27 Jun
Blog

Best Skin Care For A Humid Climate

Are you struggling with oily or oily skin because of the moisture? Hot temperatures are often associated with high humidity, which can cause skin problems. Breakouts, clogged pores, heat rashes, or bumps are common problems resulting from living in a humid environment. If you're wondering what products to use for your skin, we've rounded up some of the best products and ingredients to help protect your skin from the harsh effects of moisture.

What a humid climate does to your skin

In humid climates or during the summer months, people typically have oilier skin. If you have genetically dry skin, you can find relief by living in a more tropical climate as the air contains more moisture. However, the moisture in the air combined with the high temperatures will open your pores and make your skin more prone to dirt and blemishes.

According to dermatologists, moisture can trigger the following skin symptoms:

  • acne
  • outbreaks
  • Heat rashes
  • eczema
  • Allergic reaction

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar to you? Hot, humid weather also leads to fluid loss through sweating. Loss of moisture disrupts the water and oil balance in your skin, which can lead to undesirable skin problems such as increased sebum production, oily skin or pimples. For more information on the signs and symptoms of this skin type, check out our guide to oily skin.

If you live in a dry environment instead, you can read up on which skin care products work best in a dry climate. Otherwise, read on to learn more about skin care products for a hot, humid climate.

Best skin care products for oily skin

When you have oily skin, most people can't help but touch their face all the time, but this action spreads dirt and bacteria. A cleansing step in your routine will help keep your skin clear and refreshed. We recommend our Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser, which transforms from a gel into an exfoliating foam to wash away impurities and reveal a balanced complexion.

Don't be afraid to use oils if you have oily skin. Adding moisture to the skin helps reduce the oiliness as it slows down the production of sebum. The Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum gives your skin a youthful glow with hyaluronic acid, rhubarb and vitamin-rich strawberries. Strawberries have salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin. In addition, botanical hyaluronic acid is a moisturizing ingredient that refreshes the appearance of the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

To balance your skin, Eminence Organics Senior skin care trainer Natalie Pergar recommends using the strawberry-rhubarb mask once or twice a week. Again, it contains strawberries, rhubarb and shea butter as well as kaolin clay to create a mild exfoliation, remove impurities and reduce the appearance of pores.

Applying sunscreen is one of the most important steps in your daily skin care routine, but have you ever thought about using a powder product? If your skin is already feeling sticky and greasy to the touch, you may not want to use traditional sun care products that tend to have heavier textures. Try Eminence Organics' Sun Defense Minerals powder instead. This is a non-pore-clogging, hypoallergenic powder that serves as a light make-up powder with a sunscreen effect. Weightless and easy to use, our Sun Defense Minerals are a great option for hot, humid weather.

For an in-depth discussion on choosing the best skin care products for a humid climate, watch this In The Mix video. .

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJckj1IyT24 (/ embed)

3 tips for dealing with oily skin in a humid climate

Now that you have a list of oily skin care products in mind, here are some helpful tips from dermatologists to help reduce excess oil.

Use blotting paper

Wipe off that shine with blotting paper! If you are worried about oily skin at work or with friends, you can quickly get one out of your pocket and blot off the excess oil in seconds. Your skin will look a lot duller. Just avoid rubbing the paper over your face as this will spread the oil to other areas.

Don't wash your face too much

It seems logical that cleansing would help with oily skin, but excessive cleansing (three or more times a day) can cause your skin to produce more sebum and excess oil. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo tells Allure that you only need to wash your face more than twice a day to remove contaminants like salt water after a swim in the ocean or sweat after a workout.

Look at your foundation

We recommended a mineral sun care powder above, and for good reason! It doesn't clog pores and feels light on the skin. It doesn't last as long as a foundation, but it's a better option for letting your skin breathe.

Are you ready to update your skincare routine? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner to learn more about products for humid climates.

27 Jun
Blog

Conditioning for Strength Athletes

Fitness and stamina overlap, but they are not the same.

Depending on who you ask – this can be a controversial topic. But in reality it's easy. Before we get into exactly what you should and shouldn't be doing, let's take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

There is a common misconception about what conditioning is. Most people seem to think that it is as simple as conditioning = cardio.

Continue reading

27 Jun
Blog

How to do bicycle Crunches, the best abs exercise?

Bicycle crunches are an effective exercise for the abs. It is intensely core-targeting, but it is only effective when properly practiced. Bicycle crunches are beneficial for reducing fat in the abdomen, love handles or side fat and strengthening the core.

You may already be following a core exercise, but a good reason to switch your core exercises is that it is fun and challenging. And interestingly, this exercise is a good exercise for all ages.

Bicycle crunches are an exercise using your own body weight. You don't need any equipment. But many of you still know how to do bike crunches the right way and injure your spine in the process.

To avoid injury, all you need is a reliable guide as this exercise is prone to back injuries as it involves spinal flexions. We strongly encourage you to read on before doing the exercise.

Level of difficulty: Easy

Impact level: Medium

Targeted muscles: Section

How do you do bike crunches?

Follow the steps listed below to avoid injury and make the movement effective and efficient.

  1. Lie on the floor or a mat on your back.
  2. Lift the leg straight off the floor.
  3. Put your hands on the back of your head without crossing your fingers.
  4. While pressing your lower back to the floor, touch your chin towards your chest. Pull the core together.
  5. Now exhale and pull your upper body and shoulder blades across the floor.
  6. At the same time, as you lift your body, bend your left knee and bring it closer to the elbow of your right hand, rotating your right shoulder blades to the left so that your elbow approaches the opposite knee. Don't pull your head forward.
  7. Exhale, lower your body back to the floor, and straighten your leg again. Your legs should stay off the floor until you finish a set.

Repeat the same pulling and twisting motion on the other knee. It's a complete repetition.

variation

If this is difficult for you

Try a variation on bike crunches that are easier and less stressful on the abs. It would be great to start with this variant and switch to the above later.

To do this, while lying on the mat, do not lift your legs and pull your leg back and forth from the floor itself. It allows you to do bike crunches with less stress.

For a level up

Try to keep your legs as close to the floor as possible. Also hold the position as you approach to touch the elbow with your knee. It will allow more pull at each crunch.

How do I integrate bike crunches into your routine?

Incorporate the exercise into your full body or core workout for better results.

As a beginner, start with fewer repetitions. Slowly increase the repetitions until you are master of it.

FAQs

F. How many reps should i do as a beginner?

Try to start with 15 repetitions in one set.

F. How Much Are the Recommended Sets for Intermediate Level?

We recommend 2-3 sets.

F. Are there any risks for back or neck injuries?

Yes, because your spine flexes during the crunch. However, if you get the crunches right, it will be safe.

27 Jun
Blog

Sony WF-1000XM4 Review: Smaller, Better in Almost Every Way

Sony WF-1000XM4

"With a completely new design and many improvements, they are hard to beat."

  • Great sound quality

  • Good battery life

  • Great noise cancellation

  • LDAC bluetooth codec

  • Wireless charging

  • May not fit small ears

  • Something is missing in high-end details

Sony's highly anticipated successor to its highly rated WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds is finally here: The WF-1000XM4 is priced at $ 280, and it even addresses our very few criticisms of the XM3 with a slew of improvements – some big, some small.

Has Sony set a new benchmark for the true wireless world yet again, or is there still work to be done? Let's get into that.

Video review

What's in the box

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

First of all, kudos to Sony for developing packaging that should be adopted as the industry standard. The XM4 comes in a tiny box that avoids all of the flashy lettering and glossy prints you see on boxes from companies like JBL and Soundcore. This allows each piece to be recycled or composted.

The only hint of plastic is in the thin outer packing tape that holds the two halves of the box together. Once opened, there's no way to close it again, but I'll bet most people toss their earbud packs away anyway, which is really the whole point.

Inside you will find the WF-1000XM4 already stowed in its charging case, a short USB-C charging cable, two additional sizes of foam earplugs (the media are pre-installed) and a printed manual.

design

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs WF-1000XM3Sony WF-1000XM3 (left) and WF-1000XM4 Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

As much as we praise the WF-1000XM3, they always had one big caveat: they are some of the bulkiest buds you can buy that aren't specifically designed for aggressive training. This applies to the earphones and their charging case with a copper tip.

The WF-1000XM4 earbuds are 10% smaller than the XM3, which is good, but not earth-shattering. The charging case, on the other hand, is 40% smaller and now also offers wireless charging as an option. This is a big deal. The case still isn't small for AirPods Pro, but it's not the weird man anymore when you look at the rest of the real wireless options. I can now conveniently call it a pocket bag – which I can't say about the XM3.

The touch-sensitive interfaces are now much easier to type.

The case lid opens easily and stays open on its own until you close it, which it does with a satisfactory click. But getting the earbuds is surprisingly tedious compared to the XM3 due to the incredibly strong magnets and the narrow shape of the charging port. On the plus side, these magnets also grab the earbuds as soon as they get close to the jacks and reinsert them immediately and safely.

The other big change is the shape of the earbuds themselves. For years Sony has used the same capsule shape for its true wireless earbuds, with most of the case sticking out clearly from your ear. For the XM4, Sony designers tried something completely different and created a more compact, rounded case that fits much tighter. It looks a lot better in my opinion, although there may be some disagreement about the look of the prominent copper-capped microphone housings. And not just optically: The touch-sensitive user interface now takes up almost 100% of the exposed part of the earphone, which makes typing more easy. With the XM3, you had to make sure your fingers were connected to a small touch-sensitive circle.

I'm not a fan of touch controls in general, but the XM4 could turn me into a convert.

It's also worth noting that with the XM3, Sony fixed one of our other small flaws: the lack of water resistance. With an IPX4 rating, the XM4 are officially sweatproof for the gym or wherever you want to take them with you.

Comfort, controls and connections

Sony WF-1000XM4Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

I find the WF-1000XM4 quite comfortable to wear, but I'm not sure everyone will agree. The new shape is designed to fit inside your concha – the cavity that leads to the ear canal. But the XM4 are pretty big. If you have small ears, you may not be able to put them in all the way. The XM3, in comparison, has a much smaller "footprint" in the concha, to use an awkward metaphor.

The XM4 feels bigger to my ears than most of its top competitors, including the Jabra Elite 85t, Apple AirPods Pro, Master & Dynamic MW08, and JBL Tour Pro +.

The foam earplugs adapt to the shape of your ear better than silicone: you don't have to struggle to find a suitable set.

If your ears can accommodate the larger shape of the XM4, you will be rewarded with a very secure fit. There's a lot of surface contact, and once in place, it's not going anywhere. They inspire much more confidence than their predecessors.

While the XM3 was available with silicone earplugs, the XM4 only comes with memory foam. They mold to your ear shape better than silicone, which means you probably won't have to struggle as much to find a set that fits. But they also create a stronger feeling of having an object in the ear canal, and they degrade faster than silicone.

I'm generally not a fan of touch controls, but the XM4 could turn me into a convert. The generous size of the touchpad makes typing easy, accurate and fast.

I'm less enthusiastic about Sony's control customization scheme that it has retained from the XM3. The headphones app groups the controls by function: environment, playback, volume and none. Since each earbud can only be assigned to one control group, you have to select your two favorites. Do you want to control playback and volume? You cannot change the ANC mode. Like ANC control and also playback? Volume is no longer available. JBL does the same, so this situation isn't unique to Sony, but I would prefer more flexibility à la carte.

At least for Android users there is a workaround. The XM4 enables wake word access to both Google Assistant and Alexa when using a phone with Android 6 or higher. Each of these voice assistants can adjust the volume for you. So when you choose playback and environment for your physical controls, you can always say, "Alexa, turn up the volume."

Wear sensors let you pause and resume playback automatically whenever you remove or reinsert the earbuds, and they work really well and are quick to respond to changes. If it bothers you, you can turn it off in the headphones app.

The frequency response is strong end to end and the bass has incredible depth.

The XM4's excellent bluetooth connection works very smoothly and allowed me to place 12 or 15 meters between the earbuds and my phone before the connection started shaking. In contrast to the XM3, which occasionally gave me tiny dropouts of half a second, the XM4 never missed a blow. I just wish Sony had found a way to incorporate bluetooth multipoint that allows you to connect the earbuds to two devices at the same time. Sony's full-size WH-1000XM4 can do this, but it's still a rarity in the world of earbuds.

Sound quality

Sony WF-1000XM4Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The WF-1000XM4 sounds great. The frequency response is strong end to end and the bass has incredible depth. I guarantee that whoever uses them will enjoy their rich and full sound signature.

But as I jumped back and forth between the XM4 and XM3, something became clear: the XM3s show clearer upper mids and high frequencies, which give the vocals a little more presence. It also adds a level of power that the XM4 seems to lack.

These observations are based on factory settings without EQ adjustments in the Sony Headphones app. Switching the XM4 to “Bright” or “Treble Boost” helps a little, but even then I think the XM3 is better overall for clarity.

Will you notice if you just hear the XM4? I doubt it. It's only when you put the two of them next to each other and listen to each other track by track that it really becomes clear.

The XM4 are the first true Sony wireless earbuds to support the company's high quality LDAC Bluetooth codec. In theory at least, you should use it to reproduce far more nuances than the XM3, which only works with the much lower SBC and AAC codecs. In addition, the XM4 features DSEE Extreme, Sony's latest version of its excellent digital signal processing technology, which can upscale compressed digital music such as MP3s to a far higher quality.

To be clear, the difference between these two siblings is really a matter of taste. The XM4 does a better job of low-end details that you can really hear when songs layer the bass guitar, drums, and low-end synthesizer. Too often these elements get smeared together, but the XM4 lets you hear them clearly which is a real delight. So think of the XM4 as an alternate take on Sony's superb sound quality, but aimed at those who want to hear extra detail at the bottom.

Noise cancellation and transparency

Sony WF-1000XM4Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sony's noise cancellation technology has always been great, and the WF-1000XM4 manages to improve on it. Sony claims that the built-in V1 processor chip in the XM4 improves the XM3's ANC performance across the board, reducing external noise across the audible spectrum. I tend to agree.

The XM4s aren't just better at masking sound; they're better at making it invisible.

One of my benchmark tests for ANC is running my loud bathroom fan, which makes both low-pitched and high-pitched noise. Then I turn ANC on and off to hear the differences and repeat the process at different distances. The XM4 is an ace in this test, killing almost 90% of fan noise at 3 feet and 100% when I'm sitting right in front of the bathroom.

But the XM4s aren't just better at masking sound; they're better at making it invisible. Some ANC systems kill external noises but introduce new ones, such as: B. a low hiss that can be heard when no music is playing. The XM4's ANC system is very quiet, which is what you need when you need to concentrate in a noisy environment and don't want music to drown out these noises.

Apple's AirPods Pro have built a solid lead over the WF-1000XM3 in this area, but the XM4 has once again leveled the playing field. But the XM4 is still not as effective at suppressing wind noise as the AirPods Pro, even with Sony's optional wind noise reduction system.

The transparency mode is also more convenient to use thanks to the new talk-to-chat function. It uses sensors to find out when you are speaking and automatically turns on transparency mode while you pause your music. I thought it worked really well. The headphones app lets you toggle them on and off, adjust the sensitivity, and decide how long to keep the transparency on after it detects your voice.

Battery life

Sony WF-1000XM4Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

When fully charged, Sony claims eight hours of playtime with the ANC on and an impressive 12 hours when it is off – a large increase over the XM3's six and eight hour capacity, respectively. Several features, like wake word access to voice assistants and wind noise cancellation, will reduce these numbers, but by and large I found them to be correct.

The XM4 also gets a faster quick charge option: a five minute quick charge adds another hour to playtime, while the XM3 took 10 minutes to gain 90 minutes of playtime. The charging case contains enough juice for two full charges, which gives a total listening time of at least 24 hours before you have to go looking for a power outlet or a wireless charging mat.

Compatibility with voice assistants

Sony has always been agnostic about voice assistants on their headphones: you can use your phone's built-in assistant or switch to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Android users even get something that was a rarity with wireless earbuds: the ability to trigger Alexa or Google Assistant by simply saying their wake-up words. I've tried both assistants and it works just as well as the Google Pixel Buds or the Amazon Echo Buds, with each assistant responding quickly and accurately to my voice commands.

Call quality

Sony WF-1000XM4Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Calling up the WF-1000XM4 is good. Most competing noises, such as traffic, are effectively neutralized, as is wind noise, which was a weakness of the WF-1000XM3. It's not perfect: when the earbuds try to correct for those external noises – especially wind – it can make it sound like you're talking through multiple layers of fabric. But since that's preferable to the annoying whistling of the wind, I think it's an improvement.

During a call, the earbuds automatically deactivate ANC, but you can still turn it back on or switch to transparency mode, which is not possible with all earbuds during a call.

Our opinion

Sony has taken the already excellent WF-1000XM3 and made significant improvements across the board with the new WF-1000XM4. While the new shape can cause some fit issues for some, they are some of the best true wireless earbuds you can buy.

Is there a better alternative?

Function by function, it's hard to find a range of wireless earbuds that can really compete with the WF-1000XM4, but there are better options for certain functions.

The AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort earbuds are better for ANC and transparency, with the Bose shining particularly brightly for call quality.

The Master & dynamic MW08 deliver a more nuanced sound quality with better clarity.

And now that Sony is still selling that WF-1000XM3 For a discounted price of $ 180, they're still worth considering if you're okay with some missing features like wireless charging and water resistance.

How long will they last?

Sony backs the WF-1000XM4 with a one year warranty, but I expect they will last for many years. Both the processing quality and the materials are excellent. The foam earbuds will likely need to be replaced every six months with regular daily wear, but this is not uncommon.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. If you are looking for wireless earbuds with fantastic features, great ANC, and fantastic sound quality, you can't go wrong with the WF-1000XM4.

Editor's recommendations



26 Jun
Blog

Best Skin Care For A Dry Climate

Do you live in a dry or desert climate and it makes your skin dry? If you've ever wondered what happens to our skin when there is a lack of moisture in the atmosphere, we are here to explain it to you. Whether you live in such an environment or notice skin changes while traveling, there are good reasons why your skin is reacting this way. We'll also look at the best products and ingredients to use as your skin adapts to a dry climate.

Is Moisture Good For The Skin? What a dry climate does to your skin

Dry skin occurs when the skin does not retain enough moisture. Some people have genetically dry skin, but it gets worse when they travel, move to specific areas, or when the seasons change. “The skin is driest in winter when the temperature and humidity drop,” explains Mayo Clinic. "The time of year may not matter that much if you live in desert regions." Others may have oily skin but develop dry skin because they live in a desert climate or in a location at high altitude.

How Eminence Organics Senior skin care trainer Natalie Pergar explained, a great altitude would be anywhere that is 2,000 feet and higher and where there is less moisture in the air. For example, a city like Denver, Colorado has a combination of factors that make up the perfect recipe for dry skin. Located 5,280 feet above sea level, it consists of an alpine desert environment with dry air, high altitude, and low humidity! So, if you are already prone to dry skin and move to a dry place like this, you may be dealing with worsening symptoms.

According to the Academy of Dermatology, symptoms of dry skin include:

  • Itchy skin
  • Flaky skin with a rough texture
  • Cracked and / or bleeding skin
  • Skin that is rough and painful to the touch (may sting or burn)
  • Wrinkled with a rough, fluffy texture (due to lack of moisture)
  • Skin infections such as crusts, discoloration, or swelling
  • Exfoliate, peel off skin

For more information on the signs and symptoms, check out our guide to dry skin here. If you live in a humid climate, here is a more suitable selection of products for you. Read on to learn more about moisturizing products that can help combat the lack of moisture in the air and relieve these symptoms.

The best skin care products for dry skin

Dry skin is caused by transepidermal water loss, in which water passively evaporates through the skin. To address the problem of water loss, Natalie recommends a face oil like Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil. Face oils are moisturizing skin care products that lock in moisture and moisture.

If you're looking for something light in the hot months, Facial Recovery Oil has a lighter texture and you can apply two to three drops to your face and neck. It contains clary sage oil, olive oil, sage leaf extract, and ylang-ylang to rejuvenate and deeply hydrate the skin.

Using a soapy or foamy facial cleanser is definitely not recommended for dry skin types. Try something moisturizing like the Coconut Milk Cleanser – coconut milk and virgin coconut oil soften and moisturize the skin while our inclusion BioComplex The formulation reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Firm Skin Acai Cleanser contains protective ingredients such as sea buckthorn berries for the skin's moisture barrier and a cocktail of moisturizing ingredients including acai berry juice, botanical hyaluronic acid and raspberry juice.

Next, consider applying a luxuriously rich mask. The Snow Mushroom & Reishi Masque is designed to be extremely moisturizing and improve the appearance of elasticity and firmness. The mask formula contains reishi mushroom and birch water to improve hydration, paracress extract to make the skin appear firm and firm, and caffeine to revitalize the complexion.

If the dry skin is due to the climate, it is likely that your body, not just your face, has symptoms of dry skin. The apricot body oil is blended with a number of essential oils such as jojoba and grapeseed oil, making it ideal for a whole body massage. Put a fair amount of body oil in the palms of your hands to massage into your skin – you can also add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer. For a full body treatment, add one or two caps of apricot body oil to your bath.

For an in-depth discussion on choosing the best skin care products for a dry climate, watch this In The Mix video. .

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHSsEBISc80 (/ embed)

3 tips to keep your skin safe in a dry area

Now that you've created a list of products for dry skin, it's time to consider some other small changes you can make:

Check your household products

If you're already struggling with dry skin from the climate, don't make it worse by coming in contact with laundry detergent or dish soap. Too often our household products, and even our shampoos, contain harsh chemicals that cause dermatitis or flaky, red, and itchy skin. You can read more about which ingredients to avoid in this blog post. You may find that wearing gloves will help your skin in the long run.

Use a humidifier

In winter, interiors with central heating can have a devastating effect on parched skin. A humidifier expels water vapor and returns moisture to the air. Long-term use prevents transepidermal water loss and dry skin. Some people also use humidifiers to relieve seasonal allergies and sinus congestion.

Stop taking long, hot showers

While a hot bath or shower can feel wonderful on itchy or dry skin, it can dry you out by stripping your skin of important oils. If possible, use warm or lukewarm water instead, and when you get out of the shower, moisten it from head to toe to prevent the moisture from leaving your skin.

Ready to update your dry skin care routine? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa partner to find out more about products for a dry skin climate.

26 Jun
Blog

Strength Training for Ice Cold Athletes

Yunus Barisik emphasizes the need for more strength and outlines how he structures the training of his ice hockey athletes in order to optimize performance.

In this episode, our guest, Yunus Barisik, explains exactly what it takes to produce top athletes for ice hockey.

He particularly emphasizes the need for increased strength and outlines exactly how he structures his athletes' training throughout the year in order to optimize performance and keep them injury-free.

Continue reading

26 Jun
Blog

How to do Superman exercise, benefits and pro tips

If you are bored with your regular core exercises, Superman Exercise can come to the rescue. This exercise targets the lower and upper back, shoulders, buttocks, hamstrings, and abs. In short, it can lead to strong abs.

The Superman exercise is a workable exercise for all ages and people of all fitness levels. This exercise is simple so that even beginners can do it. Fortunately, this is a safe exercise, unlike other core exercises like crunches. However, you should know how to properly do the exercise. It will help you do the exercise effectively without wasting time and counting each repetition.

Benefits of Superman Exercise

It aims at the core. Strong and toned abs not only look great, they also have other benefits. It helps with regular activities like bending over, pulling, and pushing.

This exercise also provides insulation against lower back injuries.

It can prevent postural deviations and gradually improve posture.

This exercise does not require any equipment and can be practiced by people of different fitness levels.

Superman's exercise includes spinal flexions. You need to be careful when performing the movement. Any wrong step can lead to injury. Here is a complete guide to a perfect Superman exercise.

How do you do Superman exercises?

Follow the steps below.

  1. Lie on your chest on the floor with your whole body straight. Extend your hands forward in line with your body.
  2. Keep your head in line with your chest, neither down nor up.
  3. Now slowly lift your arms and legs off the floor. Lift until you feel the muscles in your back contract.
  4. Try to balance the body just below the belly button.
  5. Hold the pose for 3-4 seconds without breathing.
  6. Bring your arm and leg on the floor.

Remember to keep the transition smooth and slow.

Repetitions: 10

Sentences: 3

Pro tips

Follow the tips to avoid injury and make the exercise much more effective.

Keep your head neutral. Don't move your head up or down.

Keep the transition of motion as smooth as possible.

Breathe in and out casually as you practice.

Do not raise your arms and chest higher if you feel like you are overusing your back muscles.

Keep your legs straight.

Engage the core as you lift the body.

Try to lift your belly button off the floor

Take that away

This exercise is good for your lower back, abs, and buttocks. This is a safe practice. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor if you have a severe or chronic spine injury.

Avoid exercising when you are pregnant.

As a beginner, you can start with fewer reps and gradually increase the reps and sets over time.

26 Jun
Blog

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Review: Superhero Spectacle

Ratchet fires a huge gun in Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

"Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a pure superhero spectacle that takes full advantage of the PS5 hardware."

  • Exciting set pieces

  • Lots of weapons

  • Fantastic look

  • Impressive technology

  • Disjointed story

  • Overzealous DualSense support

Insomniac know how to make a superhero game. In the past few years, the studio has released two excellent Spider-Man titles of death defying action and big budget set pieces that could make Kevin Feige jealous. So it's no wonder that Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a full-blown Marvel video game film.

It's a natural evolution for one of Sony's most enduring first-party franchises. While it began as a standard 3D platformer in an era when Sony spawned animal mascots, it has only pumped up the galactic spectacle with each new console for the past two decades. With Sony's most impressive hardware yet in the PS5, Insomniac Games can finally play its Hollywood chops and transform the duo into compelling pint-sized Avengers.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a technical powerhouse full of exciting platform set pieces and busy environments. Its weapons arsenal doesn't quite reach the creative heights of previous editions, but the visual high makes for a fun summer blockbuster.

Marvel's Ratchet & Clank

Like previous games in the series, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is an action-packed third-person platform game. The eponymous Lombax hero Ratchet combs planets for collectibles as he carves his way through waves of enemies while the robot Clank tackles puzzle interludes. It's always been a recipe for success for Insomniac, and not much has changed about the secret sauce here. Everything is a little bigger and more noticeable, but the core gameplay is still rock solid.

Playing through a world really feels like flashing through another Hollywood action set piece.

The main difference this time around is that the game plays with alternate realities. Ratchet finds himself in a dimension where his rival Dr. Nefarious has finally taken control of the galaxy. It wouldn't be a "Mirror World" story without a doppelganger, so the game includes a second Lombax called Rivet that players control almost every other level. Functionally, it's exactly the same as Ratchet, which feels like a missed opportunity. Equipment, weapons, and upgrades are shared between both Lombaxes, so it feels like playing the same character with a pallet swap from planet to planet.

Rivets with hover boots in Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart.

It's hard to complain about when Lombax up-to-the-minute gameplay is so much fun. Each level is a finely designed amusement park with exciting rides. When players aren't hunting for secrets or blowing up enemies, they'll race off ramps on the back of a beetle or drag on roller-coaster-like rails as explosions go off in all directions.

This is where the superhero DNA really becomes visible. Playing through a world really feels like flashing through another Hollywood action set piece. This can make the experience feel disjointed at times, as the game's strangely tangled story feels like a way to justify putting dozens of different ideas together. But as with any good blockbuster, it's best to sit back and take in the colorful sensory explosion.

No superhero movie is complete without a few sidekicks. The clank sections are sparse but a perfect change of pace. They revolve around simple ball puzzles where Clank must safely guide projections of themselves to an exit with balls that they can speed up, jump and do more. The more exciting side missions come from Glitch, a miniature mech that Ratchet uses to fend off microscopic viruses. It's little shooter sections that offer some mind-boggling movement, effective haptic feedback, and the game's most charming original character.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart isn't the most narrative-addicting adventure, but it offers the same thrill as Insomniac's Spider-Man games. The heroes are just a little furlier.

Lights, camera, action

The Ratchet & Clank series sets itself apart from other mascot platform games with its focus on action, and that is true here as well. Rift Apart offers players a buffet of weapons and grenades to experiment with. The game does an excellent job of encouraging players to use them all instead of picking one and quitting it. Each weapon can be leveled up, expanding your personal upgrade tree. I found myself back and forth between my guns in every battle, really driven to see what each one could do in its final form.

A close up of the ratchet in the Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart.

Compared to previous entries, the arsenal is a bit tame this time around. There are plenty of recurring favorites, but few of the new weapons feel as creative as tools like the Groovitron or Qwack-O-Matic that turned enemies into ducks in Up Your Arsenal. The most memorable tool is the topiary sprinkler, which temporarily turns enemies into shrubs. This is one of the few weapons that master the series' slapstick fight.

I found myself back and forth between my guns in every battle, really driven to see what each one could do in its final form.

It feels a bit like Insomniac played it more directly to make better use of the PS5 DualSense controller. Many weapons have alternate modes of fire or quirks that take advantage of the controller's adaptive triggers. The headhunter sniper zooms in depending on how hard the left trigger is pulled, for example. Not every gun makes use of this idea, but those that add a little extra depth to the shooting.

The technology is fun to use, but admittedly it can be a pain point. And I mean a literal one. The pull-off resistance becomes physically demanding. With a weapon like the ricochet, players must hammer the right trigger multiple times to destroy enemies. The trigger pull is so hard that I switched to my middle finger just to give my pointer a break. Returnal really got to the heart of how to develop gunplay around adaptive triggers with their Alt-Fire system, but I can imagine a lot of gamers will turn the feature off here entirely.

The gunplay may have been reworked a little to fit the PS5 itself, which is what we've seen in games like Destruction AllStars. Despite these quirks, the fight is still chaotic. When I electrify a creature with a weapon, I create a perfect "weird nonsense" moment in which my stunned enemy wobbles in place like a cartoon character after plugging a fork into an electrical outlet. Shooting down a creature is always rewarded with some sort of detailed animation that is a joy to see.

Big budget thrill

If Returnal is the best presentation of the PS5 controller, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the game that best shows off the console itself. It's a visually stunning game that plays like a CGI movie. There were moments when I didn't even realize I had regained control of the character after smoothly coming out of a cutscene. The worlds are so rich in detail that they look like they belong in a pre-rendered film sequence.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is in many ways the best example of how powerful this current generation of consoles is.

Take a location like the game's opening world, a little slice of a busy city. It's not just a couple of major buildings that some NPCs are walking around in. The sky is filled with flying cars whizzing overhead and neon signs flashing far in the distance. For an even easier treat, clap the wall of a box and enjoy the explosion of particles that occurs when hundreds of wood splinters and bolts fly in all directions.

The real star of the show is the PS5's SSD, which Insomniac takes full advantage of. Ratchet and Rivet are given a tether with which they can cross portals and teleport them forward seamlessly using a technical magic trick.

Ratchet flies a kite in Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart.

This is particularly useful for the entire alternative dimension angle. There are “pocket dimensions” scattered over the levels, which take the player to a completely different level of challenge without loading time. Whenever games try to pull such tricks, there is always a secret seam that they use to hide the wait. Check out God of War, which uses a mystical zone to hide the loading between areas. When those moments happen behind the scenes at Rift Apart, they are completely invisible.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is in many ways the best example of how powerful this current generation of consoles is. It offers spectacle after spectacle and creates its own version of "film magic" for games. I just wanted to reach into a bag of popcorn for the whole adventure.

Our opinion

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is another great PS5 exclusivity that really shows what the hardware is capable of. It's a visually detailed platformer with three thrilling Iron Man films. Filming suffers a little from an overzealous DualSense integration that is literally painful, but Insomniac has created a colorful blockbuster that's crammed with good old-fashioned comic mischief.

Is there a better alternative?

If we think of this as a superhero game (which it is), it's about on par with Marvel's Spider-Man. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury offers a little more value for platformer.

How long it will take?

The story lasts about 10-12 hours and I got 100% within 15. There are good reasons to play again, however, as weapons can level up the second time around.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's another strong exclusivity for the PS5 range, and one that really gets the most out of the system.

Editor's recommendations



26 Jun
Blog

What Is A Toner & What Exactly Does It Do?

You've heard that using a toner is an important step in your skin care routine, but what does it do? If you're confused about toners, you've come to the right place. We break down exactly what different types of toners do for your skin. Read on to learn what a toner is, why you need to use it, and which toner is right for you.

What is a toner anyway?

Toners are usually associated with drying, alcohol-based formulas that remove oil from your skin – along with every last bit of moisture. Fortunately, toners have come a long way. In addition to astringent properties, the latest generation of toners and facial sprays moisturize, rebalance, and treat a variety of skin problems and conditions.

The benefits of toner: what does it do?

Balances the pH

Toner is often applied after the cleansing step to ensure that the skin's pH is balanced. The pH of a skin relates to the acidity of the protective acid mantle of your skin. If your skin is too acidic, you can break out. This is where the toner comes in as it is there to help balance your skin. As Healthline notes, “… some soaps and detergents are alkaline. Using a product with a very different pH than your skin can disrupt its normal functions and possibly lead to dryness, greasiness or irritation. "

Addressed concerns

Some toners help restore and balance your skin's pH levels, while others nourish the skin and focus on treating specific problems.

"In the past, toners were used to balance the pH of the skin after using an alkaline soap product to cleanse it." Rebecca Kazin, MD, a dermatologist in Washington, DC, told Women & # 39; s Health magazine. Nowadays, however, toners can also nourish the skin with ingredients like chamomile, lavender, and comfrey root.

Helps to absorb upcoming products

Whether a toner balances the skin's pH level or provides nutrients, the toner step prepares your skin to absorb products that you apply afterwards. Eminence Organics Senior skin care trainer Natalie Pergar refers to toning as the "conditioning step" of your skin care routine. The right toner evens out your complexion and provides a moisturizing base layer to prepare your skin for the following steps.

Provides extra thorough cleaning

Even after using a detergent, you may still need to remove any residual sebum, makeup, or dirt, and a toner can help with this. Toners complete the cleaning process by removing any last trace of makeup that your cleaner was unable to remove. These quickly absorbed liquids remove stubborn impurities and provide the skin with the moisture it needs.

The different types of toners

There are hundreds of toners out there and it can be daunting figuring out whether you pick the right one for you. That's why we're here to help!

Toners can be categorized as moisturizing, exfoliating, or astringent based on their purpose. Different toners are suitable for different skin types, so this should be taken into account when deciding which toner to use.

Moisturizing

It's no surprise that moisturizing toners contain moisturizing (water-attracting) ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Moisturizing ingredients hold water well and make it difficult for water to evaporate. You can usually find this type of toner in the form of a refreshing mist or spray. One example is our Stone Crop Hydrating Mist, which was developed for dry skin. This gentle face spray is formulated with lavender and nourishing stone harvest juice to improve the skin's moisture levels.

peeling

Exfoliating toners contain a small amount of AHA or BHA ingredients to brighten the complexion and improve a dull skin tone. Typically, these toners help remove dead cells from the surface of the skin, making the skin look softer and smoother.

Astringent

Astringents are better described as a toner’s cousin. If you have oily skin, astringents can also be helpful in getting rid of excess oil. The main difference is that an astringent typically contains solvent alcohols or has a higher alcohol content than a regular toner. Today, however, toners have come a long way since the 1990s. Fortunately for us, astringent toners don't contain high amounts of alcohol like they used to. You are more likely to see formulations with ingredients like witch hazel that are gentler on the skin. Eminence Organics' toners fall into the modern toners category, which means they focus on nourishing the skin with moisturizing ingredients or providing gentle exfoliating benefits.

When should I use a toner?

How to use a toner infographic

In addition to using toners as part of your daily and nightly skin care routine, Eminence Organics offers International Trainers Jude Herrera Toners can also be used throughout the day to moisturize the skin, soothe dryness, or set your makeup in place.

If you're wondering when to apply a toner during your skin care routine, apply it right after you cleanse your skin, morning and night. For application, toner is typically applied by brushing on with a cotton pad. You can also apply and apply a toner with clean hands. Applying a toner when the skin is still slightly damp enables the active ingredients to be absorbed more efficiently. This should help prepare your skin for the rest of the products.

To find the right toner or ingredient for your needs, use our Spa Locator to find a spa for in-person or virtual professional advice to find the best toners for you. And let us know in the comments below or on social media which product you think is best for your skin type.

This post was originally written by Alisha Whitley in June 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

26 Jun
Blog

Lifting Big, Dylan, Jazz, and Skinny Jeans

More than anything, music has helped me learn a visceral connection to movement and lifting weights.

My roommate at college told me that he thinks I am a guy who listens to moody, poetic, and eclectic music alone in his room. He told me that after I shared my existential crisis with him when I was in my early twenties.

Continue reading

«‹5960616263›»