB.

LG SN7Y soundbar subwooferNick Woodard / Digital Trends

There are also many preset sound modes to choose from, including AI Sound Pro, Standard, Music, Bass Blast, Bass Blast +, Film (Dolby Surround), DTS: X and Dolby Atmos. Simply put, there are a number of things this system supports and a number of ways to customize the sound of this system.

To be honest, none of this would matter if the bar didn't sound good. LG's partnership with Meridian Technology appears to have been fruitful as both music and movie content about both LG bars that I reviewed this year were exceptional. The SN11RG was far more comfortable, as the price would show, but the SN7Y has a lot to offer for the price.

Listening to music – with samples from Childish Gambinos Me and Your Mama to Midlands Burn Out – provided impressive clarity. Watching films effectively mixed lifelike action sequences and clear dialogues in films like Star Wars: Episode IX – Skywalker's Rise for a cinematic experience that I think most people would be fans of – even without rear speakers. I also appreciated the way different sound modes improved the audio rather than seemingly artificially increasing the frequencies. The film mode sounded better than the standard settings for films, and the same applies to music.

However, I am a little amazed by this LG subwoofer. The submarine for the SN7Y was generally not very convincing. Cult naval battles in the original Pirates of the Caribbean are said to have some weight behind these cannonball shots, and I missed that very much. For what it's worth, I thought the overall sound of the Sony HT-G700 and the LG SN7Y were equivalent, but the low-end detail in this Sony sub definitely outperformed the LG woofer.

Dolby Atmos

I had to assign Atmos a separate category in this test because LG's height channels in this system are more of a heading than a footnote in the audio area. I was already very impressed with the Dolby Atmos capabilities of the LG SN11RG, although it was entirely possible that the SN7Y could have been a completely different story. After all, we work with two channels with a lower height and overall less power.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The rapid activation of the Dolby Atmos demo mode of the SN7Y, in which an Atmos demo is played by pressing the "F" key on the remote control for five seconds, eliminated all doubts, although I made some selections from our list of the best Have watched Dolby Atmos films for a good degree. The various effects of birds fluttering through the air, raindrops from above and thunder in the sky convinced me that this bar is following in the footsteps of its more expensive siblings in terms of Atmo's skill. Of course not to the same extent, since they are located at opposite ends of the Atmos spectrum. But what the SN7Y can do to add dimension to the sound at this price is impressive.

In this category, I preferred the SN7Y to the Sony HT-G700, which I honestly expected. The HT-G700 only has front-firing drivers and uses sound processing technology to achieve a sufficiently convincing virtual 7.1.2 effect. If you don't do anything unpredictable and have a product at a comparable price with drivers that fire noise towards the ceiling and then return to your listening position, virtual effects are almost certainly surpassed. The SN7Y worked as expected, just as a traditional home theater system with actual height or ceiling speakers would likely outperform the high-powered speakers in a sound bar. With a few exceptions (the Sennheiser Ambeo comes to mind) this is the general order of things.

Our opinion

The LG SN7Y has some flaws that its rivals don't have, but it is still a very good sounding sound bar that Dolby Atmos is nailing for $ 500. A balance between features and price is important, which is why I give this bar a slightly better score than the SN11RG at $ 1,600. The latter is undoubtedly the better system thanks to its superior sound and properties. But value is important, and I honestly believe that the SN7Y offers better value for money.

Is there a better alternative?

In a way yes. In another way, no. The $ 500 Vizio 5.1.2 system gives you Wi-Fi and two rear speakers at exactly the same price, and the $ 500 Sony HT-G700 has a more powerful subwoofer. But the LG has produced some of the best Atmos sounds in this price range. The $ 400 Sonos Beam also deserves to participate in this conversation due to all of its features. However, you'll have to pay significantly more to switch to a full surround setup with Sonos, or jump to $ 800 for the Arc to get Dolby Atmos support.

How long it will take?

The LG SN7Y has a typical one-year warranty, and while I don't necessarily want to drop this soundbar repeatedly or expose it to other forms of abuse, the build quality seems exceptional, and it has plenty of support for formats it should be kept in relevant years to come.

Should you buy it

Yes. Although I wasn't impressed with the subwoofer and I really wished this bar had Wi-Fi, the SN7Y is a bar that you should definitely consider if you want Atmos without breaking the bank.

Editor's recommendations




24 Jul
Blog

Netatmo Outdoor Camera With Siren Review: Bright, but flawed

Netatmo camera with siren on the wall.

Netatmo outdoor camera with siren

"Smart A.I. hindered by outdated hardware and software limitations is a difficult purchase."

  • Bright floodlights

  • Smart A.I. and app implementation

  • Loud siren

  • No recording packages, clips saved for free

  • Narrow field of vision

  • Difficult to install

  • No 24/7 recording

One of the great things about smart home technology is the ability to build your own systems. Companies like Netatmo allow you to choose your home security devices based on your needs. The Netatmo Smart Outdoor Camera with Siren ($ 350, available in Europe, coming to the US later this year), which was announced last fall, is one such device and connects the smart doorbell and the indoor camera to the Strengthen smart home product line from Netatmo.

We have to talk about the hardware straight away. The Netatmo outdoor surveillance camera looks like a device that someone thought in 1995 that surveillance cameras would look like in 2020. We saw this design for the first time in 2016 and it hasn't improved. It is large and rectangular and in no way subtle. While many surveillance cameras prefer the understated look these days, Netatmo is not worried that it is a camera and floodlight and you will love it or otherwise.

installation

The Netatmo Smart Outdoor Camera requires a hardwired connection to your home, similar to the Ring Spotlight Cam Wired. While this has the advantage that batteries never need to be charged or replaced, it also makes installation more difficult than other devices in its field. What makes digestion easier is the fact that you can use the camera's floodlight to replace another outside light like a veranda light.

As soon as you have removed the existing lamp (or installed a new electrical box – your call), the Netatmo Smart outdoor camera comes with almost everything you need to install it. There is a wiring harness, a bracket, screws and a cover box. The only thing missing is the recommended sealing or silicone to make the cover box waterproof on the wall. This is not surprising, but it is good to know beforehand. Once installed, use the app to connect the camera to your WiFi and you're ready to take part in the races.

The camera covers a disappointing 100-degree field of view, the smallest of all the cameras we tested, but can identify objects with a long field of view. In our tests, the range was limited to around 10 meters, which the camera covered admirably, and a total of 20 meters was advertised.

Light it up!

The built-in headlight can be switched on automatically when it detects motion, or it can be switched on and off via the app. It is also dimmable in the app. At full brightness, the floodlights are very bright and cover a wide area. It could easily replace an existing floodlight in your home. The built-in night vision is also quite good, but without the same range of 20 meters.

It could easily replace an existing floodlight in your home.

When the camera detects motion, the A.I. enter the game. The camera can distinguish between people, cars, animals and other movements. When an event occurs in the app, icons indicate what type of object has been detected. In addition, a thumbnail not only shows you the object in question, but the app cuts the object intelligently to give you a clear view of it before you even open the clip. For example, if a cat crosses the corner of the camera's alarm zone, the thumbnail will be trimmed to the cat even though it is not in the center of the frame. It would be easy to just crop in the middle of the frame or reduce the entire screen to a thumbnail – neither would be helpful. Netatmos A.I. With this function you can quickly see why the clip was recorded.

Go to the zone

Screenshot of the Netatmo app.

Speaking of the alarm zone: you can adjust where the camera tracks movements, but the implementation is not the best. You are limited to rectangles in the frame, but can have multiple rectangles. If you have a diagonal area that you don't want to recognize, you'll need to create multiple rectangles – that's a little annoying.

When motion is detected, the clip is saved on the included 8 GB memory card, which can be expanded to 32 GB. According to Netatmo, 8 GB cover about a hundred clips. That sounds like a lot, but in my back yard, where cats are everywhere, it's only three or four days. When the card is full, the oldest records are deleted. You can also add personal cloud storage for recordings. Options include Dropbox or a private FTP server. Other than that, the only way to gain space is to swap it for a larger microSD card. You can't decrease the resolution, and to be honest, you don't want to.

In addition, there is no way to record around the clock or search the footage one day. You can only view the recorded clips if something is recognized. You can also view the live view of the camera. Most of the time this is enough, but if you are someone who wants to return at a certain time, this camera is not for you.

The siren on the Netatmo is quite loud at 105 decibels.

The siren on the Netatmo is quite loud at 105 decibels. You can trigger the siren via the app. There is no automatic siren setting. That is probably the best. If you want to upset your neighbors, it is a good idea to make sure you have to.

The camera works with Google Assistant and Alexa. You can ask a wizard-operated smart screen to show you the camera and it shows the live feed, which is great.

A disadvantage is the resolution resolution and quality. While Netatmo promotes full HD recording, there is a fairly big problem with pixelation, even when playing back recorded clips. This could be a function of my home network setup, but cameras installed by Vivint on the same network do not have the same problems. The camera also has a problem with the sky. It is difficult to distinguish the outline of my shed from the bright sky, which is not the best experience.

Our opinion

The camera was attached to a cream-colored wall.

This is a good implementation of a three-in-one outdoor security solution, but there is still some work to be done. Even if you consider the depth, a narrow field of view is not particularly good for a camera. You don't worry about what someone is doing 20 meters away. You are worried about your house.

During the A.I. does some wise things with clips and thumbnails, the lack of a 24/7 recording is a failure. That way, Netatmo can say that the service is "free at any time," which is great, but I wouldn't mind paying something for 24/7 recording every month. The fact that it has to be firmly connected to the existing electrical system makes the installation almost so tedious that almost a specialist is required.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. This camera has some good ideas, especially in the A.I. Implementation. With the Ring Smart Outdoor Cam or the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight, you get similar features in a more attractive package for $ 100 less.

Will it take?

The structure of the Netatmo is solid and if everything is installed correctly, I can not imagine a reason to be concerned even in bad weather. The camera comes with a limited, multi-year warranty, depending on the region and location where you buy.

Should you buy it

No. Smart outdoor cameras are a crowded category, and there are too many other (and cheaper) options.

Editor's recommendations




23 Jul
Blog

How To Unclog Your Pores

When you think about blockages, your thoughts may go to drains and sinks, but – although faulty plumbing can be alarming – we think there's an even more troubling place for blockages: your pores. These tiny openings on your skin can attract all types of dirt and lead to clogged pores (Livestrong). If you're ready to tackle this common skin care problem and discover a really clean complexion, you'll find one here Eminence Organics Instructions for fighting your clogged pores:

What are clogged pores?

Pores are small spots that you see on your skin, which are actually the openings of the hair follicles. When impurities settle on the skin, an evil mixture of dead skin cells, dirt and oil can penetrate deep into these openings. Pores filled with dirt lead to blackheads – clogged channels that look dark on the surface. You can spot blackheads on the face – especially the nose – but they can also appear on the back, chest, neck, and arms (Healthline).

Do not use pore strips

Close-up of pores

If you suffer from clogged pores, it may be tempting to resort to options like pore strips, but many beauty experts don't recommend these products for blackheads (Self). These sticky strips can irritate your skin and lead to inflammation, especially for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin types. Although these strips may remove some surface debris, they can also make the problem worse by placing dirt and debris even deeper in the pores. The superficial effect of pore strips that remove skin cells also means that perfectly healthy skin cells are torn away along with dead skin cells.

This is how you clog your pores

If pore strips are not the right choice for you, we recommend three Eminence Organics peels instead:

Strawberry-Rhubarb-Dermafoliant

Our Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant is a favorite of stars like actress Thandie Newton and uses naturally occurring lactic acid and salicylic acid to cleanse your pores thoroughly and remove dead skin cells. Chickpea flour and rice powder gently polish the surface of your complexion and absorb excess oil. No wonder that the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant was recognized as the best skin care product “Farm To Table” at the NewBeauty Beauty Choice Awards 2017.

Product selection

Eminence Organic Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant

Strawberry-Rhubarb-Dermafoliant

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Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant

If you are preparing for a professional blackhead extraction from a spa authorized by Eminence Organics, our Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant is the peel you can turn to. This powder foam product is enriched with stone harvest and formulated for de-encrustation, a treatment that softens sebum. Its light effervescent effect softens the skin and prepares the complexion for a pore-cleaning extraction.

For even more effectiveness, you can also mix Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant with our Citrus Exfoliating Wash for the ultimate deep cleaning.

Product selection

Eminence-organic-stone-harvest-oxygenating-fizzofoliant

Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant

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eminence-organics-citrus-exfoliating-wash
Citrus peeling wash

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Almond mineral treatment

If you are looking for a mask, try our pore-cleaning almond and mineral treatment. Finely chopped almonds exfoliate gently to reveal soft, fresh-looking skin, while peppers revitalize and revitalize the skin. Ground ivy constricts the pores and leaves the skin looking smooth and refined.

Product selection

eminence-organics-almond-mineral-treatment

Almond mineral treatment

VIEW PRODUCT

Are you ready to clog your pores and expose your most radiant skin? Contact your favorite Eminence Organics spa and learn more about our peels. Where can you find the worst clogged pores and blackheads? Let us know about your pore cleansing complaints in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.

This entry was originally published in October 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

23 Jul
Blog

Grado Hemp Headphones Review: An Audio High You Won’t Forget

Grado Labs Hemp Headphones Rating 1

Hemp headphones from Grado Labs

"It's hard to imagine that headphones look better or sound better."

  • Amazingly detailed sound

  • Precise and clear compensation

  • Nice wood design

  • Comfortable for long listening sessions

  • Strong quality control

  • Some rough surfaces

  • Open design limits usability

  • Restrained bass reproduction

Grado Labs made headlines with its affordable hemp headphones for $ 420. When John Grado explained to me why hemp is an excellent material for making headphones, I was curious to hear the results for myself.

Now that I have done it, I am beginning to understand the complex tone of coziness and seriousness that I heard from Grado during this interview. Hemp may seem like a gimmick, but the performance of these cans is no joke.

No frills, classic design

There is not much to consider with the functions of the Grado Hemp headphones. They are refreshingly simple. Plug them in and they work. The hemp headphones come in a discreet white box with a letter from the Grado family.

These open-ended wired monitors consist of only two parts – the headphones themselves and a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, which I immediately detached from the end of the cable and placed in a drawer because I didn't have any Playing the electric guitar or not recording in the studio.

After using over-ears with a single cable that ran from one side for years, it initially felt strange to put on the hemp headphones. They throw you back to a time when cables were king and every headset needed them.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Speaking of cables, the cables are particularly thick with the hemp headphones. Compared to my Sony MDR-7506 studio monitors, they are about twice the size and not wrapped. If I don't wind the cable, I won't get it nearly as much as my MDRs, but the cable is incredibly long.

I understand why Grado contains so much wire, but there is a lot of cable to find a place and it usually ends up in my lap. Plus, the added cable has a certain weight, and although it's not that much of a nuisance, I've definitely noticed it compared to other wired headphones.

The ear cups are simple. Nowadays, you generally see some kind of leather or leather-like material wrapped around memory foam, but Grado chooses a material that they have chosen specifically because it works with the drivers to produce sound. In this case it is a simple, classic foam. It feels a little rough, but the headphones breathe well and are good for long listening sessions, provided you don't move them a lot.

I do not recommend exchanging them, although you can. I switched it to the "more typical" leather foam as a test, and the audio quality dropped dramatically. Grado knows what it does when it selects materials.

The details

The outstanding feature of the hemp headphones is of course the hemp. Because of the way they had to mix it to make the material work like normal wood, the grain of each headset appears unique. The two-tone circular wooden swirls are beautiful from afar and up close. The ear cups attract your eyes and keep them there.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

This is good because other parts of the headset are not quite as sophisticated. The joints that connect the hemp and maple earphones to the headband are made of plastic and are not completely smooth. If you've ever designed a model that requires you to pull the parts out of a plastic sheet, you know what I mean when I say that there are edges and slight bumps that you can feel when you run your finger over them .

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

In addition, the mesh that separates the driver from your ear is somewhat frayed and imperfect.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

In short, it looks like this headset was assembled by hand. What it was. I can't blame them too much for that, but since the hemp headphones cost $ 420, I should mention that most of that cost doesn't apply to some of the non-audio parts.

That doesn't mean they're overpriced. No, they are worth every penny.

An incomparable listening experience

I've always been a headphone junkie, so I have a lot of experience of how music sounds from a variety of sources. Despite this experience, I wasn't prepared for what the hemp headphones sounded like.

I sat motionless for about 15 minutes when I let Tidal play a series of songs based on an artist I like (The Decemberists, for those who are wondering). While it was run by artists I didn't know and tracks I had never heard, it didn't matter. I feel with these Grado headphones.

I heard the nuances of the vocals, the melody, every single instrument and the nice mix of everyone who came together. The reproduction is both different and mixed. It's a beautiful audio paradox that I'm still trying to turn my head around.

But I can hear everything and it almost brought me to tears. I heard not only with my ears, but also with my heart.

I feel with these Grado headphones.

With the Grado I have the feeling that at a concert I pressed my ear to each Soundstage speaker at the same time, but without being limited to my unique physical existence (and blowing out my hearing). I played drums in a band and this music makes me feel like I'm back on the top of the stage.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Speaking of volume, these can be loud. Given the fact that the hemp headphones really produce excellent audio, it can be tempting to really increase this volume, which seems to improve in quality when I press it up. Keep in mind that if you press it too loudly for too long, you can really damage your hearing.

I think the best way to describe how the sound sounds is in one word: balance. I claim that music in highs, mids or lows shouldn't be too strong. Sure, booming bass may sound good, but too much bass overwhelms other frequencies and hides too much of the nuance of the music. These hemp headphones are like studio monitors on steroids because they are superbly balanced, offer neutral reproduction and at the same time offer a really outstanding clarity. My Sony MDR-7506 monitors are also balanced, but don't offer the level of detail that the hemp headphones offer.

If you turn my arm, I admit that the Grado's bass isn't quite as strong as I would like it to be, but it could also be because most people are used to overblowing the bass. To be completely honest, I prefer the detail and precision that can be found here.

I think the best way to describe how the sound sounds is in one word: balance.

The hemp headphones have an open style that is praised for their sound quality but not for their sound isolation. To enjoy them to the fullest, you need a quiet room in which you can be alone with your music. Open backs also tend to let out as much sound as they let in. Therefore, they are not suitable for an office environment (not that this will be a big problem in 2020).

Our opinion

The swirling hemp looks beautiful and its implementation in headphones from Grado sounds so good here that it makes your heart beat faster. This is a masterful combination of visual and auditory beauty. The details of the build are not perfect, but it doesn't matter. You will find it hard to find this type of music experience anywhere else, and almost certainly not at a lower price.

Is there a better alternative?

"Better" is subjective here, but there are alternatives. The V-Moda M200 Studio reference monitors are a little cheaper and offer a similar EQ experience, but they don't offer the same expansive sound that we praise Grado for. For much less, the Sony MDR-7506 studio monitors offer the same neutral sound, albeit an overall flatter audio expression in comparison. They honestly don't consider a candle to be audio for hemp headphones, but they are the industry standard, so this has some weight.

How long will they last?

Grado offers a one-year warranty on the hemp headphones, which is pretty standard. Open-back headphones are inherently more fragile than their closed-back brothers. Therefore, treat them with caution. If you do this, they should take a long time.

Should you buy them

Yes. The Grado hemp headphones are absolutely worth the price just for their sound reproduction, and you get the added benefit of a unique hemp wood pattern.

Editor's recommendations




23 Jul
Blog

Asus ROG Phone 3 Review: An Incredible Feat Of Mobile Gaming

Asus Rog Phone 3 review

"The Asus ROG Phone 3 is a powerful, focused gaming smartphone that makes you feel like a champion."

  • Incredibly powerful

  • Breathtaking sound

  • Focused, useful game features

  • Large, smooth screen

  • Great software

  • Camera could be better

  • Heavy

Asus has shown how serious mobile gaming is with the launch of Republic of Gamers' ROG Phone 2 last year, which is equipped with technologies and features specifically designed to improve gameplay. Now it's back with the ROG Phone 3. Not much has changed externally, and if anything, the design of the space age has become less noticeable – but the story is different inside.

The difference that the internals make is remarkable. It's so powerful that when he plays PUBG Mobile, Thanos would do it on a ROG Phone 3.

design

The ROG Phone 3 has a similar look and almost the same size as the ROG Phone 2, but the sci-fi madness is somewhat weakened. The glass back is glossy rather than matte, and the exposed vents on the back of the ROG Phone 2 have disappeared and have been replaced by a cool, transparent area that shows the new cooling system inside. I have never seen a glass transition between transparent and dark, and it looks great.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Despite its exterior, the ROG Phone 3 has not collected any fingerprints, and the ROG logo with RGB looks even brighter and more colorful than the matt glass of the ROG Phone 2. The camera module has been given another lens for a total of three. and it runs horizontally across the device. Asus has reduced the silver angled lines on the body, making the design more mature.

Nevertheless, the gaming focus remains. The USB Type-C connector on the bottom is arranged on the side so that the phone can be held more comfortably in landscape format when plugged in. There is another USB Type-C charging port behind a rubber plug on the opposite side. The phone also has shoulder-mounted "AirTrigger" on the side of the phone (we'll talk more about that later).

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Although it's comfortable to hold, this is a great smartphone. It is 9.8 mm thick, 171 mm long and 78 mm wide. For comparison: The OnePlus 8 Pro is 8.5 mm thick, 165 mm long and 74.5 mm wide.

At 240 grams, the ROG Phone 3 is also one of the heaviest phones ever. The orientation in landscape is well balanced, but in portrait I noticed that the weight was tilted towards the front of the phone. In combination with the slippery body, it often threatened to fall in the face when I lay it down.

One thing that ROG Phone 2 users may notice is the disappearance of the 3.5mm headphone jack. The integration of 5G antennas in the ROG Phone 3 is one of the reasons why the connection no longer fits into the phone. However, if you really want it, there is a dongle in the box. There is also an additional AeroActive Cooler 3 accessory that attaches to the case to assist cooling. You will also receive these accessories in the packaging.

It is a great accessory. Asus has added two very helpful features: a space to store the rubber connector cover that you remove from the phone to attach the AeroActive Cooler 3, and a stand.

The stand is great and puts the phone in the perfect angle for watching movies or playing with a controller. The AeroActive Cooler 2 developed for the ROG Phone 2 is not compatible with the new phone. However, if you bought other accessories, including the Twin View Dock or the Kunai controller, these will work because the two phones are almost identical in size.

I appreciate the new, more sophisticated design of the ROG Phone 3, but I miss the madness of the ROG Phone and ROG Phone 2. I think gaming phones need craziness. Nothing in their existence makes sense. So why not celebrate a little more?

Play

The ROG Phone 3 is the king of gaming smartphones.

I'm a casual gamer, which means I don't spend hours playing online every day, but the ROG Phone 3 still manages to make the games I play look better and smoother while providing useful tools, that improve the experience. When I feel that way, I have no doubt that people who are more interested in mobile games will see even greater benefits.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The shoulder-mounted AirTrigger are a good example of where the ROG Phone 3 is successful. You can easily map, tap, press, swipe, or even split controls on the screen to effectively create four buttons. They made the simple controls of Asphalt 9 Legends faster to use and prevented my fingers from covering the screen.

The function is activated in the game via the Game Genie menu on the slide-in screen. When you position the AirTrigger activation points on the screen, they vibrate when you get the correct placement. In Transformers: Forged to Fight, I used both the tap and swipe functions, and while typing worked well, it can be difficult to activate the swipe function at the right time.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Pressing the sides of the phone activates X mode, which increases phone performance and minimizes distractions while gaming. Use the "Advanced X mode" setting, where everything is set to maximum and the processor is not throttled at all. I haven't noticed any slowdown, dropouts, or other performance issues while playing on the ROG Phone 3.

The 6.59-inch AMOLED screen has a refresh rate of 144 Hz, 270 Hz touch sampling, 10-bit HDR, HDR 10 Plus support and a touch latency of 25 ms. It reacts incredibly quickly. Dariusburst is played in a small window in the center of the screen and requires skillful, careful controls to switch between the landscape and the onslaught of bullets. The ROG Phone 3 made this much easier thanks to its large, very responsive touchscreen.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Then there is the sound. Asus worked with an audio company called Dirac and skipped major brands like Dolby. The result is often exceptional. There is a level of detail, clarity and definition that you won't always find on phones, as well as a wide sound stage and really full sound through the two stereo speakers. The ROG Phone 3 sounds like no other smartphone.

Within a few hours I played Asphalt 9 Legends, 1945, Real Racing 3 and Dariusburst as well as a few other casual titles and it went perfectly. You can feel some heat coming from the phone, but it's in the landscape format at the middle bottom of the device, so you'll have to look around for it. My hands didn't get sweaty and I never felt the need to move my grip because the body of the phone was warm.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The ROG Phone 3 is also compatible with Google Stadia and offers three months of free Stadia Pro access, so it's not just about Google Play games. It is easy to pretend gaming phones as meaningless, but if done properly and thoughtfully, the benefits are obvious. The Asus ROG Phone 3 demonstrates this perfectly.

camera

Asus has worked hard to make the ROG Phone 3 a usable smartphone for everyday use whether you are dedicated to gaming or not. The camera is an integral part of it.

The rear-view camera with three lenses has a 64-megapixel IMX686 main sensor with an aperture of 1: 1.8, together with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a 5-megapixel macro sensor. There is a 24 megapixel selfie camera in the bezel above the screen. The rear view camera has several modes, including a night mode, a portrait mode, a motion tracking video mode and a pro video mode. It records videos in 4K and in HDR with electronic stabilization.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's decent and more than powerful enough, provided it's your second priority on a smartphone. There is no zoom mode, but both wide-angle and macro modes offer creative fun, so it is not necessarily overlooked. It can be inconsistent, especially under cloudy conditions where it is quite underexposed, which leads to loss of detail. HDR shots on sunny days can look great, and the macro camera definitely surprises with its ability.

The selfie camera has a cumbersome beauty mode as standard, a portrait mode with only average edge detection, which can also wash out skin tones.

I found the ROG Phone 3's camera to be okay for general use. While there are more versatile camera phones, it's solid. For a gaming phone where the camera is always a secondary concern, it's much better than many expect.

Power and battery

Asus wants to "take the industry to the next level" with the ROG Phone 3. It has pioneered 120 Hz screens and high touch sampling rates and explains how best to use a high-end processor ROG Phone 2. For the ROG Phone 3, the 144 Hz screen wins 270 Hz touch sampling rate and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor with up to 16 GB RAM easily handle the current wars of smartphone data sheets.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Snapdragon 865 Plus is a monster and the first mobile processor to exceed 3 GHz clock speed. In combination with 16 GB LPDDR5-RAM and 512 GB UFS 3.1 memory in my test phone, it is hard to imagine ever needing more power or capacity.

This is how it went in some benchmark tests:

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 6,601 volcano (Without X mode. App crashes with active X mode)

Geekbench 5: 970 single core / 3340 multi core

These values ​​exceed the ROG Phone 2, but are only slightly higher than the OnePlus 8 Pro. They are very similar to the Red Magic 5G, where the 3DMark test on the ROG Phone 3 was actually lower. However, this can be related to app problems as X mode is not active on the Asus phone.

The 6,000 mAh battery lasts two days, which seems somewhat disappointing given the total capacity. However, don't forget that it powers a lot of high-end hardware. According to Asus' own tests, 9.6 hours of Asphalt 9 Legends are played with a full charge compared to 5.7 hours with a OnePlus 8 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus has added a new PowerMaster app to extend the battery life. Interestingly, it has a slow charge mode, definable limits to make sure the battery doesn't stay 100% fit all night (not good for a long life, Asus says), and a choice of battery modes. Wired charging delivers 30 W of power, but there is no wireless charging.

If you take the phone apart, you'll find carefully placed WiFi antennas elsewhere to ensure the best possible portrait or landscape signal, four microphones positioned so that they won't be covered while playing in landscape mode, and 5G support. The cellular and WiFi reception was consistently excellent, and the call quality is also excellent. I don't have 5G reception in my region, so I couldn't test this aspect.

software

There are two main theme options on the ROG Phone 3: eye-catching, stylized themes and a classic theme so that the phone looks more like Android on a pixel. This is the same approach the company followed with the ROG Phone 2 and Asus Zenfone 6, and a very sensible decision. Both work identically, but the Classic theme undoubtedly makes the phone look more mature and may be a little faster for everyday use.

Apps are hidden in a drawer in both subject areas, while the notification shadow provides interactive notifications and there is a standard dark mode. Asus installs its own game app called Armory Crate, which stores all of your games together. You can define for each individual parameter, e.g. These include automatic activation of X mode, increasing the screen refresh rate and assigning macros. You can also change the system lighting here.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I used swipe gesture controls that worked fine. Although there is an option that always appears on the screen, the notification options are limited, which reduces its usefulness.

Asus' software on the ROG Phone 3 was reliable and fast, and it's great to see the company continue the good work it started on the Zenfone 6. The built-in fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable and has a face unlock to secure it. I also had no problems with it.

Price, guarantee and availability

Asus did not announce the final price in US dollars for the ROG Phone 3 at the time of writing, but only the price in euros. The 16 GB / 512 GB version tested here costs 1,099 euros and a 12 GB / 512 GB version costs 999 euros. The phone will be available in Europe from the end of July, but will start with the basic version "Strix", which offers a Snapdragon 865, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage for 799 euros.

The ROG Phone 3 will be available in North America before September. We expect the euro prices to be converted directly to US dollars, which means that the 16 GB / 512 GB model should cost around $ 1,099. Asus will officially confirm prices when the U.S. launch date is announced. The cheapest Strix model is not sold in the United States.

Our opinion

The ROG Phone 3 is unrivaled among gaming phones. This should tell you everything you need to know if it's for you. It's a special monster that offers all the power everyone needs for just about any task they want to do on a phone. If a game doesn't run well on the ROG Phone 3, it won't run well on a phone.

What if you are not a big mobile player? The ROG Phone 3 is one of the best multimedia phones available. The video is outstanding due to the excellent screen and speakers of the phone. However, you won't be able to take advantage of the many game-centered features and may miss a better camera.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want a direct gaming smartphone, no. If you're looking for an all-round phone, the OnePlus 8 Pro for $ 900 offers good credentials and a lot of performance, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus for $ 1,100 and the Oppo Find X2 Pro for $ 1,300 are flagship products that focus on the camera. Perhaps the best alternative to the ROG Phone 3 is the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max, not only because of the performance of the phone, but also because of the games available on the App Store.

How long it will take?

Asus promises that Android 11 will be available for the ROG Phone 3 and will receive security updates for at least two years. However, no timeframe for the arrival of Android 11 has been set. The ROG Phone 3 is not waterproof. It is made of glass and is quite heavy, so it is advisable to buy one of the cool cases from Asus.

Aside from that, the massive specs keep the phone fresh to the touch in a few years, and Asus' efforts to help the battery perform better for longer should help add to the usefulness of the phone in recent years increase two years. If you want to hold onto your new phone, the ROG Phone 3 is a very safe purchase.

Should you buy one?

Yes. It is the mobile game champion who has the courage and the ability to make you a mobile game champion too.

Editor's recommendations




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