Fitness tech shoutout! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2024, 07:18:44 pm
content: Do you use any fitness technology when you exercise?Share the product you use and how it worked for you.It can be anything, hardware like smart watches, fitness trackers, bike computers, power meter pedals, Peloton bikes, electronic resistive weights, treadmills, rowers.Or it can be software like caloric monitoring apps, sports timer . media player apps, even Strava or Zwift.Let us know what has worked for you, the good and the flops. What you would like to be better.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2024, 07:31:26 pm
content: I'm still looking for a swim distance meter which doesn't rely on turning around violently and assuming you swam an entire lap between turns.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2024, 07:54:48 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on August 24, 2024, 07:31:26 pmThank you. I didn't even know that such a thing existed.I guess GPS signals cannot be received through a bit of water.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2024, 07:58:33 pm
content: Quote from: BrianHG on August 24, 2024, 07:54:48 pmThat is the point: it doesn't existAnd GPS isn't really helping when swimming indoor.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2024, 08:13:22 pm
content: I use one or more of the following with various attachments: Case DX40 Compact tractor, Komatsu MRX30 mini-excavator, New Holland L170 skid steer, Echo 20" chain saw, Echo pruner, Echo bush/shrub trimmer, Echo line trimmer and flexible power rake, and my most used is a Grasshopper 25 HP 60" mower. I don't have time for anything else. My weight is the same as when I graduated college, but it's redistributed in places.

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2024, 09:29:44 pm
content: Quote from: BrianHG on August 24, 2024, 07:18:44 pmNo.But the question indicates a mid-life crisis brewing...

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 24, 2024, 11:22:47 pm
content: I use the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar and it has been excellent. Supports a wide variety of sports and recreation. Battery life is well over a week (depending on how long you spend outside).

author: paul@yahrprobert.com
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2024, 11:41:20 pm
content: I use a Garmin Instinct (one of their cheaper ones) watch for when I'm running:1) The thing picks up the heart rate from my wrist by shining some green led's into the skina) After you start using it, it takes a couple minutes before the heart rate doesn't look like I'm dying from tachycardia.b) The heart rate doesn't work when swimming2) You can supposedly pair the watch with an app on a smartphone, but I don't use apps, so I download the .fit files to my linux computer and load them into the connect.garmin.com website and that gives me a pretty good summary of my workout with a nice map of where I went if outside.The user interface, where you have 5 buttons to control an extremely complicated piece of software, it difficult. Probably using the app would help with this.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 12:02:24 am
content: Quote from: Benta on August 24, 2024, 09:29:44 pmNo, I've developed my own fitness tech over the past decade.I was just awarded 2 patents regarding syncing workout music with exercise hardware.I'll be seeking VC funding this fall.I'm curious what kind of experiences some of us techies have had with the toys in this sector.(You could say my mid life crisis happened 10 years ago. Now I'm trying to cash-out on my discovery.)

author: Postal2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 01:48:25 am
content: My friend says that vodka helps him lose weight. And he really has become thin and wrinkled.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 02:32:39 am
content: Quote from: Postal2 on August 25, 2024, 01:48:25 amNot really any technology involved here, right?Maybe that's why he became all wrinkled...

author: Postal2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 02:38:27 am
content: Quote from: BrianHG on August 25, 2024, 02:32:39 amHe says that he drinks vodka using a special technology, which includes a large amount of vodka and dilution with beer.He recently successfully passed the liver and head vessel test with an excellent result. From the outside I see that he drinks a lot in 1 day (5 bottles of vodka of 0.5 liters), then he reduces the amount for 2 days, and from 2 weeks to 2 months he is completely sober. But I can clarify the technology with him, if it is interesting.I would also like to clarify that he has a well-functioning gag reflex, which he does not suppress. Therefore, not all the vodka enters the body. That is, he does not interfere with the brain in regulating the amount. The use of an antiemetic drug would presumably be fatal.

author: deadlylover
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 08:00:54 am
content: Apple watch 7 for heart rate tracking while doing cardio, good for staying in zone 2. I used to use a Polar Verity Sense optical arm band, but the Apple watch is more accurate and since it's always on you and charged (since you have to every day lol).For an optical sensor they get awfully close to an ECG strap, "the quantified scientist" does a lot of reviews on YouTube for fitness trackers. There's bugger all improvement year on year so you can often pick up a used watch 2 or 3 models older at an excellent price, even the higher end material options lose a lot in value on the used market.I didn't think I'd like a smartwatch so much but it has become essential tech now, if it were to let out the magic smoke I'd immediately order a replacement.I got a Precor treadmill for basically free but the controller was dead, so I shoved an Omron VFD in there and it works beautifully. I might have lost a phase in the motor but it still works, for now...I have a Keiser M3 spin bike as well, but the computer is only good for a basic timer and showing the resistance and power level, it doesn't have that video game like feature where you can pretend to ride or time attack with your mates haha.

author: Xena E
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 09:26:18 am
content: Traditional push bike, exercise and travel combined, don't see the point of continually monitoring.BMI is good, (my health problems can't be improved with exercise).

author: mendip_discovery
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 09:38:31 am
content: I don't do fitness. Anyone who has met me will agree.I do wear a first gen samsung smart watch. This allowed me to be aware of when I push >200bpm and need to stop to recover. I am one of those people who just keep plodding along trying to keep up and end up getting rather messed up by it.The step count is a joke, the number of stairs climbed is even worse. The app has limited graphing stuff and I cant view it online. The app has a competition features but it's mostly got Asian names at the leaderboard with some scary numbers and unachievable goals.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 01:57:02 pm
content: Quote from: deadlylover on August 25, 2024, 08:00:54 amThe stationary exercise bike I have been prototyping since 2009 was engineered to generate a super-enhance calorie burn. I though I was the only one who discovered something novel about the way I was exercising, however, I found out about a year ago that what I was doing closely resembles a concept known in the fitness world as zone 2 training. Once my music app gets started, I'm going to design a real commercial version of my exercise bike. It's special bike's high contrast zone2-zone4/5 will blow users away.(My prototype bike is a retrofitted spinner tied to a treadmill motor with my own electronic braking control processor board which is USB linked to my PC for control, chart logging and music syncing.)

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 02:08:04 pm
content: Quote from: mendip_discovery on August 25, 2024, 09:38:31 amI have seen Youtube video reviewers test the accuracy of smart-watch's accelerometers to count walking steps taken. They are inaccurate and if you drive a car in a city with a lot of potholes, the count may go haywire. (I have a 375lb/170kg friend who thinks he is doing great because of his watch...)I personally do not consider general walking a measure of any physical activity worthy of counting steps. I think it is BS unless you are carrying a heavy backpack, hiking up and down hills or small mountains out in the wild.The king of fitness smartwatch tracking apps is Strava. However, it is for runners & bicyclers and many of them are amateur or pro athletes. If you use Strava, don't even try to compare with any pro-cyclists and pro-distant runners. They are not human. Us mere mortals don't even come close, especially the Tour De France grade cyclists.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 02:29:22 pm
content: One gadget I would like is a water depth meter I can use while swimming in open water. Preferably with an alarm that goes off when the depth is less than 150cm to avoid obstacles. Bonus points for water temperature.

author: m98
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 03:23:32 pm
content: If you do any form of serious endurance training, an accurate chest strap heart rate sensor like the Polar H10 is very useful and much cheaper than smartwatches with a usable optical heart rate sensor.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 04:24:36 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on August 25, 2024, 02:29:22 pmLook for dive computers, for shallow waters. Maybe you will find something there.Also, I think some of the later models of Apple Watch supposedly has a depth gauge and swim tracking.

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 05:20:25 pm
content: I think it's vital for engineer types to offset the time spent tied to the bench with some regular exercise. Really like my Garmin Forerunner 265, I find tracking the runs I've been doing keeps me accountable. I did look at the higher end Garmin ranges, but couldn't see any features worth the extra cost. App is decent too.I've a Polar H10 HR strap but I''d only go to the trouble of wearing that if I was doing some sort of zone testing, having been running for about 4 years I can stick to zones off feel and I know if the watch HR is a little off (which it can do occasionally in the rain).

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2024, 05:26:27 pm
content: Quote from: BrianHG on August 25, 2024, 04:24:36 pmI don't want to know how deep I am as I'm always at the surface, I want to know how much water is beneath me. Swimming in shallow water can be quite dangerous as some mussels have shells with razor sharp edges. It doesn't take much force to get a deep & nasty cut.

author: Postal2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2024, 02:26:29 am
content: I called my friend and he said he bought 5 bottles but only drank 3 on the first day. He had also been trying to lose weight for about 6 years and has several smart watches, 2 treadmills, 1 exercise bike, weights and a barbell. He also went to the gym. All this led to some problems with his joints, and as soon as he needed a massage therapist, he reconsidered his approach.

author: mengfei
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2024, 02:37:44 am
content: i use my phone + pedometer app but predominantly to play techno & rave music to push me to exercise

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2024, 04:12:49 am
content: @Postal2, one more post from you in this thread and I will report you to the mods.YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2024, 04:16:02 am
content: Quote from: mengfei on August 26, 2024, 02:37:44 amYes!I actually use some techno, rave and heavy metal/acid rock from Japan and South Korea.Some occasional JPop slips in as well.And I still use some classic 70s, 80s and 90s POP.

author: gnif
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 26, 2024, 08:33:20 am
content: @Postal2if you can't post about the actual topic of this thread, please do not post at all.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2024, 09:33:12 pm
content: The electric resistive weight products are super interesting, but everything right now seems overpriced, junk, subscription based or some combination of the three.You have the potential to replace 200lb+ of static weight stack in a tiny ~20lb box with a brushless motor and a cable inside.On top of that it can dynamically adjust the weight/load, so injury risk is low. Can also be used to optimize the loading at different points of the movement, which helps with progression.https://www.beyond-power.com/pages/voltraThe hardware inside is probably not too bad, if you get rid of the touchscreen and battery which are not needed, but writing good control software for this would be hell.Quote from: nctnico on August 25, 2024, 05:26:27 pmI guess either GPS mapping or a waist strap with a sonar distance sensor would be the best options?Each has major limitations, the sensor would work best pointing down, so if you have a reef or some pointy object sticking up it wont see that on approach. Unless you can get some wider angle sensor.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2024, 11:42:15 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on August 26, 2024, 09:33:12 pmThat's a very interesting device. (Bookmarked...) It may even be potentially portable enough for those who travel that have a need to guarantee they have access to a gym.Though, if that battery pack is above 100wh, you wouldn't be allowed to fly with it.Requiring an app on your phone can be a negative for some, but it doesn't appear as if you cannot control the device without it. Maybe the app is not mandatory, just an additional optional logging utility.From the looks of it, if you aren't already used to weight and resistance training in a gym, you probably cannot guarantee you will be getting proper full use out of it. It looks as if some authentic weight training experience would be required so one has an idea if they are really loading their muscles the way they should.But on the other hand, having an alternate load during flexion and extension can be capitalized for muscle growth is a way you cannot achieve with normal weights.I wonder if the concept is patented. (It wasn't mentioned on the website...) I guess if other vendor equivalent devices exist, then anyone can build competing equivalents.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 27, 2024, 12:00:33 am
content: Quote from: BrianHG on August 24, 2024, 07:18:44 pmNot tech, but here you go:

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2024, 12:24:06 am
content: Quote from: BrianHG on August 26, 2024, 11:42:15 pmYeah the app for Voltra is not mandatory, you can use the touchscreen for settings. App is if you want paid training classes, and stored trainind data, etc.So its not bad, but still over-engineered and too expensive, IMO.QuoteThere are other products with the same type of tech:- Shogun flexhttps://shogunsports.com/products/shogun-flex- weak and app only which sucks- Unitree pump maxhttps://pumpmax.unitreefitness.com/- not released yet-https://get.maiak.com/- not released yetTons of patents:https://patents.justia.com/assignee/tonal-systems-incI don't think the main concept itself would be patented though.. hopefully.

author: mengfei
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2024, 01:19:35 am
content: a slight OT but still with Fitness regards, has anyone here tried those non-invasive device that detects blood sugar levels? Some claim to get the information from sweat.also my friend said, who is using ZEPP app, that he keeps his PAI above 100 - is this a reliable indicator of good overall health or whatsoever that indicates?

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2024, 01:35:29 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on August 27, 2024, 12:00:33 amIn this case, you are clearly getting what you pay for.

author: dobsonr741
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2024, 01:36:35 am
content: Apple Watch. Gives me running/hiking/walking distance, heart rate, VO2max calculated, a lot of other walking metrics, good for measuring swimming, calculates and stores a lot of trends on the phone I can check out years later.

author: djacobow
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2024, 02:25:06 am
content: I've used a Garmin Forerunner 245 for about 3.5 years. Overall, I have found the main measurements reasonably accurate. I have no idea if the secondary "calculated" output like vo2 max, "body battery", sleep quality, etc are any good.Psychologically, the "gamification" that Garmin brought to workouts was fun at first but it can also get under your skin. I used to go for runs and run as fast and long as I felt like. Now I have a tool nagging me: too hard, too easy, too much, not enough. Also, there is this weird feeling that exercising without it means the exercise didn't happen.

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2024, 02:59:04 am
content: Just got a couple electric bicycles, Specialized Como 3 and GasGas Enduro 1. Couldn't decide between a cruiser for around town or a full suspension for off road. There was a good deal on both so I got one of each.My husqy 501 dual sport hasn't gotten much use this year as I rarely justify spending a sufficient amount of time to be worth taking it out.The e-bikes however I've been on almost every day lately. Quick and easy way to get a bit of exercise, fresh air and see some wildlife: 3 bears in the last week.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2024, 03:10:28 am
content: Quote from: djacobow on August 27, 2024, 02:25:06 amAwhile back, I saw a fitness influencer YT video offering the advice of not counting your pushups.I tried it, it was really strange. The concept was that you focus on doing properly paced full range pushups for the sake of doing each pushup correctly instead doing the pushups just to meet a number. Though the effect was actually surprisingly good in my opinion, I have been so programmed for so long that after a few workouts, I was counting once again...On my home-made exercise bike, my special high contrast zone2-4 training was designed to establish a measured pace over 90% of the workout while 10% of the burns, broken up into 3 or 4 sections towards the end are intended to be full out sprints designed to burst you heart rate. 3 of the bursts were 1 minute segments tied to the end of a 6 minute burn while if capable, there would be a bonus all out final 6 minute sprint burn interval. When I am fortunate enough to do that bonus sprint, I'm left collapsed on the ground gasping for air. Before I got long covid 3 times in a row, it happened like ~once a month. After ~15 months of rehabilitation, I've only recently gotten close. Another ~10 months until I get anywhere near where I used to be.Basically my zone-2 portion is the measured tedious crap while my sprints are bonuses not set to a fixed number, but to as well as I can do them.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 02:15:26 am
content: Quote from: mendip_discovery on August 25, 2024, 09:38:31 amI'm not sure if you're talking about the way the Samsung app works, or step/stair counts as a concept.If it's the latter, I wouldn't dismiss step/stair count entirely. I can be a very useful goal for a lot of people who are not really into fitness but want to set achievable goals just to get more active. Applications such as Garmin and FitBit/Google will adjust step goals depending on the individual, but 10K steps per day is a pretty good average benchmark to start at. Whatever gets people off their butt, is a good thing.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 03:39:06 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on August 29, 2024, 02:15:26 amSupposedly, some versions of the Apple watch had extra hardware to precisely determine your altitude, so counting steps could better determine your calorie count.I know it is only recently, like a few years ago, that the GPS standard opened up to consumer grade receivers the ability to provide more accurate elevation coordinates. Previously, the Z-axis didn't have high enough resolution for tracking commuter's hill climbing unless you are going up a huge hill or mountain.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 04:33:05 am
content: Yes, the music sync thing would be helpful!In a simplified but useful approach, I let the 'user' (myself) keep track, of the complex nuances; meanwhile timing the whole thing, via using a big screen bedroom alarm clock, with high contrast LARGE numerals.The HOUR numerals, of course I ignore, but generally I 'time' the yoga mat exercise or stretching, in sets of 8 minutes.So, might be doing stand-up, stretch left arm, say on minute :32, then right arm, going through minute :33. I'll do that for :32 thru to :40, and stop. Next little set starts on :42, where, for example, I'll do a different arm stretch, left during :42, and then right (arm) during :43.So I do get precise timing, and a very good regulation of balancing left-right.After a spare, of those warm-ups, I'll often go 'deeper'...doing 2 minutes, each side.One favorite, is sitting splits, doing various upper body twist and wait 2 minutes, each rotary direction, again left and right timed.Biggest problem, is having to need a light on, when doing the timed mat work, either that or get a clock with internal light.Semi-dumb device, used in complicated ways.But, seriously, I usually know where I'm at, during any session, (whether exceptionally tired, or doing very well).

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 04:45:22 am
content: In my app, you can set time intervals for each song from 30sec to 8 minutes, down to the second.Or, for numerous small intervals, you can set audio notification & volumes steps in a single song as well as align that song's verses and choruses to said intervals.The app is basically a user set-able workout interval timer, where you can assign any compatible songs you want into each interval time. Songs will be precision synced to their crescendo, never beginning or ending on slow intros with useless long fade-ins or fade-outs.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 10:57:51 am
content: Quote from: BrianHG on August 29, 2024, 03:39:06 amGarmin, and I suspect other manufacturers, have had this for quite a while. Many years even? Apple is usually a bit behind the Eight Ball when it comes to innovation (in some ways).

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 11:24:49 am
content: I use an Apple Watch Series 6, I quite like it. Very rugged, have bumped the crystal face up against concrete with no permanent damage. Seems to track heartrate and blood O2 quite well, though blood O2 is limited to a few measurements per day. Only serious complaint is the battery life is realistically only about a day, and my last one (Series 4) was broken by being dropped onto hard concrete, though that just had a glass face so I'd hope the crystal survived that.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 12:25:26 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on August 29, 2024, 11:24:49 amThat's the biggest gripe with the Apple wearables and some of the other smaller models; Battery life. They pack a lot into a small space, then you have all the radios (GPS/Bluetooth/4G/5G/WiFi) to contend with. It's really asking a lot of such a small device with the battery constraints we have with current technology. If you wear your watch to bed and if capturing sleep stats during that time (like sleep/awake time, blood oxygen levels, heart rate etc...) is important to you, this could be a determining factor.This is partially why I went with the Garmin. It has a GPS (which is active only on the activities I want to) and BLE, nothing else. The GPS module sucks the most power by far, depending on which mode you have it in (you can set it to acquire every 1 second or save battery life by getting a fix every 3-5 seconds at the expense of accuracy). Depending on the model, you can select between specific GPS systems, multi-band, or multi-system (e.g.: GPS+GALILEO).I just came back from holidays. I charged my watch before I left and didn't pack the charging cable. I'm currently at the end of Day 8 with 30% battery life remaining.

author: Coordonnée_chromatique
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 01:51:50 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on August 27, 2024, 12:00:33 amIt is a great product, with a saw and few printed parts it can be trasformed in a triceps extension chair for those who suffer from the shoulders.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 01:58:57 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on August 29, 2024, 12:25:26 pmRealistically, for my use case it's not a major problem. It charges inductively, so I just put it on charge when I have my morning shower, same time as I charge the phone. It's charged within about 60 minutes, I usually only charge it to 80% to extend the lifespan of that tiny battery (very hard to replace). An 80% charge is enough for a full day with the next morning getting down to the single digits SoC. But that's just a personal decision. The watch I have is 5 years old now and still has healthy battery life, and I got it second hand.If you're frequently off grid it might be more of an issue, though.One nice feature which my prior Fitbit completely failed on, is when the battery is too low to run the smart functions, you still get time-at-a-button-press for four further days. My Fitbit beforehand only showed a "battery is dead, mate" icon, which is about as useful as you imagine. If you can turn the display on, there really is no excuse to not paint the time on that display at the same time, especially given the product always showed its time as soon as the charger was connected showing that it hadn't actually lost track of time.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 03:05:40 pm
content: BrianHG:Music is very important, as many folks (like myself) feel a bit 'silly'; going through some repetitive, simple movements, or doing various stationary yoga pose freeze.So, having music going, stereo headphones, at least I can remind myself, that the purposeful stretching and strength work is actually very valuable. Part of this is due to our technology culture, 'Go go go' without breaks being seen as hyper-productive.Constantly, had issues with headphones cables, but that was more 30 years ago...Now, the sound source is Cellphone and Wireless headphones. Van Halen rock music fits my listening taste, and I'm still dependant on YouTube videos, as music source.

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 03:19:31 pm
content: Quote from: RJSV on August 29, 2024, 03:05:40 pmI'm not big on subscriptions but I really enjoy YouTube music. Make a playlist and turn repeat off, then it'll play similar music after the playlist. Hear one you like: add to playlist.It is suprising how good they are at chosing songs I like.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 03:29:55 pm
content: Quote from: Kasper on August 29, 2024, 03:19:31 pmFor generic listening, and seeing some music videos of song from past years which I never knew existed, YT-Music occasionally fits the bill for casual listening. I also use YT-Music to hunt for foreign music to exercise to.But, when it comes to enjoying music as well as exercise music, I need the uncompressed authentic full quality versions of the music I use.(Note that YT-Music puts their soundtrack through a second or third degree of compression while their player ever so slightly inaudibly skews the playback timing to sync with the picture, as well as auto-volume level compression, hence destroying the original fidelity.)

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2024, 03:41:46 pm
content: Whatever YouTube is doing, it sounds better than what I used to listed to.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 31, 2024, 09:13:17 am
content: This seems timely and appropriate here:

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2024, 04:26:54 am
content: Reason I settled on YouTube, is the dependability, in the immediate sense; Meaning that there I am, (spread eagle) maybe rendered unable to easily get up, for making even simple knob tweaking or flipping a cassette tape, plus it is annoying interruption.So, what works often lacks novelty, in deference to 'dependable old Van Halen LIVE'...a video that isn't being watched, but has that big long stretch of dependable, and having some awesum sections, throughout.In that same vein, you can probably imagine, the extreme annoyance, when a headphone cable or connector goes flakey!Yoga can be unpleasant, and little interruptions, especially during more extreme 'postures' it can be a small interruption to music, can be like having cold water thrown in me....(Ok, I'm exaggerating).If you were watching, maybe 20 years ago now, try sitting down, on mat:Splay both legs out into sitting splits, literally at 180° (legs completely open into straight line).Put elbows together, and go down, to touch (elbows) to ground. Many heavier folks cannot (even) get the two elbows touching...Then, hold that position for 1 minute, sometimes 2 minutes if warmed up. That's extremist monster yoga, dramatic, but I didn't take it 'much further' like some martial arts...(If you've seen the movie 'Blood Sport'.But anyway, yeah, interruptions are not tolerable...thanks.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2024, 04:49:01 am
content: Quote from: RJSV on September 01, 2024, 04:26:54 amMy AI DJ-app auto normalizes the volume to the vocal track embedded in the music (fixes those loudness wars releases) while auto EQ tunes each song so that they all match one constant level you like. IE: Old 70s disco will now have modern deep bass matching songs from the 2000s while some 80s tracks which may have lacking all treble will also be corrected and super-bass mixes from 2010s will be appropriately cut down by just the right amount making every song enjoyable on a level playing field.

author: mengfei
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2024, 01:49:59 am
content: Just got me a RED LIGHT therapy LED Belt if that counts as a Fitness Tech

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2024, 04:06:52 am
content: Quote from: mengfei on September 02, 2024, 01:49:59 amShow us an example.Are you talking about those IR LED heating pads?

author: mengfei
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2024, 09:36:46 am
content: similar to this, not sure if the tech is proven or some placebo effect, anyways will give it a shot at my shoulder pain that existed for years!

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2024, 07:01:06 pm
content: Quote from: mengfei on September 02, 2024, 09:36:46 amSo long as you do not burn yourself, a regular heating pad will be more effective. Do not become reliant on it.If your pain is in the joint, then it may be arthritis inflammation. You may be stuck with it, though heating pads still help.If it is in the muscle and/or circulation, then there are exercises which will get rid of the pain, done right, it can be eliminated.Note that for this, you need to rip some muscle, IE lift weights and/or use resistance bands in a properly controlled fashion.If you do not normally lift weights or know how to properly do so, using exercise machines at a gym which target the muscle groups which you are having trouble with would be best as the proper exercise machines are designed to correct form and rehabilitation where normal weight lifting is better for overall bulk and those already experienced in the art.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2024, 11:18:15 pm
content: Quote from: mengfei on September 02, 2024, 09:36:46 amThis is a proper shoulder joint heating pad for those with deep joint arthritis: (ibuprofen helps with this type of pain.)https://comfytemp.com/products/shoulder-heating-pads-for-rotator-cuff-with-3-heat-settings?srsltid=AfmBOopb9vZF7eVfeb7LPmzPFa2MgKSEv4OBVCUEPhzAr7PSgbqPus4uIf the pain is central in your arm, just wrap a normal rectangular heating pad around it. This is the type of muscular aches where muscle building can eliminate the problem over a couple of month of progressively grueling training.

author: Postal2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2024, 08:41:47 am
content: Quote from: BrianHG on September 03, 2024, 11:18:15 pmKetanov (ketorolac tromethamine) helps with this type of pain. Ibuprofen is too weak.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2024, 06:58:37 pm
content: Hmmm, just bumped into this new thing:https://www.lumen.me/Supposedly, before you workout or in the morning, you breathe into it.It will tell you if you are burning carbs or fat, IE in a glucose deficit.I'll need to do some research on this, I do not know if it is useful or a gimmick at 300$...The reviews are those typical of being ones to just push the narrative they have been given in a press-kit without doing their own proper 18 month research study with a huge double-blind group to prove what they are being told is truly accurate.(Not that I wouldn't do the same in their shoes, it's just how things go today...)

author: abeyer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2024, 07:43:17 pm
content: Quote from: BrianHG on September 17, 2024, 06:58:37 pmTheir whole restricting the ability to use the thing you already bought behind a login and monthly subscription is an instant "gimmick" assessment from me, even if it were otherwise useful.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2024, 08:18:20 pm
content: New smart home gym review: "The Speediance Gym Monster 2"(I want one, and just 2 days ago, I blew out my lower back, so, no go for now)

author: Coordonnée_chromatique
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 11:03:40 am
content: Probably out of service before 10 years... as your EV car battery, your smart home devices, your watch, garden appliance batteries...Then is exported in the emergent countries by large boats to harm the local population be dissemined in the environement by batches of 10 years

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 11:26:29 am
content: Quote from: BrianHG on November 11, 2024, 08:18:20 pmThese sort of tech that I'm really looking forward. I only do free-weights lifting now, because machines are very bulky. The good ones, that provide a smooth movement use a 2:1 reduction ratio, meaning that they move twice the amount of weight with a pulley reduction. Otherwise 1:1 it's just awkward, the weight just moves uncomfortably. Which means an adult men might need a lot of iron on these machines. And the price of iron as everything else just skyrocketed, something like 3EUR/kg for these weights is now normal. Plus you need to move this in place. And reconfigure it between each exercise, can be really a pain to do. And then they don't do deadlifts, which could be another 150kg of weight.Instead, they can place a tiny electric motor/generator on these and provide the resistance electrically. The resistance curve can be anything, it's not dictated by gravity or angle of pull. There has been a lot of research going into this recently, and standard exercises are far from optimal.So yeah, I'm looking forward when I can just wrestle robocop at home.

author: Coordonnée_chromatique
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 12:20:06 pm
content: Quote from: tszaboo on November 12, 2024, 11:26:29 amThe motor controlled movement is a great idea and the concept is fantastic, the life expectancy of the electronics is not the problem, but will people be able service theses systems in 10 years ? anyone can perform it for a reasonnable price here ?The commercial machines are designed to be sturdy and IMHO it kills all designs whatever they are good or bad, you should try with some high efficiency moving parts because a large part of the negative movement (al also the positive, a tad) is eated by the mecanical losses, it kills the feeling and the pleasure.I do bodyweight, iron, pulleys and elecrtical resistance exercices and find them all great in their genres but my large pulleys are on large low friction ball beagings with a Dyneema rope and translates on linear bearing sliders that reduces the mecanical losses to the minimum, it gives the impression that there is no cable at all... super feeling with the load

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 10:13:51 pm
content: Quote from: Coordonnée_chromatique on November 12, 2024, 12:20:06 pmElectric motors have a lifetime to be able to run indefinitely in a fitness setup. You are not generating more than 300W continuously. I don't know if they need some current or just dynamically loading them is sufficient, but for all intends and purposes this shouldn't be a technical part more complicated than: a combination of an electric bike, and a regular cable pulley.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 10:28:24 pm
content: Quote from: tszaboo on November 12, 2024, 10:13:51 pmThe motors will last especially if they are brushless.Also, even my treadmill motor lasted over 15 years, no problem and that one does have brushes.

author: Coordonnée_chromatique
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 06:47:49 am
content: Hello, why focus on the motor when everyone here knows that the reiability problem will come from the elecronics, everything in this appliance is energized by an SMPS that have a life expectancy under 10 years, the percentage of people able to open the appliance to repair it in 10 years is close to zero.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 08:48:48 am
content: Quote from: Coordonnée_chromatique on November 13, 2024, 06:47:49 amSo? Many devices come with a plug pack, you replace that. I've seen some fancy fitness brand selling their electric cable machine with USB-C charging.Quote from: BrianHG on November 12, 2024, 10:28:24 pmExactly, brushless electric motors are amongst the most reliable moving parts.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 10:35:31 am
content: Ok, I think we shouldn't be arguing the lifetime sturdiness of the devices electronics.I still daily drive my old Mitsubishi crt PC monitor Diamond Pro 2070SB from 2002. That's 22 years of operation and the picture is still as good as day 1 While I had to replace a bunch of caps in my Flattron WD2442PA monitor after 5 years of use to keep it going because the switchmode caps chosen were operated right at their edge in a hot environment.This thread is about all the different new fitness tech goodies, not how long a particular manufacturer's design will last. Please try to keep to the topic at hand.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 11:05:13 am
content: Quote from: BrianHG on November 13, 2024, 10:35:31 amGreat monitors!

author: Coordonnée_chromatique
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 03:19:45 pm
content: Quote from: BrianHG on November 13, 2024, 10:35:31 amSorry for the digression, it is a little fun to compare a CRT and a BDLC motor controller but i'm perhaps biased after 20 years in the automation industry.Here is my last fitness goodie, you program your recovery time by turning the big button, tap on it to start or stop the timer. A must have for those who love simple and pratical technology.It keeps the last setting forever and the have a big display, you just have to tap on it !https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005005858891753.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.56.50c25e5bC9nLGt&gatewayAdapt=glo2fra

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2024, 02:52:35 am
content: Oh man, I can understand the sauna, but the refrigerated ice pool?You would never catch me in one of those and I'm from Canada...

author: Coordonnée_chromatique
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2024, 07:44:36 am
content: HXD-ERGO Ergonomic Handles, totally underated product IMOThey are relatively cheap and the grip gain is huge, i was not able to handle 40Kg because of my fingers were sliding on the bar (large hands and thin fingers) 60Kg with this product, 20Kg of immediate gain.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2024, 11:32:32 pm
content: Waterproof bone conducting headphones for swimming: (Had no clue this existed...)

author: Coordonnée_chromatique
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2024, 06:46:35 pm
content: Open ear neckleband headphones, have you ever try to listen some music in an intensive anaerobic effort ?Could you show an estimated HTRF ?PS: sorry it is an engineer forum

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2024, 06:55:15 pm
content: Quote from: BrianHG on November 15, 2024, 11:32:32 pmEvery now and then I see people use these in the pool. But not many. For open water swimming I would recommend to keep your ears open to listen for boats, jetskis, etc getting too close.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2024, 09:01:19 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 16, 2024, 06:55:15 pmBone conducting headphone do not cover your ears. They send the sound through your skull.See:

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2024, 09:09:22 pm
content: Quote from: Coordonnée_chromatique on November 16, 2024, 06:46:35 pmYes I have and use music religiously. However, I use over the ear headphones like these:And at times, I make it really loud...The purpose of waterproof bone conducting earphones is the audio remains the same quality underwater.I would not use bone conducting earphones for any sense of sound quality. They exist just to have open ears.

author: Coordonnée_chromatique
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2024, 08:00:59 am
content: Ok, supra aural open tranducers... it is for indoor only ?With a road bicycle at an average speed of 35km/h the wind noise is louder than music at 80dB with a pair of ocluded ears IEMS (sealed and balanced armatures), an effort of 4 hours at more than that level will harm your hearingThe bones conductor transducers have a HTRF issue, and people should be aware of it before be decieved and make a bad reputation to a good technology for no reason IMO

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2024, 06:35:46 pm
content: Quote from: Coordonnée_chromatique on November 17, 2024, 08:00:59 amOutdoors, I use old wired in-ear headphones.(One day I need to upgrade wireless??? My last wired pair will die soon... Shit, there goes any semblance of sound quality at volume.)I tried my large Grado SR-80 ones I use on my indoor bike outdoors, held down by a tuke on cold days. They muffled the wind and warmed the ears by just enough, but I damaged a pair on warmer sweaty days and without the tuke, and they weren't held perfectly in place when I'm in the praying mantis position during wind gusts.When I say I go loud, it is only during key moments during the workout.

author: Coordonnée_chromatique
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2024, 07:16:19 am
content: I have a confidence Brian, humans are unable to do anything without destroying themsewes and their percetion of it is only a matter of a scale, it is always too little or too big for them to see it

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2024, 11:36:13 pm
content: Apple Watch's Calorie Burn vs Sports Lab.Depending on activity, your apple watch will regularly feed you false data.Note that those cycling using power meters, I believe the formula is multiply your workout's wattage by 3.6 to get the number of calories you burned.Google quote: Energy (kcal) = Average Power (W) X Duration (Hours) X 3.6Hmm, if I do a 300watt workout for 1 hour, then I burned around 1080 calories, this sounds about right.I think average power should be replaced with total power and get rid of the time hours multiplier.(Hmmm, nobody caught my original mistake of calculating time in minutes instead of hours...)

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 03:05:36 am
content: Best Smartwatch for Heart Rate? Scientific Test of 50 Smartwatches!