Fitness
The Best New Beach Essentials of Summer 2021
Published
3 years agoon
By
Terry Power
Looking to upgrade your beach game? Sure, going with people you love is great and all, but the real secret to a better time is having the right beachfront accoutrements. Comfy chairs, quick-drying towels, and coolers that deliver on their promise to, you know, keep your beverages icy cold—all of these are crucial summer 2021 beach essentials.
If you’re still using that rusted beach chair from 1983 and tugging along your Uncle Bob’s dollar store cooler, it’s time to upgrade. Below, our favorite new beach essentials of summer 2021.
The Best Beach Essentials of Summer 2021
1. SUNFLOW Chair
A great beach day is 30 percent weather, 30 percent company, and 30 percent being comfortable (the other 10 is getting a damn parking spot). This lounger has quickly become a fan-favorite with easy-to-carry backpack straps, rust-resistant aluminum, and 22 colors and patterns to suit your style. For $296, upgrade to SUNFLOW’s Beach Bundle; it includes a sun shade, drink holder, dry bag to keep your wallet, electronics, and the like shielded from water and sand, and a beach towel.
[$198; GetSunflow.com]
2. Merrell Hydro Moc
There’s a good reason these kicks have been compared to the Yeezy Foam Runner and dubbed a cooler version of the Croc. The waterproof Hydro Moc is easy to put on and kick off. It can take you from hiking to the swimming hole—hell, power walk from the shore straight into the water. The rubber-like shoe features a contoured arch with an articulated heel and strap for added support.
[$50; merrell.com]
3. SPOTMYUV
Using a skin-mimicking innovation called Dermatrue, these stickers absorb sunscreen and wear off, gradually changing purple when it’s time to reapply SPF. They’re great for long beach days, but we’re also throwing ’em in our hiking pack too.
[$35 for 6; amazon.com]
4. Hydro Flask 20-Liter Day Escape Pack
After just one trip, you’ll question how you survived a trip to the beach without this handsomely designed backpack cooler. It weighs in at just 48 ounces but holds up to 36 cans without ice. We like the convenient handles and built-in attachment loops if you want to strap on extra gear (like Hydro Flask’s waterproof Dry Storage vessel). Whatever you’re hauling, this cooler keeps things cold for up to a day and a half to ensure your sunset toast or hydration lasts more than a full beach day.
[$200; hydroflask.com]
5. BottleKeeper CanKeeper 3-in-1
See a theme here with our love for cold drinks? Needless to say, nothing ruins a beach day like lukewarm beverages. New to BottleKeeper’s 2021 lineup, this product keeps your 12-ounce regular and slims cans as well as 16-ounce tall boys refreshingly cold for hours thanks to its double-walled, vacuum-insulated design.
[$40; bottlekeeper.com]
6. GoPro Mezcal Sunglasses
These polarized sunglasses float in both salt and fresh water, and are super durable to boot. They offer 100 percent UV A/B protection and come with three interchangeable lenses: a blue-mirror finish to enhance detail and color in low-light conditions, a bronze-mirror finish to enhance detail and color on the water, and gray for true-to-life color and reduced glare on sunny days.
[$80; gopro.com]
7. Coolibar UPF 50+ 6 Foot Intego Beach Umbrella
We’re big into this umbrella for how lightweight and portable it is (5.4 pounds and collapsible to 45 inches, respectively). We’d be remiss not to mention its first-rate durability and the fact it blocks UVA/UVB rays from above, and helps reduce the sun’s rays that reflect off sand and water.
[$79; amazon.com]
8. SAXX Underwear “Oh Buoy” Collection
These five-inch baggy swim trunks come with an interior pouch to create separation between your cajones and thighs for chafe-free bliss. You’ll dig the moisture-wicking fabric, rear patch pocket with security key loop, front pockets, plus an extra pocket on the leg, and the mesh liner.
[$70; saxxunderwear.com]
9. American Blossom Linens Organic Beach Throw
Using an old bed sheet to sprawl out on? Ditch it for these stylish blankets. They’re inspired by a traditional Japanese stitch and made entirely with organic Supima cotton from California. Pack into a tote; it does a stellar job keeping you warm when the temperature cools in the evening—or to protect scorched shoulders.
[$169; americanblossomlinens.com]
10. Everyday California Midnight Palm Boardshorts
In the market for a new pair of board shorts? These sporty shorts come equipped with an elastic waist, side hip pockets, and a back patch pocket. One percent of each purchase benefits a variety of environmental nonprofits through the brand’s partnership with 1% for the Planet.
[$48; everydaycalifornia.com]
11. Wildhorn Outfitters Akulmal Beach Towel
Every sand sitter needs a good beach towel. Oversized, quick to dry, and made from 75 percent recycled bottles, this thick towel is also great for poolside outings. The storage bag doubles as a vessel for sunscreen, books, and whatever your day’s adventure at the beach requires.
[$30; amazon.com]
12. Sierra Designs Deluxe Collapsible Wagon
Don’t knock a kid’s toy until you use it to haul your six-packs. This wagon can schlep up to 180 pounds of beach victuals to your strip of oceanfront real estate. When you’re back home or at your vacation rental, the collapsible frame (made of durable steel) keeps its storage footprint small. More to love: A rear folding table, molded cup holders, and a designated space to stash your phone.
[$80; target.com]
13. Slowtide Hayden Changing Poncho
This is one of our favorites for days when you’re at the beach from dawn to dusk. Allowing you to change out of your wetsuit or board shorts with hidden internal access pockets, this cotton terry poncho is like enshrouding yourself in the softest of towels. For storage, there’s a kangaroo pocket and snap front packet with drawcords. It’s certainly more stylish than your neon green rash guard.
[$80; slowtide.co]
14. RITC Beach Tote Bag
This versatile bag is waterproof and puncture-resistant, featuring a water-resistant pocket on the interior to keep your watch, wallet, phone, and the like safe. When you’ve closed up shop for the evening, hose off the bag and you’re good to go. Bonus: The padded handle makes heavy loads more bearable.
[from $45; rticoutdoors.com]
15. YETI Tundra Haul Hard Cooler
Recently launched in Aquifer Blue, this is YETI’s first cooler on wheels, and it doesn’t disappoint. With first-rate insulation, this two-wheeled cooler is a must-have for beach gatherings (not to mention fishing trips). If you don’t opt for the limited-edition turquoise shade, go for white, which can be customized with a collegiate or MLB logo of your choosing.
[$400; yeti.com]
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There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
[$10.99 for a six-pack; deschutesbrewery.com]
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Fitness
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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Fitness
The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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