How to Meditate for good health and power

While meditation is taken for granted by some people, meditation is taken seriously by health researchers. The number of practitioners of meditation is increasing as more and more benefits are discovered over time.

Meditation has its main benefits in reducing stress and improving overall health.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Inclusive Health- “Meditation is a practice for the mind and body that has long been used to increase calmness and physical relaxation, improve mental balance, cope with illness, and improve general and general health Wellbeing is used. ”

Meditation has many physical and mental benefits. It brings strength to the body by helping you get energy through your strong brain. Best of all, you can practice meditation, here means anywhere, whether at home, in the office, or on the bus. People of all ages can do it. It's a simple thing. Unlike other physical exercises, you don't have to move your body. All you have to do is get your mind under control. With continuous practice, you can easily achieve it.

Read the full article to easily learn to practice meditation for your health and strength.

Of course, we always hope that you stay healthy.

Learn the steps before you start executing. When you have finished reading, notice each point as you meditate. May I help you!

1] sit down somewhere

As a beginner, always find a quiet place.

2] Determine the duration of the meditation session

As a beginner, choose a shorter time, say 8 minutes. Increase the time limit as you practice more.

3] Relax your body

Remember to feel relaxed. Put aside all worries, and life will be long enough to think about time another time. Make sure that the body remains in a stable and comfortable posture. Choose a posture that should be comfortable for you by the time you finish your meditation.

4] Start noticing your breath

Stop thinking and start noticing how you inhale and exhale. Concentrate on the inhale and concentrate on the exhale; nothing else, focus.

5] Notice when your mind wanders

When your attention to breathing is weak, return to your focus on breathing. Don't let your mind think anywhere else in your life. The mind can wander, but you need to get it back on track.

6] Don't worry if your mind wanders

It is natural for all thoughts to wander. Do not think that you cannot meditate. You can come back and focus on your breathing again. Continue until your set time.

7] End one way

When you're done, don't rush to pack. Be calm and slowly open your eyes. Be aware of the sounds, the surroundings and the light. Feel it and slowly get up.

You should feel light.

It is the easiest way to meditate, but there is a lot in this method to excel at. Exercise is the key. Over time, you will find it easier to focus on your breathing. You can later increase the time limit of your session for better results.

How Often Should I Meditate?

Meditation is powerful and so it is worth devoting time to it. The pro tip for best results is to practice every day, even for 5 minutes. If you practice and excel, you can even increase the time to half an hour. But remember that what matters is not how much time you invest, but how efficiently and effectively you work. So try to make every second count.

What to consider for beginners

Choose the time that suits you best: Rather, choose the part of the day when you feel a little relaxed and have no other work.

Choose the place where it is easier for you to meditate: Choose a quiet location that is less likely to be distracted by ambient noise.

Choose a surface that should be comfortable for a long time: You can sit on a mat until the end of the meditation session if it is convenient for you. You can also sit in a chair if that's a little more comfortable for you.

Please wear something that you are comfortable in: If you choose to have a longer session, it is important that you feel relaxed, so we recommend that you wear something comfortable for your body.

Choose the duration rationally: Don't jump straight to long terms. It won't be that easy. Instead, start with shorter durations and gradually increase them.

Choose to meditate daily: If you choose to meditate daily, only the benefits will arrive. Meditation for a day has no long-term benefits.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) Review: Nothing to See

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) on the table.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2021)

"Since there are hardly any major upgrades, don't be surprised if you can't find a reason to buy this Alexa Smart Display."

  • Compact size helps to fit in tighter spaces

  • Hardly any new upgrades

  • Sounds shrill at high volumes

  • Performance may be delayed

It's been a couple of years since the original Amazon Echo Show 5 was released, so it deserves a refresh. After seeing the Echo Show 10 (3rd Generation) grabbing attention due to some of its unique aspects, including rotating the display to follow you during video calls, we all figured it out for the next iteration of the Echo Show 5 is brewing something big.

However, this did not appear to be the case when Amazon announced it. On paper, it just seemed like another recycled successor – with the exception of a new 2-megapixel camera that replaced the 1-megapixel camera of its predecessor. Let's find out if there is more than this one notable upgrade.

Design: a new color

Even if I've never owned the original, the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) spec sheet indicates that we're dealing with a very similar smart display. Its overall dimensions, weight and aesthetics are no different, which technically still makes it the most compact smart display in the Amazon portfolio. This means it is better equipped for tight spaces like bedside tables, bedside tables, and even a cramped desk. I definitely appreciate its good size, but it would have been nice to see it maybe a bit stripped down – either in terms of its overall size or maybe the bezels around the display.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

The only new feature is the additional Deep Sea Blue color option, which complements the existing Charcoal and Glacier White options. It's not as neutral as the other two colors, but it can certainly help add some contrast. Honestly, I was hoping for a lot more than just a new color with the design, but I can't fail to mention that this is common practice – just take a look at the Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) for an example.

Display: Nothing special, but does the job

While not a show stopper, the 5.5-inch 960 x 480 pixel display succeeds in not being an overwhelming distraction. This becomes particularly clear on my desk, which is already dominated by several other displays. It's sharp enough to be able to tell the time and outside temperature, as well as some of the messages and notifications that appear. I am not particularly convinced that it is the ideal replacement for a picture frame, not only because of its size, but also because of the fact that there is noticeable distortion when viewed from a slight angle.

Sound performance: do not use the maximum volume

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation 2021) rear view.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Smaller smart displays don't have the best reputation when it comes to audio performance, and the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen. 2021) isn't breaking new ground in this area. It is powered by a 1.65 inch speaker driver suitable for small, cramped spaces. The audio power is enough to distract in the background while I work, but you really don't want to go beyond half the volume because it sounds high-pitched to the ear.

Interface: a bit of a delay

For some reason, there is a performance lag while navigating the user interface. It's very small and doesn't detract from the overall experience, but it's hard to determine if it's just a less-than-responsive touchscreen or a lack of momentum from the MediaTek MT 8163 processor that powers it. Regardless, I find that actions while a song is playing tend to show some lag.

The camera does not contribute significantly to the overall experience,

Fortunately, speech recognition doesn't seem to be affected at all, as evidenced by how the Echo Show 5 (2nd generation 2021) is able to trigger voice actions in noisy conditions.

Of course, the entire experience revolves around the Amazon ecosystem. Functionally, it is no different from other Alexa-powered smart displays, which are all connected to services such as Prime Music, Prime Video and many more.

Sure, the touchscreen makes it convenient to access various functions, such as: For example, viewing a live stream from my security camera or turning on my Philips Hue lights, but I relied a lot more on voice actions with Alexa.

Camera: A new camera that doesn't add a lot

I mentioned above that this new model has a slightly improved 2 mega-pixel camera. It is the only meaningful upgrade on paper to an otherwise familiar model. Unfortunately, it doesn't really add to the overall experience. There's a bit more detail, but the difference is negligible when looking at the live feed from my smartphone.

Close-up of the camera on the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd generation 2021).John Velasco / Digital Trends

Needless to say, it does the job related to video calling or using the drop-in feature to check things out while I'm on the go. It doesn't get the same pan-and-zoom treatment that its sibling got on the Echo Show 8 (2nd generation 2021), so video calls are best experienced right in front of or near the smart display. If you're worried about snoopers, there's a switch that covers the camera lens, but if you want to mute Alexa too, you'll have to press the appropriate button.

Our opinion

Amazon's decision to release a successor is puzzling to say the least. The only bonus I find on the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) is that at $ 85, it's a bit cheaper than the original $ 90 price of its predecessor. But that's not enough, because we get practically the same model as before with just a slightly improved camera. The camera doesn't add much to the overall experience and is very similar to its predecessor.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're craving something with more substance, this is that Echo Show 8 (2nd generation 2021) and Echo Show 10 (3rd generation) are good options as they contain significant upgrades from their predecessors.

How long it will take?

Made from plastic, it feels sturdy enough to last over the long term. In the event a part breaks, there is a one-year limited warranty that covers any defects.

Should you buy it?

No, mainly because you can buy the previous model for $ 15 less than this – and still have all of the core features available.

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A Plague of Strength Is the Best Type of Plague

This episode offers you breathtaking stories about how people exercise and the social, political and economic pressures that physical culture has put on at different stages of humanity.

In this episode, I'm excited to share the history of strength training with Jamie Lewis.

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Roborock H7 Cordless Vacuum Review: It Packs a Punch

roborock h7 both vacuum cleaner and mop wireless lifestyle 3 of 4

Roborock H7 cordless vacuum cleaner

"Dyson is more careful because the Roborock H7 is an easy competitor with a heavy blow"

  • Improved loading times

  • Strong suction power

  • Effective air filtration

  • Easy assembly and storage

  • Limited cleaning time, especially in higher power modes

The new Roborock H7 cordless vacuum cleaner follows another recent release from the company – the Roborock H6 Adapt. While the H6 Adapt is an impressive vacuum cleaner that easily handles any challenge I have given it, the H7 is just as impressive and brings several upgrades to the table, including a dust bag.

The dust bag enables the Roborock H7 to pick up dirt and dust without it escaping into the air. It also ensures tidier disposal and easier cleaning of the vacuum cleaner. Below are our impressions after spending some time with the Roborock H7 cordless vacuum cleaner.

Accessories: a happy bunch

Like the Roborock H6 Adapt, the H7 comes with a full range of accessories and cleaning tools to help you reach every nook and cranny of your home. The H7 includes a baton, crevice nozzle, dust brush, flexible hose, motorized mini brush, multi-faceted brush and dust bag holder.

Almost all of these tools fit neatly in the docking station, allowing compact and space-saving storage of the vacuum cleaner when not in use. The dock charges the H7 when it is assembled, so you can pick it up and use it whenever you want. As an added bonus, almost all accessories are also magnetized. You can attach them to the side of the refrigerator or washing machine just as easily as attaching the dock.

With all of these accessories, it was easy to move the H7 from vacuuming a flour stain in the kitchen to cleaning the stairs. With the grout tool I was able to suck dirt out of the corners under the cabinets where my robot mop wouldn't get clean.

On its own, the Roborock H7 is a powerful vacuum cleaner, but with these accessories it's easy to use in almost any context – even when cleaning the car.

Performance: Strong suction meets easy handling

Like the H6 Adapt, the Roborock H7 also has several cleaning modes that are powered by a powerful motor. The 480 watt motor generates enormous suction power. There are three basic modes: Eco, Standard or Max. The LED display on the handle shows you which mode you are in and how much battery life is left.

The eco mode is the most energy efficient, but also the weakest of the three cleaning modes and ideal for most daily vacuuming work.

Standard mode is more powerful, but at the expense of the battery. Max mode is the most powerful option, but by far the loudest. Its suction power is almost enough to pull paint out of a car, but when dirt and dust are ground deep into your carpet, MAX mode will pull it out.

You don't have to hold down the shutter button either. A small button on the side of the handle activates sustain mode, which means that the vacuum continues to work even without pulling the trigger. This will save your hand a little bit of stress during those long cleaning sessions. Just press the Sustain button again to turn it off.

The Roborock H7 offers around 90 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge in eco mode. If you're still not done, don't worry – it only takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge, a significant improvement over the four hours it takes the H6 Adapt.

The air quality is in the foreground of the design

Roborock has gone to great lengths to improve air quality with their vacuum designs, and the H7 is no exception. A HEPA filter removes particles from the air during cleaning and stores them in a leak-proof trash can. The filter is designed to catch particles up to 0.3 microns in size.

The design of the vacuum means that no particles will escape through cracks in the vacuum and get into the air around you. However, if you want to take an extra step to improve your air quality, the Roborock H7 includes easy-to-follow instructions on how to install the dust bag.

My cat is losing a lot, but the Roborock H7 has taken in significantly more animal hair than the H6 Adapt.

This bag catches particles and enables easy disposal. Just remove the bag and throw it in the trash. The Roborock H7 includes two disposable dust bags, but replacement bags can be purchased.

After a few cycles, you may notice dust build-up in the front and rear filters, in the cyclone itself and in the trash can. All of these parts are removable and washable in normal water. Just run them underwater until completely clean, then let them dry completely for 24 hours before reassembling them.

Our opinion

The Roborock H7 brings small but necessary improvements to the Roborock range of stick vacuum cleaners. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, the faster load time, optional dust bag accessories, and improved suction make it a solid buy for anyone.

Where the H7 really shines, at least in my experience, was cleaning pet hair. My cat is losing a lot, but the Roborock H7 has taken in significantly more animal hair than the H6 Adapt. While the price has risen to $ 500, the shorter charge time reduces the need for a spare battery for longer vacuuming jobs, which makes the added cost worthwhile.

How long it will take?

With proper care, the Roborock H7 will last for many years. Hard plastic gives it a lighter weight than the competition, but that doesn't mean it's prone to damage. Just keep it out of direct sunlight and the vacuum should hold for years. Should something go wrong, Roborock offers a one-year guarantee.

Is there a better alternative?

The $ 500 price tag might be a little prohibitive for someone on a budget. If you want to save costs, Shark Wand Vac is a great alternative that is both a cordless vacuum cleaner and a portable all-in-one. On the other hand, if you're looking for a top of the line vacuum and the cost isn't a deterrent, this is it Dyson V11 torque drive is a great option for a thorough cleaning of your floors.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Roborock has proven its commitment to constant improvement and quality, and the Roborock H7 is the best cordless vacuum the company currently has.

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A Six-Week Sled Training Program

As foolproof as the sled push is, some people still slaughter it, resulting in poor form and wasted energy.

While barbells and dumbbells get all the love (rightly) from strength enthusiasts, it's hard to hit the sled in terms of stamina.

Why sled training?

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Beats Studio Buds Review: These Are The AirPods Pro Lite

Beats Studio Buds

"With the Studio Buds, Beats has found a perfect balance between functionality and price."

  • Inexpensive

  • Good sound quality

  • Good ANC

  • Good transparency

  • Very convenient

  • No wireless charging

  • No wear sensors

  • No EQ or control adjustment

With the exception of the Powerbeats Pro, which are primarily aimed at athletes, Beats by Dre has never made true wireless earbuds for everyday use. That surprising omission was finally addressed with the new $ 150 Beats Studio Buds, a set of ultra-compact Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) earphones that offer most of the benefits of the AirPods Pro at a much lower price. Are these the real wireless earbuds you've been waiting for? Let's find out.

What's in the box?

Beats Studio BudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Following a growing trend across the industry that we're excited about is the Studio buds come in a tiny cardboard box that has less structural rigidity than a packet of Rice Krispies. That means much less material to dispose of and it is fully recyclable.

Once embedded in your ears, the earbuds will only stick out a little.

Inside you will find the Studio Buds already in their charging case, two additional sets of silicone earplugs (media are installed as standard), some paper documentation and a very short USB-C to USB-C charging cable. Given that there are still a lot of people out there who don't have a USB-C port on their laptop or tablet or a USB-C charger, I think Beats a USB-A to USB-C adapter should have enclosed. Keep this in mind if you are one of the crowd without USB-C.

design

Beats Studio BudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The tiny Studio Buds use the same eartips as the AirPods Pro. Instead of the AirPods' iconic white stems, an unusual mohawk-like fin shape makes them a little easier to grip with your fingers. At the tip of the fin is a single physical control button. The intent is that when you take the Studio Buds out of their cases and angle them in your ears, you don't accidentally tap a touch control.

Once embedded in your ears, the earbuds stick out just a tiny bit – just enough to grab the fin or push the button.

Unlike the AirPods and AirPods Pro, the Studio Buds don't have optical sensors, so they can't automatically pause your music when you remove an earbud or resume playback when you put them back in.

The Studio Buds also lack Apple's H1 or W1 wireless chips, but even so, they're still considered a Class 1 Bluetooth device, and more importantly for Apple fans, they give you hands-free access to Siri (or Pushbutton access on google). Assistant on Android devices).

In keeping with Beats' reputation for sport-friendly headphones, the Studio Buds have an IPX4 rating, which should offer more than enough protection for a sweaty workout.

The Studio Buds are some of the most comfortable earbuds I've ever tried.

The charging case isn't quite as compact as the AirPods or AirPods Pro and doesn't offer wireless charging, but its fully rounded contours make it comfortable to hold and still light and small enough to fit in your pocket.

A single LED on the front shows the charging status of the case, but to know how much charge the earbuds have, you need to consult your phone.

Comfort, controls and connections

Beats Studio BudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Studio Buds are some of the most comfortable earbuds I've ever tried. Their tiny shape and ventilated design reduce much of the "full-ear" feel that other in-ear headphones can create. I had no problem with the standard medium-sized earbuds, but with only two other sizes to choose from, it's hard to tell if everyone will be that lucky.

As with most physical buttons, the controls are precise and easy to use.

The rounded shape of the earphone body makes a lot of skin contact with the outer ear. In combination with a properly fitting earplug, the Studio Buds offer a more secure fit than the AirPods Pro. You may not get the confident understanding of an ear hook design like the Powerbeats Pro, but I doubt those buds will accidentally come off.

As with most physical buttons, the controls are precise and easy to use. One click handles play / pause / call acceptance / call end, two clicks jump forward and three clicks jump back. Unfortunately there is no way to change this and control the volume. Click and hold to toggle your ANC mode or activate your voice assistant, depending on which earbuds you're using.

I'd prefer some customization options here, but the downside is that you can use each earbud independently and the controls remain the same.

Pairing the Studio Buds is quick and easy on both iOS and Android. Simply opening the case lid while it's near your phone is usually enough to trigger a pairing notification with a tap of your finger, and that's all.

They don't support Bluetooth multipoint for pairing with two devices at the same time (but this is a very rare feature in wireless earbuds). The Bluetooth range is excellent: I was able to get around 25 meters outside and there were no problems roaming inside. The connection stayed rock solid the entire time, which we couldn't say about the Powerbeats Pro.

Sound quality

Beats Studio BudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Studio Buds won't disappoint Beats fans: they have the same bass-forward sound signature that the brand is known for. As with all in-ear earphones, the fit determines how powerful this low-end gets. While I found both medium and large sized earbuds comfortable, the large earbuds provided more bass response.

The bass isn't quite as snappy as on more expensive earphones like the Jabra Elite 85t or the Sony WF-1000XM4, but it's decent enough for the price and actually better balanced than the similarly priced Jabra Elite 75t.

Fortunately, this deep bass is balanced out by the rest of the frequencies and only occasionally creeps into the lower mids, where it can seem slightly muddy. As with other Beats products, hip-hop, EDM, and rap music sound fantastic, but there is enough detail in the mids and highs to enjoy many other genres as well.

The Studio Buds have very good noise canceling.

Beats and Apple headphones never offered EQ adjustments, which never made sense to me. Earbuds come with different sized earbuds because each ear is different. For me, an EQ adjustment fixes the same kind of problem – not everyone will like the way the earbuds are tuned at the factory.

Noise cancellation and transparency

Beats Studio BudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

I know ANC is getting more affordable – heck, you can now get real ANC wireless earbuds for well under $ 100 – but I'm still impressed that Beats are adding it to Studio Buds and priced at $ 150 Could hold dollars.

See, not all ANCs are created equal. Bad ANC is just pointless and often introduces as much new noise in the form of hissing as it tries to suppress. The Studio Buds have very good noise canceling. It's not as good as what you get from the AirPods Pro, Jabra Elite 85t, or Sony WF-1000XM4, but they are solid performers and shave both low and high frequency sounds.

What's more impressive is that despite their ventilated design, they achieve this ANC level. Vents let a small amount of air into the ear to help make up for the clogged feeling closed earbuds can create, but this can make noise cancellation less effective. If I hadn't known the Studio Buds were ventilated, I wouldn't have known because of their ANC performance.

Transparency mode falls into a similar area – it's not exactly the "felt like I'm not wearing earbuds" effect of the AirPods Pro, but it's more than enough for having conversations or just being aware of potential hazards like traffic to be.

At startup, the earbuds will force you to toggle between ANC, Transparency, and Off mode, but Beats tells me that if you click and hold, you will only be able to use two of these in a future firmware update.

It would be nice to be able to fine-tune both ANC and transparency, but just like the EQ situation, this is simply not possible for the Studio Buds.

Call quality

Beats Studio BudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Despite the total of six microphones, the Studio Buds did not convince me with their call quality. Background noises weren't too annoying, but they were definitely audible. Some noises, such as cars driving by, were greatly reduced, while others – such as birdsong – did not seem to be affected at all.

Because the noise-canceling microphones process this noise, it is difficult for them to keep your voice perfectly clear. There's a lot of jiggling and sometimes it feels like you're far from the mic.

Things improve a lot when they are inside where they work well.

Find my buds

Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds

Apple's Find My platform is the ultimate lost item tracking service, with millions of iOS devices around the world constantly searching for compatible products such as AirTags or Apple Watches. The Studio Buds also belong on this list. They also work with Google's Find My feature when you pair them with an Android device.

The only minor downside is that the earbuds can only be forced to emit a sound when they are not in their case.

Android too

The Studio Buds stand out for being the first Beats product that plays (almost) well with Android devices like iPhones. There's a Beats app you can download from the Google Play Store to get software updates and check battery life, but right now it doesn't give you access to ANC modes or click-and-hold options like on iOS.

Battery life

Beats Studio BudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats claims eight hours per charge for the earbuds with ANC and transparency turned off. If you enclose the two full charges in the charging case, you will get a total playing time of about 24 hours. Turn on ANC and those numbers will drop quite a bit, to five and 15 respectively.

At 50% volume, these claims are very accurate. In fact, I was able to last nine hours with ANC and transparency turned off.

There is also a quick charge option: five minutes of plug time gives you an extra hour of life.

Let's put that into perspective: the Powerbeats Pro get nine hours / 24 hours, but that's because they don't have an ANC. The AirPods Pro get 4.5 hours per charge (ANC on) or five hours (ANC off) and a total of around 24 hours with their case. While the Studio Buds may not win the overall award for Best Endurance, they are equal to or better than other Apple / Beats true wireless models.

Our opinion

With a tiny size, comfy fit, great sound quality, and ANC that gets the job done, the $ 150 Beats Studio Buds are by far the best value for money of the entire Beats / AirPods line of wireless headphones.

Is there a better alternative?

I think there's no better alternative to the Studio Buds given their $ 150 price point, but as long as the hands-free Siri isn't high on your wish list, this is the Jabra Elite 75t deserve serious consideration. They sound great (though maybe not as clear as the Studio Buds), and they have very good ANC and transparency, as well as slightly better battery life and loads of features like EQ and controls. Thanks to the great Jabra Sound + app, there is also a Find My Earbuds option.

How long will they last?

With an IPX4 rating and seemingly decent build quality, the Studio Buds should perform well for many years to come. Battery life is always an issue with these type of headphones, and you will likely find that the charge they can hold drops over time. They come with a one-year warranty from Apple.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Even if you are not an iPhone user, the Studio Buds are an excellent and affordable companion for music and movies.

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A 5 Step Progression to the Bar Muscle Up

You need these five basic movements to build your first bar muscle – and how to get there without injuring yourself.

As a trainer, I've seen so many variations of bar muscle upward development. Many that I have seen are extremely dangerous and involve tapes, boxes, and a lack of adequate skills and strengths.

This article explains the right basic moves to build your first bar muscle – and how to build that first bar muscle without injuring yourself.

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Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Review: Almost Unlimited Power

The Jackery Explorer 1000 basically gives you unlimited power.

Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power plant

"The Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station is a solar-powered powerhouse that will keep you charged and ready to go for days."

  • Massive power bank

  • Solar panels are legitimate

  • Offers every type of outlet

  • Potentially unlimited performance

  • Expensive costs

  • Ridiculously difficult

When I first sat down to check out the Jackery Solar Generator 1000, I was initially – and wrongly – disappointed and it was entirely my fault. When Jackery wanted to measure interest in a product review, I took the opportunity. I thought about getting some kind of battery backup for my home if the power went out. Moreover, I had been looking for a good way to generate electricity while camping, and that seemed a good fit too. So before we get to my false disappointment, let's talk about what this device is.

The Jackery Solar Generator is a portable 1000W power plant with a capacity of 1002 Wh. It has three pure sine wave AC sockets, 2 USB-C ports, 1 USB-A port that supports Quick Charge 3.0, and a DC port. In short, you can plug basically anything from the phone to the fridge with this bad boy and it will be fine. All power connections are on the front, along with an LCD display that shows you the current charge level, incoming power and outgoing power. Both the AC and DC sections have power switches so you can turn them off when not in use. There is a single flashlight on the side with its own power button, and on the left is a large opening that takes in the airflow for the fans inside.

Power from the sun

The Jackery Explorer 1000 is a portable 1000 W power plant.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

Together with the Explorer 1000 you can buy two SolarSaga 100 solar modules that charge the Explorer. The cells run at 23% efficiency, which is quite decent in the field. They can generate up to 100W of peak power on a sunny day. Each of these panels weighs just over 10 pounds each. The Explorer 1000's battery weighs over 22 pounds. The panels fold up to 24 x 21 x 1.4 inches; Simply put, none of these packages are very portable or small.

That, along with large and obvious warnings to protect all components from rain, questioned the suitability of this product as a "camping device". Carrying around 40 pounds of gear isn't exactly my idea of ​​portable. But we'll discuss that later.

I used the jackery to power a couple of different portable setups for work. In one case, my son used it on his Windows laptop, Chromebook at school, iPad, Android phone, and wireless headphones for two and a half days. I also set up a mobile workstation with a Windows laptop, an iPad, a portable monitor, and two wireless chargers that lasted me two days in a row. During that time I drew around 40-60W of power. I admittedly forgot to turn off the sockets overnight, which could probably have kept me going for half a day or so.

Such a device ensures that you can work or stay connected even if you lose power at home, even if you have days of power outage.

Using the battery is very easy. Just plug in whatever you need to power it and turn on the outlets you want. You turn them on in groups – AC and DC. As you work, you will notice when the fan starts up as it is quite loud. It is not loud, but it can safely cover a person speaking softly. Really, the fan is my only complaint about the device. It's really noticeable.

When charging, I tried two different methods. First I put the Explorer 1000 in the wall. It took about eight hours to fully charge. It's not that bad at all. Next, I blew up the two solar panels and that's when the fun began.

Power from the sun

Two large solar cells charge the battery in less than a day in bright sunlight.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

On the first day I tried to leave the battery and solar panels in my conservatory because I was paranoid about rain. It was a cloudy day, but the battery still managed to take a 41% charge. The second day I was lucky enough to catch a sunny day so I set up the panels on the back deck facing the sun. I rotated the plates twice throughout the day for maximum exposure and was able to fill the rest of the battery with ease. But the most interesting part of the experience was the numbers.

In bright sunlight, both solar modules began to consume more than 100 W. If you recall, my portable productivity device used between 40 and 60 watts of power. Math is hard, but that suggests that I could theoretically work indefinitely with this battery. If I set up my workspace near a window and put the panels outside, I charge more than I use. Of course, under ideal conditions. But the possibility is still fascinating.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 powered my portable workstation for 2 full days.

But let's get back to the "portable camping device" I talked about earlier. When I think of "camping" I think of a tent and out in the elements. But camping can also involve a trailer, and that's the use case I think this device is designed for. In a camper you need strength and the ability to generate more electricity. You are also much better protected from the elements in a camper than in a tent and you don't have to take the battery anywhere with you. Just keep it in the motorhome.

But also, a device like this ensures that you can work or stay connected even if you lose power at home, even if you have days of power outage. This is a very important use case. Since it is a solar generator, this electricity is also cleaner and quieter than a gas-powered generator. If you are looking for a backup power supply for your home or a portable power generator for a trailer camping trip, this is a solid piece of equipment. It even has a flashlight if you're looking for a 20 pound flashlight.

Our opinion

Overall, this is a great power generator / battery that does exactly what it says on the tin. The battery pack and solar panel combination adds up to an expensive $ 1,300 with the solar panels included (or $ 1,000 without them), but honestly, many backup generators are about the same or even more expensive. The wide variety of ports available, including USB-A, USB-C, AC, and DC, means you can power anything. The two solar panels are huge – ridiculously huge – but they can charge the entire 1000 Wh battery in less than two days. This is impressive.

Is there a better alternative?

Certainly there are other power supplies and portable batteries of this size, but there aren't many of these sizes with this ability to generate power and with so many outlets. It's pretty hard to beat on all of these points. If you want to save some money, you can use a gas generator, but over time a gas generator takes gas while the jackery only needs the sun. The last time I checked, the sun is still clear.

If you're looking for something that is easier to haul, this is this RAVPower portable power plant is a 7.7 pound alternative that delivers 250W when using a single outlet – or a total of 300W when using both sockets. It's also much cheaper and perfect for those weekend camping trips. It is enough to power a peloton bike for your next workout too!

Will it take?

The Jackery Explorer is made of thick, durable plastic. I don't expect any problems on this front, but it's insanely heavy so I could see that a faulty drop would do some damage. It would take extraordinary circumstances to break this thing. My only concern is the lack of water resistance on both the Explorer 1000 and the solar panels. Not only is there a lack of water resistance; There are warnings on the packaging to keep these devices away from water. The Jackery also comes with a two-year guarantee.

Should I buy it?

Yes, if you fall into either of the two categories I have outlined. If you're looking for a reliable backup power supply that can run some vital equipment in the event of a power outage, or if you're a RV owner looking for power in the great outdoors, this is a great facility. It sure is expensive, but the value it offers is top notch.

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Ask An Esthetician: How To Build Clientele

Are you considering becoming a beautician? Or, if you've already started your career, are you struggling to build your clientele? We decided to ask a trained beautician to pull the veil over the industry. Our very own Nadira Kavanagh worked as a beautician for four years before becoming product support officer. has been Eminence organic skin care. We bombarded them with questions about how to achieve a successful career in aesthetics.

Woman puts on earrings

How did you become a beautician?

When I was nine years old, I thought about becoming a beautician. My godmother had her own business, a home spa for clients, friends, and family. The opportunity to grow up watching facials being performed and playing around with skin care products has allowed me to develop a great passion for the industry that became my career.

Working with an Eminence Spa partner opened my eyes to the natural and innovative products on the market today. That piqued my curiosity about Eminence, and all I wanted was to be on the product side of the industry. Today I work as an Eminence Organics Product Support Representative, train and provide customer service for retail customers and spa partners. It is so rewarding to know that you work for a company with amazing ethics and values ​​that align with your own.

What are the first steps you should take as a budding beautician?

I would recommend looking for available aesthetic programs in your area. Ask the schools about their aesthetic programs, how their programs will be conducted, and what their offerings will be. Make sure the curriculum and schedule suit your interests, lifestyle, and goals. Then start your knowledge base with the essentials in aesthetics and work your way up to the specialization that interests you. Dermaplaning is an example of a specialization.

When deciding which type of job to pursue, consider the typical working hours you would sign up for – the positions are typically not nine to five, and your hours can often be late. Usually, you can expect to work most evenings and weekends too.

How do you build loyal customers?

Building customer loyalty can be a challenge. However, finding creative ways to provide good service to a customer can be seamless. Depending on the practices in your spa, you might want to offer first-time customers a business card and a discount on their next service. A discount promotion encourages repeat customers and also gives you the opportunity to build an ongoing relationship with your customer.

Going beyond that for your customer can make the biggest difference in customer loyalty. If you experience downtime during a service (tinting, facials, eyelash extensions, etc.), take the time to schedule a hand massage, scalp massage, or paraffin bath during the service. For example, if you're doing a pedicure and discover that your client has stray hair on their feet, smile and offer to offer a free toe wax. The more care you show, the more you gain in customer satisfaction.

Working as a beautician is about relationship building, so you never want to start off your relationship with your new client on the wrong foot. So it is part of your job to read the customer and their sentiment. Usually people come to spas to rest, relax, and pamper themselves. Pay attention to their body language to see if they welcome small talk or not. Sometimes customers may want to switch off and not chat while on duty, and that's fine too. Just follow their lead and make sure you provide the environment they are looking for.

What would you like to know before becoming a beautician?

Depending on your role in this industry, doing hands-on work in this area can sometimes be exhausting. When you have three back-to-back massages for an hour you can feel it. While hard work can be fulfilling and exciting, you should be aware of when your own body needs care. You don't want to pull muscle or take the risk of any other type of physical harm. Long-term neglect of your body can even lead to undesirable conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

We are often so busy taking care of others that we neglect ourselves in the process. Book massages or acupuncture, stretch, take a bath, and do whatever is good for your body and refreshed. To do your best, you have to feel your best!

What is the best thing about being a beautician?

I'm sure this answer may vary from person to person, but for myself I would say that it sees transformations in your work. One moment that really impressed me was with a client who was going through a very difficult time in her personal life. She was a regular customer of mine who came for a massage once a month.

During one of her massage sessions, I noticed that she was crying. A deep tissue massage can cause a large emotional release of negative emotions that have been stored in the body for years. This was an enlightening moment for me because I knew then that I was helping her ground herself and find peace. This massage gave her a chance to let go of some of the pain and tension that she was holding onto, and that alone meant the world to me.

When you see that your customers are happy and satisfied with their service, you can be proud of your work. It is also amazing to see how they recognize your touch and care in your service and your person.

What steps are you taking to become a beautician or attract more clients? Let us know in the comments below or on social media. If you are interested in becoming an Eminence Organics Spa Affiliate, here's how you can work with us.

Simplify Muscle Development by Simplifying Your Workouts

This training plan has a refreshing and healthy approach that you can use in any gym to build more muscle and achieve your goals.

The age-old desire to build a strong, well-proportioned body is still alive. Yes, the average gym goer no longer craves to build a monstrous, freaky, flashy body with gnarled veins, huge, stocky legs, and the inability to fit inside a shirt.

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