Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts

Sunday 1 May 2022

Investing In NFTs To Flip For A Profit


Flipping is the term used for purchasing an item at a low price and then selling it at a higher price to realize a profit. People have been flipping NFTs for profit over the last few years and you can learn to do this as well.

 

The NFT market is still quite new and there is not much competition right now. Experts are predicting that there is still a lot of growth possible with the NFT market and this is good news as it means that there should be flipping opportunities available for a long time.

 

If you do this right, it is possible to make a profit on an NFT flip in just a few days. It is not always about short-term gain of course. A lot of NFTs will increase in value as they age and it can be a good idea to hang on to some of your investments for a while so that you can get the best price when selling them.

 

Two Important Aspects to NFT Flipping

 

There are no guarantees with NFT investing and flipping. Opportunities do exist but you need to be smart and find them. People are successfully flipping NFTs for profit so always bear this in mind. When you are looking for flipping opportunities always look for these 2 things:

 

1.    An undervalued NFT listed

2.    The expectation that the value of the NFT will increase

 

Don’t try and find NFTs to flip in all of the different niches. It is much better to focus on one niche and really get to know all there is to know about it. Your chances of profiting from NFT flips will go way up when you know a lot about the niche. Decide what niche that you want to focus on and learn all you can about it.

 

Look for NFT Flip Opportunities on Marketplaces

 

You are going to find your NFT flip opportunities on the various marketplaces. The very popular NFT marketplaces like OpenSea and Rarible will tend to have NFTs of lower value. Anything goes on OpenSea and it may be difficult for you to spot opportunities there.

 

If you have chosen a niche like trading cards or sports related NFTs then you need to look on other platforms for flipping opportunities. For anything related to the NBA try their Top Shot platform. Atomic Assets is good for trading card NFTs and there are specialist marketplaces available for in-game NFTs.

 

Digital art is a good NFT market and you can find some flipping opportunities on marketplaces such as Known Origin and Nifty Gateway. If you want to flip high-end digital art then take a look on the SuperRare marketplace to see if any opportunities exist there. 

 

The bottom line here is to use the marketplaces that relate to your chosen niche. We are not saying that it is impossible to find good NFT flipping opportunities on Rarible and OpenSea either. They do exist and you can find them.

 

Bulk Buying and Haggling

 

Another good couple of techniques to use when you are flipping NFTs is to be prepared to purchase them in bulk for a lower price and haggling with NFT creators to reduce the price of their NFTs. Both of these can work well especially if the sellers believe that you are an expert in the niche.

 


How To Create Your First NFT


There is a common misconception about NFTs that you need to be a technical expert to create them. Some people believe that you need to be a programming expert to create an NFT. This is not true at all. Anyone can create an NFT without any technical knowledge at all.

 

In this article, we will explain what you need in order to create your first NFT. There are 6 simple steps that you need to follow to create and list an NFT for sale. We will explain them all here.

 

1. Decide on an NFT Marketplace

 

You will need to use an NFT marketplace to create and sell your NFTs. There are a number of NFT marketplaces available now and more will be available in the near future. Some marketplaces cater to specific audiences and others require that NFT creators are approved before they can mint and list.

 

At the time of writing this article, the largest NFT marketplace is OpenSea.io. This website gets nearly 40 million visitors every month and this is increasing. There are millions of NFTs on the OpenSea marketplace. It is one of the easiest marketplaces to use for the creation and listing of your NFTs.

 

2. Get a Crypto Wallet

 

A crypto wallet is necessary for the creation of your NFTs. It is also necessary to hold the necessary cryptocurrency that you will need to pay listing and gas fees. Most NFTs are found on the Ethereum blockchain, so it is a good idea to have some Ether crypto available in your crypto wallet.


You can setup a crypto wallet for free. The OpenSea marketplace recommends that you go for a MetaMask wallet which is available as a Chrome browser extension. When you create your NFT, you will store details of it in your crypto wallet.

 

3. Convert your Item into an NFT

 

NFT marketplaces such as OpenSea will allow you to use a number of different file formats to create an NFT. If you are creating a digital art NFT then you can use a JPG, GIF or PNG file. For movies you can usually upload an mp4 file and for music you can use an mp3 or WAV file.

 

If you need to convert your item into one of the supported file formats then you need to do this before you create your NFT. You may have a video clip that is in another format than mp4 for example. 

 

4. Collection Creation

 

The next step is to create a collection on the NFT marketplace. Give your collection a name and provide a description that will encourage users of the marketplace to check out your NFTs. You can add an image to your collection as well to make it more appealing.

 

5. Digital Token Creation

 

With your collection created you are now ready to create or “mint” your NFT. You can only create one NFT at a time. Check to see what file formats are supported and also not any upload limits (on OpenSea this is 100 MB). 

 

Upload your item from your computer and add all of the associated metadata. You have now created your first NFT!

 

6. List your NFT 

 

The final step is to list your NFT for sale. Some NFT marketplaces charge a listing fee so you need to check this. You will need to have your NFT verified and approved but usually this is a formality.

 


How Do NFTs Work?


Anyone that wants to venture into the world of NFTs to make money needs to know how they work. A lot of people make costly mistakes with NFTs because they do not really understand how they work. In this article, we will provide you with an overview of how NFTs work.

 

Public Keys and Private Keys for Identification and Security

 

We will use layman’s terms as much as possible in this article to describe how NFTs work but there are some technical elements that you need to understand. An NFT must be on a blockchain network and we will explain more about this below.

 

Security for NFTs comes from the use of cryptography. This means that all NFTs must be modified in a unique way. The recipients of the NFTs are able to view them in detail but to others they will just seem like a lot of randomly used characters.

 

A public key and a private key are used to provide the cryptography with NFTs. All blockchain users will have a public key that they can share with any other users. An NFT is encrypted and the only way to unlock this encryption is through the use of the public and private keys that are associated with it.

 

You will create a unique digital signature by using both your public and private keys. This is a fundamental element in blockchain technology. It ensures that all records are immutable and that transactions are anonymous, authentic and secure.

 

NFTs must use a Blockchain Network

 

It is only possible to create NFTs on a blockchain network. Blockchain technology deploys cryptography to form chains of data blocks which will grow into a list of verifiable records. Each block is linked to the previous one using a cryptographic string or hash.


All of this means that a blockchain network user can identify unique sets of data within blocks. There is a special structure used for the data known as the Merkle tree. This is used because it allows retrieval of records from a blockchain to happen fast.

 

Blockchain networks such as Ethereum can be used to support both non-fungible assets (NFTs) and fungible assets such as units of Ether. The use of blockchain technology provides the necessary verification that an NFT is really unique. All NFTs are tokens store in a blockchain network.

 

You need a Crypto (Digital) Wallet to store and trade NFTs

 

When you create an NFT on a blockchain network you need to be able to store information about it for later retrieval. This is achieved through the use of a crypto wallet. There are online and offline versions of digital wallets available. Some of these are free while others are available at a premium.

 

People use crypto wallets for exchanging fiat currencies like the USD dollar for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether. You can use your crypto wallet for storing the details of the NFTs you have created and any that you have purchased and now own.

 

If someone purchase one of your NFTs then you will release the token for it to the buyer after receiving payment. This provides proof of ownership. Any NFT trade will require the use of a crypto wallet to store the relevant tokens. 



Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) 101


In this Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) 101 we will share with you the basics that you need to know about the NFT world. You can then use this knowledge to explore the world of NFTs more and even get involved in the creation, buying and selling of them.

 

A Unique Digital Certificate

 

An NFT is a digital certificate that is unique and stored on a blockchain such as the Ethereum network. This digital certificate details certain ownership rights for the digital asset. An example of an NFT could be a piece of digital art.

 

The digital world is renowned for copying. It is essential to have something like an NFT which cannot be copied to prove ownership of an asset. Only one person can own an NFT at a time. They can sell their NFTs to other people and they become the sole owner. This does not stop an NFT being copied but it will never be the genuine article.

 

Non-Fungible Versus Fungible

 

An NFT is a non-fungible asset. This means that everyone is unique and has a different value. Cryptocurrencies such as Ether and Bitcoin are fungible. You can hold many units of these currencies and they have the same value. It is the same in the fiat currency world with the $1 bill for example.

 

NFTs created with Smart Contracts

 

The correct term for creating NFTs is “minting”. All NFTs are minted in association with a smart contract. Smart contracts are programs that are store on blockchain networks. You can use a smart contract to define things about an NFT.

 

One of the major benefits of NFTs is that the creators can retain the original contract and add royalties for additional income. A buyer that purchases an NFT may want to resell this in the future. When the resale transaction occurs, the original NFT creator can receive a commission on the sale. This is all in the smart contract of the NFT.

 

You need a Crypto Wallet (Digital Wallet) for NFTs

 

If you want to create your own NFTs, buy them or sell them, you will need a crypto wallet to do this. NFT creators can store the token information in their crypto wallet. When someone purchases an NFT, the token will pass to their crypto wallet.

 

The blockchain network where the NFT is stored is used to enact any transactions. What is happening here is that the ownership of an NFT is transferred from one crypto wallet to another. Crypto wallets are also used to store cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin and Ether.

 

NFTs are usually Scarce

 

One of the most attractive things about NFTs is their scarcity. Buyers know that an NFT is unique and that it is easy to prove provenance and authenticity. A lot of people create NFTs for art and collectors understand that there can only be one owner.

 

It is possible for an NFT creator to provide a limited number of their NFTs for the same item through the smart contract. Potential buyers can easily see how many NFTs are part of the limited edition and base their purchasing decision on this.

 

All NFTs use Blockchain

 

An NFT cannot exist without a blockchain network. All NFTs have to be minted on a blockchain network such as Ethereum. This creates a unique token that all users can access to confirm ownership and other essential metadata.



Monday 11 April 2022

Does Your Fitness Band Really Work? (Infographic)



Which Activity Tracker is Right for You? (Infographic)



 

Wearable Tech & Preventive Healthcare (Infographic)

 


Health Trackers: A Day of Counting Steps & Calories (Infographic)

 


What's a fitness tracker?


Technological advancement has given rise to many smart applications that not only improve efficiency but also make tracking and monitoring of different activities easier. It's always important to monitor your progress as far as your health and fitness regimen is concerned. A fitness tracker is therefore that application or device used in tracking and monitoring fitness goals. It measures metrics such as distance run or walked, rate of heartbeat, calories consumed and sometimes even the quality of your sleep. Most of these tracking devices are wirelessly synchronized to a smartphone or computer for the purposes of regular data tracking and reporting. 

In many cases, people have fitness goals or targets, whether monthly or on a daily basis, that they hope to achieve. Monitoring the progress of your fitness regimen can be a challenge especially if you are not a certified fitness trainer or health practitioner. Fitness tracking devices give you the capability to monitor your progress and determine how far you are from meeting your targets, or if indeed you achieved or exceeded them. Most of them are wearable and can also serve as regular digital watches. Some people wear them as accessories because of their fashion forward designs. These devices have become so main stream that some firms have decided to use them in encouraging consumers to live healthily. 

The electronic fitness trackers are basically an advanced version of pedometers. Apart from counting steps, they also use accelerometers to determine distance covered, graph general physical activity and calculate calorie usage. In some cases they also keep track of and graph quality of sleep and heart rate. As you go about your fitness routines, there are various activities that you engage in such as walking, running, swimming, jogging, bike rides and normal house chores. It is important that you stay true to your goals and monitor your progress because that is the only way you'll be able to achieve your objectives. 

A fitness tracker is an ideal way to easily monitor your activity with great accuracy. You can imagine it to be an electronic finger on your pulse, measuring your vitals on a regular basis. These trackers have made use of the latest technology to enable fitness enthusiasts monitor their activities and keep track of their progress. Most people spend so much time on their smartphones or tablets which is why fitness trackers are synchronized with these devices for report displays. Trackers can also be connected to social media apps like Facebook but one has to be careful since there are some instances when private information has ended up in the internet and public domain. There are different trackers available in the market and people can therefore make buying decisions based on prices, functionality and personal style.

 


How to Stay Motivated and Achieve Your Fitness Goals


Success mostly comes through hard work and determination. A lot of people begin fitness programs and then fall off mid-way through the journey. Even with a fitness tracker that monitors your progress, it is difficult to realize your goals if you are not prepared to go the whole distance. How can you stay motivated and maintain a robust exercise routine? This is the question that a lot of people grapple with when they start exercising and realize that it is not some walk in the park. Results will only come through consistent hard work. These are some of the ways in which you can stick to your fitness goals in order to achieve any meaningful results. 

Set Fitness goals that mean something

Why do you want to keep fit? Do you want to have the ability to choose your clothes from a huge selection? Is it because you want to have the strength to play with your kids? Establish a fitness goal that actually means something to you and work towards achieving it. Some people simply want to stay healthy for their loved ones. What matters most is that you set goals that have great meaning in your life. This will help you push yourself even when the going gets tough. 

Have a source of motivation

You can be motivated to exercise by the possible end results. Think of how much your life will change for the better when you stay fit. Use this to push yourself in order to achieve meaningful results. Your source of motivation can also be your fitness goals. What is it that offers you encouragement or makes you want to succeed whenever you feel like giving up on your fitness regimen? Answering that question will help you stay focused and achieve your fitness goals. 

Consequences of not exercising

What are the consequences of not exercising? Think of all the health complications that may arise as a result of not living a healthy lifestyle. The concern for your health should be enough to help you maintain fidelity to your fitness routine. There are many health complications that come with staying unfit and that should be enough to make you want to exercise. 

Find a support group

Having a strong support system is very important in your quest to exercise on a regular basis. Your family members, colleagues and friends can provide a strong support network that would come in handy when you feel like giving up or deviating from your set goals and objectives. Lean on them for support and find the strength and motivation to carry on. Training in a group and competing against one another can also give you a strong support network.

These are some of the ways in which you can stay focused and maintain a regular fitness program. It's never easy to exercise, quite honestly most people hate it but the benefits of staying fit are many and very important. With time it becomes fun and a normal part of your everyday life. Living a healthy life is very fulfilling and joyous.

 


Fitness Trackers: How Effective Are They?


Health and fitness trackers have become very popular as consumers concerned about health and fitness use them to monitor their work-outs and physical activity. They consider them as ideal tools for improving their lifestyles by staying fit and keeping healthy. There are different fitness trackers that vary on functionality and even brand. Seeing that these gadgets have become so common, the biggest question then is: how effective are they? Every consumer wants to get value for money and so they'll be looking to purchase items that can fully serve them. 

In looking at how effective fitness trackers really are, it is important to dwell on their functionality and then check whether they meet the buyers' expectations. 

More data capturing 

Most smartphone fitness apps do not capture as much data as a fitness tracker can. Some fitness trackers are designed to collect extra data such as the rate of your heartbeat during physical activities or the cadence of a runner and time of contact between foot and ground. The extra functionalities of fitness trackers make them worth the cost because consumers will get value for money. For example, some fitness trackers possess smartphone features like push notifications. These gadgets basically collect data, analyze them and present them in a way that users can make comparisons and evaluate progress. It is difficult to determine the effectiveness of your fitness program without a simple way to gather data.

Motivation

From a psychological point of view, simply wearing a fitness tracker can be a great source of motivation for individuals looking to stay healthy and keep fit. There are those who are very much motivated by data, a key feature of fitness tracking devices. Just by reading their physical activity figures, they can find sufficient drive to meet and exceed their fitness targets. People draw inspiration and find motivation from different quarters. Some people find exercising with friends ideal while others are driven by life goals like looking awesome at a wedding.

Healthcare transformation

This technology has greatly transformed healthcare by making it possible to monitor the progress of patients without necessarily hospitalizing them. Monitoring of important medical aspects of patients like body temperatures, rates of heartbeat, muscle motions as well as other critical data can be effectively done using these gadgets. In sports training, trackers are used to measure sweat rate which could only be done through lab-based systems some few years ago. It is common to see athletes wearing fitness trackers as they go about their daily training routines because of their effectiveness in monitoring physical activity. 

These are all key reasons that indicate the effectiveness of fitness tracking devices. They have great functionalities which serve to meet the expectations of consumers, a major requirement for any product in the current business environment. When all is said and done, it still comes down to the ability of an individual to put the collected data into use. The results will not come until you put in some good work. The trackers are supposed to aid you in your work-outs, the real work is done by yourself.

 


Why is it Important to Keep Fit?


It is very important to keep fit and stay healthy. A lot of people fail to acknowledge the numerous benefits of exercise routines and only begin to do so when health complications arise. Why then is it important to stay fit?

Burning of excess fat

Regular exercises will help you burn excess body fat and keep your body lean. There are many health complications associated with having too much body fat. Heart diseases that are often very fatal are mostly as a result of excess body fat. The fats can clog arteries and overwork the heart which can then result into a lot of health complications. Stroke and heart attack are just some of the health risks that arise as a result of excess body fat. 

Great physique

A lot of overweight people struggle with issues of body image yet they are not willing to do anything about it. Sometimes you see very nice clothes and you can't fit into them because of your body size. Fitness exercises will help you develop a great physique by shedding excess fat and gaining a great body. Exercising will help you get rid of cellulite and have a flat tummy. Weightlifting, a part of fitness exercise routines, is ideal for gaining muscles and molding a great body. 

Mental strength

Exercising keeps you sharp and alert at all times. It's very ideal for developing your mental strength and increasing your level of awareness. Keeping your body active also improves the functioning of the brain. There is a reason why most athletes are usually happy. Exercising improves clarity of mind and through the release of dopamine, it changes your mood for the better. Maybe the reason why you stay grumpy all the time is due to lack of exercise. Run around the blocks each morning, jog or lift weights and see how much good it does to your mind.

Building of physical strength

Fitness exercises are ideal for strength building. Regular exercise routines will build body muscles and improve your physical strength. They are also important in strengthening your back for good postures. People generally become less active as they grow older. This can be a very big challenge especially when you have small kids that expect you to play with them. Fitness routines will help you gain the much needed strength and agility to keep up with the youthful exuberance of your children. Exercising also slows down the aging process by tightening your skin and increasing your body's metabolic rate. 

These are just some of the benefits of having a robust fitness routine. A lot of people ignore them only to start developing lifestyle diseases later in life. Exercising is very important and some of the consequences of not engaging in fitness routines are catastrophic. How can you drive yourself to exercise and maintain a disciplined fitness schedule? Having fitness goals that actually mean something to you will help you develop a disciplined fitness routine and achieve your desired result. Using fitness trackers, you can monitor your general physical activity and evaluate your progress.

 


Simple Ways To Stay Fit


Some people imagine that exercising has to be this complicated and elaborate routine. That is far from the truth because you can stay fit in many simple ways. The most important thing is to burn excess body fat and exercise your muscles. These are some of the simple ways in which you can keep yourself fit and healthy without spending too much time or resources. 

Morning runs

This is an ideal way to burn body fat and keep yourself fit. Morning runs are very refreshing and help to improve brain functions. At this time the weather is also very favorable which means that you’ll not spend a lot of time burning in the sun. Human traffic is also at a minimum making it easier to navigate the streets and sidewalks. Get your trainers on and run for some minutes very early in the morning before you begin your day's activities. You'll find yourself very active for the rest of the day with your mood greatly improved since running triggers the release of dopamine which is essential for happy moods. 

Jogging

If you can't run, jogging is a great alternative. You'll still sweat and burn calories while improving the functioning of your body organs such as the heart and brain. It improves the flow of blood to the rest of the body and makes you fit and healthy. You can accomplish just as much as the person running through jogging. This exercise is simple and not strenuous which means that even people who are advanced in age can participate in it. Fitness trackers can monitor your progress by relaying information about your heart rate and the distance covered. You can then use such data to evaluate yourself.

Nature walks

Walking helps you to burn calories and strengthen your leg muscles. You can trek or walk up a mountainous region, or just follow a nature trail and admire the natural environment. This can help you clear your mind, obtain better perspectives when it comes to making important decisions and keep your body fit. Some people assume that walking is not really exercising but the fact remains that it is a great way to burn calories. That's the reason why people who use their cars quite often are more likely to be overweight and unfit compared to those who walk every now and then.

Dancing

Have you ever wondered why most dancers generally have a lean physique? The reason is that dancing makes you sweat and burn calories, in the process you get rid of excess body fat and keep fit. You don't have to go to the gym to get a flat tummy, you can achieve that goal in a fun and exciting way through dancing. In fact, this type of exercise is the most ideal for someone who doesn't have much time to engage in outdoor fitness programs like running or jogging.

These are some of the simple exercises that do not require expensive gym equipment or consume much of your time. You can do them by yourself and use the fitness tracking devices to monitor your progress.

 


How Does a Fitness Tracker Work?


It's always good to be curious about how things work because then you begin to properly understand the significance of their functions. A fitness tracker sits perfectly on your wrist, counting the number of steps you make, measuring calorie expenditure and monitoring the quality of your sleep. Yet just how exactly does this gadget collect information and relay it to your smartphone?

To explain it simply, fitness tracking devices measure motion. Most of the current trackers have accelerometers that track movements in all directions. Some also measure orientation using a gyroscope. The data gathered is afterwards converted into activity and steps and then sleep quality and calories. Some assumptions are made on the way to arriving at these information. 

The altimeter, as the name suggests, is a feature used for measuring altitude. It is very important in measuring the heights of mountains when you are working out at high altitudes and the number of flights of stairs taken in a day. All these information is gathered and compiled to create a general reading. The accuracy of the data will increase with the number of sensors that your tracker has. 

The sensors of the tracking device determine acceleration, duration, frequency, intensity and movement patterns. All this data collected together improves the accuracy of your tracker reading. The sensors will collect information whether you are enjoying evening walks or just dancing to your favorite music.

Other trackers have temperature sensors that check the body temperature alongside bio-impedance sensors that measure the resistance of the skin to small electric currents. Some fitness trackers make use of optical or light sensors to measure pulse by shining light on the skin. The light illuminates capillaries as the sensors take measurements of how fast your blood is flowing and subsequently the rate of your heartbeat. These sensors come in handy when you are working out and want to monitor your heartbeat. Bio-impedance sensors are however more effective in gauging your general health.

When monitoring the quality of your sleep, the trackers use a process known as actigraphy to translate wrist movements into patterns of sleep. It will ideally measure how much you toss and turn in your sleep. To measure the amount of calories burned, a tracker will add heart rate data and amount of perspiration into the algorithm plus the number of steps taken. 

Fitness trackers use algorithms that differ slightly to convert raw data into real statistics. Different trackers have different thresholds for collecting information and that's why some trackers will ignore a small body movement like stretching while others will record it. This has an effect on the accuracy of the final data presented. As you purchase your fitness tracking device, you'll be asked about your age, weight, height and gender in order to find one that greatly suits you.

The final link in this chain is the smartphone app. Once the data goes through numerous algorithms and then refined appropriately, it is presented in a format that is user-friendly. A lot of fitness tracking applications also come with the capability of adding data manually.

 


Benefits of Using Fitness Trackers


There is no doubt whatsoever that inactivity can lead to a lot of health related issues. Fitness trackers monitor your level of activity and display the information on your smartphone. You not only have to stay fit but also track your progress as you go about your fitness regimens to see whether you are on course or you need to push yourself further. Fitness trackers are smart devices that are highly functional and will help you keep healthy while staying true to your fitness goals. What are some of the benefits of having these devices?

Monitoring your progress

This is the most basic function of these devices because they can greatly help you to keep track of your fitness goals. They monitor your general physical activity, heartbeat rate and other factors like quality of sleep. If you like to jog, or even run in order to lose weight, you can check your progress and determine whether your are making gains or lagging behind. The trackers have a smart way of displaying information which is very much beneficial to you. It's always hard to gauge yourself but with trackers you can self-evaluate quite easily.

Motivation

By knowing how further away you are from realizing your goals, you can be motivated to work even harder to achieve them. Some employers are also using the fitness trackers to motivate staff to keep fit. They set targets and reward those that achieve them. It's always great to exercise when you have people pushing or competing against you. The device allows you to see how much progress you are making which can be quite encouraging. There are many psychological advantages to this, the most significant being that people are generally motivated to work harder when there is some progress made.

Ability to personalize your exercises

Fitness trackers allow you to set your own goals. They are connected to your smartphones and tablets which means that you can very much personalize their functionality. There are people who hate going to the gym because it makes them uncomfortable. These devices can act as substitutes to gym instructors and help you keep track of your fitness exercises. You can monitor your progress and make the necessary adjustments if need be. 

An up to date weight loss tool

Most people join fitness activities primarily to lose weight and fitness trackers use forward technology to help you achieve your weight-loss goals. You can check your heartbeat rate and see whether you are on course by using the monitoring tools that measure your activity levels. 

Great fashion pieces

This is not a health benefit but still nonetheless a benefit that comes with fitness trackers. They are sometimes worn as digital watches and can be very ideal pieces of fashion accessories. They come in different sizes, colors and shapes and you can therefore make your pick based on what will compliment your personal style.

 


Advantages of Self-Fitness Training Over Gym Membership


There are people who prefer to have gym membership when exercising while there are those who find it much better to train on their own or in the comfort of their homes. The gym has a variety of training equipment that members can choose from but there are still several advantages of home or self-training over gym membership. Fitness trackers are supposed to help those who train by themselves keep track of their progress and stay focused on their set out goals. What are some of the benefits that one would enjoy when training on his or her own as opposed to having a gym membership?

Save on costs 

This goes without saying because gym membership comes with extra costs. The fee that you pay on a monthly or annual basis will carter for the wages of the gym instructor and equipment maintenance as well as being payment for using the gym itself. This is one thing that you don't have to worry about when you train on your own. Using fitness trackers, you can jog, run or walk on a daily basis while monitoring your progress all on your own. You'll end up meeting your objectives while still cutting down on unnecessary expenditure.

Ideal for those who hate crowded places

If you are one of those people who feel uncomfortable in crowded places then the gym might not be the most ideal place for you to exercise. Exercising in your own way and in your own space gives you comfort and makes you relax when doing your fitness routines. You can therefore opt for a home gym if you can afford it or engage in the simple exercises like jogging and running that will not cost you much. Having morning runs or taking nature walks will give you peace of mind due to the serene nature of the surroundings. 

Move at your set pace

When you exercise on your own, you can determine your own pace and train at your level. Instructors at the gym sometimes tend to hurry things up or give you exercises that are difficult to perform. There is also the issue of playing catch up with those who started before you, a factor which can be the cause of unnecessary pressure. Fitness tracking devices will help you set and maintain fitness goals that are suitable for you.

Flexibility

Gym sessions are scheduled which makes them very rigid. You have to adhere to the set timelines or miss out. With home or self-training, you get to determine your own schedule. You can exercise whenever you feel like without the restrictions brought about by gym membership.

Hygiene

Sharing equipment with so many people is unhygienic especially when they are not cleaned immediately after use. When you train on your own or at home, you use your own training gear and equipment. You therefore don't get to interact with other people's sweat or bodily fluids which can sometimes be the cause of several communicable diseases.

You can train on your own and use the fitness trackers to monitor your progress. It has several advantages over regular gym membership as we have seen.

 


Fitness Tracker


There are many fitness trackers available in the market right now. A lot of people have finally began to embrace these gadgets and have started using them as a means of keeping fit and staying healthy. Which are some of the popular lifestyle trackers this year?

Fitbit Charge HR

Anyone who has even a little bit of information about fitness trackers must have probably heard about or come across the Fitbit Charge HR. One of the most popular lifestyle trackers this year, this gadget has iOS, Android and Windows phone compatibility. When fully charged the battery can last up to five days. It also enables Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. The Fitbit Charge HR is able to automatically detect exercises such as running and cycling. It has an improved pulse tracking ability which gives you an option of setting tougher weekly fitness targets. This tracker also has a screen, an altimeter and a pulse counter to tell you how much calories you've burned during your fitness exercises. The app is wonderful and the gadget's strap makes it a comfortable wrist piece. It comes in a sleek and discreet design, a perfect fit for many people who use trackers to monitor their health. Fitbit Charge HR is definitely one of the most popular fitness trackers this year. The gadget retails at about $175.

Microsoft Band 2

This is an excellent combination of a step counter and a great exercising companion. It is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows operating systems. When fully charged, the battery lasts for about two days. With Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and a better screen than the initial Microsoft Band, this upgraded version is clearly a much superior product. It has eleven sensors including skin temperature, ambient light and UV sensors. It's ideal for tracking sleep, running, the gym, cycling and many other outdoor fitness activities. It also retails for about $175 on Amazon. 

Jawbone UP2 

One thing that conspicuously stands out about this fitness tracker is that it's very light and comfortable. The Jawbone UP2 is compatible with Android and iOS, has a Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and a long battery life of about 10 days. It does not really do much but if you want to monitor the quality of your sleep and count your steps then it might just as well serve the purpose. This fitness tracking gadget is also very affordable and retails for about $54 on Amazon.

UA Band

This fitness tracker is as a result of a joint venture between HTC and Under Armour (UA). It is very sleek and has great functionality. The tracker's screen is sensitive to touch while the gadget itself has a waterproofing of 2ATM. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and a battery life of 5 days. The UA Band is slightly expensive but nevertheless a wonderful gadget. 

There are still other fitness trackers like Garmin Vivofit 2 and Withings Activite Pop that fitness enthusiast use. The above are some of the most popular lifestyle trackers this year. Most people prefer them because of the improved functionality and great design. With constant innovation, others are bound to appear in the market.

 


How To Choose A Perfect Fitness Tracker For Yourself


When buying a fitness tracker, or any product for that matter, it is important to identify what works best for you not just in terms of functionality but personal style as well. The market is flooded with many fitness tracking gadgets that differ in pricing and model among many other things. What are some of the things to consider when buying a lifestyle tracker so that you get maximum value for money? 

Extra Functionality

Yes, a product that offers extra benefits is definitely a great buy. There are fitness trackers that have incorporated the latest technology to improve their ability to collect and present data. The newer brands of trackers have some additional capabilities like having built-in heartbeat rate monitors, a lot of sensors and also smartphone notifications. They are sort of hybrids between smartwatches and fitness trackers. You should also take note of the software of accompanying application, battery life and the ability to synchronize data with your phone or the web. 

Design

Since these gadgets are wearable, choose one that compliments your personal style. What's your favorite color? Are you looking for a small screen or a large one? These trackers come in different designs and for you to have some personal attachment to them it is necessary that you choose something that suits your personal style. It's similar to having a favorite car, clothes or even toy. The more you feel that it is a reflection of you the more you get attached to it. Trackers can also act as great fashion pieces and if you are a fashion forward person, you can use them to make a fashion statement. 

Durability

Of course you don't expect to buy something that will break down or get damaged within a very short time after purchase so it is necessary that you go for quality. Buying a fitness tracker that is durable will ensure that you enjoy its benefits for a long time and truly get good value for money. You can determine the durability of your tracker by checking the quality of material used to manufacture it. Some fitness tracking devices are also waterproof which makes them suitable for those who enjoy swimming or water sports. 

Your Age, Weight and Height

Because fitness trackers use algorithms to process data and relay information, choosing a gadget that matches your physical and biological features is one way of ensuring that you get accurate results. Buy a fitness tracker that is meant for somebody of your age, weight and height since that improves the accuracy of the data gathered and statistics presented.

Warranty

Products, more especially tech-gadgets, can malfunction at will even without your intervention. Buying a fitness tracking device that has a warranty ensures that you don't suffer any losses in case it stops working within a year from the time of purchase. It's a way of safeguarding your investment so that you get value for money. 

These are some of the important factors that can help you purchase the best fitness tracker that will serve its purpose and motivate you towards achieving your fitness goals.

 


Sunday 10 April 2022

3 Great Marketing Tactics For Clubhouse Few People Know About


Clubhouse provides you with the opportunity to increase your brand awareness and to develop your brand. There are a number of ways that you can do this, and in this article, we will discuss 3 ways that very few people know about. It is good to be different on the Clubhouse platform as most of the members are going to employ the marketing tactics that most people are aware of.

 

Standing out from the crowd is very important on Clubhouse right now and will be even more important as the platform grows. We will reveal a great way that you can get help with your promotional efforts on the platform and also show you two ways that you can use Clubhouse to get some good results.

 

1. Use other People in your Company as Brand Ambassadors

 

It is always better if you have more than one person on a social platform spreading the word about your business and your brand. If you have a business with more than one person involved, you can persuade them to act as brand ambassadors on the Clubhouse platform.

 

You can invite other members of your company to join Clubhouse. Make sure that you brief them to the role that you want them to play on the platform. Tell them that you want them to join niche relevant rooms and also to find and follow niche relevant clubs.

 

Show the other brand ambassadors from your company how to complete their profiles properly so that they stand out. Make sure that it is clear from their profiles the role that they have in your company. Ask them to add good photographs and to write compelling descriptions.

 

When your brand ambassadors join Clubhouse, ask them to join rooms and ask questions. They can then move on to creating their own niche related rooms. Ensure that they are aware that they cannot be too promotional on Clubhouse. Ask them to help you out with the moderation of large rooms that you host.

 

2. Use Clubhouse to make Announcements

 

Clubhouse members are always interested in new things so this provides a great opportunity for you to make announcements using the platform. If you are planning on the launch of a new product or service you can create a Clubhouse room around this and get the opinions of your audience.

 

The feedback that you get from these types of announcements will be of great value to your business. It may result in you tweaking your new product or service by adding new features that the Clubhouse audience suggested for example.

 

3. Host Roundtable Rooms

 

A roundtable is where you can run a fairly open room to discuss the specific issues that your target audience is experiencing in your niche. Here you will use your experience and knowhow to help your audience. If you get your roundtable rooms right then you will start to attract large audiences in no time.

 

In order to run successful roundtable rooms, you really need to know your target audience well. It is vital that you chose subjects for each roundtable that will resonate well with your audience. Tell your audience how you overcame these problems and help them all that you can. Word will soon spread about you and your brand when you run a series of roundtable rooms.