Fitness
This Year’s 7 Best Inflatable Standup Paddleboards
Published
3 years agoon
By
Terry Power
Summer is officially here, meaning there’s no better time than the present to get out and explore your local waterway. Standup paddleboards are the perfect platform on which to explore—they’re easy, fun, and they provide an incredible vantage point. While rigid boards have their time and place to perform, transporting inflatable SUPs is a breeze, and storage is a non-issue. We know there are lots of options out there, so we selected the best inflatable board for every type of standup paddler. Here are seven of our favorites.
Best for Racing
1. Infinity Blackfish Air
If you’re familiar with the standup paddle world, you’ve heard of Infinity. Based out of Dana Point, CA, the brand is well known for its high-end raceboards and a team of talented athletes. Inspired by the popular Blackfish race-board model, the Blackfish Air features a streamlined design that allows it to easily cut through the water. Available in four different size options, and including a pump, repair kit, and fin, the board packs down into a convenient bag, which makes traveling to races across the globe a seamless reality. Although inflatables don’t have a reputation for being the fastest boards in the game, the Blackfish Air is the fastest one I’ve paddled yet.
[$1,299; infinitysurf.com]
Best for Duos
2. Body Glove Tandem Inflatable Paddleboard/Kayak
Body Glove’s tandem inflatable was designed to maximize fun on the water. Ideal for families, couples, and friends, the package includes two removable kayak seats, so the board can be used as a tandem SUP or two-person kayak. Designed for quality and performance, the 15-foot board features triple-layer side rails, a wide design for added stability, two patented water bottle and paddle holders, and upgraded carbon stringers that add stability (while simultaneously making the board faster and lighter). Other thoughtful features include an action camera mount, a leash, cargo bungee, cooler tie-down, high-pressure pump, and two adjustable three-piece SUP paddles that convert to kayak paddles. This board is beyond fun, and transitioning between kayak and SUP modes is a breeze, making it an awesome best of both worlds. Like many inflatables, the only challenge was getting everything to fit back into the bag.
[$1,499; bodyglove.com]
Best for Touring
3. SIC Okeanos Air Glide
Ringing in at 14’x 30”, SIC’s Okeanos Air Glide is not only easy on the eyes, but also ideal for a wide range of paddling activities. The board features a displacement touring shape with a good amount of width to accommodate paddlers of varying skills and sizes, plus a 2+1 fin setup, allowing for different fin configurations. Additionally, the board includes a neoprene center carry handle, a leash/leash plug, bungee tie-downs on the fore and aft deck for maximum storage, a honeycomb EVA deck pad, and an action camera mount on the nose. Although this board is marketed as an all-around/touring model, it paddles similar to a raceboard with a little extra stability. The icing on the cake? The board easily packs down into a wheeled travel bag that makes it easy to transport and it’s available at an affordable price. This one’s a winner.
[$949; sicmaui.com]
Best for Travel
4. Red Paddle Co. 11’0” Compact
Designed specifically with travelers in mind, Red Paddle Co.’s Compact board is a full-sized touring SUP that packs down into an impressively small backpack (560 x 420 x 320mm). The perfect blend of stability and maneuverability, the board features a quad stringer tensioning system, an embossed deck pad, and a diamond-cut rear for added security.
Key features include a unique flat bungee cargo system, ergonomic tubular handles, twin click-in fins, a leash, five-piece paddle, and the Titan II pump—the world’s first purpose-built, double-chamber SUP pump. The compact backpack was designed for maximum comfort and includes padded handles and padded, adjustable shoulder straps. It travels well, though getting the board and accessories back in proved to be challenging. Setup, however, is easy and the board paddles extremely well in a wide range of conditions, including flatwater and surf. Although the included paddle is well designed, it wasn’t well suited for shorter paddlers, which is something we hope will be modified in the future.
[$1,999; redpaddleco.com]
Best for Fishing
5. BOTE HD Aero BugSlinger Echo Inflatable
If fishing from a paddleboard is the dream, BOTE’s HD Aero BugSlinger is designed for exactly that. Measuring 11’6” x 34”, this slinger is incredibly stable with plenty of room for stashing all of your gear. Made with Aero Technology to ensure maximum rigidity and performance, the package includes a three-piece adjustable paddle, a removable 10-inch center fin, hand pump, and a travel bag. Designed with anglers in mind, the board includes sand-spear straps on the deck, a sand-spear sheath for anchoring, plus mounting brackets for your pole and tackle rack. If you don’t have your own kit to carry, BOTE has a solid collection of available add-ons. Although the board is decidedly fish-first, the wide, stable design makes it a solid option for larger or less stable paddlers (remove the sandspear sheath for a better paddling experience). One more factor to note: Due to its size, the board is a bit challenging to carry, so if you’re on the smaller side, consider the Travelink Carry Sling to make for easier transport.
[$999; boteboard.com]
Best for Budget
6. Tower Yachtsman
Featuring a design inspired by the boating world, the Yachtsman utilizes a high-end deck pad with a signature teak wood strip, a 2+1 fin configuration with a removable center fin, three handles and a leash attachment on the tail ring. At 10’4” x 32” x 6”, the board functions as an all-around design with a solid blend of stability and maneuverability—well suited for yoga or simply cruising your local waterway. To keep pricing low, the board doesn’t come with a travel bag or paddle (though available as a package option). There’s something to be said for picking out the specific accessories you want and need, without all the extras. But in the future, we hope they consider adding bungees to the front or rear to make the board more versatile.
[$429; towerpaddleboards.com]
Best All-Around
7. Isle Pioneer
Isle’s best-selling board, the Pioneer, is designed to accommodate all types of paddlers. As such, it features an all-around shape and extra wide design. The board includes nose and tail grab handles, a rounded carry handle, a four-point rear bungee, six-point front bungee, brushed traction pad, a high-pressure valve, and a convenient paddle holder. Also included in the package are a coil leash, nylon touring fin, travel bag, hand pump, and a three-piece adjustable paddle. Measuring in at 10’6” x 34’ x 6”, the board is incredibly stable, making it ideal for beginners, yoga, fishing, or going tandem with a child or dog. While the wide design did wonders for stability, it proved to be a bit cumbersome for more experienced paddlers, so if you’re looking to go fast, this might not be the best fit.
[$620; islesurfandsup.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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