21 Jul
Blog

Power Up Your Training Inside and Outside the Gym

In addition to skipping warming up, gross strength can be the most neglected attribute in the gym. People often think that they don't have to train strength because they are not an athlete. They believe they don't have to dive basketball or fire the quarterback. However, you would be wrong.

What is power?

Force and acceleration determine the power, P = F x A.

Force is the pushing or pulling of the interaction of the object with another objecttlike gravity or the concentric phase of pushups.

Acceleration is the speed at which an object changes speed, e.g. For example, if you sprint to catch a bus or car that is driving from a dead stop.

The advantages

<

  • Better cardiovascular function – Exercise encourages the heart to pump more blood with each pump and return to a resting heart rate faster after exercise.
  • Increased strength – Most strength exercises involve fast contractions that build and improve fast twitch muscle fibers.
  • Increased calorie burning – Using the large muscles of your arms and legs increases calorie expenditure during exercise and up to 24-48 hours later.
  • Better power absorption – Every time your feet touch the ground, the triple force comes back directly through your body. Training force prepares you better for this.

    • Other benefits include being a bad guy and being a great stress reliever. If you are having a bad day, throw a medicine ball into the wall instead of hitting a hole in the wall.

    Hopefully I have convinced you that training strength is not only important, but also fun. Now let's start.

    When do you train power?

    Or if you are training your upper body, a Med Ball Slam will wake up the quick twitches of your back. Do three sets of 8-12 reps.

    How many repetitions?

    When you train strength, you have to be as explosive as possible. The moment you lose pop, you stop exercising – you are training muscle endurance.

    For most people, this is somewhere between 4-12 reps or 10-20 seconds of effort.

    How much rest?

    Although you may feel recovered after around 30 seconds, it usually takes (for most people) between 60 and 180 seconds to fully recover to get the most out of your next power pack.

    However, play with your rest periods to find out what works for you.

    If you have never trained strength before?

    Don't you? That's a shame. It's usually better to have a strength base, but the movements here are the most basic part of the spectrum when it comes to power.

    And when you do it, you get stronger. It is a win-win situation.

    Upper body strength

    My power favorites are medicine ball throws. They are easy to do, very effective and fun. Most gyms have hidden them in a corner, unclean and unloved, but once you use them, you will never let them go.

    The following exercises are best performed on upper body days so that you can suppress your bumps and moves. However, they can be done at any time, because who should I tell you what to do?

    When doing these exercises, be sure to pull your arms through. This tracking helps bring the ball back to you, which allows for a smoother transition between repetitions and gives you a little more momentum.

    2. Lower body strength

    There is a variety of exercises to choose from. For the sake of simplicity The following exercises are relatively safe, easy to do, and provide an excellent introduction to overall physical strength.

    However, if you have knee / lower body problems, please let yourself be guided by pain and put your safety first.

    Program recommendations

    Coupling strength exercises to a superset before moving on to the central part of your workout is a great way to add strength to your routine.

    1A. Med Ball Slam: 8 reps

    1B. Jump squats: 6 repetitions

    Break 1 minute between training and 2 minutes between supersets.

    Repeat 1-2 times.

    Or you can combine a strength with a mobility exercise to train your strength and movement at the same time.

    1A. Jump Squat: 6 repetitions

    1B. Half kneeling hip flexor stretch: 30 seconds on each side

    Current density circuit

    For more performance, do eight repetitions of the following steps per minute. After doing eight reps, rest the rest of the minute before continuing on to the next exercise. Do 3-4 laps for a total of 15-20 minutes that will make you sweat and smile.

    1A. Med Ball Overhead Throws: 8 reps

    1B. Med Ball Chest Pass: 8 reps

    1C. Med ball spin rolls: 4 reps on both sides

    1D. Med Ball Slams: 8 reps

    1E. Squat jumps: 8 repetitions

    Or:

    1A. Incline Plyo Pushup: 8 reps

    1B. Squat jumps: 8 repetitions

    1C. One-handed Med Ball Slam: 4 repetitions on each side

    1D. Med Ball Overhead Throw: 8 reps

    1E. Rotational Med Ball Slam: 4 repetitions on each side

    Wrap up

    A small investment in electricity pays off enormously for you inside and outside the fitness room. And who knows? You can jump tall buildings with a single barrier that resembles another famous superhero.

    References

    1. McBride JM et al. The impact of heavy or light load squats on the development of strength, power and speed. J Strength Cond Res. 2002 Feb; 16 (1): 75-75. 82.

    20 Jul
    Blog

    Power Up Your Training Inside and Outside the Gym

    In addition to skipping warming up, gross strength can be the most neglected attribute in the gym. People often think that they don't have to train strength because they are not an athlete. They believe they don't have to dive basketball or fire the quarterback. However, you would be wrong.

    What is power?

    Force and acceleration determine the power, P = F x A.

    Force is the pushing or pulling of the interaction of the object with another objecttlike gravity or the concentric phase of pushups.

    Acceleration is the speed at which an object changes speed, e.g. For example, if you sprint to catch a bus or car that is driving from a dead stop.

    The advantages

    Other benefits include being a bad guy and being a great stress reliever. If you are having a bad day, throw a medicine ball into the wall instead of hitting a hole in the wall.

    Hopefully I have convinced you that training strength is not only important, but also fun. Now let's start.

    When do you train power?

    Or if you exercise the upper body, do a Med Ball Slam wakes up the quick twitches of your back. Do three sets of 8-12 reps.

    How many repetitions?

    When you train strength, you have to be as explosive as possible. The moment you lose pop, you stop exercising – you are training muscle endurance.

    For most people, this is somewhere between 4-12 reps or 10-20 seconds of effort.

    How much rest?

    Although you may feel recovered after around 30 seconds, it usually takes (for most people) between 60 and 180 seconds to fully recover to get the most out of your next power pack.

    However, play with your rest periods to find out what works for you.

    If you have never trained strength before?

    Don't you? That's a shame. It's usually better to have a strength base, but the movements here are the most basic part of the spectrum when it comes to power. And when you do it, you get stronger. It is a win-win situation.

    Upper body strength

    My power favorites are medicine ball throws. They are easy to do, very effective and fun. Most gyms have hidden them in a corner, unclean and unloved, but once you use them, you will never let them go.

    The following exercises are best performed on upper body days so that you can suppress your bumps and moves. However, they can be done at any time, because who should I tell you what to do?

    When doing these exercises, be sure to pull your arms through. This tracking helps bring the ball back to you, which allows for a smoother transition between repetitions and gives you a little more momentum.

    2. Lower body strength

    There is a variety of exercises to choose from. For the sake of simplicity The following exercises are relatively safe, easy to do, and provide an excellent introduction to overall physical strength.

    However, if you have knee / lower body problems, please let yourself be guided by pain and put your safety first.

    Program recommendations

    Coupling strength exercises to a superset before moving on to the central part of your workout is a great way to add strength to your routine.

    1A. Med Ball Slam: 8 reps

    1B. Jump squats: 6 repetitions

    Break 1 minute between training and 2 minutes between supersets.

    Repeat 1-2 times.

    Or you can combine a strength with a mobility exercise to train your strength and movement at the same time.

    1A. Jump Squat: 6 repetitions

    1B. Half kneeling hip flexor stretch: 30 seconds on each side

    Current density circuit

    For more performance, do eight repetitions of the following steps per minute. After doing eight reps, rest the rest of the minute before continuing on to the next exercise. Do 3-4 laps for a total of 15-20 minutes that will make you sweat and smile.

    1A. Med Ball Overhead Throws: 8 reps

    1B. Med Ball Chest Pass: 8 reps

    1C. Med ball spin rolls: 4 reps on both sides

    1D. Med Ball Slams: 8 reps

    1E. Squat jumps: 8 repetitions

    Or:

    1A. Incline Plyo Pushup: 8 reps

    1B. Squat jumps: 8 repetitions

    1C. One-handed Med Ball Slam: 4 repetitions on each side

    1D. Med Ball Overhead Throw: 8 reps

    1E. Rotational Med Ball Slam: 4 repetitions on each side

    Wrap up

    A small investment in electricity pays off enormously for you inside and outside the fitness room. And who knows? You can jump tall buildings with a single barrier that resembles another famous superhero.

    References

    1. McBride JM et al. The impact of heavy or light load squats on the development of strength, power and speed. J Strength Cond Res. 2002 Feb; 16 (1): 75-75. 82.

    23 May
    Blog

    The Power of Virtual Training

    The power of virtual training is a guide for coaches to introduce and implement this new medium.

    It's a strange time to be alive and an excellent time to be a coach. We as trainers and coaches have the knowledge to master these challenging times and to lead our customers to new effective routines and health habits. With our insight and promise of accountability, our clients have a rare opportunity to recover from this pandemic while maintaining their exercise habits.

    This recovery is largely due to technological advances (virtual training) that enables us to be present without having to physically contact the customer. As a thought exercise, imagine that these shutdowns were in effect before Zoom, What’s App, Skype, and FaceTime existed.

    I've been a coach for over six years, and I've only recently seen the severity of the impact we can have on a person's well-being if the chips wear off. But:

    • How do we do our job when there is no job?
    • How can we work efficiently without equipment?
    • And how in the world are we going to have effective one-on-one conversations without being face to face?

    Fortunately, as a trainer, we are adaptable. When a client presents us with a new injury, sprained thumb, or pain, we adapt. We reprogram and get to work to find a safe and effective way to get around the limitation.

    That makes us intelligent trainers. We can be flexible and give the answer when it doesn't seem so obvious, while keeping an eye on our customers' goals, limitations and habits.

    In essence, COVID-19 is the violation and virtual training is the modification. Virtual training is the platform that not only supports our companies during shutdown, but also enriches our customer experience when the doors are opened again. Imagine that your customer, who travels every two weeks, can now remain consistent with their actual coach due to the virtual training.

    Of course, a resistance band row in a hotel door rope is less effective than a pendlay row. However, a resistance band row in a hotel door rope is ten times more effective than fifteen repetitions when changing channels and one repetition when ordering food at the hotel bar. We can be the anchor for our customers' travel plans, but first we need to discuss how we can be efficient in this new medium.

    Client conversion

    We can assume that our customers naturally have reservations about switching to an online training platform. Your willingness to make the change, however, is primarily guided by our enthusiasm as a trainer.

    Until they learn first-hand that the platform can offer a programmatic approach to fitness, they will be skeptics. As your trainer, we have to outline what you can expect. And always remember to promise too little and deliver too much.

    If you share this fear as a coach, try to train another coach or friend on a virtual platform and challenge each other to put together effective training. Once you experience the value for yourself, it will be a more real conversation that will explain to your customers how it will impact.

    It is important that you divide your customer list into the following three categories before discussing the conversion:

    1. Excited to convert – These are customers who love your programming and brand. They are the ones who do their homework every week, show up on time with enthusiasm and communicate how they feel and what they eat outside of sports lessons. These customers also happen to see the best results.
    2. Reluctant to convert – This group is generally reluctant to apply new practices. Perhaps they show resistance to changes in programming, despite scientific research into why you do what you do. These customers need social proof that other customers are already training and having fun online.
      These customers love to work out with you, but without the gym they don't see how that can work. It is important to communicate with these customers on a weekly basis and always remind them that the door to virtual training is open and that you are eagerly awaiting your first session because you know how powerful it will be for them.
    3. Will not convert – Once you have categorized your customers (I recommend this in an Excel spreadsheet), you can contact them and bring them to the new platform.

    Regarding the fact that this is a completely new experience for you and your customer, I strongly recommend following these five guidelines for a successful online session.

    1. Replicate the training environment

    Make your training site similar to the environment in which you train. The fewer different things are, the more likely the customer will feel virtually at home.

    For this purpose, I recommend wearing the same work clothes that you wear in one session. If you have a branded banner, place it behind you so that the customer can see it in the viewfinder. Have the same devices as tapes, iPad, and notepad ready so you can take notes that demonstrate your attention.

    2. Come prepared

    I would suggest programming in advance, just like you would in the regular session. Email your client the training day in advance so they know you are taking the time to think about their training beforehand.

    It's also a good time to ask questions and make adjustments so that sailing goes smoothly at the start of the session.

    3. Eye contact is everything

    During a virtual session, your customers continuously refer to the screen for advice, pointers, and repetitions. So it is crucial that you pay attention when looking up. Fight the urge to keep your phone handy and scroll through Instagram or Twitter.

    This time is your hour, treat it as such. If you use your phone, tell us why, d. H. "I'll use my timer for your rest time." In this way, the customer understands that this is for a reason.

    4. Test your connection

    Make sure your WiFi connection is strong. Sitting near your router makes a big difference in connectivity, as many homes have bandwidth issues due to the high concentration of people working from home.

    I also recommend turning off WiFi on your phone and letting your customers do the same. If you communicate this in advance, the customer will be shown that this is not your first online training, which will further validate the medium.

    5. Plan additional time

    If a typical session starts and ends on the hour, I would recommend starting and ending 5-10 minutes earlier. This time enables troubleshooting and communication problems.

    Your customers will also appreciate the willingness to stay with them to ensure they have a positive experience.

    Integrate virtual training into regular business

    We do our job best when we can be physically one on one with the individual. This method works best in an environment with the necessary equipment, and this makes me believe that virtual training will not replace one-to-one lessons for a long time.

    For customers who travel frequently, however, virtual training can be the X factor in their habit management. If you bring your customers up to date now, you will strengthen your business if they cannot physically get to the gym.

    This virtual training also gives us time as a trainer. Imagine going to Bali and while you are there you can virtually train customers, keep them up to date and put income in your pocket.

    Trainers on vacation have not earned any income for decades. One hour of lost sales if a session is not run. Virtual training has the potential to diversify our income and attract a distant clientele that we otherwise would not have access to.

    There is no better time than now to offer a customer a free virtual workout and speed up the return to the gym.

    22 May
    Blog

    The Power of Virtual Training

    The power of virtual training is a guide for coaches to introduce and implement this new medium.

    It's a strange time to be alive and an excellent time to be a coach. We as trainers and coaches have the knowledge to master these challenging times and to lead our customers to new effective routines and health habits. With our insight and promise of accountability, our clients have a rare opportunity to recover from this pandemic while maintaining their exercise habits.

    This recovery is largely due to technological advances (virtual training) that enables us to be present without having to physically contact the customer. As a thought exercise, imagine that these shutdowns were in effect before Zoom, What’s App, Skype, and FaceTime existed.

    I've been a coach for over six years, and I've only recently seen the severity of the impact we can have on a person's well-being if the chips wear off. But:

    • How do we do our job when there is no job?
    • How can we work efficiently without equipment?
    • And how in the world are we going to have effective one-on-one conversations without being face to face?

    Fortunately, as a trainer, we are adaptable. When a client presents us with a new injury, sprained thumb, or pain, we adapt. We reprogram and get to work to find a safe and effective way to get around the limitation. That makes us intelligent trainers. We can be flexible and give the answer when it doesn't seem so obvious, while keeping an eye on our customers' goals, limitations and habits.

    In essence, COVID-19 is the violation and virtual training is the modification. Virtual training is the platform that not only supports our companies during shutdown, but also enriches our customer experience when the doors are opened again. Imagine that your customer, who travels every two weeks, can now remain consistent with their actual coach due to the virtual training.

    Of course, a resistance band row in a hotel door rope is less effective than a pendlay row. However, a resistance band row in a hotel door rope is ten times more effective than fifteen repetitions when changing channels and one repetition when ordering food at the hotel bar. We can be the anchor for our customers' travel plans, but first we need to discuss how we can be efficient in this new medium.

    Client conversion

    We can assume that our customers naturally have reservations about switching to an online training platform. Your willingness to make the change, however, is primarily guided by our enthusiasm as a trainer. Until they learn first-hand that the platform can offer a programmatic approach to fitness, they will be skeptics. As your trainer, we have to outline what you can expect. And always remember to promise too little and deliver too much.

    If you share this fear as a coach, try to train another coach or friend on a virtual platform and challenge each other to put together effective training. Once you experience the value for yourself, it will be a more real conversation that will explain to your customers how it will impact.

    It is important that you divide your customer list into the following three categories before discussing the conversion:

    1. Excited to convert

    These are customers who love your programming and brand. They are the ones who do their homework every week, show up on time with enthusiasm and communicate how they feel and what they eat outside of sports lessons. These customers also happen to see the best results.

    2. Reluctant to convert

    This group is generally reluctant to apply new practices. Perhaps they show resistance to changes in programming, despite scientific research into why you do what you do. These customers need social proof that other customers are already training and having fun online.

    These customers love to work out with you, but without the gym they don't see how that can work. It is important to communicate with these customers on a weekly basis and always remind them that the door to virtual training is open and that you are eagerly awaiting your first session because you know how powerful it will be for them.

    3. Will not convert

    Once you've categorized your customers (I recommend doing this in an Excel spreadsheet), you can contact them and bring them to the new platform.

    Regarding the fact that this is a completely new experience for you and your customer, I strongly recommend following these five guidelines for a successful online session.

    1. Replicate the training environment

    Make your training site similar to the environment in which you train. The fewer different things are, the more likely the customer will feel virtually at home. For this purpose, I recommend wearing the same work clothes that you wear in one session. If you have a branded banner, place it behind you so that the customer can see it in the viewfinder. Have the same devices as tapes, iPad, and notepad ready so you can take notes that demonstrate your attention.

    2. Come prepared

    I would suggest programming in advance, just like you would in the regular session. Email your client the training day in advance so they know you are taking the time to think about their training beforehand. It's also a good time to ask questions and make adjustments so that sailing goes smoothly at the start of the session.

    3. Eye contact is everything

    During a virtual session, your customers continuously refer to the screen for advice, pointers, and repetitions. So it is crucial that you pay attention when looking up. Fight the urge to keep your phone handy and scroll through Instagram or Twitter.

    This time is your hour, treat it as such. If you use your phone, tell us why, d. H. "I'll use my timer for your rest time." In this way, the customer understands that this is for a reason.

    4. Test your connection

    Make sure your WiFi connection is strong. Sitting near your router makes a big difference in connectivity, as many homes have bandwidth issues due to the high concentration of people working from home.

    I also recommend turning off WiFi on your phone and letting your customers do the same. If you communicate this in advance, the customer will be shown that this is not your first online training, which will further validate the medium.

    5. Plan additional time

    If a typical session starts and ends on the hour, I would recommend starting and ending 5-10 minutes earlier. This time enables troubleshooting and communication problems. Your customers will also appreciate the willingness to stay with them to ensure they have a positive experience.

    Integrate virtual training into regular business

    We do our job best when we can be physically one on one with the individual. This method works best in an environment with the necessary equipment, and this makes me believe that virtual training will not replace one-to-one lessons for a long time.

    For customers who travel frequently, however, virtual training can be the X factor in their habit management. If you bring your customers up to date now, you will strengthen your business if they cannot physically get to the gym. This virtual training also gives us time as a trainer. Imagine going to Bali and while you are there you can virtually train customers, keep them up to date and put income in your pocket.

    Trainers on vacation have not earned any income for decades. One hour of lost sales if a session is not run. Virtual training has the potential to diversify our income and attract a distant clientele that we otherwise would not have access to.

    There is no better time than now to offer a customer a free virtual workout and speed up the return to the gym.

    16 Apr
    Blog

    Motorola Moto G Power Review: Big Battery, Big Phone

    Moto G Power Display

    Motorola Moto G Power Review: Heavy battery life

    "The durable Moto G Power offers long battery life, but is too heavy for most buyers."

    • Two to three days of battery life

    • Nice display for budget phone

    • Feels solid and durable

    • Using an Ultrawide camera is fun

    • Heavy and thick

    • No NFC for Google Pay

    • Main camera is just OK

    Do you want a cheap Android phone? Motorola is probably your first stop. The experienced smartphone manufacturer has two new releases, the Moto G Stylus and the Moto G Power, each aimed at very specific users.

    They do what they say. The G-pen has a pen and the G Power tested here has electricity. Battery power. I know your child may be looking over your shoulder. Let's just call it a metric fudge ton – 5,000 mAh, to be exact.

    That is much! The iPhone 11 has a 3,110 mAh battery and the Google Pixel 4 XL has a 3,700 mAh battery. Some phones, like the Asus ZenFone 6, are the same size as the G Power battery, but most are not.

    What makes the G Power so exceptional is the price you pay for this battery. Motorola is selling this unlocked phone for $ 250. This brings you the huge battery, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage (MicroSD cards with up to 1 TB can improve this number). This is the only version available.

    Is this durable budget phone worth finding a place in your pocket? Let's have a look.

    Design and display

    If you've ever hit a battery case on a phone, you know that the extra endurance comes with the price of extra weight and a thicker profile. The Motorola Moto G Power bundles the battery inside, but is not excluded from this problem.

    The Moto G Power is 0.38 inches thick and weighs over 7 ounces when touched. The older Moto G7 Play is 0.31 inches thick and weighs only 5.3 ounces. The Samsung Galaxy A50 is only 0.3 inches thick and weighs about 5.9 ounces.

    So, as Twitter could say, the G Power is THICC.

    Moto G Power DesignMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

    You will feel it. It is a powerful, extensive phone. On the plus side, this offers an aura of quality that is not often found in inexpensive phones. On the other hand, it is difficult. I noticed it most when I was holding the phone in bed or lying on my sofa. After a short while my arm felt tired.

    Yes, I am a saggy wrist tech reviewer who couldn't put a big house cat on the bench. Still, the extra weight was annoying. I wouldn't buy the phone for that reason alone. This is not a problem I want to deal with in an everyday device.

    As Twitter could say, the G Power is THICC.

    The weight of the G Power does not only depend on its battery. It also includes a 6.4-inch display with an aspect ratio of 19.17: 9. It is a large display, although this is not uncommon for the category. The Samsung Galaxy A50 and Samsung M30 both have 6.4-inch displays.

    It's an attractive screen that's vivid and bright enough to use on a sunny day. You will surely see a better contrast to the OLED panel, and here the cheapest devices from Samsung can achieve an undeniable victory. However, the Moto G Power's display is solid and I think most buyers will be impressed.

    Turn it over and you will find the Moto G Power in the conservative new look from Motorola. Moto used to be synonymous with quirky design (I bought and loved a blue-and-orange Moto G3), but the company's newer phones are more elegant and frankly boring. Like many new phones, the G Power is shiny, subtle, and sophisticated. Moto hopes you will be mistaken for glass some distance away.

    A fingerprint reader for secure login is included. It is quick and seldom possible to read a fingerprint like I am used to from similar readers on other devices.

    Moto G Power camera

    Ports? You will receive USB-C and a headphone jack. I have no complaints there. I wish Motorola made the phone waterproof. It is sold as "water repellent" but is not designed to be submerged for any length of time. Don't let it fall into the toilet.

    The design of the Moto G Power is okay. The display even has somewhat slim bezels. It's a bit boring and a step back from Moto's more ambitious previous cell phones, but I understand. People want to buy cheap phones that look like expensive phones. From this point of view, the design of the Moto G Power is successful.

    Battery life

    The Moto G Power is all about battery life. It has 5,000 mAh of juice to be precise, and Motorola promises up to 72 hours of battery life.

    That would have seemed a few years ago. Today it is still a lot, but not unusual. The Asus ZenFone 6, Samsung Galaxy M30 and Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra all have batteries of a similar size, although their endurance requirements are not that extreme.

    It's an impressive battery for the price, to be sure. While the Galaxy M30 is available at low prices on Amazon, the ZenFone 6 costs $ 500 and the Galaxy S20 Ultra "How much do you have?" The large battery is an outstanding feature.

    The battery lasted two full days and a few thirds.

    I used the Moto G Power lightly in my first week on the phone when I turned my attention to the Moto G stylus. The battery lasted five days. After I switched mainly to the G Power, the battery lasted two full days and a few thirds. I admit that I am not the most demanding user. Nevertheless, this is an outstanding result.

    In fact, it's over the top. I don't think charging a phone overnight is a problem. Therefore I think a battery is sufficient for a day with heavy use. Most modern phones can do this. The Moto G Power could take two, but I have to ask. What's the point Why should you put up with a heavier, thicker phone all day every day?

    If your answer is "well, I need it because of …", then for sure. I understand that. The Moto G Power deserves recognition for bringing extreme endurance to a low price. But let's be real. This is a niche device. It was developed for people who want to talk a lot on the phone, but also don't want to spend a lot on it.

    performance

    The Moto G Power has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core processor and a Qualcomm Adreno 610 GPU. This is an option for a budget phone that will be sold in 2020.

    Performance is usually not a problem. Most applications are started in no time and run well when active. While the phone's 4 GB of RAM on paper may be fine, there have never been any problems switching applications.

    The Moto G Power has proven itself in benchmarks

    • Geekbench 5: 312 single-core, 1388 multi-core
    • 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme (volcano): 1.133

    The Geekbench 5 score offers a modest improvement over last year's budget phones. A Moto G7 reaches 268 in single-core and 1,183 in multi-core. The result of Sling Shot Extreme is a huge upgrade over the older Moto G7, which only reached 543 when we tested it last year. Another one-year-old Samsung Galaxy A50 beats the Moto G Power with a score of 1,368 in the Sling Shot Extreme from 3DMark.

    I only noticed the limits of the Moto G Power when scrolling quickly through long content lists such as news feeds or podcasts or when visiting websites that (frankly rather intrusive) elements such as pop-up video players or extensive animations put a lot of strain. In these situations there was an occasional jerk or a moment of pause. Even the fastest phones can have problems here, but I think the Motorola G Power feels a lot less fluid than, say, a Google Pixel 4 that shipped with a Snapdragon 855 late last year.

    Still, it's a bit silly to be obsessed with the Moto G Power's performance. Modern smartphones, like laptops sold ten years ago, are fast enough for most people today. I had no problem using the Moto G Power every day. Is a Google Pixel 4 or iPhone 11 faster? Yes. With the G Power (or another phone with this SoC) you can get along easily.

    Obsessed with being a bit silly about the performance of the Moto G Power.

    Gaming is a mixed bag. Most cell phone games are designed to run on a variety of cell phones and not to press hard on a cell phone like the Moto G Power. Even Call of Duty: Mobile and SimCity Build went well enough that I didn't notice any hesitation. Demanding games like Injustice 2 and Asphalt 9 were a different story. These were playable on the Moto G Power, but occasionally stuttered and were rendered at a frame rate that was well below 30 frames per second.

    It is important to know that G Power does not have an NFC. This means that Google Pay is not supported. This is almost certainly an unfortunate omission to keep the price down, but contactless payment is always helpful – and is even recommended in these days of social distancing – and is overlooked here.

    Audio quality

    Stereo speakers tuned by Dolby are on either side of the phone (when held horizontally). One speaker is above the display, the other on the bottom lip of the phone. This means that audio is stronger on one side than on the other. It stands out, but is not annoying.

    The sound is loud and clear. There is not a lot of bass and the maximum volume is not what flagship phones can produce, but it is enough to keep you entertained in a room with little to no ambient noise. Audiophiles should bring headphones, earphones, or a Bluetooth speaker.

    Camera quality

    Despite its price, the Moto G Power does its best to emulate the camera functions of more expensive competitors. It comes with a 16MP main camera on the back, an 8MP Ultrawide with a 118 degree field of view and a 2MP macro camera. There is also a 16 megapixel front camera.

    For me, the 8MP Ultrawide is the outstanding feature. This is unusual for low-cost phones and offers a lot of versatility. With this camera, you can take more convincing landscape shots or better capture a narrow space. The camera delivers subdued colors and extreme lighting issues, but a decent smartphone photographer could use it for some outstanding shots. It's also fun to play around with.

    Moto G Power ultra wide field of view "class =" m-carousel - image dt-faul-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpowe_ultrawide-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: // www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Moto G Power ultra-wide field of view Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

    Moto G Power Standard FOV "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_standard-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / / www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Moto G Power Standard FOV Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

    The 16 megapixel main camera is what I would expect from an affordable smartphone in 2020. It takes neutral, balanced shots that often lack the vibrancy and sharpness that you find in the best phone cameras. Quality is best with excellent lighting and noticeably drops in dark situations, but excellent lighting can also affect color balance, so you can fumble with the rather delicate manual controls.

    Although the main camera didn't set my hair on fire, I should note that this is a massive step over the inexpensive phones sold a few years ago. The main camera of the Moto G Power can be used for great photos if you have some skill.

    Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample2-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

    Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample4-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

    Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample5-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

    Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample3-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

    With this option, the 2MP macro has the same difficulties as other smartphones. The ability to enlarge a subject is offset by reduced sharpness, poor performance in low light, and color balance issues. To be honest, I'm not sure if most macro shots look better with the 2MP macro camera enabled. Macro mode works when very, very close to very small objects, but how often do you take such photos? I'm not sure I will ever do that.

    Moto G Power Macro Off "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_macro_off-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: //www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Moto G Power macro lens Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

    Moto G Power "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_macro_on-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: // https: // www. digitaltrends.com / data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Moto G Power macro lens Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

    What about the 4MP (Quad Pixel) selfie camera? It works well enough. The quality depends on the lighting. However, if you have the right angle, your shots can look great. However, I am annoyed about the relocated camera location. It's in the top left corner of the phone, not the center, making finding the best angle less intuitive.

    Video quality

    The main camera of the Moto G Power can record 4K videos at up to 30 frames per second (fps) or 1080p videos at up to 60 fps. Slow motion videos can record up to 120 frames per second at 1080p or 240 fps at 720p.

    This is solid for a budget phone, though you shouldn't plan to use anything other than 1080p frequently. 4K video can look sharp in ideal lighting, but quickly fall apart in more demanding situations. The same applies to slow motion.

    If you stick to 1080p, you can expect a sharp picture with a generally neutral color balance that, like photos taken with the main camera, will struggle with very dark or excessively bright situations. Taking the budget into account, I think the video of the Moto G Power is solid.

    software

    The Moto G Power has a slightly skinned version of Android 10. My unlocked test device was delivered without any noteworthy bloatware, unless you count the slim and mostly unnecessary Moto and Moto audio apps. As with previous Motorola smartphones, the G Power greets you with a happy “Hello Moto” when you switch it on.

    Moto Actions are back. They allow you to activate certain functions with certain gestures. For example, you can activate the camera by turning your wrist twice or turning on the flashlight with two quick cutting movements. Moto promotions are convenient and fun.

    The camera app is Motorola’s only misfire. It looks fussy, with tiny control icons at the top of the app and a record button that looks like a camera shutter. Placed next to a Google Pixel 3a, the difference is day and night and not at all in favor of G Power.

    Price, guarantee and availability

    The Motorola G Power costs $ 250 and will be released in April. You can order one directly from the Motorola website. It is also sold through Verizon, Republic Wireless, US Cellular and Google Fi. If you live in Europe, Motorola has confusingly launched the G8 Power instead of the G Power. It's almost identical to the G Power in every way, but with an additional 8-megapixel telephoto camera on board. It costs £ 220 or about $ 270.

    Motorola grants a one-year warranty on its phones in the United States. Buyers can also purchase an additional MotoCare plan to cover water and accidental damage. Prices vary between $ 23 and $ 64 a year, depending on coverage.

    Our opinion

    The Moto G Power is a good phone that sells at an affordable price but is a niche by nature. I don't think the transition between "power users who need a multi-day battery life" and "budget phone buyers" is wide.

    Is there a better alternative?

    Yes, but you have to pay more. If your budget isn't incredibly tight, it's worth spending more on a phone because it can be used longer regardless of whether your usage changes. If you can reach up to $ 400, Google Pixel 3a has a great camera and guaranteed software updates for several years. Spend $ 500, and the Asus Zenfone 6 is an excellent buy with its near-flagship specs and a fun flip camera.

    If you only want to spend less than $ 300, have a look around and try to purchase the Samsung Galaxy A51 for this price. The international version, which is compatible with GSM networks, is often offered on Amazon for less than $ 300. Samsung also announced the new Galaxy A21, which will sell for $ 250. We don't have it in our hands yet.

    If you choose Motorola, you can check out the Moto G stylus, which is only slightly lighter.

    Finally, here is my professional tip. Wait to see what Google does with the rumored Pixel 4a that is expected in the coming weeks. It is certainly desirable, and even if your budget is not exhausted, the still excellent Pixel 3a can lead to significant price reductions. In addition, Apple is expected to show the iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9 soon, which can be affordable for around $ 400. It's also worth seeing how long it takes for the Nokia 5.3 from HMD Global to reach the US in April. At this point, it will be launched in Europe for $ 205

    How long it will take?

    The G Power has no water-repellent housing, but is made of plastic and should therefore be slightly better off in the event of a fall than one made of glass. However, it is not a "hard" phone.

    Budget Android phones also have a short lifespan because they don't get the latest Android updates quickly or at all. Motorola’s Android update schedules are confusing. It is promised that the Moto G Power will get through an operating system upgrade and frequent security updates. Better support would be excellent, but this is typical of an Android phone in this price range.

    Should you buy one?

    No. The Moto G Power fits into a certain niche of power users who are short of money, but is too heavy and too thick for most people.

    Editor's recommendations




    05 Apr
    Blog

    8-Week Workout Plan for Push Up Strength and Power

    How many pushups can you do? 20 or 30? 50? More? Perhaps you are one of the unfortunate souls who can only do five repetitions of questionable shape. Say the word "exercise" and push-up is inevitably considered the move of choice. For decades, and possibly centuries, men have called push-up a real strength test, not to mention machismo. How much easier can it be than just falling to the floor and starting to pump off?

    Despite all this, the push-up has moved in and out of the field of fitness over the years. The military and other services have used it as an integral part of fitness tests. but it's almost gone from the muscle building radar.

    No matter if you are a functional fitness freak, a die-hard guru of the old school or just want to include this classic step in your current program, The push-up is a powerful addition to any training plan. With benefits ranging from optimizing local muscle endurance to increasing overall endurance, core strength, and stability, it's crazy not to include this exercise.

    Since the fitness pendulum is swinging in favor of body weight training, you may want to improve your push-up skills. Together with pull-ups, dips, sit-ups, muscle ups and squats, Pushups test real, authentic strength and stabilityand are a testament to total body control. Increasing repetitions, strength and muscle endurance should be a top priority for an independent body weight program and should make up a large part of every strength routine.

    8 weeks of push-up power

    Below is an eight-week program that is guaranteed to increase your push-up performance. If you use a reputable, regulated program, you can continue this classic yet effective muscle building exercise.

    Reduce heavy presses and flies for the duration of this program. If you want to do the bench press and other heavy movements to the maximum, you may need to sit in the back seat for a while. In addition, flies tend to put considerable strain on the shoulder joints.

    Since strength and stability of the abdomen are important factors in push-up, Make sure you have a lot of work for your midsection. If you are weak in this area, you tend to bend and bend at the waist.

    For the entirety of this program, Make sure that you do each repetition with the correct shape and technique. Hands a little wider than your shoulders, lower them until your chest touches the floor, and then push them back up while maintaining a straight spine and a tight core.

    Weeks 1 and 2

    The first step is to do a short pre-test. Do as many pushups with good shape without resting up or down in motion. Write down your results. This will be your base. If you've recently trained your chest shoulders or triceps, make sure your pre-test is far enough away to be fresh enough to do your best.

    • To start your program, choose a large number of push-ups as your goal. Start with four times your maximum number from your pre-test. For example, if you did 20 reps, your new goal would be 80. Now do as many sets as necessary to make a total of 80 reps. You can get 20 on your first set, 15 on your second, 12 on your third, and so on as long as you achieve the overall goal.
    • Take a minute break between sets in the first week. Reduce the rest period to 30 seconds in the second week. Also work on reducing the number of total sets required to reach your total.
    • Do this routine at least twice a week.
    • If you want to add assistant training, make sure to include bench presses, tight grip bench presses, shoulder presses, front elevation, and plunge. But remember, do not go super difficult.

    Weeks 3 and 4

    In the meantime, do some repetitions with a reduced break. Over the next two weeks, increase the frequency, the total number of repetitions, and Keep your calm to a minimum. They effectively improve your overall muscle endurance and endurance.

    • Increase your frequency to three times a week. By now you should get used to exercising several times a week. So don't worry that your strength training will stand in the way of your push-up program.
    • Increase your total reps even further to around 150% of your original goal. For the example above, your new total number of repetitions should be 120. It may seem like a high number, but just do as many sentences as necessary to achieve this new goal.
    • The sleep time should be 30 seconds or less. Your goal should be to fill the gap between sets so that you can do more repetitions per set.
    • Stay strict with form and technique.

    Weeks 5 and 6

    In the next two weeks, you will increase the frequency, the repetitions and shorten the rest period. Since you will most likely get into the high rep range, You can also use some alternative hand positions and angles.

    • Increase the frequency to four times a week.
    • Reduce the rest time between sets by 15 seconds.
    • Increase the total number of repetitions by another 50% of your original number. For the example above, this would be 160.
    • Experiment with different hand positions and elbow angles. narrow, wide, elbows outwards, elbows on your sides, etc.
    • This cannot be stressed enough: keep your form at bay. This is not a time to rush through repetitions and sets to get more repetitions.

    Weeks 7 and 8

    The past two weeks will be challenging, to say the least: especially if you supplement your regular strength training. Increase the frequency and the total number of repetitions while reducing the pause. Add some new and challenging ways to do the push-up and increase the intensity.

    • Increase the frequency to five times a week.
    • Keep the sleep times at 15 seconds or less. You can start by resting only a few seconds in the first few sentences and then moving closer to 15 seconds as you move through later sentences.
    • The total number of repetitions increases another 50% based on your original number. Yes, for the example above, your new number would now be 200.
    • Continue to use the different hand positions and elbow angles.
    • Include multiple sets of push-ups with raised feet and push-ups with raised hands.
    • Keep your form in check again.

    Trial time

    Now it's time for your post test. Do it exactly as you did your pre-test. This time, you should see a significant increase in reps and an increase in overall strength, strength, and shoulder stability.

    After the eight weeks Lean back and benefit from your increased strength and increase performance. You can either keep your current level or restart the program for a new challenge.

    Typewriter push-up: A challenging push-up variant.

    Do you have moody shoulders?

    Simplifying shoulder health for strength athletes

    04 Apr
    Blog

    8-Week Workout Plan for Push Up Strength and Power

    How many pushups can you do? 20 or 30? 50? More? Perhaps you are one of the unfortunate souls who can only do five repetitions of questionable shape. Say the word "exercise" and push-up is inevitably considered the move of choice. For decades, and possibly centuries, men have called push-up a real strength test, not to mention machismo. How much easier can it be than just falling to the floor and starting to pump off?

    Despite all this, the push-up has moved in and out of the field of fitness over the years. The military and other services have used it as an integral part of fitness tests. but it's almost gone from the muscle building radar.

    No matter if you are a functional fitness freak, a die-hard guru of the old school or just want to include this classic step in your current program, The push-up is a powerful addition to any training plan. With benefits ranging from optimizing local muscle endurance to increasing overall endurance, core strength, and stability, it's crazy not to include this exercise.

    Since the fitness pendulum is swinging in favor of body weight training, you may want to improve your push-up skills. Together with pull-ups, dips, sit-ups, muscle ups and squats, Pushups test real, authentic strength and stabilityand are a testament to total body control. Increasing repetitions, strength and muscle endurance should be a top priority for an independent body weight program and should make up a large part of every strength routine.

    8 weeks of push-up power

    Below is an eight-week program that is guaranteed to increase your push-up performance. If you use a reputable, regulated program, you can continue this classic yet effective muscle building exercise.

    Reduce heavy presses and flies for the duration of this program. If you want to do the bench press and other heavy movements to the maximum, you may need to sit in the back seat for a while. In addition, flies tend to put considerable strain on the shoulder joints.

    Since strength and stability of the abdomen are important factors in push-up, Make sure you have a lot of work for your midsection. If you are weak in this area, you tend to bend and bend at the waist.

    For the entirety of this program, Make sure that you do each repetition with the correct shape and technique. Hands a little wider than your shoulders, lower them until your chest touches the floor, and then push them back up while maintaining a straight spine and a tight core.

    Weeks 1 and 2

    The first step is to do a short pre-test. Do as many pushups with good shape without resting up or down in motion. Write down your results. This will be your base. If you've recently trained your chest shoulders or triceps, make sure your pre-test is far enough away to be fresh enough to do your best.

    • To start your program, choose a large number of push-ups as your goal. Start with four times your maximum number from your pre-test. For example, if you did 20 reps, your new goal would be 80. Now do as many sets as necessary to make a total of 80 reps. You can get 20 on your first set, 15 on your second, 12 on your third, and so on as long as you achieve the overall goal.
    • Take a minute break between sets in the first week. Reduce the rest period to 30 seconds in the second week. Also work on reducing the number of total sets required to reach your total.
    • Do this routine at least twice a week.
    • If you want to add assistant training, make sure to include bench presses, tight grip bench presses, shoulder presses, front elevation, and plunge. But remember, do not go super difficult.

    Weeks 3 and 4

    In the meantime, do some repetitions with a reduced break. Over the next two weeks, increase the frequency, the total number of repetitions, and Keep your calm to a minimum. They effectively improve your overall muscle endurance and endurance.

    • Increase your frequency to three times a week. By now you should get used to exercising several times a week. So don't worry that your strength training will stand in the way of your push-up program.
    • Increase your total reps even further to around 150% of your original goal. For the example above, your new total number of repetitions should be 120. It may seem like a high number, but just do as many sentences as necessary to achieve this new goal.
    • The sleep time should be 30 seconds or less. Your goal should be to fill the gap between sets so that you can do more repetitions per set.
    • Stay strict with form and technique.

    Weeks 5 and 6

    In the next two weeks, you will increase the frequency, the repetitions and shorten the rest period. Since you will most likely get into the high rep range, You can also use some alternative hand positions and angles.

    • Increase the frequency to four times a week.
    • Reduce the rest time between sets by 15 seconds.
    • Increase the total number of repetitions by another 50% of your original number. For the example above, this would be 160.
    • Experiment with different hand positions and elbow angles. narrow, wide, elbows outwards, elbows on your sides, etc.
    • This cannot be stressed enough: keep your form at bay. This is not a time to rush through repetitions and sets to get more repetitions.

    Weeks 7 and 8

    The past two weeks will be challenging, to say the least: especially if you supplement your regular strength training. Increase the frequency and the total number of repetitions while reducing the pause. Add some new and challenging ways to do the push-up and increase the intensity.

    • Increase the frequency to five times a week.
    • Keep the sleep times at 15 seconds or less. You can start by resting only a few seconds in the first few sentences and then moving closer to 15 seconds as you move through later sentences.
    • The total number of repetitions increases another 50% based on your original number. Yes, for the example above, your new number would now be 200.
    • Continue to use the different hand positions and elbow angles.
    • Include multiple sets of push-ups with raised feet and push-ups with raised hands.
    • Keep your form in check again.

    Trial time

    Now it's time for your post test. Do it exactly as you did your pre-test. This time, you should see a significant increase in reps and an increase in overall strength, strength, and shoulder stability.

    After the eight weeks Lean back and benefit from your increased strength and increase performance. You can either keep your current level or restart the program for a new challenge.

    Typewriter push-up: A challenging push-up variant.

    Do you have moody shoulders?

    Simplifying shoulder health for strength athletes

    29 Feb
    Blog

    Rad Power Bikes RadRover Step-Thru Review: Carry all the things

    RadRover Step-Thru, white, with accessories

    Rad Power Bikes RadRover Step-Thru Review: Wear all things

    "With the RadRover Step-Thru you can easily conquer food excursions."

    • Excellent value for money

    • Smooth ride

    • Extremely versatile

    • The step-thru frame is accessible

    • Heavy and bulky

    • Seat adjustment difficult for short drivers

    The new RadRover Step-Thru E-Bike from Rad Power Bikes improves the accessibility for the rider compared to the RadRover, the bestseller of the popular brand. Mounting and driving the RadRover Step-Thru model is easier for those of us who are challenged for height and flexibility due to the cross tube design and the 30.5-inch step-over height of the RadRover.

    The robust and versatile RadRover models with fat tires offer impressive value for money at identical starting prices of $ 1,499. Sure, you can find e-bikes for under $ 1,000 that are said to have the same functionality but lack the quality additions and support of RadRovers' company. And those with deep pockets can spend $ 5,000 or more on special e-bikes designed for street racing or competitive mountain hikes.

    RadRover Step-Thru, white, stock

    The two RadRovers, like the other models from Rad Power Bikes, are just the thing in terms of the quality and durability that most people expect at this price. The price range from $ 1,200 to $ 1,800 is the fastest growing segment of the e-bike market, with Rad Power Bikes and Juiced Bikes currently being the sales leaders.

    Best use

    The versatile RadRovers are characterized by recreation and transport on and off the road in cities and villages, on hiking trails and on the beach, on campsites, in parks and, if they are equipped with the right accessories, for errands and shopping.

    Neither the RadRover Step-Thru nor the cross-tube version are the best choice for all e-bike applications. The relatively heavy RadRovers are not suitable as electric mountain bikes, and you don't want to take part in a hooligan-style flat bike race. The weight and mass of the RadRovers also exclude them as urban mobility alternatives, since daily trips up and down stairs or with elevators would quickly get old.

    Speed, range and components

    The RadRover Step-Thru is a class 2 e-bike, which means you can use electrical energy to reach speeds of up to 32 km / h. The battery-powered electric motor on the rear hub of the bike works in two ways. You can choose from five electrical assistance levels if you pedal the bike with a 7-speed Shimano derailleur.

    There is also a twist-grip gas on the right handle, which you can use to support the power supply with or without pedaling. In both cases, the electrical support is switched off at 32 km / h and only reactivated when your speed drops below this threshold.

    The RadRover Step-Thru's rechargeable lithium-ion NCA battery has a range of 25 to 45 miles. The mileage depends on the full load (ie you and your belongings), speed, incline, temperature, tire pressure and more than any other factor on the extent to which you use more battery power than pedal power. It takes 5 to 6 hours to fully charge the battery with the supplied charger.

    The bike rides on Kenda Juggernaut tires with a width of 4 inches and a diameter of 26 inches, which were specially developed for Rad Power Bikes. These tires have a slightly aggressive tread and a puncture-proof inner shoe, which is required for bicycles that are driven at different speeds on e-bike speeds. Adjusting the tire's air pressure can also significantly improve driving comfort.

    Tektro's mechanical 180 mm disc brakes offer high braking power. While hydraulic disc brakes require less pinch pressure, they cost more and require more maintenance than mechanical brakes.

    The RadRover models have a front suspension fork with adjustable preload and 80 mm of travel. You can easily adjust the fork with your fingers. If you prefer a rigid frame, there is also a lock. The lighting includes a new wheel LED halo front light and a rear light that becomes brighter when braking. The RadRover Step-Thru and the latest version of the RadRover are equipped with black fenders as standard – fenders were previously an option.

    Build and assemble

    Rad Power Bikes mainly sells e-bikes directly to the buyer. Shipping is included in the sales price. Rad also has showrooms in Seattle, Vancouver, BC and the Netherlands as well as numerous locations in North America, Central America and Europe where you can test different models.

    Rad ships e-bikes in a large box with the front wheel and seat removed and the handlebars removed. The only part you may need help with is lifting the bike out of the shipping carton. Bike contains the necessary tools with the bike. Rad Power Bikes also sends printed instruction manuals with each of its motorcycles – most other manufacturers now rely on online manuals.

    Using the manual and videos available on the bike website, you can expect to spend an hour or two assembling the e-bike, depending on how well you are familiar with the process.

    To check the versatility of the Step-Thru, we asked for optional front and rear racks ($ 69 and $ 80 respectively), a front metal basket ($ 79), and a pair of panniers or saddlebags ($ 89 each) to attach to the rear rack , The correct installation of the accessories took about two hours at a careful and methodical pace. The final price of the RadRover Step-Thru with accessories was $ 1,885.

    So how big and heavy is it?

    The overall length of the RadRover Step-Thru is 75 inches, the handlebar height is 47.5 inches and the seat height (from the bottom of the pedal) is 28 inches to 37 inches. The stand-over height of the step-thru is only 20.25 inches. The RadRover dimensions are approximately the same as for the Step-Thru, except for the 30.5-inch standover height. The extra 10 inches make a big difference when getting in and out.

    The recommended rider height for the RadRover ranges from 5 feet, 4 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches. Thanks to its lower standover height, the recommended driver height of the Step-Thru ranges from 5 feet, 0 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches. Both versions have a 275 pound payload that includes passengers, luggage, and installed accessories.

    When I checked in to a Facebook Rad Power Bikes group of owners, I found that 5 feet, 7 inches was the height at which people started to question the feasibility of buying a RadRover, especially if they were going to do a rack add. I am exactly 5 feet, 7 inches and I found it convenient to assemble the bike before adding the luggage rack and panniers. With the accessories installed, I always stepped through the frame. I have a 29-inch inseam and found a happy compromise by adjusting the seat height so that when I pedal, my legs stretch out almost completely and still reach the ground without leaving the seat at stop signs or crossings.

    RadRover Step-Thru, white, on towbar

    The Step Thru model weighs 71 pounds, two pounds more than the RadRover. After installing the accessories listed above, the bike weighed 83 pounds. Without accessories, the RadRover Step-Thru is just a few pounds heavier than other bike models like the 65-pound RadRunner or the 67-pound RadMini. However, lifting was noticeably harder with the accessories on the Step-Thru.

    When I was transporting the RadRover Step-Thru to drive in different areas in southeastern North Carolina, it was easy to mount it on a tow bar carrier.

    horse riding

    Rad Power Bikes RadRover Step-Thru

    I have covered miles on the RadRover StepThru both on the road and off-road across fields, on unpaved roads and on asphalt roads and paths. Most of the time I pedaled and used the throttle. The throttle is especially useful when driving away from a stop or intersection with traffic and responds quickly with the instant torque typical of electric vehicles. Keeping 32 km / h or more nearby wasn't a challenge, although there are few hills in our coastal region. The fat tires definitely contributed to my confidence in the bike when I was driving on the side of the road.

    Based on my recent experience with e-bikes with disc brakes of similar size, including the much lighter RadRunner, I was initially concerned about the braking power of the RadRover Step-Thru's brakes, especially after adding the luggage rack and other accessories. In practice, however, I pulled the brake levers a little harder and the bike stopped very quickly. E-bikes do not have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and I could easily lock the wheels for a slide stop.

    When driving on anything other than paved surfaces, I found that I was relying more on gas performance and less on pedaling. Even when the front suspension was set for more travel and the tire pressure was lower, the ride was so nervous that I was more likely to stand on the pedals to use my knees as additional suspension components.

    Preferences for the bike seat style vary widely between riders. The RadRover has a Velo Plush saddle, which some riders from the Rad Owners Facebook group praise. If I had bought the RadRover I would probably replace the seat for a more comfortable ride and possibly also replace the seat post with a suspension post. Replacing the standard components would likely cost $ 150 to $ 200 for replacement parts. So sitting is another area where bikes kept the price down with a mid-range seat that many people consider perfectly acceptable.

    When driving the RadRover Step-Thru on a variety of surfaces, usually at or near the top speed of 32 km / h, I didn't notice any tremors after the ride or found any loose components or accessories. I jumped a few curbs at full speed, and while the contents of the basket, which wasn't secured, moved a little, the bike didn't stall or become squirrel-like before it regained traction and momentum.

    Our opinion

    The RadRover Step-Thru lives up to the reputation of the conventionally designed RadRover as a solidly constructed all-purpose e-bike. The Step Thru never stalled, trembled, or disappointed when traveling.

    This bike is so sturdy and has enough space that it can function as a cargo bike – unless you want to carry several passengers in optional child seats. I didn't use it that way, but the rear panniers, luggage rack, and front basket could do most grocery shopping, sporting goods, or work tools. This is as much storage space as you need to buy an extended length cargo bike.

    It's easy to see why the RadRover is Rad Power Bikes' best seller, and the Step Thru version could capture riders who would otherwise buy the RadCity Step Thru model with narrow tires. The fat tires of the RadRover give the e-bike more versatility, albeit at a certain price for easy pedaling.

    Is there a better alternative?

    Some riders prefer the RadRover model with cross tube only for visual reasons, but a representative of Rad assured us that there was no difference in structural stiffness. The RadRover Step-Thru is available with a black or white frame, each with black fenders. The Cross Tube RadRover is only delivered with a black frame. Our test bike was white because this was the available color, but I also think it gives the bike better visibility compared to a completely black model. If you want a fat tire wheel but need more mobility, the collapsible RadMini is an excellent alternative at the same price of $ 1,499.

    Among other brands, the Juiced Bikes RipCurrent Fat Tire e-bike might be a good choice, though at $ 1,899, it costs $ 400 more than the RadRover. The RipCurrent is a class 3 bike with a top speed of 45 km / h, but the usual fenders of the RadRover are missing. CSC Motorcycles recently launched the CSC FT750-26, a new e-bike with fat tires, lots of premium components and a top speed of 25 to 28 miles per hour. It has a list price of $ 1,688.

    How long it will take?

    All Rad Power Bikes have a 1 year warranty against manufacturing defects. However, we assume that this bike will last 3 to 5 years or more. Rad is known for bicycles with solid structural components. The other elements are all recognized brand names. Therefore, there should be no problem if you need to replace parts in the future. Rad also has live customer service hours seven days a week from the company's headquarters in Seattle.

    Should you buy one?

    Yes. If you are looking for a solid e-bike that can be used as a general purpose vehicle in different environments, the RadRover Step-Thru will not disappoint. If you buy another e-bike in the future, the Step Thru is still a great bike because the Step Thru frame makes it accessible and easy to use for a variety of riders.

    Editor's recommendations




    123