Your Headset Mic - Getting it on right!
Fitness headset microphones take an awful lot of abuse. We sweat, scream, and spit into them. At the end of our class when we hit shower that poor mic is still out there doing another class. We work our mics so hard it borders on abuse. Is it any surprise we have so many problems with them? But you can help. With a little bit of care you can have of trouble free performance from your mic system.
Most group fitness headset microphones for are designed to sit at the side of your face about two finger's width away from the corner of your mouth, or slightly in front and to the side of mouth, not directly in front as with most head worn singer's microphones. This helps to avoid amplifying breath noises and blowing spit into the mic capsule as you teach.
If you need to confirm that the mic is working after you have turned on the transmitter and checked that the mixer and sound system are all set to go then, whatever you do, NEVER blow into the microphone to test it!
Blowing hard into the delicate microphone capsule is the easiest way to damage it.
A simple "test - one - two" is all you need to say and you won't risk being the cause of expensive, unnecessary repairs.
After use, always remove the foam windscreen from the mic, gently wipe any sweat from the mic, and remove the body pack transmitter from your pouch belt. To store the system when not in use, hang the headset microphone on a hook 1m(3ft) above a shelf for the transmitter so that the headset's cable is kept as straight as possible. Do not coil or kink the cable.
A few simple steps:
1) Don't put the mic capsule directly in front of you mouth.
2) Never blown into the microphone.
3) If your mic was design to use a foam windscreen then always use one.
4) Always use a neoprene transmitter pouch belt.
5) Always remove the windscreen after use.
6) Always remove the body pack transmitter from the pouch belt.
7) Hang the mic when not in use. Do not coil or kink the cable.
Feedback (that squealing or howling sound) occurs when the microphone is too loud, the music is too loud for the microphone or you are too close to the speakers. In most cases turning the microphone level down or moving away from the speakers will stop the howling so just adjust the levels to get the right mix of voice over music without the howls. If the problem persists you may need to reposition your speakers to make sure that they are not 'firing' straight back at you. We also find that better quality speakers are less prone to feedback.
If feedback persists because of the room's architecture (full of mirrors, windows, a polished wood floor and brick upper walls) or your speaker types (ie: some horn tweeters) then there are a selection of feedback exterminator devices or 31 band graphic equalizers available as an add-on component that fits between the Wireless Microphone Receiver and the Mixer, that will filter out those annoying squeals.
When used correctly, headset microphones that were designed for group fitness use will give you many years of trouble free service. Take care of your fitness microphone and it will take care of you.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Finding the Right Trampoline For You
Trampolining is a great way to get fit while having fun, but how do you find the right trampoline for you? Like so many other products these days, including fitness equipment, there is such a vast array of shapes and sizes available that any choice can seem completely overwhelming. But if a trampoline seems like the right fun and fitness choice for you, here are a few tips to bear in mind before you step into the store.
Buying the wrong type of fitness equipment can result in serious injury, so it is always worthwhile investing some time and energy in finding not only the right trampoline for you, but also one that is constructed to the very highest safety standards. Be sure to do some research on the trampoline’s manufacturer before you sign on the dotted line, making sure that they have a reputation for producing high quality goods. Also be sure to find out if the manufacturer or retailer offers a warranty and/or return policy, just in case some flaw should exist in your trampoline.
Any piece of fitness equipment will only be as well used as it is suited to you, so before you buy, be sure to have thought thoroughly about your trampoline expectations. Some basic traits relate to the high quality construction mentioned above, such as a sturdy frame and a taut base that will allow you bounce to your heart’s content. Above and beyond this, personal taste comes into play. Do you want to use your trampoline indoors, or outdoors? Do you want to share the jumping experience alone, or with others? All these factors will help you decide what style of trampoline is best for you.
Choosing the right trampoline can allow you bounce your way to health and fitness, so be sure to invest some time examining the market to find the best trampoline for you. While we all love a bargain, remember that you usually get what you pay for, so don’t shy away from paying a little more to get a sturdier trampoline, especially if you anticipate heavy usage. When you know you have made the right choice, there will be no limits to your fitness fun, and you will bounce yourself all the way to better health.
Buying the wrong type of fitness equipment can result in serious injury, so it is always worthwhile investing some time and energy in finding not only the right trampoline for you, but also one that is constructed to the very highest safety standards. Be sure to do some research on the trampoline’s manufacturer before you sign on the dotted line, making sure that they have a reputation for producing high quality goods. Also be sure to find out if the manufacturer or retailer offers a warranty and/or return policy, just in case some flaw should exist in your trampoline.
Any piece of fitness equipment will only be as well used as it is suited to you, so before you buy, be sure to have thought thoroughly about your trampoline expectations. Some basic traits relate to the high quality construction mentioned above, such as a sturdy frame and a taut base that will allow you bounce to your heart’s content. Above and beyond this, personal taste comes into play. Do you want to use your trampoline indoors, or outdoors? Do you want to share the jumping experience alone, or with others? All these factors will help you decide what style of trampoline is best for you.
Choosing the right trampoline can allow you bounce your way to health and fitness, so be sure to invest some time examining the market to find the best trampoline for you. While we all love a bargain, remember that you usually get what you pay for, so don’t shy away from paying a little more to get a sturdier trampoline, especially if you anticipate heavy usage. When you know you have made the right choice, there will be no limits to your fitness fun, and you will bounce yourself all the way to better health.
Home Gyms Can Improve Your Relationship With Your Partner!
Yes you read it right, home gyms can improve your relationship with your
partner! But how?.... you must be thinking, well if you can carry on reading I
will enlighten you with this important information. Gyms at home are highly underrated, there are a wide choice available on the market, weider home gyms are one of many if you are looking to purchase quality discount home gyms.
So how can a gym improve your relationship? well that is easy. Owning a home gym has many benefits:
-You save money on gym memberships
-You can workout at home any time you wish
-Your own home gym is open 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week
-You get rid of that unslightly fat and put on some lean muscle
-Your health, strength and stamina increase
Voila! there it is, now your partner can have nothing to complain about ever
again.
There are things you need to take into consideration when buying a home gym.
You need look at your budget, a quality gym thats going to last a lifetime isn't
cheap - but it is a cost you won't have to endure again. The higher end gym
equipment comes with a lot of warranty and some even go as far as giving you lifetime warranties on certain parts of the gym, which considering the price you paid is expected.
You need to think about space. Do you have the room in your home for gym
equipment? you don't want to start setting up your gym and find it is not going to fit! I suppose you could always extend your home to give your equipment room to breath.
Don't always go for the cheap equipment, money saving is admirable but
throwing it away is plain stupid. Look for the discount deals on higher end gyms and there are always discounts and special offers, a little browsing through some great sites will help you find the very best equipment. Finally you want a gym that looks good in your home and doesn't stick out like
a sore thumb compared with the rest of the decor.
partner! But how?.... you must be thinking, well if you can carry on reading I
will enlighten you with this important information. Gyms at home are highly underrated, there are a wide choice available on the market, weider home gyms are one of many if you are looking to purchase quality discount home gyms.
So how can a gym improve your relationship? well that is easy. Owning a home gym has many benefits:
-You save money on gym memberships
-You can workout at home any time you wish
-Your own home gym is open 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week
-You get rid of that unslightly fat and put on some lean muscle
-Your health, strength and stamina increase
Voila! there it is, now your partner can have nothing to complain about ever
again.
There are things you need to take into consideration when buying a home gym.
You need look at your budget, a quality gym thats going to last a lifetime isn't
cheap - but it is a cost you won't have to endure again. The higher end gym
equipment comes with a lot of warranty and some even go as far as giving you lifetime warranties on certain parts of the gym, which considering the price you paid is expected.
You need to think about space. Do you have the room in your home for gym
equipment? you don't want to start setting up your gym and find it is not going to fit! I suppose you could always extend your home to give your equipment room to breath.
Don't always go for the cheap equipment, money saving is admirable but
throwing it away is plain stupid. Look for the discount deals on higher end gyms and there are always discounts and special offers, a little browsing through some great sites will help you find the very best equipment. Finally you want a gym that looks good in your home and doesn't stick out like
a sore thumb compared with the rest of the decor.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Home Gyms - Advantages of Having Your Own Home Gym
If you want to commit to a fitness lifestyle but your current lifestyle and commitments keep you from getting to the gym, then you may want to create the possibility of setting up your own home gym. I’m sure we would all like to make fitness a full time priority. However, that it becomes challenging (especially if you have daily commitments). We understand that we need to work out and be persistent with our efforts. However, we have little time blocked out to do it.
This is where a home gym can be effective for you. Don’t get me wrong, gym memberships are a great thing to have as well. However, having an area to set aside to exercise can be a valuable asset to people that make fitness a high priority. In this article I would like to discuss three advantages of having your own home gym:
Flexibility is a benefit that can have major impact on our lives. You will be able keep your commitment to your fitness. With Home Gyms, you can work out at any time. You will also have less time constraints to skip work outs. Home gyms are also a time saver for weekends. You can only allocate a half hour of your schedule to weight lifting and then spend the rest of the time being with your family.
A perfect example of the flexibility of a home gym is when you experience an un-expected schedule change. If you wake up late and miss your opportunity to go to your gym, you could always get a quick work out at home before you leave for work. You could also use this advantage at night time as well. If you miss your morning workout, you can always work out in the evening when you get home from work.
Privacy is also and advantage when you have your own home gym. I find the most important benefit to having privacy is that you get to focus on your routine. Since there is less chance of socialization (than there would be at the gym), you can really dial into your work out. Also, you can watch or listen to what ever you want while you’re working out.
Finally, the best part of having a home gym is that you have control. For example, a gym membership is an expense. If for some reason life throws you a curveball where you have to cancel your membership for any reason, you can use your home set up to your advantage. Your health would not be a casualty.
One downside to having a home gym is that the equipment can be expensive. So it is important to do proper research on gym equipment. You do not have to buy expensive items for your home gym if you don’t want too. You could buy basic weights and a bench to start off with and then get more equipment as your financial situation allows for it.
So if you’re a person with many daily commitments and can’t make it to the gym all the time, then consider investing in home gym.
This is where a home gym can be effective for you. Don’t get me wrong, gym memberships are a great thing to have as well. However, having an area to set aside to exercise can be a valuable asset to people that make fitness a high priority. In this article I would like to discuss three advantages of having your own home gym:
Flexibility is a benefit that can have major impact on our lives. You will be able keep your commitment to your fitness. With Home Gyms, you can work out at any time. You will also have less time constraints to skip work outs. Home gyms are also a time saver for weekends. You can only allocate a half hour of your schedule to weight lifting and then spend the rest of the time being with your family.
A perfect example of the flexibility of a home gym is when you experience an un-expected schedule change. If you wake up late and miss your opportunity to go to your gym, you could always get a quick work out at home before you leave for work. You could also use this advantage at night time as well. If you miss your morning workout, you can always work out in the evening when you get home from work.
Privacy is also and advantage when you have your own home gym. I find the most important benefit to having privacy is that you get to focus on your routine. Since there is less chance of socialization (than there would be at the gym), you can really dial into your work out. Also, you can watch or listen to what ever you want while you’re working out.
Finally, the best part of having a home gym is that you have control. For example, a gym membership is an expense. If for some reason life throws you a curveball where you have to cancel your membership for any reason, you can use your home set up to your advantage. Your health would not be a casualty.
One downside to having a home gym is that the equipment can be expensive. So it is important to do proper research on gym equipment. You do not have to buy expensive items for your home gym if you don’t want too. You could buy basic weights and a bench to start off with and then get more equipment as your financial situation allows for it.
So if you’re a person with many daily commitments and can’t make it to the gym all the time, then consider investing in home gym.
Exercise Bikes - What's on The Market
There are available two types of exercise bikes. The upright bike is stationary and it resembles a typical road bike. Added stress is put on the joints because the pedals are positioned below the rider. The pedals of the recumbent bike are out in front of the rider so that pedaling is more natural and less stressful on the hips and knees and the seat resembles a chair.
There are other styles of bikes available as well. There are double action upright exercise bikes that have moveable handlebars or arm handles. Your arms as well as your legs are used on this bike. This bike will provide you with aerobic activity and upper body toning. Some variety can be found with resistance bikes also.
The resistance on Direct tension bikes can be adjusted manually. An exercise bike with flywheels has a cycling very much like regular biking. The resistance of air resistance bikes get it by pedaling against the airflow of a fan blade.
Out of all resistance exercise bikes, the magnetic frictionless resistance bikes are the most sophisticated. Resistance bikes are the most advanced resistance bikes. A greater variety of workout levels can be had on this bikes.
The feedback mechanisms show the following readouts: speed, time, distance, total calories and fat burned, program mode, resistance levels, pulse, heart rate, and work out level (RPM, watts, METS, mpm’s, and mph/kph). Your needs and wants will determine the bike you choose buy. Your choice of bikes will also depend on the type of workout you want.
You will get a great cardio workout that focuses on the quadriceps. On a recumbent bike you are seated in a reclining position. Your legs are out in front of you and your back is supported by the seat. The hamstrings and the glutes are given a workout. A recumbent bike is much easier on your lower back.
Upright bikes could come with handlebars the move back and forth in a rowing like motion. This motion will work your arms, your chest, your abs and your back muscles. These bikes will give you a terrific cardiovascular workout as well as a calorie burning experience.
Your size should be matched to the bike. Exercise bikes can be easily adjusted for almost any body type. Exercise bikes are used by people for a variety of reasons. In the off season, cyclists often use them to maintain their level of fitness. Because many people feel embarrassed about exercising in front of people they use them at home.
To promote healing and the regaining of the use of knee and hip joints, physical therapy programs also use exercise bikes. They are also used by some cardiac rehabilitation programs to improve endurance and greater cardiac health.
If you go to Wal-mart, Sears, or sports stores and if you look online you will be able to buy an exercise bike. When buying them from a store it’s much easier to get a bike that matches your space your budget, and your body size. You might not always get what you want when getting online.
The bike may be bigger or smaller and without the exact specs than what you ordered. Ordering online has another issue, the taking delivery of your order. In most cases the delivery company will leave it at your door and you will have to bring it in and put it together.
Unless you contract with someone to do the entire process including setting it up, this is also true of buying it in a store. Service contracts can be purchased in stores like Sears, in case there is a problem. Regardless of your reasons for buying an exercise bike it will only work if you use it.
As with any exercise program check with your doctor and make sure that you are healthy enough to exercise. Your endurance will improve if you start out slow. Be healthy, have fun, and be safe.
There are other styles of bikes available as well. There are double action upright exercise bikes that have moveable handlebars or arm handles. Your arms as well as your legs are used on this bike. This bike will provide you with aerobic activity and upper body toning. Some variety can be found with resistance bikes also.
The resistance on Direct tension bikes can be adjusted manually. An exercise bike with flywheels has a cycling very much like regular biking. The resistance of air resistance bikes get it by pedaling against the airflow of a fan blade.
Out of all resistance exercise bikes, the magnetic frictionless resistance bikes are the most sophisticated. Resistance bikes are the most advanced resistance bikes. A greater variety of workout levels can be had on this bikes.
The feedback mechanisms show the following readouts: speed, time, distance, total calories and fat burned, program mode, resistance levels, pulse, heart rate, and work out level (RPM, watts, METS, mpm’s, and mph/kph). Your needs and wants will determine the bike you choose buy. Your choice of bikes will also depend on the type of workout you want.
You will get a great cardio workout that focuses on the quadriceps. On a recumbent bike you are seated in a reclining position. Your legs are out in front of you and your back is supported by the seat. The hamstrings and the glutes are given a workout. A recumbent bike is much easier on your lower back.
Upright bikes could come with handlebars the move back and forth in a rowing like motion. This motion will work your arms, your chest, your abs and your back muscles. These bikes will give you a terrific cardiovascular workout as well as a calorie burning experience.
Your size should be matched to the bike. Exercise bikes can be easily adjusted for almost any body type. Exercise bikes are used by people for a variety of reasons. In the off season, cyclists often use them to maintain their level of fitness. Because many people feel embarrassed about exercising in front of people they use them at home.
To promote healing and the regaining of the use of knee and hip joints, physical therapy programs also use exercise bikes. They are also used by some cardiac rehabilitation programs to improve endurance and greater cardiac health.
If you go to Wal-mart, Sears, or sports stores and if you look online you will be able to buy an exercise bike. When buying them from a store it’s much easier to get a bike that matches your space your budget, and your body size. You might not always get what you want when getting online.
The bike may be bigger or smaller and without the exact specs than what you ordered. Ordering online has another issue, the taking delivery of your order. In most cases the delivery company will leave it at your door and you will have to bring it in and put it together.
Unless you contract with someone to do the entire process including setting it up, this is also true of buying it in a store. Service contracts can be purchased in stores like Sears, in case there is a problem. Regardless of your reasons for buying an exercise bike it will only work if you use it.
As with any exercise program check with your doctor and make sure that you are healthy enough to exercise. Your endurance will improve if you start out slow. Be healthy, have fun, and be safe.
Monday, March 29, 2010
10-Foot Trampoline: The Best Size for Your Family
A 10-foot trampoline might just be the best size for your family. If you have a small yard and never thought a regular 14-foot trampoline would fit, then buying a 10 foot one might work best for you. Buying trampolines for your kids is becoming more and more popular even for families with a very small yard; a trampoline can turn that small space into a great area of fun.
Trampolines For Sale
When you first begin looking and trampolines in your newspaper and stores you might not know exactly what you are looking for. People who put their used trampolines up for sale are often just interested in finding someone to purchase their used trampoline. They might not even be that concerned about the price they get for it.
The sale price of a used trampoline should reflect the amount of wear and tear the trampoline has been through. If you are specifically shopping for a trampoline of the 10-foot variety then you might have a more difficult time. Consider looking online or shop at a specialty store that carriers all trampoline supplies for all different sizes.
The 10 foot Model
Most trampolines are 14 feet in diameter, so if you are looking for a 10 foot one you might have a difficult time. On the other hand you might find it easier than you though to find a 10 foot rebounder that is in good condition. Most likely this is because the family is upgrading to a 14 foot diameter trampoline.
The 10 foot style trampoline is great as a kids trampoline and a backyard trampoline. You may find it more difficult to locate an enclosed trampoline that comes in a ten foot model. So if you are lucky enough to find one, make sure and purchase the enclosure at the time you buy the trampoline. 10 foot enclosures can be extremely difficult to find.
If you are looking to buy a trampoline to be used as a gymnastic trampoline you probably will not want a 10 foot model. Consider getting an actual rectangular gymnastics trampoline or a bigger 14-foot round trampoline.
Kids Ages
A 10-foot size trampoline is great for smaller kids if you are able to find an enclosure system that will fit it. But it is important to remember that your kids will grow up and you may need to upgrade to a larger trampoline as they grow.
Although, people of all sizes can use a ten-foot model, it is recommended that only one-person jump on it at a time. You should always follow the safety instructions of your trampoline to help prevent injuries and keep your family safe.
Consider the ages and sizes of your children before purchasing a 10-foot model of a trampoline. Most 14 foot trampolines are not much more expensive and will provide more room for you kids to grow into it. But if you have a small yard... the 10-foot style trampoline is the perfect one for you.
Trampolines For Sale
When you first begin looking and trampolines in your newspaper and stores you might not know exactly what you are looking for. People who put their used trampolines up for sale are often just interested in finding someone to purchase their used trampoline. They might not even be that concerned about the price they get for it.
The sale price of a used trampoline should reflect the amount of wear and tear the trampoline has been through. If you are specifically shopping for a trampoline of the 10-foot variety then you might have a more difficult time. Consider looking online or shop at a specialty store that carriers all trampoline supplies for all different sizes.
The 10 foot Model
Most trampolines are 14 feet in diameter, so if you are looking for a 10 foot one you might have a difficult time. On the other hand you might find it easier than you though to find a 10 foot rebounder that is in good condition. Most likely this is because the family is upgrading to a 14 foot diameter trampoline.
The 10 foot style trampoline is great as a kids trampoline and a backyard trampoline. You may find it more difficult to locate an enclosed trampoline that comes in a ten foot model. So if you are lucky enough to find one, make sure and purchase the enclosure at the time you buy the trampoline. 10 foot enclosures can be extremely difficult to find.
If you are looking to buy a trampoline to be used as a gymnastic trampoline you probably will not want a 10 foot model. Consider getting an actual rectangular gymnastics trampoline or a bigger 14-foot round trampoline.
Kids Ages
A 10-foot size trampoline is great for smaller kids if you are able to find an enclosure system that will fit it. But it is important to remember that your kids will grow up and you may need to upgrade to a larger trampoline as they grow.
Although, people of all sizes can use a ten-foot model, it is recommended that only one-person jump on it at a time. You should always follow the safety instructions of your trampoline to help prevent injuries and keep your family safe.
Consider the ages and sizes of your children before purchasing a 10-foot model of a trampoline. Most 14 foot trampolines are not much more expensive and will provide more room for you kids to grow into it. But if you have a small yard... the 10-foot style trampoline is the perfect one for you.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Gym Equipment - which machine works best?
It seems like every time you go to the gym, they’ve got another fancy new machine. The number of ways to build exercise machines seems to be almost endless, and coming up with new ideas for them is a lucrative industry. When you look at gym equipment, though, you can pick out some of the most useful and flexible machines and tools, and separate them from the gimmicks.
The number one piece of gym equipment, without question, has to be weights. Weights are just heavy pieces of metal, and yet are a vital ingredient of almost every gym machine, as well as very useful in their own right. Lifting weights can strengthen the majority of the muscles in your body, if you use a variety of lifting techniques.
Beyond that, many classic gym machines replicate real-world sports and activities in order to exercise your muscles. Treadmills, for example, reproduce walking and running, rowing machines allow you to train your arm muscles without actually going out on the water, and exercise bikes simulate cycling. Punching bags allow you to box without an opponent. Each one of these sports simulations has a specific reason for being included, usually that it is good for a specific muscle group, as well as being useful for people who are actually training for the sport in question.
If you’re thinking of buying gym equipment for your home instead of going to the gym, weights are probably the best thing to get, as they are versatile and compact. Machines like treadmills and exercise bikes can be ten times the size of a set of weights, not to mention ten times the price, yet cannot do as much for you as a simple set of weights can. Try not to get caught up in the latest ‘as seen on TV’ gimmick, as most advertised gym equipment will only do anything for one specific muscle group, and even then probably won’t do much for that. Make sure you know exactly what you’re buying and what it will do for you before you make the investment.
The number one piece of gym equipment, without question, has to be weights. Weights are just heavy pieces of metal, and yet are a vital ingredient of almost every gym machine, as well as very useful in their own right. Lifting weights can strengthen the majority of the muscles in your body, if you use a variety of lifting techniques.
Beyond that, many classic gym machines replicate real-world sports and activities in order to exercise your muscles. Treadmills, for example, reproduce walking and running, rowing machines allow you to train your arm muscles without actually going out on the water, and exercise bikes simulate cycling. Punching bags allow you to box without an opponent. Each one of these sports simulations has a specific reason for being included, usually that it is good for a specific muscle group, as well as being useful for people who are actually training for the sport in question.
If you’re thinking of buying gym equipment for your home instead of going to the gym, weights are probably the best thing to get, as they are versatile and compact. Machines like treadmills and exercise bikes can be ten times the size of a set of weights, not to mention ten times the price, yet cannot do as much for you as a simple set of weights can. Try not to get caught up in the latest ‘as seen on TV’ gimmick, as most advertised gym equipment will only do anything for one specific muscle group, and even then probably won’t do much for that. Make sure you know exactly what you’re buying and what it will do for you before you make the investment.
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