Fitness Instructor Wireless Headset Microphone Care

Your Headset Mic – Getting it on right!
By Kevin Dempsey

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.

Fitness Equipment Report – Reviewing The Sole F85 Treadmill

Performing cardiovascular exercise regularly is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle, and using a treadmill offers a convenient means to accomplish this, rain or shine. The Sole F85 treadmill is perhaps the best folding model in its class. In this review, we’ll take a critical look at the features and benefits of this popular fitness product.

Main Features

The Sole F85 is geared toward dedicated workout enthusiasts; it boasts a powerful 3.5 horsepower motor. With a top speed of 12 miles per hour, the F85 is one of the most powerful models in the lineup.

It also has a tri-color LED display which tracks speed, time, incline, pulse, pace, calories, and distance traveled. The console also includes a message board that provides instructions and feedback.

Benefits

The F85 includes 6 auto workout programs as well as 2 additional custom programs. These programs can be used with the 1/4-mile track feature to use a peak-and-valley graph as a reference to track the progress for these workout programs. The two heart rate control programs are also very useful for losing weight because the target range is automatically generated based on your age for a very safe workout.

The Cushion Flex deck adds to the comfort by reducing impact by up to 40 percent, which makes it far better than running on asphalt. It also protects the knee areas from too much pounding. The user capacity is quite high at around 400 pounds, but it still manages to fold nicely for compact and secure storage.

Technical Specifications

When fully assembled, the F85 treadmill measures 33 inches wide, 80 inches long, and 58 inches high. It measures only 72 by 47 inches when folded.

The automatic incline can adjust to a maximum grade of 15 degrees, offering challenges for the most seasoned runners.

The belt is two-ply and the roller is 2.75 inches, factors that contribute toward smooth, comfortable operation. There are also built-in cooling fans to provide comfort during longer exercise sessions, and an accessory tray can accommodate water bottles and other items.

Consumer Feedback

Consumer reviewers praised the Sole F85 treadmill for its whisper quiet performance, especially when the machine is running under 10 miles per hour. Users also noted the ease of adjusting the speed and incline. Taller users enjoyed the expansive 20 x 60 running surface, which enabled them to enjoy a long, natural stride.

The only major downside cited by consumers was the price; this Sole treadmill costs nearly $2,000. Since this is such a serious investment, it is not recommended for weekend walkers or runners. But if you are planning to follow a regular workout routine and want a high-quality treadmill that’s built to last, the Sole F85 is well worth a look.

Close Protection Operative Needs To Build Fitness

Due to the nature of the possible hazardous types of threat that you as Close Protection Operative and a client can face, it is imperative that you attain and maintain a high level of physical fitness.

If you are unable to cover ground and remove a client to safety when a situation presents itself then you are no use to man or beast and I will go as far as to say that you are not only a danger to yourself but your team and most importantly your client.

It does not have to be a confrontation that you are faced with to be required to produce a large physical effort.

There is always the possibility that your client is a health and fitness fanatic and likes to go a 10 mile run every day, I am afraid that the police will take a very dim view of you when they catch you driving the follow vehicle through a protected park or across the countryside.

Thankfully the vast majority of the Close Protection workforce share a professional attitude and have the motivation and discipline necessary for the job in hand.

What can you do if you are one of those who no matter how hard you try or how much you berate yourself, just cannot keep a training regime going?

Well, help is at hand because with a little imagination you can develop your fitness level and do so, on a consistent basis.

A couple of straight forward common sense practices can help give you an attitude adjustment.

The first is to get involved in a group activity with a local club, such as running, cycling, badminton, tennis, hill walking, swimming, etc.

With a group of like minded others offering you support and giving you friendly ribbing when they feel your efforts are dropping off, is key to keeping you motivated and interested.

And if you take hill walking as an example, you will be so caught up in the sights and sounds of what is going around you that you will not even realise that you are exercising.

Another excellent technique is to kill two birds with one stone and choose your activity around enhancing your resume.

Activities such as rock climbing, snowboarding, skiing and mixed martial arts are absolutely perfect for this.

As far as I am concerned there is no finer work out than that of a quality Mixed Martial Arts session, the effort required is both aerobic and anaerobic and if I shall state the obvious, enhances your fighting skills.

I have deliberately omitted high impact types sports like American football and rugby.

And the reason for this is that I believe these open you up to unnecessary physical damage for no reward.

You may argue that Mixed Martial Arts is listed but at least with the likes of MMA there is an acceptable risk because you are developing one other necessary Close Protection skill.

If you still find yourself unconvinced and unmotivated after trying out these ideas then your decision to be involved in the world of Close Protection should be brought into doubt and maybe you should look at another line of work, after all you owe it to yourself, your team and most importantly your client.

Walk Smarter, Not Harder! Boost Fitness!

Walk smarter, not harder!

If, you walk for exercise, congratulations! Pat yourself on the back. Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. When you walk, you utilize almost all of the muscles in your body.

As you walk, your body is constantly working to maintain your upright balance. Therefore, it is a constant balancing act, and through this, most of the muscles throughout your body, get exercised.

I am a Board Certified Pedorthist, and I have two Simple Secrets to share with you.

Often times, slight changes can equate to positive results. That is the case with the secrets I am about to share with you.

Simple Secret #1

When you walk, normally, you walk straight forward. Now however, I am going to let you in on a simple secret. Called Zig Zag Walking.

When you go out for your exercise walk, rather than walking straight forward for your entire walk, mix it up.

All you need to do, is zig and zag from the left side of the sidewalk to the right side, as you walk forward.

What you want to do, is walk about 6-10 feet forward to the left, then head 6-10 feet forward, but towards the right side of the sidewalk, and back again to the left, and so forth. The shorter distance from one side to the other, the more exercise you gain.

When you begin, you will want to gradually ease into doing it. Only spend about 10% of your walk, Zig Zag Walkingtm. As your body gets used to doing it, you can continually increase your Zig Zag Walkingtm to about 75% of your walk.

I recommend, you always do at least 25% of your walk in the normal straight forward walking motion.

You will feel muscles being worked doing Zig Zag Walkingtm, that you don’t usually feel. By doing Zig Zag Walkingtm, you will be increasing your muscle activity.

The exciting thing about Zig Zag Walkingtm, is, it is just as easy as normal walking, (it is actually fun) and it doesn’t take any extra time. Yet, you realize increased fitness benefits.

Simple Secret # 2

Is as simple as changing your shoes.

Most shoes do not allow your feet to function naturally. Due to the hard, flat surfaces we now find ourselves living on, our feet and therefore our muscles, are inhibited.

An engineer discovered, that by altering the sole of our shoes, he could give back a much more natural motion to our feet. Therefore, our muscles can function much more like we are walking in the sand. And thus, we can enjoy all the related, health and fitness benefits.

If you would like to learn more about this amazing footwear, click on http://www.love-moccasins-more.com/bare-foot-shoes.html

I hope you have enjoyed the secrets I have shared with you here. By putting them into practice, you too, can enjoy the benefits.

About Author :
Sue Arnoldus, is a Board Certified Pedorthist. She enjoys helping individuals improve their health and fitness, by making minor changes.