All posts tagged: rocksolid

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition Review: Rock-Solid Typing

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition Review: Rock-Solid Typing

The stabilizers are PCB-mounted, which is preferable to the typical plate-mounted units that many keyboards use, and are lubricated from the factory. The lube on these stabilizers, while a bit excessive (there were small clumps of lube visible on the outside housings, which is not typical), feels great. The stabilized keys are smooth and consistent, with no audible rattling or sticking when typing. But as it turns out, the greatest downside of this keyboard is, also, the material choice. As much as unsealed, raw concrete is quirky and fun, it is ultimately a utilitarian material: It’s heavy, has an inconsistent texture, and stains easily. During my time with this keyboard, it gathered quite a few smudges and stains, nearly all of which had unknown-to-me origins. Maybe they came from cleaning sprays, or from something on my hands, but I honestly have no clue. Depending on your perspective, this can be a flaw or a bonus. What some consider dirty, others will see as “patina.” But as someone who likes keeping their electronics squeaky-clean for as …

When I train a new client I always use these two abs exercises to teach rock-solid core control

When I train a new client I always use these two abs exercises to teach rock-solid core control

There are two abdominal exercises I believe should always form the building blocks of any exercise plan—whether you’re new to strength training or you’ve been lifting all your life. It’s something I was recently reminded of when reflecting on how I used to train clients when I first started out. Without fail, I would begin on an exercise mat, testing if they could effectively engage the deep core muscles responsible for protecting and stabilizing the spine and pelvis. You may like The two moves in question were the bird dog and dead bug exercises. Here’s why I believe they are so effective, along with a few pointers on how to introduce them into your practice. Why I always teach bird dog and dead bug These two core exercises are commonly overlooked for seemingly more challenging alternatives, like planks and crunches. But while those moves might feel more demanding, they rarely recruit the deep-lying core muscles we rely on to support and protect the spine. Bird dog, which involves alternately lifting and extending your opposite arm …