7 Reasons to Consider a Home Gym

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

For people who work out regularly, going to the gym can be tedious. The memberships cost money and (let’s face it) sometimes other gym goers can be downright obnoxious. To make you experience at the gym more enjoyable, you may want to consider a home gym.

Of course, it is daunting to make the space and spend the money on equipment, but it could be worth it for the complete control of your workouts. If going to a gym is getting old, you might want to consider the benefits of working out a little closer to home. Here are 7 reasons investing in a home gym will be worth it in the long run. 

1. Privacy 

If you are someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable working out in front of others, then a home gym is the perfect solution. Just imagine: you can wear whatever you want, grunt as loudly as you want, and use whatever equipment you want without waiting for it. Plus, you never have to worry about being judged by strangers so you may feel more free to try new workouts. You also won’t have to worry about getting unsolicited advice from gym staff, or people who think they’re gym staff. There will never be any worry about embarrassment in the private oasis that is your home gym. 

In your home gym, you will be able to watch your TV shows or listen to your music unencumbered by headphones. You won’t have to take anyone else into consideration when picking the volume of your tunes. So turn up the volume and let the music motivate you. You can even use all the chalk you want without being reprimanded. 

You may even find yourself working out a little harder since you have no one else looking at you and you don’t even need to think about how you look while working out. Additionally, not having to worry about someone taking your machine will help you feel more relaxed and not on edge about other people swooping in. 

Another bonus is that you will never have to think about crowds. Not everyone likes working out surrounded by people and it can be impossible to get the machines you are looking for at peak hours. You can take solace knowing that after work you can go home to a nice empty gym and relieve the stress of a long day, without interruption. 

2. Saving Time

Sometimes the prospect of driving to an over-crowded gym with lackluster equipment can be completely demotivating. However, it is much harder to convince yourself to skip your workout when your “commute” to the gym is about one minute. 

Depending on how far away your gym is, you probably add about 20-30 minutes to your workout just in travel time. That is time you could spend going a little harder on your workout, or even better, just being at home. 

Not only will working out take up less time in general, a home gym allows you to utilize your time more efficiently. In your home gym, it will be so much easier to use the time you have. Only have 20 minutes? You can squeeze in a 20-minute workout since you won’t have to worry about the hassle of traveling to the gym. 

Who wants to battle rush hour traffic just to get in a workout after work? It is so much easier to go straight home and know that you can take your time getting there. You will ultimately be able to spend more time with your family since you will be in your home for your workout. 

Plus, your workouts will be quicker since you will know that the exact equipment you want will be available when you want it. When you’re working out at a commercial gym, the time spent traveling to and from the gym, putting your stuff in lockers, waiting for equipment, and possibly showering can be equal to time actually spent on the gym floor. 

3. Customization

Of course you should always tour a gym before you sign up, but even if you think they have all the equipment you want now, that might not always be the case. As your fitness goals grow and evolve, so will your equipment needs. 

If you take training very seriously and tend to work with only extremely heavy weights, you will be hard pressed to find a gym that carries the weights you want. If you are relatively new to working out, the gym often has a lot of equipment you don’t need, but are paying for anyway. 

When you create a home gym you can customize it to include exactly the equipment that you want. Plus, you get to decide what the time limits are on the cardio equipment. When first starting your home gym you can buy only the equipment that you will use and then only add to it as needed. 

You can also focus exclusively on your interests when designing your home gym. For example, if you like to get your workouts in through dance, most gyms only have dance space available for scheduled classes. So with a home gym, you have the ability to leave some space for a dance floor.

Not only do you customize the equipment available, you also get to customize the space arrangement. You will no longer have to worry about cramped gym floors with no space to put your mats or do your stretches. 

Why would you want to fit your workouts to the gym when you can make the gym fit your workouts. You will no longer have to work with what happens to be available; you get to decide what is available to you. 

4. Maintenance

If you really think about it, sharing gym equipment has the potential to be pretty gross. Some large-scale gyms have upwards of 3,000 members. Just think about how many people are using the same machines as you in a day and then consider how many of those people aren’t wiping it down afterwards. 

A study done by the website Fitrated showed that gym equipment typically has more bacteria than a toilet seat. This study didn’t even take into account the public locker rooms and showers. When you think about how much you are sharing with other people it seems like home gym is better for your health in more ways than one. 

At your home gym you have total control over who is using the equipment and how clean it is. You can have some piece of mind knowing that you can work out during flu season without having to worry about catching something that will knock you out for two weeks.

Additionally, you don’t have to worry about strangers misusing your equipment. At the gym you often have to deal with equipment being out of order, missing weights, or just in bad shape because not everyone knows how to take care of the equipment. When it is just you, the equipment will last longer because it isn’t seeing as much use, and you know it is being used and stored properly. It might seem like a hassle to have to serve as the maintenance staff at your home gym, but it’s better than getting sick and dealing with broken equipment. 

5. Money 

Every commercial gym markets its memberships as affordable, but you still end up spending a significant amount of money on the monthly price of a membership alone. But, if all you are paying is a monthly fee you are lucky. Many gyms are notorious for hidden startup fees, annual fees, random price raising, and cancellation fees. 

Considering that the average gym membership costs between $50-$60 per month, you could be spending upwards of $700 a year on monthly membership fees alone. Even if you go to the gym every single day, this is a big expense on your plate. 

Building up a home gym requires an initial investment but it will pay itself off in the long run. When you’re building a home gym you’re ideally using a space that you already have, such as a basement or a garage. The biggest expense will be the equipment. 

Yes, equipment can get expensive, but you don’t have to go right for the top of the line stuff. You can take your time and search for the best deals you can get so that your home gym fits your budget. You may even start with just a few basic pieces of equipment and then gradually add to your collection as needed. 

If you use a personal trainer at your gym, you can even save some of that money by having someone come to your house instead of using the overpriced trainer at the gym. Having someone who comes to you will allow you to find the trainer who is the perfect fit for your budget and your personality. 

The initial start-up costs may seem daunting but just think about how nice it will be to not have to hand over your money every month to a gym you don’t want to go to. 

6. Convenience 

Clearly a home gym is convenient in terms of saving time on the commute and having more efficient workouts, but there are other surprising conveniences that you might not even think about. A great added bonus of having a home gym is that if you have kids, you can get in a workout while they are in the other room. There is no stress about finding a sitter or getting the kids in the car to take them to the kid’s club. 

This is absolutely essential for busy moms and dads who have trouble finding time for themselves. It can be hard for parents to stay on top of their health; having a home gym makes it a little bit easier. Plus, it will save money on the cost of the kid’s club or babysitters. 

If you happen to have older kids, you can let them use the equipment as well without any extra fees. Therefore, having a home gym turns into a good way to help keep the whole family healthy. If you don’t have kids, you can share your equipment with your significant other or roommates so that no one has to worry about gym memberships. 

Additionally, there is the convenience of not having to worry about weather. If you’re someone who likes to workout outside, a rainstorm can ruin your workout plans. If you have a home gym, you can just hop on your treadmill and get your workout in, no matter what the weather is. 

You also have the convenience of having your whole house at your disposal. So no need to worry about forgetting your shower shoes or weight lifting gloves. You can just run to the other room and grab them. 

7. Enjoyment

If you combine all the aforementioned reasons to consider a home gym, you get an overall more enjoyable and less stressful gym experience. You can train so much better when you don’t have to think about all the things you hate about your big commercial gym that is only interested in your money. It will be much easier to work out if you actually like the environment you are working out in. 

Once you are using your home gym all your excuses will be gone and you’ll have nothing left to focus on but your exercise. Before you know it you will start to see results, and your body and mind will thank you. 

Conclusion

It is easy to make excuses to skip your work out when you don’t like your work out environment. When you build a home gym you are creating a workout environment that is customized to your exact needs so you will really want to work out. There is nothing better than being in complete control of your fitness. 

A home gym eliminates all those extraneous factors that get in the way of your exercise routine. Of course sometimes there are limitations, but you don’t have to think of your home gym as a massive undertaking. It is perfectly okay to start small and then work your way up to the enormous home gym of your dreams. 

Overall, cancelling your gym membership and taking your workouts to your home will give you unprecedented freedom to make your fitness experience completely your own. Why try to fit your workouts to someone else’s mold, when you can control for every aspect of your experience to get exactly the right workout for you?

RECOMMENDED STORY: Tech Gadgets That Will Take Your Workout to the Next Level

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*by andreascy*

Why Are Comply Foam Headphones So Popular?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Many gamers and music fanatics prefer the use of over-ear headsets or silicon-based inner earbuds because of the high-quality sound on offer. However, such headphones don’t always provide the ultimate experience for several reasons, one of those being the fact they are often uncomfortable during prolonged use. 

Comply foam ear-budded headphones are becoming more and more popular because they’ve been able to solve the problems other headphones haven’t had a chance to. Here are a number of reasons why consumers are now looking toward comply foam earbud headphones for their listening requirements.

1. Comply Foam Headphones Help Isolate External Noise

Many gamers and professionals who use over-ear headphones have access to quality sound, but they don’t always get that quality sound because of external noise that can often interrupt the overall listening experience. With comply foam earbuds, you don’t get that problem because they put sound straight into the ear and prevent any external noise from entering. Comply foam based headphones have been around for years now, but it’s only been within the last few years where consumers have really seen the benefits they provide. 

2. Comfortable Experience

Gamers and music listeners often use headphones for longer periods for their entertainment purposes, but they regret it soon afterward because their ears feel sore. That problem goes away with comply foam earbuds – the soft solutions help improve comfort so consumers can take advantage of them for hours upon hours without experiencing any soreness. Take a look at complyfoam.com to see the comfort benefits such headphone solutions provide. 

3. Durable & Reliable

Bulkier over-ear headphones don’t tend to last long because they’re fragile and are usually only made out of plastic. Comply foam based headphones are compact, simple, and very durable. They do come at a cost, however, but they can always be relied upon to last for years. Therefore, they are a much more cost-effective solution than some of the other headphone solutions on the market. 

4. Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of comply foam earbuds: they’re very flexible. Everyone has different sized/shaped ears and many headphones on the market don’t provide enough flexibility. However, not only are comply foam earbuds great at isolating external noise, providing a comfortable experience, and last for a long time, but they’re very flexible and provide comfort for different ears of all shapes and sizes. So, if you can’t find a set of headphones that can cater to the needs of your ears, consider comply foam tips today for the ultimate experience that is almost guaranteed to provide comfort.

Conclusion 

Granted, many of the other headphones out there can provide excellent quality sound and comfort, which might suit gamers looking for more out of their experience. Others also provide the over-ear experience which is something music listeners often prefer. However, with comply foam making strides in producing high-quality sound, comfort, and flexibility for all consumers, it could only be a matter of time before comply foam is one of the biggest players in the headphone market.

Thank you all for checking out my articles! Can I help you in some way or another? Let me know below and I’ll be glad to give you a hand!

*by andreascy*

5 Animation Trends to Watch Out for in 2017

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

For anyone working within animation, or with an intention to, in 2017, it helps to know what you are likely going to be coming into. As technology continues to change and improve to ever higher levels, it helps to know the current major design and planning trends.

With the help of the right information, you can make sure that when you enter the market you make an immediate impact. 

The year 2016 was a time for stop-motion animation to make a comeback, as brands sought to connect more emotively with their clients. Stop-motion animation gives a great look, and is a wonderfully persuasive art style, but new technology means that it can now be done more effectively than it was ever done in the past. 

So, what can we expect to see for animation trends in 2017?

1. Stylish 3D 

3D animation has long been a staple in making animation come to life and portraying the most beautiful look and feel possible; that is likely to continue in 2017. As political skullduggery probably means that businesses will continue with minimal budgets in an increasingly constrained yet creative world, stylish 3D skills will be a major boon for any animator who wants to make a sterling impact this year. 

Stylish 3D design is making a big comeback in the world of animation and it’s not going to slow down anytime soon. If you want to get a good idea of the next major factor for all animators, it will use a more high-concept style of 3D than ever before. 

Hopefully, this will mean that animators can use their talents to the best of their ability whilst receiving fairer budgets to operate with! 

2. Marketing Collaboration 

Another major impact that is likely to be on the market in the near future is more collaboration between big brands and entertainment industries. We’ve seen it outside of animation this year, with the X-Men-themed adverts, and we’re likely to see more Star Wars themed editions soon as well. These marketing collaborations are making their way into animation now, too; how long until we see characters from the likes of Overwatch appearing in banking adverts? 

After all, big companies are now using famous cartoon characters and animated heroes to sell their goods. From Fred Flintstone buying a mortgage to Top Cat moving out of his bin, many markets are using cool and iconic characters to build their brand. 

The reason why animators should be expecting this trend to continue so vigorously is quite simple—collaborations are making big bucks for both sides of the party. As companies wind up trying to combine two purchases into one advertisement, it’s likely that 2017 is going to see more companies engaging in these crossover promotional styles. 

It’s effective, as it helps to portray events by using characters that people can identify with far more than with actors. 

3. Web-Related Animation 

Animation won’t only be appearing in more adverts and in more 3D styles than ever—it’s becoming a major part of online marketing. It all started a few years ago with the creation of the (awesome) whiteboard systems that everyone loves using and engaging with. Animated explainer videos went a long way towards helping people forge and plan the right kind of way to tell their story—and animators should be ready to deliver more of this in 2017. 

Website animation designs will become far more effective for businesses as they combine content with cool animations and looks. Rich, full-screen animations can be used either as the focal point, the explanation, or as the cool extra that delivers the sale. Whatever the reason, 2017 is going to see far more interest in businesses using the power of animation to sell their websites and products. 

4. Continued Illustration 

This was huge in 2016 and it was so popular we reckon it will be a huge hit in 2017, too. Design trends tend to last quite a long of time and this is no different. Animators who enjoy the illustration style will be rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of illustration becoming a significant part of the market long-term. 

It’s the best form of animation to use when telling a story, so it’s likely to stay as a staple in a world where everyone wants to have their story told and heard. The fact that illustration allows us to literally take any animation idea and make it so means that for many people, the ongoing presence of illustration as a vital form of art in animation can only be a good thing. 

The story matters, and illustrating it is important for added authenticity. 

5. VR Explosion 

Animation is about to take a wonderful step into a rather unknown future thanks to the mainstream growth of virtual reality. The end of 2016 saw the likes of the PlayStation VR arrive, and VR is about to become the latest trendy technology that everyone loves using. 

For this reason, it’s going to play a massive role in the world of animation for the years to come. It’s a form of projection that lends itself well to animation, allowing quality animators to take people inside their design and let them live within it closely. 

The idea that animation can become more immersive by placing us front row and center is obvious, and it’s about to be tested by a market that shows no signs of slowing down. For one guaranteed animation trend in 2017, stick to VR.

Conclusion 

As you can see, there’s plenty to look forward to and be excited about when it comes to being a young animator. With so much potential in your hands, you can help people to take a whole new approach to the way they sell their vision, their business and their ideas.

READ THIS RIGHT NOW:  5 Cool Things You Can Do With The Leading Video Editing Software Programs

You and other people like you have brought us closer to our goals. Thanks ever so much! 

*by andreascy*

Spotify vs Apple Music; Where Does the Scale Lean?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

If you are one of those people who cannot live a day without listening to music, chances are that you have done so via a popular streaming music platform. As of late, the two main contenders in the arena seem to be Apple Music and Spotify. 

These streaming services are the present and future of music industry. Each has its own unique advantages; but which one will surpass the other?

Spotify

Spotify is a platform that uses streaming as its means of media acquisition. Streaming is quickly becoming the dominant choice among media consumers. It doesn’t eat up memory on the device, new music is refreshed to the package, and playlists are sharable among friends, and the world, if you wish. Gone are the days of entering a password every time you make a purchase.

Soundtracks and compilation albums have been proven money makers in the music industry. Think of the playlist as a graduated version of the variety CD. These shared playlists benefit the user and composer alike. Every time and artist’s song is played, they get paid for it. Likewise, the user gets to enjoy the music at a fraction of the price, had they downloaded it.

Apple Music

Apple Music has been the dominating force when it comes to media downloads. You have the option to download a single song or an entire album from the 45 million in the iTunes Library, 15 million of which are unavailable to stream though. Also you have the option to get the digital art if you miss the old school days of CD booklets.

Apple has about 1 billion registered users on its network as well as a reputation for continued longevity. Despite iTunes’ staying power, Apple has seen a decline in downloaded albums and songs in 2015 by 16% in nominal terms, according to music industry analyst Mark Mulligan at Canadian Music Week in Toronto. This decline is expected to increase between 25% and 30% this year, nevertheless, iTunes music downloads are still estimated to be worth $600 million in 2019. Does the decline in sales spell the end of iTunes as Apple is preparing an aggressive two-year termination timetable for iTunes store?

Spotify vs Apple Music: the Clash

With music crossing over to the digital, the industry is poised to offer better quality, at a competitive rate. One of the major down sides to having music so readily accessible is that the sound quality suffers a bit. Even on the newest devices the compression technology doesn’t offer the same fidelity and listening quality that a CD does. Although the idea of streaming is still catching on, eventually the growth will plateau. This will give the music industry the chance to introduce ‘premium packages’ in which they can charge a slightly higher fee, for better sound quality. This may seem a tad on the greedy side, but compare this to the days when you were forced to pay $13-$17 dollars for one song, and maybe a few others you might like. When the two are seen side by side, streaming seems like a much more agreeable option.

1. Subscription Plan:

When comparing the subscription prices, Spotify and Apple Music have similar competitive packages. For example if you decide to go with either Spotify Premium or Apple Music Membership, the cost is $9.99 a month (with a 3-month free trial on both platforms), or you can sign up to a Family Plan for $14.99 a month, for up to 6 different people. Most people opt for the $9.99 option, so the actual cost is $120 a year, but that’s still pretty good. Apple Music also offers a Student Membership for $4.99 a month, which is quite cheap considering its benefits.

Another advantage that Spotify has is that you can listen to an entire album the day of its release, rather than just samples. A major downside to this service is that it doesn’t have all songs available. That ends up being true with both services because even Apple Music has a few bands that you won’t be able find in its libraries.

2. Compatibility:

In terms of beating the competition in providing digital services, one major factor comes down to compatibility issues. Spotify adhering to this concern, is compatible with a number of devices and even supports older versions of iOS. It also has native clients for Windows, Android and Linux. A strong advantage, Spotify’s web player will work almost on any operating system. 

Apple on the other hand, has taken a leap of faith by working on different operating systems, including Android. However, it is still not possible for users of older iOS devices to enjoy Apple Music, as it is not supported on iOS 8.4 or less. In addition, Apple Music has the disadvantage of not working on a web player and needs iTunes to play on a desktop. Practically, it is therefore inconvenient to play Apple Music for example when you are not using your own computer and have to install iTunes.

3. Sound Quality:

Music is all about the sound quality, right? Both Spotify and Apple Music bring decent audio quality to your ears. Spotify premium offers an adjustable rate with extreme quality as it calls it reaching a peak at 320 kbps Ogg, whereas Apple Music uses 256 kbps ACC. Hearing the experts’ viewpoint on the matter, findings from a listening study conducted by CNET comparing Spotify and Apple Music audio quality, it seems that Spotify wins this battle over their rivals.

4. Music Discovery:

This list of examining the pros and cons of each music streaming service, would not have been complete without looking into the discovery features of each platform. 

Spotify has a number of options to find songs and artists or albums. Spotify’s “Discover” feature is perhaps not as effective, and does not recommend playlists but only artists, albums and individual tracks. However, its more recent addition “Discover Weekly” is a great way to browse new releases, as it offers a custom playlist of up to 2 hours of the hottest hits each week according to your preferences. There is also the “Now section”, a smart feature which recommends songs based on the time of day and day of the week using a grid instead of Microsoft’s hip tiles. 

Their competitors, Apple Music shares a similar feature with the “For you” screen, a cool layout offering a mosaic of music suggestions inspired by Windows Phone’s live tiles. The feature allows you to find playlists, individual tracks and artists though it might take a bit longer to incorporate your preferences to know what suits you. There is also its “New” section which indicates suggestions of what other Apple Music users are listening to, and current playlists to enhance your music experience. 

Spotify has a “Browse” section serving for similar purposes, yet it seems to have a more user friendly interface with top lists, genres and moods, as well as news.

5. Free Music:

Spotify is an exclusive streaming music service provider of free in-demand music. Users can enjoy any song or album for free, although intermittent ads subsidize the streaming. This free service feature has been heavily criticized by artists who claim that there is little gain money-wise. Nonetheless, Spotify claims that their free service prevents piracy and artists do get compensated through Spotify. 

On the other end of the scale, although the impression is that Apple Music does not allow users to listen to songs for free, the reality is that Apple Music is available for free, including the Beats 1 station. This feature is available although interfered by advertising and you can enjoy up to 6 songs per hour. 

6. Voice Control:

As far as apps is concerned, perhaps not surprisingly, Apple has the upper hand. On iOS for instance, only Apple can use Siri with apps, a feature that has been integrated into Apple Music. This digital assistant can handle requests like playing songs, albums or artists, and even locate and play the top playlists from a given year. 

Spotify on the other hand, does not offer this type voice control or digital helper. You can enhance your overall Spotify experience with third-party apps like Vela, yet they are not integrated into iOS.

Conclusion

It’s tempting to look for a winner-looser situation when it comes to rivalry services or software. 

The above comparison, was not meant to be exhaustive. In a perfect world we would just be able to combine the services, and then use it as we saw fit. Some songs that you like may not be on Spotify, and likewise, Apple Music may not have the songs you’re looking for either. There are people who use both services and cherry picking the features they like. People like the convenience of access to songs on the go, as well as being able to download and save them once in a while. Both services have their advantages and disadvantages. Who knows? Maybe soon the companies will merge and then we can enjoy all the benefits. 

Until that happens, the answer to the question of which is better, Spotify or Apple Music, boils down to personal preference. If you like owning your music and having the files physically on your computer, Apple Music is the way to go. If you don’t want to be hindered by computer memory loss and have access to a ton of songs at any time and virtually from any device with decent sound quality and different discover music options, then check out Spotify.

COULD BE OF INTEREST: Best Apps for Music Lovers

We're always around if you have any questions or suggestions. 

*by andreascy*

Tech Gadgets That Will Take Your Workout to the Next Level

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Fitness tech has come a long way, with bulky bands giving way to sleek clip-ons, unobtrusive necklaces and stylish bracelets and watches. The problem isn't finding a gadget that works for your lifestyle, but rather choosing from among the countless options that are on the market. Smartwatch or smart shirt? A wireless sleep tracker you don't even have to wear? How about a life tracker that might actually extend your life? 

With so many to choose from, more information is better. Here are some of the latest and greatest workout-boosting gadgets for both fitness fanatics and the weekend warriors: 

1. The Polar A300

If your goal is to move more, this stylish watch-style tracker not only offers smart coaching, but also prompts you to get up and go when it senses you've been on your duff for too long. Pair with the Polar H7 for bonus features like motivational post-workout feedback and fitness testing. 

For the fashion conscious, it comes in six waterproof color options so you can even enjoy your favourite water sports if you live near a lake or seaside in style. 

2. Sony Noise Cancelling Earbuds

When weather, schedules, or space make going to a crowded gym a necessity, combat distractions with some serious blood pumping audio. 

Sony makes noise cancelling earbuds that deliver high-resolution audio, while blocking out the grunts and clangs of the meatheads and the drone of the gym TVs. 

3. Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2

This cutting-edge percussion massager, is the recovery device preferred by many of the world's elite athletes. It uses a combination of pressure and vibration at three different speed settings to enhance your pre and post-workout results. 

Use the Hypervolt Go 2 for self massage, warm ups and to loosen up tight muscles. 

4. FitBit Versa 2

The classic FitBit features are paired with smartwatch technology in the Versa 2, which tracks fitness data and alerts you to calls and texts on a stunning full-color touchscreen. There's also music control, so you don't have to fumble with yet another device on the treadmill. 

Running out of ideas on what to do at the gym? This device also includes workout tips!

5. Under Armour's Health Box

This brand's leap into the gadget market comes with a big endorsement from prima ballerina of the moment, Misty Copeland. 

The Health Box is a three-part system with the UA Band (a wearable tracker that displays workout data), a chest-strap heart rate monitor, and a smart scale – all of which use Bluetooth to sync to the UA app. 

6. Gymwatch Sensor

Heavy lifters will love this German-made sensor that's relatively new to the US. Wear it while using machines, free weights or isometric techniques, and it senses when your form is off. 

Instant audio feedback via the companion app reminds you to adjust grip, posture or pace – no personal trainer necessary.

7. The Hexoskin Shirt

Touted as the “world’s first biometric smart shirt" for men and women, Hexoskin's shirt (plus hardware pack) maps heart rate, breathing rate and movement data. 

Then syncs up with wellness apps such as MapMyRun, so you can track your workouts without bulky wearables.

Conclusion 

Why add gadgets to your workout routine? Because they are an easy way to optimize and track performance so you can get the most out of your workouts and meet your fitness goals, whether they are big or small.

YOU MIGHT LIKE: Ten Gadgets that Will Make your Life so Much Easier

Know of any other interesting gadgets? Let me know.

(DISCLOSURE: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I only ever endorse products that I have personally used and benefitted from personally. Thank you for your support!)

*by andreascy*

10 Gadgets that Will Make your Life so Much Easier

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hello everyone! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Still recovering and sluggishly getting back to work? Grab a coffee while reading our new posts. 

More than a few people have uttered the phrase: “Isn’t there something to make this job easier?” If you haven’t then you’re probably in the minority, or maybe you already own all those things. 

Listed in this article are 10, sometimes silly, gadgets that can make life less of a hassle. So if you’re not one of those people that own everything, maybe one of these can help you with a current problem that you seem to keep running into.

1. AquaNotes

Have you ever noticed that the shower is where you come up with a lot of your good ideas? You may have also noticed that you sometimes forget that idea before you even turn the water off. With AquaNotes that’s no longer a problem. It’s a waterproof notepad that sticks to the wall in your shower. 

Now those million dollar inventions will never be lost. This is a great gift for an inventor, song writer, and entrepreneur.

2. Wrinkle/Wash Free Pants 

Next to doing the dishes, the laundry is one of the most tedious tasks in anyone’s life. A company called Bluffworks has made it easier to be just a bit lazier. The pants can be balled up and stuffed in your backpack or luggage and still be good to go. 

They also come with pockets for smartphones like the Galaxy or iPhone. These are perfect for any bachelor. 

3. Hovding Airbag for Cyclists

Do you like riding your bike but hate the clunky helmets that are on the market? Or maybe you don’t feel comfortable placing all your trust into a piece of padded plastic and rubber. A company in Sweden called Hovding has invented a new ‘invisible’ bike helmet. 

The device is worn around the neck and is deployed like an airbag around your head and neck if you happen to run into anything. Or if anything happens to run into you.

4. Lock Laces

Do you hate tying your shoes? Maybe you are one of those people that just leaves your shoes tied so you can slip in and out of them easily. With Lock Laces, you can have your shoes done in seconds. They’re elastic laces that have a stopper on them similar to snowboard boots. 

They are a step up from Velcro but people with still probably make fun of you for ‘not being able to tie your shoes. That’s ok though because you can just make fun of them for taking forever to get out the door. 

5. Onion Goggles

These are exactly what you think they are. These goggles fit tightly around your eyes so no more tears when you’re cutting onions. 

They may seem silly; some people are really sensitive to juices that onions omit when they are being cut. They make you look like an Olympic swimmer when you’re preparing your food. 

6. Light up Charging Cables

These may seem gimmicky but they’re actually pretty convenient. Instead of having to look at your device when it’s charging, all you need to do is pay attention to the light patterns. 

A fast current means your device is less than 65% charged, while a slower one means it’s over 65%. Once it’s fully charged the light shuts off. Neat huh?

7. The CanStand

This isn’t just a cool way to hold your beer or soda. The CanStand is a beverage cooler that also reflects the heat of the sun. You just stick it in the ground like those bug torches and you’re good to go. 

It works if you’re standing or sitting, so now you can enjoy a cold one next to the grill without the radiant heat warming up your beverage. 

8. ibattz Mojo Refuel & Invictus Battery Case for iPhone

We’ve all been stuck somewhere with no outlet and a battery that’s on 10%. Or worse you are at the airport with plenty outlets but they’re all being used. Enter the ibattz Mojo Refuel or Invictus Battery Case for the iPhone. 

It works just like most iPhone cases, only this one comes with a small replaceable battery capable of recharging your phone. Not only that but it amplifies the speakers on your phone too. 

9. SleepPhones

If you’re one of those people that like to listen to music when they sleep, this is perfect. Ear buds are comfortable, but not when you’re laying directly on one and jamming it further into your ear. 

This is a headband with earphones sewn into it. Not the best sound quality but still more comfy than rolling over onto an ear bud.

10. StickNFind

This is a nifty little device that you can stick to those items that you lose all the time. You can stick them on your keys, wallet and your TV remote. You can then use your phone to locate them. 

The only downside to this is if your phone is one of the things you’re constantly losing, you may have a tough time.

Conclusion 

There you have it 10 things to make your life easier. In today’s complicated world we could all use a leg up on those frequently annoying problems. Now if they could only invent a machine that grants wishes, that is something that could make your life way easier.

SOMETHING ELSE TO READ: 10 Gadgets to Help You Catch More Fish

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(DISCLOSURE: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I only ever endorse products that I have personally used and benefitted from personally. Thank you for your support!) 

*by andreascy*

What We Do On Smart Phones To Get Entertained?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Infographics are awesome! They allow people who are bombarded with too much information on a daily basis, to learn something new or digest data in a quick and easy format.

Lately, we've been working super hard with Coupon Audit on creating an infographic on “Smartphones in our lives” and how we use them to get entertained.

According to a latest survey, the standout statistic was that 65% of iPhone owners now say they "can't live without their iPhone." Of course, a smartphone is not necessary for existence, but for a lot of people, it's an important part of their working life and without it they would get less done. 

40% said that they would give up coffee first, 18% said that they would stop bathing every day before giving up their iPhone, and 15% would rather give up sex than having a weekend without their nice device. 

Besides these stats, a Nielsen study examined some basic categories of mobile apps that were most used by people who had downloaded an app. Here are the results: 

- Games: 64% 

- Weather: 60% 

- Social Networking: 56% 

- Maps: 51% 

- Music: 44% 

- News: 39% 

- Entertainment: 34% 

- Finance: 32% 

- Movies/Video: 26% 

- Shopping: 26% 

Regarding games, the average time a user spends (hours/month) playing games is: 

- iPhone: 14.7 

- Android: 9.3 

- Windows phone 7: 4.7 

- Blackberry: 4.5 

Another interesting fact is that smartphone owners with a housewold income of $75,000 or more are 3-5 times more likely to own a Blackberry or iPhone. 

Do you want more? Check out some of the interesting facts below and let us know what you think.

This Infographic is produced by Coupon Audit and THE OFFICIAL ANDREASCY.

We also want to make it easy to share our visual content. We include below an embedded code, a snippet of html code that easily allows you to copy and paste it into your own web pages and as such, display the infographic or image.

Share This INFOGRAPHIC On Your Site:

<p> <strong>Please include attribution to https://officialandreascy.blogspot.com with this graphic.</strong><br /><br /><a href='https://officialandreascy.blogspot.com/2013/10/what-we-do-on-smart-phones-to-get.html'><img src='https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ee/2d/4f/ee2d4fb4aa62e3c6dbabaade50d3d2ea.jpg' alt='Smartphones in our lives [INFOGRAPHIC]' width='564px' height='2704px' border='0' /></a></p>

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*by andreascy*

Four Quick Ways to Freshen Up Your Small Business

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

So your small business is making you some money, but it could probably be making more. 

Some simple but commonly overlooked steps could help bring in more customers and encourage shoppers to frequent your store.

Small Business Success

Statistics used to be daunting for those choosing to venture out and start their own businesses, but America seems to be showing a trend toward devotion to small businesses in more recent years. Current data indicate two out of three small businesses survive at least two years, while half find success for five years or longer. To help ensure your business is one of the survivors, read the following tips to freshen up and attract customers to your small business:

1. Neat and Clean

No one wants to rummage through a dark and dusty store. Make sure your store and storefront are well lit and clean. This means no dust, no cobwebs and no unsightly maintenance issues. If, after cleaning, the store still feels drab, try a fresh coat of paint. If lighting is an issue, go with a gloss or semi-gloss to help reflect light and brighten the space. Also, ensure your parking area is free from trash and well illuminated. If your parking lot stripes are dull or curbs are chipped, have your parking area resealed and repainted for a fresh and inviting look. Never allow potholes or other damage to accumulate, as even the most primed customer will not want to park their vehicle in a damaged parking lot.

2. Curb Appeal

It's important to catch the eye of passersby, and curb appeal plays a critical role in this. Make sure your signage is new and fresh looking, well lit at night and large enough to read from across the street. A bright red door is said to be a good omen and will help draw a potential customer's attention to your entrance. Consider potted plants and perhaps a small sitting area, such as a bench, to further beautify your space.

3. Sale, Sale, Sale!

Many shoppers are driven by impulse. The promise of a great bargain to be found within is often enough to pique curiosity and change a looker into a buyer. BOGO (buy-one-get-one) sales are proven in many markets, and free samples are a surefire way to garner interest. Whatever sale you advertise in your storefront, don't leave your sale sign up for too long. Buyers don't put much faith in ongoing sales. End a sale after a week or two, and wait a while before advertising another, so customers feel you are truly offering good deals and not just advertising to get them in the door. Clearance sales can also be profitable enticements, but again, don't overdo it, or you could damage your credibility.

4. Celebrate the Season

An ever-changing storefront will capture attention from shoppers who regularly pass your store. If your storefront never changes, they will never notice you. Take advantage of the various seasons, holidays and town events to liven up your storefront. Change your storefront displays to incorporate current events, and promote yourself as family oriented and supportive of your community.

Conclusion

These simple steps can produce big results and help you build a larger customer base, translating to more sales. Just be sure you greet each customer as they enter and provide assistance as necessary, and word of mouth will bring in new visitors every day.

YOU SHOULD READ: Five Steps to Improve the Image of Your Store

Looking for feedback.

*by andreascy*