15 Jun
Blog

JLab Go Air Earbuds Review: Small, But Mighty Affordable

JLab Go Air earphones

"The Go Air are a valuable pair of real wireless commuter buds"

  • IP44 waterproof

  • Comfortable design

  • Affordable

  • Short charging cable

  • Mediocre sound quality

Granted, it's a little unusual to rate an audio product that is as conservative as the new JLab earphones. The circumstances have to be just right to justify this. This means that the product must come from a reputable brand that is filled with interesting functions and is in demand.

Allow JLab to tick off all three boxes with the real Go Air wireless earbuds for $ 30. The incredibly affordable buds offer a total lifespan of 20 hours with the included charging case, waterproof IP44 protection and excellent customer reviews on Amazon. Sure these buds are too good to be true, right?

Out of the box

The packaging of the Go Air is as compact as the buds itself and in JLabs standard light blue. The box opens like a book and shows a quick guide to the controls on the inside of the cover and the earphones, which are located on the right under a plastic housing.

JLab Go Air earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

In addition to the buds and casing, JLab throws in two additional pairs of gel pad tips. There is no separate charging cable here, since the housing has its own funny short cable. It's one that doesn't do much else than turn the case into an uncomfortable dongle for the USB port to which it is connected.

There is a pull tab on the charging case, which I have not seen since activating the remote control for my old car stereo. In addition, however, it is easy to connect to Go Air. JLab even provides a five-minute video that will take you through the entire process.

The connection of these buds was a delightful surprise. It is common not to expect much from cheap buds, but I have had no significant dropouts. The weather was a little too bad for extensive testing, but when I used my phone to move around my garden in the house, there was also a solid Bluetooth range.

design

The structure of the Go Air seems to be one of their biggest selling points. In a few words, they are light, small and comfortable.

Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

To give a bit more context, each bud weighs about 5 grams, which is equivalent to the Samsung Galaxy Buds + and is only one gram heavier than the Apple AirPods. At 50 grams, JLab's charging case is significantly bulkier than Apple's 38-gram featherweight, but that's hardly a problem worth holding against the Go Air.

They are available in four different colors: black, white, green and navy blue. My test device was the green, which was not remarkable in terms of aesthetics, but was helpful in preventing dust and dirt from becoming visible.

The included case has an open-air design, meaning there is no lid to protect the buds when you travel with them. The buds themselves are secure inside the case, but the open structure of the case makes me careful if they get worn or damaged in transit.

The Go Air have a design that reminds me of a Google Pixel Buds 2 bargain basket – that is, even though they're a bit bulky, these buds still fit snugly in your ear. I don't think they're completely impermeable to the classic hoodie test, but I appreciate their relative slenderness.

There are no buttons on the Go Air, just touchpads on the JLab logo of each bud – more on that below.

properties

Most of the features built into Go Air aren't stand-alone in themselves, but when you put it all together, the overall picture becomes a bit more impressive, especially for such inexpensive buds.

JLab Go Air earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Let's start with the battery life, which according to JLab is five hours of playback per charge, with three additional charges included in the Go Air case. According to JLab, you get an hour of playback after 15 minutes of charging. During my tests, I found that JLab's battery statistics are correct.

While these numbers are by no means incredible, they can still lead to much more expensive products like the AirPods (five hours) or Amazon Echo Buds (five hours). Apple offers you a bit more listening time at 24 hours overall, but the Echo Buds, like JLab, type at 20 for around $ 100 more.

The Go Air is waterproof to IP44 and protects the buds from splashing water at every angle. This is important for buds at this price because the Echo Buds have an IPX4 rating and the AirPods have no waterproof rating at all.

The Go Air touch controls are not as intuitive as I would have liked. There were a handful of cases where I touched the buds just to be greeted by them in return. For the most part, however, you can skip or pause tracks, adjust volume, call up a voice assistant, or switch between one of JLab's three EQ modes. They work, but the experience has been inconsistent.

Audio quality

The Achilles' heel of most headphones and earphones in this price range is sound. For some reason, audio companies seemed to have cracked the code for affordable features, but left a lot of room for improvements in audio quality.

JLab-go-air-5Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

Unfortunately, I have to report that the Go Air fits into this mediocre shape. On a positive note, these buds are well suited for easy listening to content such as podcasts or occasional TikTok videos. In addition, they have a usable call quality that made it possible to hear and be heard well enough while braving the windy conditions to take my dogs for a walk. They just lack the clarity and range that can often be found with higher-priced counterparts to be suitable for high-quality music listening sessions. On the other hand, that comes with the area of ​​$ 30 buds.

There are three different EQ settings available that allow you to set the 8mm drivers in the Go Air. With three fingertips on both buds you can switch between the sound modes JLab Signature, Balanced and Bass Boost. I found the JLab Signature mode to be the tastiest, but even this mode lacked the low end and it sounded generally distant. Bass Boost has helped this low end, but the deficit has not been fully addressed. The symmetrical mode has attenuated the entire frequency range, which is not always a bad thing. Unfortunately, if you don't start with great sound at the beginning, flattening the EQ won't magically improve things.

If you can accept that $ 30 earphones with great sound aren't realistic, this can mitigate the sting with the Go Air. You just can't compete with the sound of buds with better components, but the only way that should stop you from considering them is if you somehow expected it.

Our opinion

The JLab Go Air has the features and price tag to be a valuable pair of real wireless commuter buds. Unfortunately, they only lack the sound quality to be your main hearing aid for music.

Are there any better alternatives?

There aren't many buds in the Go Air weight class with such features, but there are options that are worth spending a little more on. The $ 120 Edifier TWS NB are our most affordable true wireless earbuds due to their active noise cancellation and solid battery life. If you can handle a cable, the $ 100 1More Triple Drivers are our favorite affordable earbuds.

How long will they last?

At this price, longevity is not a problem for most customers. However, JLab offers a two-year warranty on Go Air.

Should you buy them

Yes. They may not sound like a winner, but the JLab Go Air costs $ 30 and has a similar battery life and better water resistance than the Apple AirPods. Essentially, it's the low-risk, high-reward bud pair that you should take a risk.

Editor's recommendations




15 Jun
Blog

Like to Lift? Consume More Protein

Would you like to lift? Consume more protein - fitness, fitness, rest and relaxation, immune system, protein, carbohydrates, inflammation, strength endurance, performance, aging, bone health, functional strength, appetite, plant nutrition, muscle-strengthening exercise

What is protein?

First, let's talk about the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein. The current recommended daily allowance is a modest 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

The recommended daily allowance is the amount of a nutrient you need to meet your basic nutritional needs. In essence, this is the minimum amount you need to avoid illness – not the specific amount you should consume each day.

For example:

  • For a 140 pound person, this means about 50 grams of protein a day.
  • For a 200 pound person, that's about 70 grams of protein a day.

Reasons to eat more high quality protein every day

Let's talk about why you need more protein. As you can see, the enumeration list explains the reasons why protein is essential. As a registered nutritionist and fitness professional, I find the RDA quite confusing for the general public, athletes and coaches.

To be honest, even nutritionists can't agree on what protein to recommend to their customers, patients, and athletes.

So if there is a misunderstanding among food and nutrition experts, there is likely to be a misunderstanding between multiple population groups. Young children, athletes and the elderly in particular have a greater need for more protein.

Is more protein better?

The Protein Summit reported in a special supplement to the June issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) that Americans may eat too little protein, not too much. Eating more protein can help deliver the entire package.

That means a by-product of consuming more protein is getting other great nutrients like B vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, and healthy fats that provide the whole package.

Of course, when you consume more protein, you normally consume less inferior foods like simple or refined carbohydrates that people usually turn to when they're hungry. Sweets, cookies, white bread and pastries do not provide the healthy nutrition you get from a high quality protein source.

These are just a few of the high quality protein sources. Most animal protein sources like:

These examples of high quality protein sources provide all the essential amino acids in the ratio that the human body needs.

While vegetable proteins such as vegetables, nuts, beans and grains often lack one or more of the essential amino acids.

That doesn't mean that you should only consume animal products to get your essential amino acids, as you can use soybeans and quinoa, which contain all nine essential amino acids needed. Click here for a full list if you are interested in vegetable proteins.

Athletes and protein needs

Athletes also have higher needs. Provided that muscle proteins are converted, the turnover rate is much higher due to the higher training volume.

  • Especially with athletes, it would be advisable to consume about 1.6 grams per kilogram of body mass daily if the goal is to strengthen the muscles and prevent muscle breakdown.
  • Adequate target protein intake should be between 1.6 and 2.4 grams per kilogram of body mass per day, as stated in recent results of a consensus statement on sports nutrition for athletes. A summary of the review can be found here.

The International Society of Sports Nutrition's booth on protein and exercise provides an objective and critical review of protein intake for health and fitness minded individuals. To build muscle mass and maintain muscle mass:

  • The total protein intake of 1.4 to 2.0 g / kg body weight / day (g / kg / day) is sufficient.
  • There are indications that (3.0 g / kg / day) positive effects on the body composition in strength athletes are supported in order to promote the increase in muscle mass.
  • It is optimal to spread the protein intake between 20 and 40 g / meal throughout the day.
  • As a registered nutritionist, I try to consume (2.0 g / kg / day) to support my health and performance goals.

I encourage all of my customers and athletes to consume more protein. Especially if you try to increase muscle mass and strength gain, the higher protein will not make you fat. It will help support a healthy body and make you happier.

Older adults and protein

Older adults fight the accelerated loss of muscle mass and function associated with aging, known as sarcopenia. For every decade after the age of 40, you lose 8% of muscle mass and after 70 years it increases to 15%.

Older adults should strive to consume 1.5 to 2.0 grams of high quality protein per kg of body weight per day, according to an article by the Center of Aging. Up to a third of older adults do not eat enough due to loss of appetite, taste disorders, difficulty swallowing and dental problems.

During the aging process, the body is less efficient and tries to maintain muscle mass and strength as well as bone health and optimal physiological function, which justifies a higher protein requirement.

Protein summary

Eat more high quality protein. It will not make you fat, damage your kidneys or bones. It supports the growth of lean tissue and helps you to recover overall while fighting age-related muscle loss, especially if you are an athlete, an aging adult, a man, or generally a person with a beating pulse.

It's a joke, but really. If you have any questions about eating more protein or implementing higher quality sources in your diet, send me an email and let's have a conversation.

15 Jun
Blog

The Bleeding Hearts of CrossFit Affiliates

Let's call Bullsh * t the newly discovered belief in social justice that is being spread through CrossFit partners. CrossFit's high school musical of dysfunction was no longer interesting years ago.

Many of the original enthusiasts moved on or became indifferent or indifferent. And what's left are people who either got into the affiliate business because of the myth of the brand. You know, our warm-up exercises are like your workouts. Yadda yadda yadda and we are the strongest on earth, community, blah, blah, blah.

And some are just wounded warriors who have managed to survive all the members standing in front of them, who have shot up and crashed, and they are basically the last to stand, just happy to be alive and that to do what they undoubtedly really do love.

You can believe in the sincerity of these partners when they say they are disgusted by Glassman's comments, but you can't pass them off when they try to CrossFit from the comments of its great size and the culture for which it is ultimately responsible to separate has repeatedly defended.

The affiliate diet: have and eat your cake

De-affiliation is something that is not over yet. How can it be if ultimately money from affiliated companies still flows into the pockets of the man who started the movement away from CrossFit?

When I read things about how CrossFit is a great community and was built despite what CFHQ has done, it sounds great to people trying to understand all of this in CrossFit, but for those of us it absolutely does no sense the exterior in the real world.

Again, I don't blame affiliates and CrossFit fan boys for justifying everything and putting them in the context of a reactionary political movement or a high point in the spirit of the times, but that often forgets that what has happened recently is just one point in one is arch that bends towards thickness.

To be fair, the following video by Andy Stumpf must be seen as a counterpoint to what I'm saying, but if you only hear minute 16, you go somehow, dude, why end it with a meaningless Kumbaya session with the Powers who are now at CFHQ when it's nothing more than polishing the jerk moment? I was about to take a pitchfork and join a crowd after 16 minutes driving to the CFHQ.

(16:18)
The biggest, not the biggest, and best answer I can give you is that I'm actually surprised that it took so long. And I asked myself a few years ago when it was in the middle of my movement.

And I've seen some of these reports and wondered how the hell does that happen? How does such behavior occur and how can it continue to occur? And then I had the crashing realization that I know exactly how it happens because I was complicit in allowing it to happen.

At least in the interactions that I observed or heard during my time at CrossFit, I cannot count how often derogatory and specifically sexual comments were made directly to female employees in my presence. Sometimes the employees were not there and often in mixed company.

(17:20)
And very often the overtures were much more open. It was an open secret who might have been in Greg's sexual crosshairs. And whether this is manifested in uncomfortable travel arrangements such as for female employees, traveling with Greg and a trip is imminent, but only booked a hotel room or female employees are sitting alone in a vehicle, with the CEO being what Greg prefers from his women.

Or even directly from Greg that he suffers from what Tiger Woods does and the list goes on and on and owns. And the closer you got to Greg, the more you saw and the closer you got to Greg, and the more you saw and the less you did or what essentially, it seems like we all did what was nothing .

The more we have activated this behavior, the more things I have spoken about, examples from abroad, and I am deliberately diversified because I do not want to involve anyone other than those who need to be, but there are many of them tell these stories.

Not enough for you How about:

(18:35)
And the bottom line, they're not mine, but these people deserve a platform. And the reason they're not talking now is out of fear.

(18:45)
I'll give another example, hoping it brings clarity, color, and context to the environment that some of these women had to tolerate. Imagine an employee who had already spent a lot of time in Greg's crosshairs. And I say this based on what I saw, what I heard, and comments that Greg directed directly to me. This employee is in a vehicle, mixed company.

(19:20)
She happens to be in a relationship with an assigned service member and Greg inquires about this service member and realizes that he currently has four abroad. His response to this information directly to this employee was that we hope to be able to name a hero WOD soon after him.

And for people who don't know what a HERO WOD is, it's training that's named after someone killed overseas or as a law enforcement first-aid worker in his country here in the United States.

And there is no more precise window into the area that some of these people had to work with. Then this statement from the CEO and that person owns 100% of CrossFit inc.

It's not enough for CrossFit partners to behave like stags caught in the headlines if they know exactly who they're dealing with and know exactly what's going on. You can't have your cake and eat it – that's why there are clichés.

Go villain

I know someone from Breaking Muscle on Facebook or anywhere said we were done with CrossFit and we just call them box gyms. I'm not sure if that will work, but I know one thing: you can call them all Rogue gyms, and you would probably do it as well.

Everything in this partner is from Rogue, they hang the banners, the company has a good brand and even if they have skeletons in their closets, they don't film them and put them on social media.

In the early 1970s, Nautilus devices made a big change in the world of bodybuilding devices, and the brand did indeed drive a segment of the fitness business. Rogue can do pretty much the same thing, and if you want to get involved, they have done more than CFHQ by venturing into Maces, Strongman, Powerlifting, and all sorts of different product lines that, interestingly, match training methods.

Drop CrossFit, become a Rogue gym, and let Rogue market the crap of bars, bells, assault bikes, oarsmen, and all the other things Reformed CrossFitters need to do what used to be called training .

14 Jun
Blog

Panasonic RZ-S800W Earbuds Review: Worth the Wait

panasonic rz s800w review rzs500w with iphone 11 pro

Panasonic RZ-S500W earbuds review: better late than never

"The Panasonic RZ-S500W offers excellent sound, which is supported by a solid battery life and an attractive price."

  • Nice, neutral sound

  • Good battery life

  • Comfortable to wear for a long time

  • Good everyday noise cancellation

  • Competitive price

  • Bulky, bar-like design

  • Spotty call quality

When you talk about Panasonic, you might think of TVs or cameras rather than headphones, but that will change with the RZ-S500W, the company's first pair of true wireless earphones. Yes, we know. This is another pair to consider and a fairly late entry into the game. So what makes this tempting?

Currently available in the UK and soon to be available in the US, they cost £ 169 or an estimated $ 199. This is a strong value considering that they have active noise cancellation on board, while rivals like Sony's WF-1000XM3 cost $ 239 and Apple's AirPods Pro $ 249. Then the question arises whether they have the audio chops to take them over.

The Panasonic RZ-S500W have been in my ears for about a week (not permanent, but you understand my meaning), and so they are.

design

It is very difficult to make real wireless earphones attractive. Sony hasn't really accomplished this feat, and Apple shares the opinion with the AirPods. Panasonic has taken the path to make them look like bolts, and while they aren't exactly pretty, they definitely feel good.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Most of the RZ-S500W sits outside of your ear, rather than forming around your inner ear like the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus, and relies on the tip to hold it in place. The balance is excellent and the 7 gram weight means they don't pull your ears or feel like they're falling out. Five sets of silicone tips of different sizes are included to help you find the best fit for your ears.

If they're in your ears, don't expect them to be subtle. Everyone around you will notice that you are wearing the RZ-S500W, not least because it sticks out of your ears at some distance, but also because the blue LED in the left bud flashes. They don't look more ridiculous than most other real wireless headphones, but they don't drive the industry by introducing a chic new design.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The buds are in a plastic housing with three LEDs under the hinged lid, which indicate the charge status. Attaching the earphones inside is a bit of a hassle, as they are not as easy to fit as the offers from Apple or Sony. Once attached, they are magnetically pressed and the top closes securely over them. There's a Type C USB charging port on the back of the case. Although it's smaller than the Sony WF-1000XM3 case, it's not as compact as the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus case or as wonderfully high quality as the shiny metal case from Master & Dynamic for the MW07 Plus.

The RZ-S500W has a simple, no-nonsense design and functional case, none of which attract admiring glances, but do the job they are designed for very well. This may reflect the reasonable cost, but that's okay because the money went where it belongs: the audio.

sound

The sound is transmitted through an 8mm driver with a neodymium magnet in each earphone. The resulting audio quality is bold, bright and very pleasant. Panasonic has decided to tune the RZ-800W more neutrally, which means that the bass has not been artificially amplified and the vocals in the sound stage are ahead of headphones with a brand-specific tone like beats.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Don't consider this a lack of bass, as it's the opposite. The bass is precise and controlled and deep if need be, but it never overwhelms mids or vocals. The earbuds are not overwhelmed by the deep bass during the opening of KLF's What Time is Love, the Tokyo Tower remix that has more than enough subbass to feel. However, the RZ-S500W sounds best when you play songs that rely on strong vocals.

In Keyakizaka46's Hiraishin, the earphones wonderfully capture the group's voices as they circulate the soundstage without becoming too bright while delivering the track's strong bass line. Some headphones lose the main voice in Gang Parade & # 39; I need you, I love you, I want you to be on the beat, but that's not the case with the RZ-S550W, which balances it out very well.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Band Maids Choose Me focuses on the lead singer's vocals, but never lets up on the lead and bass guitar, which makes for exciting listening. Jidenna's Long Live the Chief and Moses Mayfield's Fall Behind are treated the same way as Choose Me, with focused vocals and hard bass. While still a great listening experience, it's clear that the Panasonics love women's pop and rock.

Although the RZ-800W sounds great, they can't quite keep up with the wonderful, involved, and perfectly balanced Sony WF-1000XM3. They come much closer to Master & Dynamic's MW07 Plus, but focus more on the vocals. I found that they came closest to the over-ear ATH-M50x of the Japanese audio brand Audio Technica in terms of sound and soundstage, which is respected for its studio-like neutral sound signature.

The only disappointment is the lack of codecs. Panasonic has only added AAC to the RZ-S500W, which means they can be used with most mobile devices, but does not offer the additional quality advantages that some expect from AptX or AptX HD or a low latency connection with AptX LL.

Noise cancellation, app and control

For the RZ-S800W, Panasonic uses a dual hybrid noise canceling system that mixes feedback and feed-forward microphone systems to remove unwanted noise from inside and outside of the earphones. I thought it was great for general use, but didn't find it to be as isolated as the best models. Even without active ambient mode, I could still hear myself speaking to ANC, but the traffic and general noises in the house were effectively muted.

Panasonic RZ-S800W with the app "class =" m-carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/panasonic-rzs500w-app-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Panasonic RZ-S800W with noise reduction setting in the app "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/panasonic-rzs500w-noise-app -640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Panasonic RZ-S800W with app equalizer function "class =" m-carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/panasonic-rzs500w-equalizer-app- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The noise cancellation settings are adjusted via the touch-sensitive control panel on the right earphone, which is switched between on, off and ambient mode by a long press. You can also play and pause music with the touch controls, and they're decent too. I was concerned about using multiple gestures this way, but I'm happy to say that they didn't mess up and mostly responded the way I wanted them to. A long press on the left bud activates Siri or Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa is also available with a software update.

Download the Panasonic Audio Connect app and control the noise cancellation effect through 50 different levels. I found it made little difference to my use – I either want noise cancellation or not – and if more outside sound was required, the ambient mode served the purpose better. The sound quality is slightly affected by the ANC because the music takes on a warmer, bassier tone. The app also has a Bass Enhancer setting, which was not essential when the ANC was on, but did help round out the sound when it was off. A five-band equalizer completes the range of functions.

The RZ-S500W doesn't expect the world's best noise cancellation because it can't match the amazing isolation of the Sony WF-1000XM3, but it's great for everyday city life and traffic. Due to movement restrictions, I was unable to test them using public transportation or airplanes.

Battery and connectivity

According to Panasonic, the playback time when the ANC is switched on is 6.5 hours, with a charge of 19.5 hours, a total usage time. Charging the earphones with the case takes approximately 2 hours. There is a battery meter in the app that shows the individual battery levels for each earphone. A 15 minute charge offers a usage time of 70 minutes.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

At the time of my review, I have no reason to doubt these numbers, but I doubt the accuracy of the battery meter. For most of the review period, I had a longer listening session of at least 4 hours. During that time, the app still indicated that 90% of the battery was still available, making it difficult to estimate the performance more accurately.

However, the case was empty after at least 20 hours of operation until the last LED light, which means that battery life is an important reason for buying the RZ-S500W. The battery life is longer than that of the AirPods Pro and roughly corresponds to that of Sony. This allows them to commute easily for at least a week and occasionally listen before they need to be fully charged. This is a huge advantage.

I used the earphones connected to an iPhone 11 Pro, and the Bluetooth 5.0 connection was solid with no interruptions or jerks when I was within 10 meters of my phone in my apartment. Panasonic has introduced an independent connection system for each earphone that is more stable and efficient. I had no problems with delays or breaks between the earbuds.

The connection was also stable during a call, but the sound quality for the person called was not particularly good. I have been told several times that my head sounded like it was in a pocket, but I can confirm that I never carried a pocket during one of the calls. However, the call quality for me as a caller was great.

Price, guarantee and availability

The Panasonic RZ-S500W cost £ 169, which is $ 213, and has been announced in the UK and Europe. A release in the U.S. is likely in the near future, where the price is expected to be $ 199. Panasonic grants a one year warranty on its audio products and offers free repair or replacement.

Our opinion

Given that the RZ-S800W is Panasonic's first widely used true noise canceling wireless headphones, it is an outstanding achievement. The excellent neutral sound makes it very easy to hear, especially for those who love singing. Overall, the experience isn't particularly detailed, but it's fun, engaging, and helps you enjoy your music. Noise cancellation may not be the best, but it is still effective for general daily use. Add the competitive price, and the Panasonic RZ-800W is an enticing purchase.

Is there a better alternative?

You're spoiled for choice when you watch real wireless headphones today. We recommend spending a little more to purchase the $ 230 Sony WF-1000XM3, which has a warmer tone, smarter design, and the best noise cancellation system available. Apple's $ 249 AirPods Pro are also worth considering.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus for $ 149 doesn't offer noise cancellation, but it offers great value for money in terms of sound quality, compact design, and long battery life. There are so many different models that you should also check out our list of the best real wireless headphones you can buy to find more alternatives.

How long it will take?

The Panasonic RZ-S500W has IPX4 waterproofness, so they are protected from rain and sweat. In addition, the plastic housing feels durable and strong. The lifespan of all real wireless headphones is determined by the battery inside, which deteriorates and ultimately returns less useful life. However, this is unlikely to be a problem over several years. Panasonic is an established, trustworthy brand and these headphones meet expectations in terms of quality and workmanship.

Should you buy it

Yes. The competitive price, decent noise cancellation and wonderful neutral tuning make it easy to overlook the slightly dorky design.

Editor's recommendations




14 Jun
Blog

The Bleeding Hearts of CrossFit Affiliates

Let's call Bullsh * t the newly discovered belief in social justice that is being spread through CrossFit partners. CrossFits High School Musical of Dysfunction stopped being interesting years ago. Many of the original enthusiasts moved on or became indifferent or indifferent. And what's left are people who either got into the affiliate business because of the myth of the brand. You know, our warm-up exercises are like your workouts. Yadda yadda yadda and we are the strongest on earth, community, blah, blah, blah. And some are just wounded warriors who have managed to survive all the members standing in front of them, who have shot up and crashed, and they are basically the last to stand, just happy to be alive and that to do what they undoubtedly really do love. You can believe in the sincerity of these partners when they say they are disgusted by Glassman's comments, but you can't pass them off when they try to CrossFit from the comments of its great size and the culture for which it is ultimately responsible to separate has repeatedly defended.

The affiliate diet: have and eat your cake

De-affiliation is something that is not over yet. How can it be if ultimately money from affiliated companies still flows into the pockets of the man who started the movement away from CrossFit? When I read things about how CrossFit is a great community and was built despite what CFHQ has done, it sounds great to people trying to understand all of this in CrossFit, but for those of us it absolutely does no sense the exterior in the real world.

Again, I don't blame affiliates and CrossFit fan boys for justifying everything and putting them in the context of a reactionary political movement or a high point in the spirit of the times, but that often forgets that what has happened recently is just one point in one is arch that bends towards thickness.

To be fair, the following video by Andy Stumpf must be seen as a counterpoint to what I'm saying, but if you only hear minute 16, you go somehow, dude, why end it with a meaningless Kumbaya session with the Powers who are now at CFHQ when it's nothing more than polishing the jerk moment? I was about to take a pitchfork and join a crowd after 16 minutes driving to the CFHQ.

(16:18)
The biggest, not the biggest, and best answer I can give you is that I'm actually surprised that it took so long. And I asked myself a few years ago when it was in the middle of my movement. And I've seen some of these reports and wondered how the hell does that happen? How does such behavior occur and how can it continue to occur? And then I had the crashing realization that I know exactly how it happens because I was complicit in allowing it to happen. At least in the interactions that I observed or heard during my time at CrossFit, I cannot count how often derogatory and specifically sexual comments were made directly to female employees in my presence. Sometimes the employees were not there and often in mixed company.

(17:20)
And very often the overtures were much more open. It was an open secret who might have been in Greg's sexual crosshairs. And whether this is manifested in uncomfortable travel arrangements such as for female employees, traveling with Greg and a trip is imminent, but only booked a hotel room or female employees are sitting alone in a vehicle, with the CEO being what Greg prefers from his women. Or even directly from Greg that he suffers from what Tiger Woods does and the list goes on and on and owns. And the closer you got to Greg, the more you saw and the closer you got to Greg, and the more you saw and the less you did or what essentially, it seems like we all did what was nothing . The more we have activated this behavior, the more things I have spoken about, examples from abroad, and I am deliberately diversified because I do not want to involve anyone other than those who need to be, but there are many of them tell these stories.

Not enough for you How about:

(18:35)
And the bottom line, they're not mine, but these people deserve a platform. And the reason they're not talking now is out of fear.

(18:45)
I'll give another example, hoping it brings clarity, color, and context to the environment that some of these women had to tolerate. Imagine an employee who had already spent a lot of time in Greg's crosshairs. And I say this based on what I saw, what I heard, and comments that Greg directed directly to me. This employee is in a vehicle, mixed company.

(19:20)
She happens to be in a relationship with an assigned service member and Greg inquires about this service member and realizes that he currently has four abroad. His response to this information directly to this employee was that we hope to be able to name a hero WOD soon after him. And for people who don't know what a HERO WOD is, it's training that's named after someone killed overseas or as a law enforcement first-aid worker in his country here in the United States. And there is no more precise window into the area that some of these people had to work with. Then this statement from the CEO and that person owns 100% of CrossFit inc.

It's not enough for CrossFit partners to behave like stags caught in the headlines if they know exactly who they're dealing with and know exactly what's going on. You can't have your cake and eat it – that's why there are clichés.

Go villain

I know someone from Breaking Muscle on Facebook or anywhere said we were done with CrossFit and we just call them box gyms. I'm not sure if that will work, but I know one thing: you can call them all Rogue gyms, and you would probably do it as well.

Everything in this partner is from Rogue, they hang the banners, the company has a good brand and even if they have skeletons in their closets, they don't film them and put them on social media.

In the early 1970s, Nautilus devices made a big change in the world of bodybuilding devices, and the brand did indeed drive a segment of the fitness business. Rogue can do pretty much the same thing, and if you want to get involved, they have done more than CFHQ by venturing into Maces, Strongman, Powerlifting, and all sorts of different product lines that, interestingly, match training methods.

Drop CrossFit, become a Rogue gym, and let Rogue market the crap of bars, bells, assault bikes, oarsmen, and all the other things Reformed CrossFitters need to do what used to be called training .

14 Jun
Blog

Keys to Monitor An Athlete’s Workload

Effective training plans are based on levels of complex planning, preparation, and implementation. Simply throwing a template program on a group of athletes and hoping that they will magically improve after eight weeks is not enough. Trainers need to take the time to assess what is happening along the way and to make the necessary changes as they see fit.

Anyone can be the artist of a program that smokes their athletes. But the best coaches act as a guide to steer the program in the right direction and offer the optimal appeal. Surveillance techniques are undoubtedly essential for a high-level sports performance program.

Why we monitor

To understand why it is important to monitor your athletes and their training, it is helpful to ask yourself what would happen if you did not watch. No monitoring means no understanding of how athletes react to the training from an analytical perspective.

Some coaches believe that they can use their coaching eye and assume what's going on with their athletes. Monitoring is therefore seen as a waste of time. Although I believe it is important to use some intuition and deep understanding of your athletes, planning your programming using perception techniques is a recipe for disaster.

Monitoring enables us to assess stress responses to individual training sessions or a series of sessions (more on that later). We also receive information that can help make decisions and control the training process. We can get an idea of ​​how hard an athlete works, what his recovery looks like, and even his potential risk of injury

Key to monitoring an athlete's workload - fitness, fitness, recreation, pace training, programming, optimal performance training, game day, training programs, customer evaluation, coaching process, sports injuries, heart rate variability

Monitoring not only leads to training and provides information about our athletes, but also validates the approaches and methods we use. By testing and monitoring performance, we can determine if our programming is working and achieve a positive performance gain.

In addition to the performance on the match day, this is one of the few ways in which we as performance specialists, sports coaches, sports directors and athletes alike can validate themselves in order to keep a job. It's a competitive environment, and if you can't prove you are getting better, many just assume you are getting worse.

What to monitor

It goes without saying that more is not always better when it comes to monitoring.

One should not only collect data for the purpose, without the intention to use this data. Monitoring must improve the effectiveness of the training, make logical sense, and provide reliable information about the specifics of the athlete's training. It must be specific to the age, gender, sporting event, age of training, level of performance and injury status of the athlete. It must also be easy to present to coaches and athletes. 2

There is simply not enough time to collect data as this can be very distracting and can cost valuable training time if used inappropriately. Implementing the least amount of monitoring for the maximum results is paramount.

Monitoring athletes' training and performance can basically be divided into two categories:

  1. Internal load
  2. External load

The internal stress represents the athlete's physiological and psychological responses to the physical stimulus, while the external stress is simply the training stimulus applied It is important to note that the training load goes far beyond the sets and repetitions that we prescribe in the weight room. It includes all of the athlete's training units, from sports exercises to competitions and conditioning sessions.

Within the training load paradigm, we have a dose-response relationship that can be classified under:

  • Acute Training Effects – Acute training effects can be designed as immediate or immediate effects such as an increase in heart rate during a sprint.
  • Immediate training effects – Immediate training effects occur in a single training session, e.g. B. A change in the ratio of testosterone to cortisol after exercise.
  • Cumulative Training Effects – After all, cumulative training effects are the physiological or motor / technical responses that you get from a series of training sessions or a training plan.

It is important to understand what each piece is and what it contains, as they all help create an effective athlete monitoring program.

How to monitor

Once you understand the various aspects of athlete monitoring, you can start collecting data. As mentioned before It is important to collect information about both the internal and external training load.

If we do this, we can determine the impact of our external training load on the internal training load of our athletes.

External training load

There are dozens of variables that we can monitor when we look at the external training load. For example, we can track the number:

The key is choosing the right variables for tracking the athlete you are working with.3

A soccer player can benefit from GPS monitoring that tracks the distance traveled and the total number of accelerations during a game, which would be rather useless for a competitive weight lifter. Having an idea of ​​the global training stimulus is key, but when it comes to the weight room, we can certainly be a little more specific.

One of the keys to building a successful strength training program is tracking the volume load that occurs. The most basic form for this is:

The sets x Reps x Load = Volume Load

There are several equations that deal more precisely with a percentage of the repetition maximum. However, the real key is to consistently use an equation and use it across all strength training sessions to keep track of the total work done. With this method, coaches can correlate the workload of their athletes with the overall goal of the training week or month.

It's easy to understand why blindly prescribing repetitions and sentences is a recipe for disaster, since a targeted amount of work consistently drives adaptation. Sometimes it's more, sometimes it's less, but it vibrates, allowing athletes to train, accumulate fatigue, relax, and repeat.

Internal training load

Similar to the external training load, there are a variety of variables that can be measured to capture details of the internal training load. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate reserve (HRV) are two extremely common methods because they are easy to measure, Negative blood lactate and hormone responses can be a little more difficult to assemble.

The internal training load paints a nice picture of how an athlete reacts to the training and how it can be restored. We can generally assume that the higher the heart rate during aerobic exercise, the harder they work. Similarly, HRV has been popularized as a method of determining readiness for training and recovery.

While I'm a fan of tracking internal load measurements, when appropriate, A big problem arises when we try to apply a method across multiple training modalities. Using heart rate as a measure of work and fatigue during a speed run may be an excellent choice, but a heavy squat with short, intermittent work spurts is very different.

One method that has been popularized and used to combat this problem is the perceived effort session rate or sRPE. With sRPE, athletes can rate a session on a scale of 1 to 10 levels of difficulty. This way we can go back and multiply it by the duration of the session and derive a score. For example, if an athlete:

  • With a 30-minute conditioning session at an RPE of 5, they would have a training load of 150 arbitrary units (AU).
  • Then if they had a 60 minute weight session later that day and rated it as an RPE of 8, it would result in a training load of 480 (AU).
  • If you add them up, it shows that the training load for this day was 630 (AU).

This method is very helpful because it synchronizes several training methods and makes them somewhat compatible in terms of our understanding of the impact on the athlete. For example, we can look at the relationship between acute and chronic workload and see how they respond to the intended training stimulus.

While using this method on some of my athletes, I am the first to admit that it has some shortcomings. It is somewhat subjective in nature and some athletes do not have enough experience to accurately assess the difficulty of their sessions.

Different personality types rate sessions differently depending on the attitude and motivation of a particular athlete. While not perfect, it certainly offers an alternative way to track your internal training load.

Wrap up

We know that training is a revolving door of many variables, some of which we can control and some of which we cannot. It is important to have a solid understanding of how a training plan can not only be implemented but also tracked and changed over time.

Implementing monitoring in your athlete programs ensures that you are directing things in the right direction and making changes as necessary. Just remember to keep track of what's needed and get rid of what's not needed. Use monitoring as a means to improve your programming without affecting it.

References

1. Haff, G.G. "Quantifying the workload in strength training: a brief review." Professional strength and condition 10th autumn (2010): 31–40. Network.

2. Robertson, S. "Red, Amber, or Green? Monitoring Athletes in Team Sports: The Need for Decision Support Systems." International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 12 (2017): 73–79. Network.

3. McGuigan, M. "Monitoring Training and Performance in Athletes." Human kinetics. 2017.

13 Jun
Blog

Edifier TWS6 Review: Affordable Audio For Athletes

Edifier tws6 earphones

"Edifier has successfully developed affordable real wireless earbuds for active listeners."

  • 8 hours of playback

  • IPX5 waterproof

  • Exceptional sound quality

  • Comfortable

  • Limited touch controls

  • Ear wings required for proper fit

Edifier is committed to taking the world of affordable real wireless earphones by storm this year by releasing two products with identical prices: the TWS NB and the TWS6.

The TWS NB impressed us enough to be called our new favorite budget e-wireless earbud. As a result, expectations were understandably high for the $ 120 TWS6, a pair of buds with similar functions and some important differences that target an active audience. After a week of keeping these earphones in my ears, you should consider that these expectations have been met.

Out of the box

With the last edifier buds I checked, I was impressed with the luxury of the packaging in which they were delivered. It seems that this is a trend in the brand as I came across the same takeaways when I opened the TWS6.

Edifier TWS6 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Both the charging case with the buds and the four (!) Pairs of additional earplugs waited patiently in foam pads. Directly under the earplugs was a small box with a USB-C charging cable, installation instructions and silicone ear wings, as Edifier calls them.

There is a pairing button on the housing itself that starts the connection process. Following the standard procedures for locating the buds in my phone's Bluetooth settings made setup quick and easy. The process is neither unusual nor unusual, but the ability to simply plug in a new pair of earphones is always appreciated.

However, I will point out that if you are looking for more detailed instructions on the functionality of the earbuds or the correct way to attach the ear wings to the buds, you will not find any in the compressed physical version of the manual. You must venture online for the full edition to receive this information.

design

I am fascinated by the way the TWS6 looks, but also a bit perplexed. Because I liked the initial aesthetics of the buds so much, I have some concerns about the methodology of the overall design.

First, the TWS6 are elegant and simple and present themselves as buttonless buds in black (white is also available). They're not heavy on your ears and don't stand out like other options like the Sony WF-XB700. But they're fat, something you should keep in mind when you're stuck against a "clogged ear". Regardless, it was pleasant to have them in my ears for longer test periods.

Edifier TWS6 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

There are both memory foam and silicone earplugs to choose from. In my tests, I chose a smaller silicone alternative to the one on the buds and found that it fits well. There are also the ear wings above that started my confusion. The TWS6 doesn't come with ear wings that are already attached to the buds, but part of me really thinks this should have been. This is because if you just took the buds out of their suitcase like I did, put them in your ears and wanted to start listening, you would have a completely different experience.

This is important to note as the buds would not fit my ears very well without these wings. Finding the right wing has completely changed this and made the TWS6 much more suitable for the intense workouts and activities that Edifier is targeting with this product. I accept the possibility that this is a user error and most buyers know how to attach the ear wings without referring to the instructions. But for those who have a similar attitude, I offer this advice: wrap the buds in your preferred ear wings and save yourself the hassle of constantly having to readjust yourself during a walk.

When we look at the case, it has the same black finish as the buds and essentially looks like a wider copy of the case for Apple's popular AirPods. I was initially worried about how the buds with the wings attached would fit in the case. I will say for the sake of clarity that they sit a little closer, but still sit tight and are charged without hiccups.

properties

When comparing the function sets between these buds and the TWS NB, it becomes clear that Edifier has taken two different demographic characteristics into account in these products. While the TWS NB was more geared towards the serious music listener, the TWS6 has features that suggest that it is much more geared towards lifestyle.

Edifier TWS6 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The TWS6 supports 8 hours of playback with a total of 32 hours of battery life with the charging case. Technically speaking, the TWS NB can last 11 hours at a time, but only without active noise reduction (ANC). With this coveted feature, playback drops to 5 hours.

The differences between the buds become clear when looking at the waterproof ratings. The TWS NB have IPX4 water resistance, which is reasonable but not special. Meanwhile, the TWS6 offers IPX5 resistance, which protects it from the continued use of moisture-like rain. Having gotten into a downpour the morning before completing this review, I can vouch for her ability to withstand harsh weather.

Both edifier buds we've discussed here support Bluetooth 5.0, and I've found similarly strong connections with each pair. Where the TWS6 falls behind significantly, however, are the controls. The TWS NB have multifunction buttons for a variety of applications. In contrast, the TWS6 has touchpads, which unfortunately lack a lot of functionality.

I can pause and resume tracks with a double tap on the right bud and call up my voice assistant with a double tap on the left side. There is no possibility to change tracks and to increase or decrease the volume. While asking Alexa to create a particular song or playlist helps, it still doesn't relieve the pain of missing a couple of what I categorize as both standard and crucial controls.

Audio quality

Edifier was not silent about promoting the Knowles Balanced Armature drivers built into the TWS6, and for good reason. With a diameter of only 12 mm for the entire bud, these drivers are rather small, but offer an exciting punch.

Edifier TWS6 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Based on my listening experience, the TWS6 has all the audio qualities required to create solid buds for workouts and other activities. I've heard a healthy dose of soca music lately (it's a long story), and the TWS6 has skilfully processed the bass-heavy Caribbean beats of Michael Montano's Toco Loco.

They also go well with more mainstream genres. One of my favorite test tracks, Blues Travelers & # 39; Hook, was once again a fun ride that demonstrated the TWS6's ability to dance through a range of frequencies. Other genres and tracks led to the same result: these earphones have a wonderfully pleasant sound that I think will satisfy most people looking for buds in this price range.

However, I would prefer the TWS NB to these buds in terms of sound quality. Although the TWS6 also supports aptX, the NB has an advantage in terms of definition and clarity, as well as ANC to support the listening experience. Thanks to its fit, the TWS6 has efficient passive noise suppression, but does not meet the advantages of ANC, e.g. B. listening to music or making phone calls without interruption.

Our opinion

Edifier did it again with the TWS6 and created an affordable pair of real wireless earphones with nice features and exceptional audio quality. This time they only did it for another listener.

Are there any better alternatives?

I would probably still choose the $ 120 TWS-NB for its audio quality and control benefits, though they're not ideal for active scenarios. Outside of the Edifier brand, the $ 130 Amazon Echo Buds or the $ 130 Sony WF-XB700 are solid competitors in this price range.

How long will they last?

The TWS6 has a build quality that feels solid and impressive waterproofness to protect it from nature. It is a safe bet that you will get your money's worth with these buds.

Should you buy them

Yes. Restricted touch controls are crap, but they don't interfere with what leads to a valuable pair of buds ready for training in the Edifier TWS6. Remember to attach these ear wings.

Editor's recommendations




13 Jun
Blog

Keys to Monitor An Athlete’s Workload

Effective training plans are based on levels of complex planning, preparation, and implementation. Simply throwing a template program on a group of athletes and hoping that they will magically improve after eight weeks is not enough. Trainers need to take the time to assess what is happening along the way and to make the necessary changes as they see fit.

Anyone can be the artist of a program that smokes their athletes. But the best coaches act as a guide to steer the program in the right direction and offer the optimal appeal. Surveillance techniques are undoubtedly essential for a high-level sports performance program.

Why do we monitor?

To understand why it is important to monitor your athletes and their training, it is helpful to ask yourself what would happen if you did not watch. No monitoring means no understanding of how athletes react to the training from an analytical perspective.

Some coaches believe that they can use their coaching eye and assume what's going on with their athletes. Monitoring is therefore seen as a waste of time. Although I believe it is important to use some intuition and deep understanding of your athletes, planning your programming using perception techniques is a recipe for disaster.

Monitoring enables us to assess stress responses to individual training sessions or a series of sessions (more on that later). We also receive information that can help make decisions and control the training process. We can get an idea of ​​how hard an athlete works, what his recovery looks like, and even his potential risk of injury

Key to monitoring an athlete's workload - fitness, fitness, recreation, pace training, programming, optimal performance training, game day, training programs, customer evaluation, coaching process, sports injuries, heart rate variability

Monitoring not only leads to training and provides information about our athletes, but also validates the approaches and methods we use. By testing and monitoring performance, we can determine if our programming is working and achieve a positive performance gain.

In addition to the performance on the match day, this is one of the few ways in which we as performance specialists, sports coaches, sports directors and athletes alike can validate themselves in order to keep a job. It's a competitive environment, and if you can't prove you are getting better, many just assume you are getting worse.

What to monitor

It goes without saying that more is not always better when it comes to monitoring.

One should not only collect data for the purpose, without the intention to use this data. Monitoring must improve the effectiveness of the training, make logical sense, and provide reliable information about the specifics of the athlete's training. It must be specific to the age, gender, sporting event, age of training, level of performance and injury status of the athlete. It must also be easy to present to coaches and athletes. 2

There is simply not enough time to collect data as this can be very distracting and can cost valuable training time if used inappropriately. Implementing the least amount of monitoring for the maximum results is paramount.

Monitoring athletes' training and performance can basically be divided into two categories:

  1. Internal load
  2. External load

The internal stress represents the athlete's physiological and psychological responses to the physical stimulus, while the external stress is simply the training stimulus applied It is important to note that the training load goes far beyond the sets and repetitions that we prescribe in the weight room. It includes all of the athlete's training units, from sports exercises to competitions and conditioning sessions.

Within the training load paradigm, we have a dose-response relationship that can be classified under:

  • Acute Training Effects – Acute training effects can be designed as immediate or immediate effects such as an increase in heart rate during a sprint.
  • Immediate training effects – Immediate training effects occur in a single training session, e.g. B. A change in the ratio of testosterone to cortisol after exercise.
  • Cumulative Training Effects – After all, cumulative training effects are the physiological or motor / technical responses that you get from a series of training sessions or a training plan.

It is important to understand what each piece is and what it contains, as they all help create an effective athlete monitoring program.

How to monitor

Once you understand the various aspects of athlete monitoring, you can start collecting data. As mentioned before It is important to collect information about both the internal and external training load.

If we do this, we can determine the impact of our external training load on the internal training load of our athletes.

External training load

There are dozens of variables that we can monitor when we look at the external training load. For example, we can track the number:

The key is choosing the right variables for tracking the athlete you are working with.3

A soccer player can benefit from GPS monitoring that tracks the distance traveled and the total number of accelerations during a game, which would be rather useless for a competitive weight lifter. Having an idea of ​​the global training stimulus is key, but when it comes to the weight room, we can certainly be a little more specific.

One of the keys to building a successful strength training program is tracking the volume load that occurs. The most basic form for this is:

The sets x Reps x Load = Volume Load

There are several equations that deal more precisely with a percentage of the repetition maximum. However, the real key is to consistently use an equation and use it across all strength training sessions to keep track of the total work done. With this method, coaches can correlate the workload of their athletes with the overall goal of the training week or month.

It's easy to understand why blindly prescribing repetitions and sentences is a recipe for disaster, since a targeted amount of work consistently drives adaptation. Sometimes it's more, sometimes it's less, but it vibrates, allowing athletes to train, accumulate fatigue, relax, and repeat.

Internal training load

Similar to the external training load, there are a variety of variables that can be measured to capture details of the internal training load. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate reserve (HRV) are two extremely common methods because they are easy to measure, Negative blood lactate and hormone responses can be a little more difficult to assemble.

The internal training load paints a nice picture of how an athlete reacts to the training and how it can be restored. We can generally assume that the higher the heart rate during aerobic exercise, the harder they work. Similarly, HRV has been popularized as a method of determining readiness for training and recovery.

While I'm a fan of tracking internal load measurements, when appropriate, A big problem arises when we try to apply a method across multiple training modalities. Using heart rate as a measure of work and fatigue during a speed run may be an excellent choice, but a heavy squat with short, intermittent work spurts is very different.

One method that has been popularized and used to combat this problem is the perceived effort session rate or sRPE. With sRPE, athletes can rate a session on a scale of 1 to 10 levels of difficulty. This way we can go back and multiply it by the duration of the session and derive a score. For example, if an athlete:

  • With a 30-minute conditioning session at an RPE of 5, they would have a training load of 150 arbitrary units (AU).
  • Then if they had a 60 minute weight session later that day and rated it as an RPE of 8, it would result in a training load of 480 (AU).
  • If you add them up, it shows that the training load for this day was 630 (AU).

This method is very helpful because it synchronizes several training methods and makes them somewhat compatible in terms of our understanding of the impact on the athlete. For example, we can look at the relationship between acute and chronic workload and see how they respond to the intended training stimulus.

While using this method on some of my athletes, I am the first to admit that it has some shortcomings. It is somewhat subjective in nature and some athletes do not have enough experience to accurately assess the difficulty of their sessions.

Different personality types rate sessions differently depending on the attitude and motivation of a particular athlete. While not perfect, it certainly offers an alternative way to track your internal training load.

Wrap up

We know that training is a revolving door of many variables, some of which we can control and some of which we cannot. It is important to have a solid understanding of how a training plan can not only be implemented but also tracked and changed over time.

Implementing monitoring in your athlete programs ensures that you are directing things in the right direction and making changes as necessary. Just remember to keep track of what's needed and get rid of what's not needed. Use monitoring as a means to improve your programming without affecting it.

References:

1. Haff, G.G. "Quantifying the workload in strength training: a brief review." Professional strength and condition 10th autumn (2010): 31–40. Network.

2. Robertson, S. "Red, Amber, or Green? Monitoring Athletes in Team Sports: The Need for Decision Support Systems." International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 12 (2017): 73–79. Network.

3. McGuigan, M. "Monitoring Training and Performance in Athletes." Human kinetics. 2017.

12 Jun
Blog

The Last of Us Part II Review: A Dark Masterpiece

the last of us part 2 review ellie

"The last of us Part II is a slap in the face in the best way."

  • Deep emotional impact

  • Well-written narrative

  • Breathtaking graphics

  • Fine-tuned game mechanics

  • Characters are fully developed and credible

  • High level of detail in the game and in the options

  • Gating prevents more extensive exploration

Publishing a follow-up to a very popular game is daunting and can easily disappoint fans. The last of us part II accomplishes the feat effortlessly.

This sequel extends and perfects the already well-made story. It lives up to the first release and extends the original without going too far, which could alienate fans hoping to get a taste of what they loved the first time.

The last of us places a heavy burden on this entry because the effects of Joel's actions have far-reaching effects and history is not forgotten. Ellie and Joel started a new life in Jackson, Wyoming, but the game lets players know that it is not that easy to continue.

The plot is certainly dark, but it never feels nervous. There is empathy even for your enemies. Obviously, the game contains many unexpected twists that make The Last of Us Part II look emotionally and narratively polished. There are Easter eggs and funny jokes, but that's a story of revenge. It will never be forgotten.

Emotional impact

The Last of Us has been praised for its emotional narrative that shook players, and Naughty Dog's sequel finds a way to expand on that. The last of us Part II is a slap in the face in the best way.

I can't count the number of times I stared at the screen with wide eyes and thought, "No. It can't be right. It can't be that way."

The players in the first game already know and love Ellie, so it's easy to shop around in her story. That said, this is not a happy story. Fans are likely expecting this since Sony described the plot as a quest for revenge. But The last of us part II takes many dark turns. It twists and affects your expectations and therefore your well-being.

I can't count the number of times I stared at the screen with wide eyes and thought, "No. It can't be right. It can't be that way."

And while I thought I knew Ellie, the game felt like meeting an old friend I was separated from. Sure, she is – but she's older and her attitude has evolved from a spunky, tough child to a blunt survivor.

Ellie is still very loyal and fearless, but she has lost the hope she had in the first game. This is probably because the original Ellie was on the way to finding a cure. It is clear that the failure of this mission took part of its optimism and growing up in a post-apocalyptic world, while the excruciating pressure to be a teenager still didn't help.

We see her story and her fear of telling Joel about her first friend. This story is particularly beautiful and I was glad to see that Ellie's feelings were explored with the same sincerity as a heterosexual relationship.

Screenshot of The Last of Us Part IINaughty dog

Their relationship with Joel also deepens as they create a new life after the events of the first game. There is a look back at one of their birthdays, and the time they spend tying is a strong reminder that the family is not just blood relatives.

Still, Ellie is older. She has questions and she was not one who was afraid to question authority. And after the failed vaccine search by her and Joel, it becomes more difficult to see how people turn away from a bite.

Sometimes Ellie is unrecognizable to herself.

The event that causes Ellie to take revenge is even more relieved.

Sometimes our protagonist is unrecognizable for herself. It is painful to watch their journey – to participate actively, but not to be able to change course. Writing does The last of us part II one of the greatest gaming experiences I've ever had. It reminds me of the games my mother, who really didn't understand my fascination with video games, would look over my shoulder to watch. Those who made her stop asking, "Aren't you tired of playing this?" and sit next to me instead. That made her say softly to my stepfather, "It's like a movie."

Similar to the first time The last of us, The narrative will remind players why they love to play and give birth to a new generation of players.

While Ellie is the star, the story goes beyond her. I was involved in the life of characters I would never meet, some dead, some still out there. You will find documents and memorabilia, similar to the one in the last game. But this time the game does better at creating stories that can last the entire duration of the game. A document in an early area is linked to a document in a later level. One person mentioned in a note is the author of another. And when I came across the last note of an invisible character near his body in a room with an infected person, or worse, my heart was broken.

That was teased Part II is darker, but I wasn't prepared.

This also goes beyond Ellie. The world is at war with itself. Different factions are suffering on both sides after the termination of an armistice for which neither party is to blame. There is also the profound moral question of which side is the right one. People who had previously joined the government-sanctioned FEDRA, the countermovement of fireflies, or who chose to respond only for themselves. But it's not just about survival. It's about what society looks like when the remains of human civilization are desperately trying to hold on.

If you kill a human enemy, his friends will cry out for them. They each have names. Their allies will be devastated to bump into their dead bodies, and not because that means they are in danger themselves. It's a heartbreaking but realistic detail that lights up the game and leaves you with a pit of the stomach.

Way of playing

If you add so many elements to the game, you have to open the map. While not really an open-world game, some levels are large and complex, and definitely worth exploring.

When it comes to game mechanics, it doesn't fix what isn't broken.

I was happy to come across Easter eggs, to unravel a story by leaving notes and clues behind, or to find a particularly practical way to pick up the equipment by bothering.

There are also small moments that trigger cutscenes and appear completely optional. Some parts were just cute, others added a deep emotional layer. I highly recommend reviewing everything and I will probably go to another degree myself.

Screenshot of The Last of Us Part IINaughty dog

Still, The last of us part II is a linear game, and gating – which prevents you from going back to a previous area – removes any illusion that this could be a real sandpit title.

When it comes to game mechanics, it doesn't fix what isn't broken. It works much like the first game, but refines the fight. Stealth is getting smarter, there are new enemies and there are skill trees in which you can invest resources depending on your preferred fighting style. I found it easy to jump in again and appreciated the new elements.

Pictures and details

The visuals of The last of us part II are just great. The details of the surroundings and the objects are absolutely phenomenal. I played on a PlayStation 4 base with HDR turned on and was convinced that I wasn't playing in 4K. It really looks so good. Textures look exceptionally detailed and landscapes look incredible. This is particularly important because a lot of time is spent outdoors.

The character details could be even more impressive. There is a small part where Ellie looks in the mirror and makes different faces, and it is not a cut scene. The animations look so good that it feels like the developers are showing off.

Screenshot of The Last of Us Part II

Of course, it would be inappropriate not to mention the crisis in this game. Naughty Dog has received criticism of his practice of putting his team in stressful hours to end this and other games. It's an absolute shame that everyone would work under these conditions, and they're the unsung heroes who made this game as good as it is.

They contain so many subtleties that have to be explored. The options menu allows you to customize the difficulty of things like enemy health or the number of resources you find.

More importantly, players can change the controls to make them more accessible in several ways. Changes can be made visually to make reading subtitles easier or to display important details. There's also a text-to-speech option and motion sickness settings. Players can even change the guitar playing or operate a boat. These options are also highlighted by on-screen notifications, and other accessibility features are announced at the start. It's a great move that I hope to see in more titles.

Do all these details The last of us part II an incredibly powerful game.

Our opinion

The last part II is a tour de force, in which the best parts of the original are brought into their best forms. History will stagger you, and there are some unexpected twists and turns that you will invest consistently. The level of detail and quality in creating and creating stories in the world is at the top of their class.

Is there a better alternative?

There's nothing like The Last of Us Part II, let alone a better alternative. The gameplay and combat are not unique, but the story that revolves around these elements is unique. This is also the reason why people chose the first game so strongly.

How long it will take?

The campaign lasts between 30 and 40 hours and reaches it easily if you want to explore and find everything that is available. If you just want to get through the story, 30 hours are closer to accuracy, but even narrative players will benefit from additional exploration.

But should you?

Yes absolutely. The Last of Us Part II will go down as a classic game that people will talk about for years, much like the first iteration. The fact that this title extends what worked well so much makes it much easier to justify adding it to your library.

Editor's recommendations




12 Jun
Blog

An Open Letter to CrossFit

An open letter to CrossFit

My name is Greg Walsh. I started working with CrossFit in 2003 and was a member, trainer and manager of CrossFit Long Beach until I returned to my hometown Rochester, NY in 2008.

I started with the Wolf Brigade in 2008 and since then we have been training people from all walks of life and fitness levels every day.

During my time in Long Beach, I developed relationships with many CrossFit employees and started a friendship with Greg Glassman. This resulted in a "partnership" based on my idea of ​​offering affiliates a one-stop shop to get top quality artwork and clothing prints, as well as the opportunity / option to present them on a website called for worldwide purchase, crossfitshirts.com.

We had a small but very high quality printing company in Rochester. I loved CrossFit – especially the affiliates – and I wanted to both help and show more engagement. I presented the “CrossFit Shirts” project at an affiliate meeting in 2007 with a very positive response, and we set off.

The project was a great success. CrossFit products have never looked better, and the subsidiaries benefit from our high level of expertise in art direction and graphic design.

The crossfitshirts.com platform was fun, exciting and mutually beneficial. CrossFit received a percentage of everything that was sold, as did the partners we worked with, and it expanded rapidly.

Between 2007 and 2009, Greg and I became friends (or at least I thought I did), and I felt no obvious reason to apply the brakes as we developed our combined projects. We expanded the print shop, hired talented employees and adapted to the growing occasion. During that time, Greg routinely called to talk about his life, marriage, and business problems, and routinely invited me to his Arizona home, on various CrossFit-related trips, etc. I appreciated it, although I rarely accepted it because we were neck. We work intensively in the gym and develop our “partnership”.

My mistake was to assume that a handshake “contract” meant the same to others as to me.

In 2009, when our coordinated projects were in full swing, I was called out of the blue – first by a persistent lackey by Greg and then by a smug and stylized CrossFit lawyer. Both were asked to send the message that we can no longer use the CrossFit name without affiliate-specific branding, and much more seriously

The website crossfitshirts.com should be handed over to you immediately.

Without dubbing the hand, it felt like a bad joke. We have always had problems – I have been working in and managing small, high quality companies for over 25 years, and we were finally on the way to something that grew and fully in our wheelhouse.

I did everything I could to find out what was really happening. Greg did not return calls, text, or email, and was finally given the “option” to take any remaining soft goods to another partner event in Austin, Texas and try to sell them off. After selling shirts at shows and events since I was a kid, I knew exactly how it was going (bad), but had no choice. After paying for the shipping of the clothes and my trip and selling less than half of what we had brought with me at less than half the prices we would normally charge, I lost several thousand dollars.

This was around the same time that poor decision making, self-based leadership, and myopia drove some of the most advanced, lovable, and respected minds in CrossFit, including Robb Wolf, James "OPT" Fitzgerald, and Greg Everett – three people I've had since my first one Respected exposure and whose positions I took very seriously. I knew at the time, although I was very marginal compared to these three, that our “partnership” was really over; I was classified as expendable or worse, and we had to act accordingly.

In retrospect, I should have downsized, given up on the second press I just bought, let our newly hired, experienced print workers go and get to the point, but I really felt we could keep a lot of the affiliate business and keep going. I was very wrong

The removal of the website crossfitshirts.com and clearly our "CrossFit blessing" has rejected many partners. Many stayed, and I still appreciate this step of faith to this day, but the loss was too great, our answer was not as it should be, and in late 2009 we were forced to close our print shop and solve the committed people, who had operated it.

Now in deep debt after I moved across the country to work on a project that was now dead and cheated and abandoned by someone I thought was a strong ally, I concentrated all my efforts on training people really, really well.

I set out to develop and document our processes meticulously and adapt the general education elements that we had worked on in Long Beach that I knew were critical to our idea of ​​“global linear progression” Meaning. In short, if a glass in this story were half full, the Wolf Brigade would have become one of the best training platforms in the world – in every way and in many ways that no one had ever addressed before. When the chips were at the bottom, I grabbed what had brought me to where I was:

Help people as best I could.

Greg Glassman has never been a good person. Even though almost everyone who reads this believed that it was him, he was still a very judgmental, elitist (wrong way) and opportunistic man who made himself comfortable telling everyone who would listen how much better he was offers very little evidence for this statement.

During this time there are currently many partners / ex-partners / participants who question their direction, the next steps and the need for "damage control". As someone who has often been targeted and attacked based on the irresponsible words of others and outside of the subject at hand, I will say the following:

Stand for what you know is right and stand damn hard. Do what's right, not what you're told.

If you want to train people, chase all the ways of progress and the facts that are available to you and excel in your market.

In response to the fact that he never offers territorial protection to his territories, Greg would say: "The cream rises up". Now is the time to prove this theory to yourself. The current climate is causing unfortunate casualties in small facilities that would otherwise have survived, and the idea of ​​distancing yourself from something on which a foundation has been built and branding it is daunting to say the least.

But that is not impossible. And with all of the current sharpness and negativity, it's important to remember that CrossFit DID, in one way or another, functional or dysfunctional, proves to all of us that we are stronger than we think.

Partner, ex-partner, participant:

Now it is time to "prove your fitness" … and it has nothing to do with burpees or box jumps.

CrossFit introduced me to concepts and ideas that I had never seen before, and I took the ball and ran with it. Greg Glassman teamed up with me – a small, independent, unhealthy, passionate idealist – and left me cold without ever saying a word of comfort, an act of repentance, or even an apology – as he did you all in last time.

This betrayal closed one door and opened another – as was the case for many at that time and under similar divisions – and I used it to reinforce the fire I already had and to develop a brand and training system that are far more transferable. multi-level access and more effective than anything CrossFit has ever done.

If I / we can help you, our door is open.

We are not trying to capitalize on the misfortune of this situation, but we have had the displeasure of being able to predict for a long time, live by ourselves and now have the skills and abilities to help others.

After all, EVERYTHING – at least for those who should still be here – is about helping others.

Honest and sincere Greg Walsh

An open letter to CrossFit - fitness, crossfit, functional fitness, kettlebells, GPP, maces, barbells, subversive fitness, boxing gym

«‹160161162163164›»