17 Aug
Blog

How Lifting Weights Burns Fat

A new study adds to the evidence that resistance exercise has beneficial effects on fat loss.

The results of a new study from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and the College of Health Sciences add to the growing evidence that resistance training has unique fat loss benefits.

The study by the Department of Physiology and Center for Muscle Biology1 published in the FASEB Journal found that resistance-like training regulates fat cell metabolism at the molecular level.

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10 Aug
Blog

How Lifting Weights Burns Fat

A new study adds to the evidence that resistance exercise has beneficial effects on fat loss.

The results of a new study from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and the College of Health Sciences add to the mounting evidence that resistance training has unique fat loss benefits. The study by the Department of Physiology and Center for Muscle Biology [1] published in the FASEB Journal found that r

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28 Jan
Blog

Tempo Studio Review: Smart Fitness Display Features Weights

Tempo Studio Rating 3 out of 5

"The Tempo Studio Fitness Display is the smarter, more sophisticated connected home gym."

  • Comes with all the accessories you will need

  • 3D motion tracking for the correct shape

  • Sharp looking touchscreen display

  • Weights are hidden in the device

  • Less live lessons

  • Do not follow all exercises

Getting in shape is different for everyone. Some people may just want the number on the scale to go down while others choose to improve their stamina or stamina. However, whatever the goal, there is no doubt that smart fitness displays are changing the way we exercise at home.

While most of them focus solely on high-intensity cardio training, the Tempo Studio emphasizes strength and muscle building by using 3D sensors to monitor proper form. It also features free weights and a barbell for workouts, live classes to measure yourself against, and more. On the surface, it offers everything you need as a worthy alternative to the actual gym. But how much better is it than competing displays?

A home gym with weights

Without question, the Tempo Studio's biggest differentiator is how it packs all of the weights necessary for training. With other intelligent fitness displays like Mirror or Echelon Reflect, users have to enter their own weights. Tempo Studio comes with a variety of weight plates, two dumbbells, a barbell, a heart rate monitor, an exercise mat, and a recovery roller – all included in the sticker price of $ 1,995. You could easily spend a considerable sum on purchasing a set of weights. So, when you know all of this is already included, the Tempo Studio is ahead of the pack.

Even better is the fact that it includes all the weights and dumbbells. Because of this design choice, Tempo Studio is more of a freestanding smart fitness display than a wall mount. The end result is a sizable exercise machine that is 6 feet by 2 feet, 2 inches by 1 foot, 4 inches. In my tiny apartment, it takes up quite a bit of space, but I still appreciate that it keeps the weights in a compartment under the display while the barbell and dumbbells are attached to the back. Managing fitness equipment has never been easier.

The largest touchscreen in your home

The imposing stature of the Tempo Studio is mainly due to its gigantic 42-inch display. What was more surprising was the realization that it was actually a touchscreen, which I honestly did not expect. Not only is it detailed and bright, it also doesn't suffer from some of the visibility issues caused by glare on some other mirror-based smart displays. Everything is perfectly visible even at larger angles, so that the instructions of the trainers on the screen can be easily followed.

Speaking of touch, the interaction with the display is strange at first, but pretty straightforward and responsive. It's just a couple of inconveniences while you're exercising. For one thing, I wish there were special volume controls that could be accessed immediately.

Managing fitness equipment has never been easier.

Instead, the volume can only be adjusted when you start a workout and press the appropriate icon in the lower right corner of the user interface. There is also no smartphone integration. Basic functions such as pause / playback therefore always require a physical touch on the display.

Correct shape through 3D motion tracking

What sets Tempo Studio apart from the competition is its ability to track correct form for various exercises using a 3D flight motion sensor located under the display. It looks like a camera, but it's really only there to model your shape. If there's one thing I've learned about exercising from every personal trainer I know, it's that getting in shape goes a long way. And that's exactly what Tempo Studio does by constantly telling me to keep my knees over my toes when I'm not in the ideal squat shape.

The Tempo Studio also shows my heart rate and other statistics about my current training – e.g. B. How many repetitions I did, my pace and my freedom of movement. The level of detail achieved through the use of the 3D motion sensor provides valuable data that fitness junkies will appreciate. However, not all exercises are tracked with the 3D motion sensor. In fact, motion tracking seems to be limited to exercises that are mostly about weights. Most of the other workouts, like some of the boxing and cardio workouts, don't get motion tracking treatment.

Despite this shortcoming, the Tempo Studio seems to be constantly learning – maybe at some point it can pursue a wider range of workouts. Some things are better than nothing.

Bringing sweat to a sweat needs more variety

If you've ever taken any of the group classes at traditional gyms, you'll know what to expect with Tempo Studio classes. As mentioned earlier, the focus here is on strength training. So expect some serious lifting. By combining some cardio exercises with core strength training, I was able to work up a sweat and get a decent heart rate. I'm used to lifting heavy weights, but not at the speed or intensity I'm going through here. It's a challenge for sure, so you may want to drop the weights on the first start to acclimate and find the right pace.

Workouts are harder than just relying on gravity or body weight, which definitely helps build muscle. However, the studio doesn't have nearly the same different classes as Mirror. Likewise, there are fewer live courses to sign up for and try out. Even so, the on-demand courses provide what you expect – great motivation and guidance from Tempo Studio teachers. At the end of each class, the exercise is broken down into a chart to help track my progress over time.

I would love to see more different workouts to choose from, but I love that they include weights in their workouts. If you are on your priority list and want to build muscle, Tempo Studio will help you along the way. All you need to know is that it requires a subscription of $ 39 per month.

Our opinion

Even if it's not perfect, Tempo Studio has appeal. It's neither crazy expensive nor cheap. At $ 1,995, it's more than the attractive Lululemon Mirror ($ 1,495) but less than the Tonal ($ 2,995). The latter also focuses on strength training, but achieves it through a patented digital weight system based on resistance.

When you have all the weights and equipment ready to go, combined with real-time coaching from 3D motion sensors, it is enough to recommend the Tempo Studio as a fully connected home gym that you should consider.

How long it will take?

You can treat the Tempo Studio like a device to use at home as it stays stationary in one place. It's nice to know that Tempo Studio comes with a limited warranty that covers the case and weights for three years. The display and heart rate monitor are covered for one year.

Is there a better alternative?

Not everyone focuses on weight training. So, if you are looking for something with a wider range of classes, you should check out Mirror by Lululemon. It includes exercise classes you won't find with Tempo Studio, such as Pilates, ballet, tai chi, and more. Mirror also offers one-to-one classes where only you and the trainer are present.

Should you buy it?

You bet. The one-time costs (without subscription) include everything you need for a challenging training session.

Editor's recommendations




03 Oct
Blog

Things To Consider When Buying Weights For Home Use

The convenience of exercising in your familiar home is one of the advantages of purchasing your own fitness and exercise equipment. It's also a worthwhile investment in your health. Good weights and exercise equipment aren't cheap, but they're also supposed to be durable and have a long life. It is also for your own safety to buy equipment that is solid and cannot break or malfunction with regular or heavy use. The following considerations and steps can help you make informed decisions about investing in weights and equipment to build or upgrade your home gym.

Assess your fitness goals and needs

Be realistic about what your short-term and long-term training goals are. This will help you determine what weights you will need for your exercise routines. If you want to focus on weight training, do research on weight machines specifically designed for bloating, slimming, increasing endurance, or a combination of goals.

Which weights are right for you?

Strength training weights come in a variety of shapes and styles. Consider the different types of weights, from weight plates to kettlebells. A multipurpose barbell set can be useful and can be supplemented with a set of simple dumbbells. You can mix and match as you wish, then opt for other factors to personalize your weight tracking.

  • Fixed or adjustable: Fixed weights are sturdy, simple and effective, but the weight cannot be adjusted and they can take up much more space. Adjustable can save space and can be changed as you increase your strength.
  • Round or hexagonal shape: Round weights can be more comfortable as they have no edges, but hexagonal weights don't roll around. It's a matter of personal preference and sometimes experimenting with both can help you decide.

Weight material

As for the material, quality weights are always made of steel, but there are two popular skin materials to choose from:

  • Rubberized weights have a rubber layer on the outside that makes it easier to grip, safer to use, and less loud when dropped on the floor. The only downside is that the rubber material can crack or wear out over time and with heavy use.
  • Bare or "bare" steel is a more traditional, industrial look that you may prefer. Bare steel weights have no additional coating other than possibly an anti-rust coating.

Know your strength

Wherever you're reaching your training goals, whether you've been training for a while or are just starting out, knowing how much you can realistically lift without overdoing it is important. This baseline will give you a better idea of ​​which weight range to buy. You can always invest in more weights as your strength increases and you make progress in your training. Try not to overestimate or underestimate your strength. Be goal oriented and push yourself forward, but also be aware of your limits and don't take on too much too quickly. This will also stagger the amount of money you spend on weights. You don't need everything at once.

Take accurate measurements

Measure the space you will use for lifting and exercising, and create a rough floor plan to determine the designated area for your home gym. In addition to being heavy, weights take up a lot of space depending on the type of equipment you're buying. You want to optimize and maximize the space you have to exercise, with enough space to move around and not feel cramped or restricted in your freedom of movement. Once you have an idea of ​​what will comfortably fit in your floor plan, check out the dimensions and weights of the equipment that you are interested in. Most importantly, make sure that what you are buying is the right size for your height and body.

Select Based on Efficiency

Weights and items such as benches can be multifunctional and used interchangeably with other devices. You can spend less money and take up less space with equipment that is more versatile and compatible with other weights and parts. If you want to use a cross-functional fitness kit that will allow you to train your entire body, there are a few options available to you:

  • Lifting stations: metal frames with supports and sometimes with a built-in bench. These can offer a number of exercise options.
  • Home / Multi-Fitness Studios: Holistically designed to target and strengthen different parts of the body, this is an all-in-one device. These are equipped with a cable and pulley system that establishes a resistance point for each exercise, and they come with a variety of attachments and features.

Weight benches: Efficient, versatile, simple, light and easy to move in the tightest of spaces. They're usually very affordable, but are generally sold separately from the weighted plates used with them. This can get expensive depending on the weight you're trying to lift.

Choose additional accessories for convenience, safety, and proper use

Comfort and safety should be your priorities when exercising with heavy weights. You optimize your training by using weights correctly and efficiently. There are a wide variety of fitness accessories on the market, not all of which are essential for every weight lifter, but some that can be particularly useful or even essential for your individual purposes. Additional exercise equipment that you might consider include gloves, weight rack and storage, collar, belt, straps, and floor pads. Depending on the type of flooring you are lifting on in your house, some type of floor protection might be a good idea to protect it from scratches or other damage from the heavy steel weights you are using.

Conclusion

After you've done your research and decided what type of weights and equipment is best, you can search online or in stores for the information you want and need. Customizing your weightlifting center at home can be an exciting experience that can motivate you to reach your fitness goals. You also don't have to worry about the gym fees and have the privacy to focus on yourself and develop a healthy routine.