fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Add a Clap to Your Push-Ups
By: Samarth Dwivedi
Tags: Strength, Workout, Health, Advice, Fitness

Push-ups are an all-time favorite exercise around the globe. One of the most effective bodyweight exercises of all time. The reasons are simple: no equipment, a modest amount of space, and great gains. Several people understand push-ups only for their chest gains, but they’re also great for your triceps, deltoids, and core strength. But how many push-ups are enough push-ups?

Counting Those Push-ups

While it surely is a good flex to go to some 40–50 push-ups in one repetition. It is not the best exercise for exhaustion and hypertrophy. Exercise today is about maximum gains, in lesser time yet safely. So my suggestion Number#1 to you is to change the definition of count on your push-ups.

There is an old gym mantra: Start counting your pushups, when it starts hurting.

Start counting when it hurts?!? Funny? Actually, this saying may have much more to it than a “flex” to it. It has some evidence backing it. This is based on muscle memory and a level of conditioning the muscle gains with repetition of a particular exercise over and over again, while this looks good in those grunt counts at the gym — it may be bad news for your gains.

Variation: Add Some Spice

To maximize hypertrophy variation is an essential component. While beginners need little to no variation as everything they do will be novel and allow for a faster rate of progress. A slightly advanced performer should look at other calisthenics avenues to target the same muscle with better form and exhaustion rate.

Once it takes you over 20 pushups to start the “hurt” counting. It is important to add a clap to that pushup.

Yes. Add a clap to your pushups. They involve greater stability, stronger shoulders, and effectively a greater amount of energy exhaustion per repetition. What is exactly is a clap you ask? The plyo pushup variations. A squeeze to the movement and jump and mid-air clap in your everyday pushup.

The Advantages

A normal push-up in itself is a good exercise for fitness. But if looking to push boundaries(normally after at least 3 weeks) one should look at the serious advantages the plyo push-up brings to the table.

Greater mobility and muscle coordination An additional advantage of engaging the core and legs in the conventional excercise Achieve Hypertrophy and better form. Assists chest health and strengthen the shoulder Strengthens the arm and quicker exhaustion rate.

Keep going (Image source: Gyfcat)

This is it guys the benefits of adding a clap in that push-up. Stay Healthy, Stay fit.
Does Having a SIX PACK MATTERS?
By: Tyo Lee
Tags: Health, Workout, Lifestyle, Body, Bodybuilding

ATTEMPTS TO GAIN THE BODY GOALS

“Sweat is fat crying.” — Unknown

PLAN TO UNFOLD THE ABS

It’s undeniable, having a good body shape and proportion is the dream of nearly everyone.

Yes. almost all, but not everyone. For maybe there are those who have other thoughts about the meaning of the word proportional about the body shape itself which is different from one another.

Let’s talk about it in general, from the point of view of almost everyone who wishes to have this proportional body shape.

Is a six pack the main goal?

If they are women, is a slim, flawless and proportional body the ultimate goal?

Trust me, this question looks easy to do if you just answer it with the word ‘yes’ and ‘no’. If demanded further, why do you have to be a six pack? It’s bound to come up with lots of really interesting answers afterwards.

If you hesitate to answer ‘yes’, it signifies that a six pack is not your main goal. Maybe for health reasons, so that you stay in shape and ward off various diseases if your body is too fat.

If you answer firmly ‘yes’, that means there are several possibilities

Firstly because you desire to get the maximum body shape, both in appearance and in purpose.

because you desire to get the maximum body shape, both in appearance and in purpose. Second , maybe your profession which requires you to have that body shape.

, maybe your profession which requires you to have that body shape. Third , maybe there is something that you want to pursue and one of the conditions is to have a body shape with such requirements.

, maybe there is something that you want to pursue and one of the conditions is to have a body shape with such requirements. Fourth, maybe you want to show people who are prejudiced to you about your previous body shape. And maybe there are many other strong reasons you hold in mind.

However, if you answer ‘no’, the strongest reason for getting into shape is to merely make it proportional, without bearing to be burdened with having a six pack abs or having to be really muscular.

Possibly balancing fat levels in the body with body weight and height is your consideration. Whatever it is, it’s for health.
Optimizing your Fitness
Tags: Fitness Information, Workout, Exercise, Fitness Tips, Fitness

Part 1: Training

I’m guessing since you’re here you want to make you’re training better, right? Well I can help. I used to be skinny-fat and weak with little confidence. At that point I could barely even curl ten pounds and I wanted to make my body better. So, thats exactly what I did, and now I’m capable of doing one-arm pull-ups, and I’m proud of what I look like, but I didn’t do it the way people often think.

I didn’t cut all the junk food out of my diet, I didn’t do endless cardio or two hour workout sessions, and I didn’t join a fad diet that would’ve failed me in the end.

My fitness journey started the way most fitness journeys do. I had a bad training program and terrible eating habits and saw little to no results. It wasn’t until I started optimizing my training that I started to finally build strength and muscle.

To optimize my training I focused on compound exercises. I did not have access to a traditional gym so I couldn’t do some of the more popular compound exercises like bench press, deadlift, or squat. So instead of traditional bodybuilding style training I adopted a calisthenics focused program. The compound exercises I did, and still do, include pull-ups, push-ups, and bodyweight squats.

Using compound exercises is much more affective than isolation exercises when it comes to burning fat and building strength because it allows a person to work more muscles at a time.

Training intensity is also a very important thing for building muscle and burning fat. The more intense the workout is the more calories that are burned. Also when it comes to muscle building it helps to think of it as a sort of “survival mechanism”. If you lift heavy then youre body will get bigger and stronger so that it can lift that weight with more ease, but if you’re workouts lack intensity then you’re body has no reason to change.

A good training program has both intensity and a focus on compound exercises. Keep that in mind when you make your next workout.
Do not exercise for your muscles, do it for your bones!
By: Federico Romaniello
Tags: Muscles, Workout, Health, Training, Bones

DoPhoto by Nino Liverani on Unsplash

How many times have you heard that is important to exercise for your muscle, hearth or mental health? How many times have people told you that maintaining the correct weight is important to your cardiovascular system and your breathing? Well, today I am going to tell you something different, something that might inspire you to start exercising, or hopefully, to just do more!

All forms of physical activity will help keep your bones fit

And is the NHS telling you this! or told you this, in 2018 to be precise. Whether you are just a teenager, or a healthy older adult, or someone suffering from osteoporosis, exercise is the key for strong bones in every stage of your life. In fact, from childhood to early adulthood, it is important to exercise and develop stronger bones, while, on a later stage of life, it is necessary to prevent bone-related issues!

Photo by Fitsum Admasu on Unsplash

But why and how is exercise related to bones?

As Campbell (2020) says:

When you exercise regularly, your bone adapts by building more bone and becoming denser.

The main function of the human skeleton, also known as bones, is to give shape, support muscles and allow movement. The skeleton shape and density are directly connected to your daily life activities and the average load your bones need to handle. The habitual load for your skeleton derives from gravity, as muscles get heavier when contracted, while working out, you are also training your bones, giving them an extra weight they are not used to, eliciting the formation of stronger tissue.

Is every type of exercise beneficial for the skeleton?

From an intense workout to a light walk outside, every type of exercise is beneficial for your general health, less is better than nothing! however, there is some exercise that is more efficient to your bones. Your workout should consist of: few load cycles, high magnitude and a high rate.

Photo by Sam Sabourin on Unsplash

Do not try at home!

Is always good to move and exercise, but it can get dangerous if done excessively and without an expert’s guidance. Especially when it come to high intensity, you must inform yourself adequately before starting a session, and you should seek the advice of an expert to gain the most from it.

Further readings:
Are Fitness Trackers Useful?
By: Matea Lomax
Tags: Workout, Workout Routines, Fitness Tips, Fitness, Fitness Equipment

Fitness Trackers are all the rage right now, with devices from companies like Fitbit selling in huge numbers and being pretty ubiquitous. Wearing a Fitbit is as much a fashion statement as anything else though. This is a way of communicating to the world that you ‘do fitness’ and that you are up to scratch with modern technology.

What’s less clear, is just whether or not a device like this can really help you to lose weight and get into better shape. Read on and we’ll take a look at how something like a Fitbit stacks up in real-world testing and how you can use it to your advantage.

The Good

First, let’s take a look at what fitness trackers do well. The first and most important thing that you will get from your fitness tracker is motivation and awareness. At their most basic, fitness trackers are devices that can count steps (pedometers) and tell you roughly how many calories you might have burned on that basis.

This can then bring home the reality of your current activity levels. Many of us will be shocked for instance at just how little we move during the weekends. Those who work in offices and drive in in the mornings like equally find that they actually don’t move much Monday-Friday.

Seeing this reality written in plain English can make it hard to deny and can encourage you to move a little more and to increase your general activity levels.

This gets even more powerful when you consider the social elements that many fitness trackers come with. A lot of fitness trackers will also let you see how your friends, family and partner are doing in terms of their fitness goals — or to challenge them to see who can move the most in a set amount of time.

This too can be an excellent tool for encouraging more activity and getting you to head outside and move more.

Then there are the additional tools and features — things like being able to follow guided workouts and HIIT routines for instance.

The Bad

There are downsides to fitness trackers too however. The first is that they are not usually particularly accurate. Heart rate monitoring is only possible to a degree if you aren’t wearing a chest strap and even then, it is only somewhat correlated with calorie burn.

Many activities can’t be picked up by a fitness tracker at all and while the notion of making sure you burn more calories than you consume (tracked through a fitness tracker and diet app like MyFitnessPal), this can also be an overly simplistic way to monitor your diet that doesn’t take into account such things as your micronutrients or your hormonal balance.

In short, a fitness tracker is a fantastic tool for helping with your weight loss and it can be very useful. However, it is also important not to rely on them or to perceive them as any kind of ‘silver bullet’ that will help you to magically lose all your weight.
Chest & Back Split — Workout For Men Who Want Lean Gains
By: Michael Morelli
Tags: Muscle Building, Health, Workout, Exercise, Fitness

You only get 24 hours each day, and if you’re busy, it doesn’t leave a lot of room for fitness.

Unless you train smart with defined goals.

If you lead a busy life but still want a workout that will result in lean gains, this is one workout you will not want to miss.

And, if you want to get the most out of your workout, then you need to be sure you are supplementing the right way and with the best supplements.

To maximize training, I always prep with high-quality BCAAs which I drink throughout my workouts for recovery, endurance, and muscle protein synthesis…

This is one supplement that I won’t train without because the benefits are amazing and they really help me reach my goals. This BCAA supplement helps me maximize my time in the gym.

Plus, they are all natural so I know what I am putting in my body, and I don’t have to worry about artificial ingredients that will slow me down.

Below I breakdown how to build muscle while burning mass, all inside a killer 30-minute workout:

This video takes you through one of my favorite workouts, and I even shared with you what I use for my pre-workout… You may not have been expecting that!

Pro-Tip

Modify these exercises to create new mass-gaining, fat-burning routines.

Remember, maximizing benefits with minimal time is all about knowing your goals and executing with laser-like focus (the format in the above video).

Implement and succeed. I know you got this. 😉🔥
Improvise — No Shorts…. I was unpacking my bag, changing…
By: Nicholas Dancer
Tags: Improv, Workout, Work, Leadership, Business

I was unpacking my bag, changing clothes to get a workout in. I’m always a bit anxious while changing to workout. My mind is already prepared to move fast, to do my warm-up run, yet I still need to change my clothes, but as a magician digs deep into his bag to uncover hidden items; I dug deep but had no more somethings. I needed a pair of shorts, but I was coming up short *(pun intended). No shorts, but I was ready to go.

Quickly my choices:

1. Workout in my underwear. I’m all in. But I’m at the gym, not my garage. 20-year-old Nick — Yes this would have been the go, not today. I’m old enough this wouldn’t be funny — just creepy……. Pass.

2. Drive to Target to buy a pair of shorts, drive back (at least 20 minutes)…….. No thanks.

3. Ask the gym for Lost and Found items (gross — maybe, quick and effective — Yes.)….. I’m in. I ask — nothing.

4. Skip a workout……Only in worse case scenarios, this is just a pair of shorts.

5. Grab my epoxy pants in the car. My epoxy pants are an extra pair of pants I keep in my car for impromptu epoxy installs, covered in epoxy splatter, they are pretty stiff, but I can sweat in them. This is my move.

I look a little goofy; squatting is awkward; at least four comments about my pants. I don’t care; I’m here to sweat, to wear myself out, and turn off my thinking mind. I get through my workout and done. That’s it — I made it work. I didn’t want to take more time; I had to let go of ‘perfect’ and just get it done.

Even when I pack my bag regularly, sometimes I forget. I make it work. I improvise. I’m driven to produce, not make an excuse for why it can’t or why it won’t.

Same is true in our business. Rarely will the stars align that everything goes perfectly. That’s the fun of leading here or anywhere. You plan well, you do your best to prepare; but when something happens you adjust, you find out what you do have and what you can do. We don’t get mad. We figure it out. That’s why people want to work with us — we solve problems, we offer solutions, we care about doing the best work. Let’s keep doing thatbusin
How To Conquer “Gymtimidation”
By: Shannon Hoar
Tags: Fitness Tips, Gymtimidation, Workout

Almost everyone who is new to the gym will experience the feeling of anxiety upon their first in-gym workout. This nervousness is referred to as “gymtimidation”, one’s fear of working out in a gym.

Before you are able to start your fitness journey, you must conquer your fear of going to the gym. Here are a few tips on how to make yourself more comfortable.

Have a plan.

When starting a workout, you need to have a plan on what you are going to do. You should know if you are doing legs, arms, cardio, abs, or whatever you desire. Knowing which body part you are doing can help you figure out what exercises you are doing, and give you more confidence in the gym as opposed to walking around and wondering what to do next. I got my workout programs from Mari Fitness.

Another good thing to know is if you have a specific idea, like squatting, know what kids of equipment you could use in lieu of a squat rack being used. For example, first choice is a squat rack, but you could also use a smith machine, or free weights like barbells or dumbbells.

2. Know where to go.

Nothing can be more anxiety-inducing than walking around the gym to find something in particular, and knowing where everything is and where you will be going next helps to diminish that fear. Some gyms post floor plans and online tours of their gym, or even offer tours upon your first visit.

Floor plan screenshot of Blink Fitness Beverly from blinkfitness.com

If you go into the gym without having any prior knowledge of the location of equipment, you could always start on a piece of cardio equipment and look around the gym to make your plan. Also, don’t be afraid to ask an employee, that’s what they’re there for!

3. Bring a gym buddy!

from healthtrax.com “Benefits of Working Out With Friends”

Being by yourself in a place you have never been before can be frightening as is, especially when it’s the gym! Bringing a friend can help take your mind off of your anxiety and can help you be more productive. If you are unsure of your way around the gym, having a friend there in the same situation as you can be a lot less intimidating. Or, if they have been there before, they can show you the way.

“Gymtimidation” is a common fear among people who are new to the gym life, but don’t be afraid! Go to the gym and kill it!
The Ultimate Home Workout Plan
Tags: Workout, Weight Gain Tips, Workout Schedules, Gym, Weight Gain

Weight Gain work out

The Ultimate Home Workout Plan: How To Get Ripped At Home With Minimal Equipment is the ultimate guide to start a practical yet powerful home workout routine without spending a dime on fitness equipment or gym memberships.

This blueprint is jam-packed with tips to create a foolproof workout routine and a flexible diet plan that you can follow from your home to get maximum long-term health benefits.

If you’re tired and frustrated with being stuck at home and want to get in shape without spending a ton of money, then this is the perfect guide for you.

How to boost your mental and physical fitness from your home. How to create a diet plan that’ll help you get in shape in no time. How to get rid of distractions that are holding you back from your health and fitness goals. How to build a bulletproof mindset to successfully achieve your long-term fitness goals. Easy yet powerful workout routines you can do in your home without any expensive equipment. How to crush depression and low self-esteem with the help of your ultimate home workout routine. How to destroy habits that are getting in the way of you and your ultimate fitness goals. How your home workout plan can improve your social skills and relationships.

I am offering you a discount if you act right now:

For Only $12.99

Click here for more Information

If you get The Ultimate Home Workout Plan right now, you will get these bonus:

Bonus
DR. MARLENE MERRITT’S SMART BLOOD SUGAR
Tags: Stamina, Workout, Weight Loss, Gym, Fitness

Do you feel exhausted even before you get out of bed in the morning? Do you ever wonder why it seems so difficult to lose weight? Do you suffer from insomnia? Do you have to deal with “man-boobs”? Or should we say “muffin-top”? If so, you’re like the majority of our patients. While this program won’t make you feel better right away, we guarantee that if you participate in the Smart Blood Sugar Challenge, you’ll be amazed at how much better you can feel in just one week.

Reduce your weight

Better sleep

Understand why you should eat better.

Have greater stamina

Improve your concentration

Get rid of the “lows” in the afternoon.

These are normal outcomes — and while everyone is different, if you’re willing to take the Challenge, you’ll be able to start making positive changes in your health right now.

“I can’t believe I shed 10 pounds in a week!” says the woman. I wasn’t doing it to lose weight, but let me tell you, I’ll never eat like that again. I’m in a great mood!” Pride C. is a fictional character.

“I had no clue how simple it would be, or how much better I’d feel after doing it. I’ve had a lot of trouble with fatigue, bloating, and overall fitness and the Challenge helped me recognize that it was all due to how I was eating. I’ve tried a variety of “diets,” but Merritt Wellness Center taught me how to make it work for ME. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that this isn’t simply a “diet,” but rather a way of life.” Mike R. (Mike R.)

“I came in because I hadn’t gotten a good night’s sleep in a long time. After failing to find relief with numerous drugs, I was recommended to Merritt Wellness Center, where they explained how my form of insomnia was linked to my blood sugar. Smart Blood Sugar helped me feel better in just a few days, and I’m sleeping deeper and waking up feeling refreshed. I’ve kept eating this manner and discovered that many of my other little “issues” have vanished. I had no concept how significant this would be.” Holli S. is a writer who lives in the United States.
Time to burn those fats: Tips on how to lose weight
By: Shammy Nadela
Tags: Motivation, Weight Loss, Workout, Health

Everyone wants to achieve and have that healthy body, or perhaps a perfect figure. Well, to be honest, it doesn’t happen overnight especially if you’re the type of person who loves food and to eat. I myself went on a phase where I gained a lot of weight, I was the one who doesn’t turn down a piece of a birthday cake, grab a bag of chips and indulged myself with a gallon of ice cream. Though I ate all the oh-so-delicious food that I could ever have, I wasn’t happy at my heaviest and I wasn’t really motivated to do anything until I realized how looking out for my health is very important. So I committed myself a goal to lose or shred a couple of pounds of my weight. Not much but it really did a make a big difference. So here are the most helpful tips that worked for me to burn more calories and shed pounds:

1.) Walk more during the day — To reach your weight-loss goals, try to have short walks not less than 20–30 minutes. Here are few ideas to get started:

If you’re working, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

If you feel frustrated or stressed, taking a short walk can change your mood while you’re burning a couple or few calories.

When running errands, you can walk between destinations instead of driving, but be sure it’s only a mile or less.

2.) You can use your arms — Sounds silly, right? But according to research, when you exaggerate and swing your arm while you walk it can burn up to 10% more calories compared to a normal arm swing. To use this technique, you can perform these tips:

Comfortably and naturally extend your arm behind the body.

Bend your arms to 90 degrees and maintain this form.

The hand should rise to the level of the chest on the upswing.

4.) Strength workout is important too — You can include body weight exercises during two or three times per week, it is a good way to strengthen your muscles and burn more calories. You can do push ups, squats, and planks.

5.) Run as fast as you can — Yes, jogging or running is very helpful too. Aside from that, it improves your cardiovascular fitness and it helps to maintain a healthy weight.

Last but not least, Motivation is the key. Setting constant goals is important because it keeps you feel motivated. The more exercise you take plus diet, the more calories you burn. You can always start from walking and work your way up through jogging and eventually performing heavy workouts. Remember that at the end of the day it’s still your body. How you always do is up to you.
Spicing it Up
By: Matt Barton
Tags: Recipe, Workout, Carnivore, Meat, Fitness

Seasoning meats of any kind is an art in itself. Prepping meats to be cooked is nearly important as the cooking itself. Here are a few basic seasonings I like to use for the “big three” of meats….beef, chicken and pork. I’ll go into more detail on particular cuts later.

BEEF

Coarse salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika coriander, Dale’s low sodium seasoning(just a dab).

Favorite store bought- Emeril’s Steak Rub.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_12?url=search-alias%3Dgrocery&field-keywords=emerils+steak+rubs&sprefix=emerils+stea%2Cgrocery%2C215&crid=1TI0LCGXFLFAS

CHICKEN

Coarse salt and pepper,garlic powder, chili powder, rosemary, Lea and Perrins Worscestershire (2 tablespoons per pound).

Favorite store bought- Zatarain’s Creole Seasoning

https://www.amazon.com/Zatarains-Creole-Seasoning-8-oz/dp/B0004LWYOA/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1549555169&sr=8-3&keywords=zatarains+creole+seasoning

PORK

Coarse salt and pepper, garlic powder, ground mustard powder, cumin.

Favorite store bought- Bad Byron’s Butt Rub

https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Byrons-Barbecue-Seasoning-Byron/dp/B01K86F6LI/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1549555619&sr=8-3&keywords=bad+byrons+butt+rub+seasoning

I’m going to further explain meat seasoning in future blogs, but this is the basics. Seasoning preferences and techniques vary greatly but this is where I start.

Today’s Workout
400 Reps Workout Challenge (HIIT Training) Full Body TUT Workout in 10 Minutes!
By: Michael Morelli
Tags: Health, Workout, Healthy Lifestyle, Exercise, Fitness

Want a workout that will leave a lasting impression on you and your body?

In this week’s workout, that is precisely what I am bringing you.

In only 10-minutes you can begin to transform your body with this powerful HIIT workout. This workout is specifically designed to hit all of your major muscle groups and in a short space of time, leaving you drained, sore, and burning fat at an unprecedented level.

All you need for this workout is 10 minutes of your time and a high-quality workout band, just like the one that you get when you purchase the HIIT MAX Glute Activation Program.

Watch the video below and get ready for a new glute-toasting, fat-burning, leg-blasting workout that you will still be feeling next week.

Get ready, cause you’re about to get your heart rate going and it’s going to be intense!

This workout should only take you 10 minutes, but we are going to 400 reps!

You’ll not only toast your glutes, but you’ll also torch belly fat in this workout using only the Glute Activator Band, the best piece of workout equipment out there!

Plus, I let you decide how you want to break down the workout and customize it to fit your needs.

If you find that you can’t make it through all 10 minutes, then just give it your all and push hard to make every second count.

Even if you can only make through 5 minutes of the workout, you’ll still feel the benefits.

That is how powerful this workout is!

10 minutes may not seem like much, but once you are done, you’ll feel like you’ve just spent an entire hour in the gym.
Want To Get Buff? (Are You Doing This?)
By: Bones To Bulk
Tags: Workout, Exercise, How To Gain Muscle, How To Get Buff, Fitness

Photo by Joyce Romero on Unsplash

One thing that I am constantly talking about on the Bones to Bulk podcast is how you have to be eating right if you want to gain lean muscle. Food is often the number one thing that is over-looked with any fitness goal.

Typically people think “I need to start lifting weights.” Well yes, you do, but that’s only a piece of the puzzle.

You have to be eating enough for your body to actually produce muscle mass. You can lift weights in the gym all day, but if your body doesn’t have an excess of calories to build those muscles, not much will ever change. I touch on this in the starters guide to getting buff.

And it’s not just about eating enough, it’s about eating the right types of foods. You can eat enough calories by just eating donuts and pizza, but that’s not going to pack on lean muscle mass. It’s only going to put on the wrong kind of weight.

You’ve got to focus on eating the right amount of the right type of food.

And what is the right type of food in order to gain muscle and go from skinny to buff?

Lean meats, complex and whole grain carbohydrates, fresh veggies and fruit and lots of water. So if you are struggling with packing on the muscle take a closer look at what you are eating and how much.
Jenkinsfile to deploy Kubernetes cluster with Load Balancer on Amazon AWS
By: Michal Vašulka
Tags: Jenkins Pipeline, Amazon Aws, Jenkins, Jenkinsfile, DevOps

This Jenkinsfile will deploy Kubernetes cluster on Amazon AWS including the Load Balancer.

The cluster is deployed via eksctl command line utility that is calling CloudFormation. It is very easy way how to deploy Kubernetes cluster on AWS.

Prerequisites, Jenkins server has to have these installed:

docker

eksctl

kubectl

hadolint

awscli

pipeline-aws Jenkins plugin to authenticate with AWS Cloud

pipeline {

agent any

stages {



stage('Cluster creation') {

steps {

withAWS(credentials:'aws-static') {



sh '''

eksctl create cluster \

--name analytics-cluster \

--version 1.18 \

--region us-east-2 \

--nodegroup-name linux-nodes \

--node-type t2.small \

--nodes 3 \

--nodes-min 1 \

--nodes-max 4 \

--with-oidc \

--managed \

'''

}

}

}



stage('LB IAM OIDC provider and cluster pairing') {

steps {

withAWS(credentials:'aws-static') {

sh '''

eksctl utils associate-iam-oidc-provider \

--region us-east-2 \

--cluster analytics-cluster \

--approve \

'''

}

}

}



stage('LB Role and service account creation') {

steps {

withAWS(credentials:'aws-static') {

sh '''

eksctl create iamserviceaccount \

--cluster=analytics-cluster \

--namespace=kube-system \

--region us-east-2 \

--name=aws-load-balancer-controller \

--attach-policy-arn=arn:aws:iam::667684686916:policy/AWSLoadBalancerControllerIAMPolicy \

--override-existing-serviceaccounts \

--approve \

'''

}

}

}



stage('LB controller installation') {

steps {

withAWS(region:'us-east-2', credentials:'aws-static') {

sh 'kubectl apply -k "github.com/aws/eks-charts/stable/aws-load-balancer-controller//crds?ref=master"'



sh 'helm repo add eks https://aws.github.io/eks-charts'



sh '''

helm upgrade -i aws-load-balancer-controller eks/aws-load-balancer-controller \

--set clusterName=analytics-cluster \

--set serviceAccount.create=false \

--set serviceAccount.name=aws-load-balancer-controller \

-n kube-system \

'''



sh 'kubectl get deployment -n kube-system aws-load-balancer-controller'

}

}

}



}

}

Originally published on my blog:

https://tcoil.info/jenkinsfile-to-deploy-kubernetes-cluster-with-load-balancer-on-amazon-aws/

Sources:

creating Kubernetes cluster on AWS:
100 Days of DevOps — Day 61-Jenkins Agent Node
By: Prashant Lakhera
Tags: Linux, Jenkins, AWS, Technology, DevOps

To view the updated DevOps course(101DaysofDevOps)

Course Registration link: https://www.101daysofdevops.com/register/

Course Link: https://www.101daysofdevops.com/courses/101-days-of-devops/

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/user/laprashant/videos

Welcome to Day 61 of 100 Days of DevOps, Focus for today is Jenkins Agent Node

Yesterday I showed you how to set up Jenkins Server

The above setup works great in a small environment but as your team grows you need to scale up your Jenkins and in those situations, you need Master/Agent setup. In Master/Agent setup, Master acts as a control node and Jenkins with the agent installed to take care of the execution of all the jobs.

Requirement

Jenkins Master

Agent Node

NOTE: I am performing all the steps on Centos7

Step1: Install the necessary package on the agent node

yum -y install java-1.8.0-openjdk git

In this case, I am installing java and git

You don’t Jenkins rpm package on the agent machine

Step2: Create user and copy the ssh key from Master to agent node

# useradd jenkins visudo jenkins ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL # mkdir jenkins_build

Then copy the key generated on Day60 from master to agent node

$ ssh-copy-id jenkins@172.31.29.138 # To test the connectivity $ ssh jenkins@172.31.29.138 Last login: Fri Apr 12 04:31:49 2019

Step3: Add the agent from Jenkins UI

On the Jenkins UI, Click on Manage Jenkins and then Manage Nodes

Click on the New Node

* Name: Give your agent some name

* # of executors: The maximum number of concurrent builds that Jenkins may perform on this node.

* Remote root directory:An agent needs to have a directory dedicated to Jenkins. Specify the path to this directory on the agent. It is best to use an absolute path, such as /var/jenkins or c:\jenkins. This should be a path local to the agent machine. There is no need for this path to be visible from the master(/var/lib/jenkins/jenkins_build) created in earlier step

* Usage: Controls how Jenkins schedules builds on this node. Use this node as much as possible - This is the default setting.

In this mode, Jenkins uses this node freely. Whenever there is a build that can be done by using this node, Jenkins will use it.

* Credentials: Select the credentials to be used for logging in to the remote host.

* Host: Enter the hostname or IP address of your agent node in the Host field.

Check if everything works

To use the slave node
Jenkins Tutorial — Part 4 — Post Actions
By: Saeid Bostandoust
Tags: Jenkins Pipeline, Ci Cd Pipeline, Cicd Pipeline, Jenkins, Cicd

In this part of the Jenkins tutorial, I will explain Jenkins Post Actions and show you how you can write post actions for your pipelines. If you didn’t read previous articles, read them first. So let’s get this party started.

Jenkins Tutorial — Part 1 — Pipelines

Jenkins Tutorial — Part 2 — Pipeline Variables

Jenkins Tutorial — Part 3 — Parameterized Pipelines

What is Jenkins Pipeline Post Actions?

Post Actions are just like other normal stages but that running in specific conditions. Jenkins supports 10 special action conditions which are running when these conditions meet. They are related to run status and can be defined in the post block both for the whole pipeline and per-stage.

always runs always as its name says. This post action is not bound to any specific build/run statuses. Some actions like sending notifications and saving logs can be done within this block.

changed runs only when the status of the current build is different than the previous one. Some actions like sending notifications and running another pipeline to investigate the pipeline can be done within this block.

fixed runs when the current build status is successful, and the previous build failed or was unstable. Some actions like sending notifications or triggering another pipeline can be done within this block.

regression runs in situations that the current build status is failure, aborted or unstable, and the previous run was successful. Some actions like rollbacking, for example in CD pipelines, can be done in this post block.

unstable runs when the current status is marked unstable. For example, when the tests are failed, or application code coverage is less than the desired percent. Some actions like trying other tests and running lazy canary environment can be done within this block.

aborted runs when the build process is aborted, usually manually. For example, everything that happened before aborting the pipeline should be reverted with this post action.

failure runs when the current status of build is failure. Some actions like sending alerts, rollback CD pipelines, deleting intermediate artifacts, etc, should be done within this block.

success runs when the current status of build is success. Some actions like saving artifacts, uploading them, and triggering the CD pipeline must be done with this post action.

unsuccessful runs when the build status is anything except success. This condition is a mix of failure, aborted and unstable status. You can do related things that are done within those blocks in this block.

cleanup always runs after all other conditions are evaluated. All cleanup processes like deleting intermediate artifacts, logs, temp files and etc should be done with this action.

The complete Jenkins Post Actions example:
Setting up a Jenkins Agent. This document summarizes the steps to…
By: Michael Avendi
Tags: Jenkins

This document summarizes the steps to setup a Jenkins agent.

Jenkins is the leading open-source automation server. It provides hundreds of plugins to support building, deploying, and automating any project. Here, we want to outline the steps to set up a Jenkins agent.

First, make sure Java was installed on your slave machine.

Create a folder named “jenkins” on the slave machine.

Then, go to the Jenkins page at address http://xx.xx.xx.xx:pp and log in from the top right corner!

Create a new node named “jk_test”.

Go to “ Build Executor Status ” on the left sidebar and open jk_test.

” on the left sidebar and open jk_test. Click on “ slave.jar ” and save it into the “jenkins” folder that we previously created on the slave machine.

” and save it into the “jenkins” folder that we previously created on the slave machine. On the same page, at the bottom of “Run from agent command line” there is a text. The text would like below. Copy the text into the clipboard.

Open a terminal, cd to the “jenkins” folder. Past the text into the terminal and click Enter.

You should see the message “Connected”.

Configure Project
Python Packaging : How we manage it at JobTeaser
By: Clement Demonchy
Tags: Pypi, Package Manager, Jenkins, AWS, Python

Problem

Here at JobTeaser, we found ourselves duplicating a great amount of code between text cleaning operations for machine learning projects, AWS wrapper, and Kafka helper.

The solution we found to this trouble was to extract our reusable code into proper packages (correctly tested and documented), before pushing it to our own package server.

Previous solution

The previous solution with own pypi

The current solution relies on an EC2 machine that contains a pypi server. The CI (here CircleCi) will build→test →push a new version of the package to the pypi server.

Once published, other projects can use the package in their CI process by requesting it from pypi server.

Previous solution limitations

Can’t have default read-only for everyone and an authenticated user at the same time.

Needs fine access control at user level because CircleCI doesn’t have fixed IPs.

Sometimes the pypi server hangs for no reason and we have to restart it.

All the data is stored on the server without any backup!

Looking for alternative(s)

Because our infra already runs on AWS, this search was limited to solutions that used S3 as a backend, after some time we found two solutions:

S3pypi

How we could have implemented S3pypi

As you can see the strongest point of the S3pypi solution is that it is straightforward.

It effectively uses a Cloudfront to expose s3 content in the same way that a static website.

But at Jobteaser, we manage all our AWS resource using Terraform. So we would have to take their templating and adapt it, not to mention that the security relies only on the Cloudfront setup.

Pros:

Full AWS

Low costs

Cons:

Setup doesn’t integrate easily with our tooling (Terraform)

Doesn’t rely on user level access control

Pypicloud

How we could have implemented Pypicloud

On the other hand we have Pypicloud that goes in the opposite direction with a more complex and modular solution.

Similarly to the current pypi solution, it requires a dedicated server but also has the added need for external storage and a caching service. But on the bright side, you can actually use any option you want for these components.

Pros:

Modular solution

Has users and more configuration than pypi

Nice GUI for admin

Cons:
How To Push a Docker Image to Amazon ECR With Jenkins
By: Dieter Jordens
Tags: Web Development, Programming, Jenkins, Docker, Software Development

How To Push a Docker Image to Amazon ECR With Jenkins

Photo by Matt Sclarandis on Unsplash.

A year ago, my website was running on Heroku. Because Heroku does not allow multiple applications on the same instance, I had to pay $7 twice each month (backend and frontend application). For each additional application, this would cost me another $7 per month.

I was convinced that on-premise would be a lot cheaper, so I took an old laptop and installed everything. After configuring Linux and docker-compose, amongst other things, my website was finally up and running again. This allowed me to save $14 every month.

Until problems arose. Problems you don’t really expect to happen. Problems you might encounter as well:

Power failures

Broken WiFi connection

Configuration issues

Therefore, out of necessity, the only option available was to go back to the cloud for improved stability. But this time, it would be a different cloud provider than Heroku. Pushing my Docker images to the cloud is the first part of this solution. And this is what this article is all about: Pushing Docker images to a cloud repository like Amazon AWS ECR.

Let me make you a promise: This article is only going to take a few minutes of your time. We’ll handle three steps to deploy to ECR:
Click away with the iPhone SE (2020)
By: Benny Efosa
Tags: Apple, Cameras, Iphone Se, Phone

Apple’s iPhone SE features the same 12MP single camera found on the iPhone 8. It uses a Sony sensor with 1.22µm pitch behind a 28mm f/1.8 lens. Optical stabilization is available, as well as phase-detection autofocus. The front-facing camera is the same 7MP unit we saw on the iPhone 7 and 8. It can use the so-called Retina flash, where your screen lights your face up in particular color to provide more pleasing skin tones depending on the color of the available light.

The detail levels are very good, even excellent at some spots, though elsewhere some more complex areas turn out to be a challenge for the camera. The Apple iPhone SE shoots very natural-looking photos. The dynamic range and the contrast are superb, the colors are simply spot-on, and noise is non-existent.

The iPhone SE 7MP images come out with outstanding detail, contrast, and even dynamic range. The colors are great and overall — this is one of the best selfie cameras. The 7MP Apple iPhone SE (2020) selfie photos can put to shame most of the 20MP and 32MP Quad-Bayer shooters we’ve experienced lately on a variety of Android phones. The iPhone SE selfie shooter can also do portraits, and it does such with surprising proficiency. Both subject separation and simulated bokeh are remarkable, while nothing was lost on the subject.

Apple iPhone SE captures videos in all popular resolutions and frame rates, all of them — optically stabilized as usual. All 30fps videos also feature cinematic video stabilization and expanded dynamic range thanks to the Smart HDR. The iPhone SE can do 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 240fps.

The low-light performance has improved since the iPhone 8 by a lot even if the same camera takes the images. They present enough resolved detail, probably a result of a gentler noise reduction. The exposure is balanced on most of the photos, the color saturation is great with true to life colors (neither washed out, nor over-saturated). The quad-LED dual-tone flash from the iPhone 8 is also available on the SE, and it supports slow-sync flash. It keeps the shutter open for a bit longer, letting in some of the ambient light and making the image look more natural and not as contrasted as with regular flash images.

Even though for Apple’s standards the iPhone SE 2020 is considered to be a budget phone, it in no way compromises with the features and the specifications of the phone. The camera specs delivers splendid picture quality making it a good option for all the camera enthusiasts out there.
Useful and Superb Functions of Digital Cameras
By: Channel Top
Tags: Cameras, Digital Camera, Cameras For Photography, Camera Tips, Canon Camera

Digital cameras have enhanced significantly in the last 10 years. Essentially, the phrase digital cameras really make reference to all sorts digital picture recording gadget including webcams, cell phone cameras and small cameras.

Most picture fanatics have traded their movie cameras for digital cameras. Nevertheless, you may still find some who have not. They fundamentally do not know these unique functions and advantages they might get.

1. Handy. The components utilized in producing digital cameras are virtually scaled-down, reduced and weight less. Because of this these cameras are available in incredibly little sizing’s; some perhaps fit within back pockets. These cams are very useful and simple to hold all over.

2. Share and Move Pictures Very easily. Digital pictures taken by digital cameras are saved in a exterior memory. And because it is exterior, it may be very easily unattached and attached to a pc. Pictures can certainly be imprinted and provided and moved on the internet. Furthermore, these cams also provide sockets meant for USB wires. They may be immediately attached to a pc for picture transfer with out removing the exterior storage device.

3. Video Recorder Function. With the cams you not just protect unique times in still, however in movement too. These cams have movie recorders which permit you to record occasions in motion. This characteristic certainly enables you to re-experience exclusive times.

4. Monitor. Behind camera is usually a screen which allows you to see just lately taken pictures. In comparison to film cameras, this function enables you to preserve on storage or film. You are able to determine generally if the photo you took may be worth saving, otherwise then you can simply remove it. And then, you are able to simply re-shoot the landscape before you have the ideal picture.

5. Reusable Storage. A good thing regarding digital cameras is its reusable memory space. You don’t have to utilize a new memory each time your old card is filled. You are able to keep your pictures to pc, clean the storage device to use the storage once again.

Digital cameras certainly overcome film cams in almost anything. In addition is that the camera could be very easily purchased on the internet. You can almost look for one with the convenience of your house as well as time. There are many web sites which sell Cams USA. Nevertheless, cameras have features, therefore it is going to be ideal you know what you need and where you are supposedly planning to use your cams. Like movie cameras, digital cameras are usually manufactured in unique models for expert photographers. If you do expert digital photography📷, then adhere to high-end cams.