Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 225

New bill would allow local communities to decide where battery plants are located

MOSS LANDING — Assemblywoman Dawn Addis is championing the Battery Energy Safety & Accountability Act, a bill introduced Wednesday to help prevent future battery plant fires following the Moss Landing Battery Plant fire last week.

Addis, joined by Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church, said the Battery Energy Safety & Accountability Act, or AB 303, will remove battery energy storage facilities from the California Energy Commission’s opt-in certification program, and return the power to local communities on whether to accept new battery plants.

Additionally, AB 303 will “establish reasonable limitations on where battery energy storage facilities can be located,” Addis said in a press conference Thursday afternoon, saying the facilities should be away from environmentally sensitive areas like flood zones and areas with high risks of fires.

“The Moss Landing energy storage facility is surrounded by critical marine and educational facilities, important agricultural lands and residences and businesses,” Addis said. “We have to protect this sensitive habitat and our communities.”

The limitations include requiring a 3,200-foot setback from sensitive places like residences, schools and hospitals, which the assemblywoman said was more on par with oil production laws.

“AB 303, would give choice to communities, but it would also provide guidelines around siting that are clearly much needed,” Addis said.

Church said AB 303 had his full support.

“What we have now is haphazard regulations on this relatively new industry, and we need to get on a path where things are laid out in an organized and safe manner,” Church said. “I particularly appreciate the aspects inside of it that will allow local control.”

The supervisor formed an ad-hoc committee with Supervisor Kate Daniels during a special meeting Tuesday, to work with other counties and brainstorm a solution moving forward. The Board of Supervisors also sent a letter to Vistra and Pacific Gas & Electric, calling for the sites to remain offline until a full comprehensive investigation is done, detailing the cause of the fire. Other than the call to action, Church said the county will not be able to stop the plant from coming online in the future.

“I understand this industry is essential for a sustainable future, but we just can’t keep going ahead without the proper regulations,” Church said. “We’re at a point where government regulations and control of this technology by industry is not up to where it should be.”

Steph Curry named All-Star starter as Warriors host next month’s game

SAN FRANCISCO — Steph Curry was named an All-Star starter on Thursday, cementing his 11th career selection.

With the festivities coming to the Bay Area for the first time since 2000, All-Star weekend is set up to be a celebration of Curry’s career and accomplishments. The four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP remains one of the most popular players among fans and respected among his peers.

Curry, 36, is averaging 22.6 points and 6.3 assists per game while seeing nightly double teams, top-locks and junk defenses designed to force the ball out of his hands. He’s shooting 44.9% from the floor, 40.7% from behind the arc and a league-best 94% from the foul line.

“He’s always had a huge burden on his shoulders as our best player, as one of the best players in the league,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “This year, with our team struggling the way we are, trying to close out these close games probably puts even more of a burden onto him. But the way he handles everything, he’s just incredibly grounded. Doesn’t appear overwhelmed by anything. He just goes out, does his job and he loves the process of it all.”

The other starters in the Western Conference pool are Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson were named starters in the East. A combination of fans, media and players vote to select starters, while coaches draft reserves.

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The 11th All-Star selection makes Curry the all-time franchise leader, passing Paul Arizin. Curry has been named a starter in 10 of his 11 All-Star Games.

Ever the entertainer, Curry was named All-Star Game MVP in 2022 when he poured in 50 points and made a record 16 3s. This year, the format has changed, with a miniature tournament format with games played to 40.

Last year, Curry competed against WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu in a 3-point competition that was widely regarded as the highlight of the weekend. It’s rumored he’ll reprise that role in a similar contest this year.

The All-Star Game, Rising Stars Game, 3-point contest, dunk contest and skills competition are scheduled to be held at Chase Center. Practices, the HBCU Classic and Celebrity All-Star Game are at Oracle Arena in Oakland.

Notable

— Thursday marks the 10-year anniversary of Klay Thompson’s 37-point third quarter, one of the most electric and defining moments of Golden State’s dynastic run.

— Curry played against the Bulls on Thursday night at Chase Center, marking the first time he laced up for both ends of a back-to-back since his bilateral knee tendinitis began earlier this season. Kerr said the soreness is “under control.”

— Brandin Podziemski returned to the lineup after missing the past 12 games with an abdominal strain. Podziemski was coming on strong after a slow start to the season before the injury. Expect the Warriors to be cautious with his usage, likely playing him in short bursts, as he rejoins the fold.

High School girls flag football: Inaugural all-star game signals growth in sport

SALINAS – It’s no longer an exhibition sport. Next fall there will be a postseason for girl’s flag football in the Central Coast Section and the state of California.

The popularity of the sport for girls was evident this past year with 26 schools in the Pacific Coast Athletic League and Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League sporting teams, with over 500 girls participating.

That will be celebrated on Sunday with the inaugural Central Coast North-South high school all-star flag football game at 2 p.m. at Santa Cruz High.

The top 35 senior players from the PCAL and SCCAL will strap on the flags one more time as high school players, in a game that is also scheduled to be televised on Feb. 1 on channel 35.

“It’s exposure, not only for the kids, but for the sport,” North County High and South coach Mike Phillips said. “These girls are just as competitive and passionate as any boys team I have ever coached.”

The South will consist of teams from Monterey County and Hollister, while the North will be made up of players from Santa Cruz County.

Phillips, a former defensive end/linebacker at North County, Hartnell College and Boise State, is also a former Condor head football coach and a defensive coordinator at Hartnell.

“I love the camaraderie from the girls,” Phillips said. “The girls have been in competition with each other over the course of the year. Now they have to come together in a short amount of time.”

Just two practices were held prior to this Sunday’s game, both two hours over the last two weekends, although the Moss Landing fire prevented some players from making last weekend’s practice.

“We are keeping it as simple as we can and allowing their athleticism to shine through,” Phillips said. “The girls were dialed in during those practices. They want to win.”

The offensive numbers assembled for both teams could turn this into a shootout that might resemble a basketball score, as both teams have the potential to pile up points over four quarters.

Scoring is expected to be a premium after a decision was made to go from a 40-by-80 yard football field in the regular season to a full 100-yard field. Of the seven players on the field, six are eligible receivers.

“That will be a big challenge for the defense with the amount of space you have to defend,” Phillips said. “There will be a lot more space to work with. There are a lot of good athletes that can take advantage of that.”

Among those suiting up for the South include Salinas quarterback Emily Aguilar, who threw for nearly 4,500 yards and 57 touchdown passes last fall.

Aguilar is expected to share quarterback duties with Palma’s Allison Guerra, who threw for just under 3,300 yards and 42 scoring tosses.

Two of the top senior receivers in the county come from PCAL tournament champion King City, as Samantha Muniz and Yesenia Rodrguez will showcase their skills.

Muniz caught 114 passes for 1,368 yards and 23 touchdowns for the Mustangs last season, while Rodriguez finished with just under 1,000 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns.

Rodriguez was a sniper on defense for King City last year with a tri-region leading 20 interceptions in 28 games.

“We learned on the fly during the season,” said Phillips, who is also an assistant girls’ basketball coach at North County. “It is going to be the same going into the game.”

The Santa Cruz County or North roster is stacked with Watsonville quarterback Fernanda Lazo, who led her team to the PCAL tournament title game.

Izzy Graff of Aptos compiled nearly 2,000 offensive yards, while leading the team in interceptions, helping the Mariners finish the regular season tied with Scotts Valley in the SCCAL.

The event will also provide contributions to the Reggie Stephens Foundation, which provides opportunities for youth athletes through art and academics, and the Gino Panelli Foundation, which supports the Boys and Girls Club, hospice, pop warner and high school and college sport programs.

Prior to the game, there will be a skills competition at 1 p.m.

College sports: CSUMB baseball coach White sadden by Sonoma State cutting sports

SEASIDE – Sonoma State’s email announcing Wednesday that it will drop all intercollegiate sports has sent shock waves through the California Collegiate Athletic Association, the conference Cal State Monterey Bay competes in.

While the intent is to finish the school year, Sonoma State will eliminate all of its intercollegiate programs for the 2025-26 school year as it attempts to dig itself out of a massive budget deficit.

With a shrinking enrollment since the pandemic, cutbacks apparently had been discussed in the past. Yet, the decision to cut all sports programs, as well as other school-related programs, cast a dark cloud over the conference.

“We believe the continuity of the conference will remain competitive,” CSUMB vice president of enrollment management and student affairs Ben Corpus said. “While there are definitely challenges due to the demographic cliff and state pressure, CSUMB will make adjustments that serve the core of our mission.”

Saddened by the decision is Cal State Monterey Bay baseball coach Walt White, who spent 18 years at Sonoma State, two as a player and 16 as an assistant coach.

“It’s disheartening for sure,” White said. “I’m also pretty upset. All CSUs are in the same boat. I’m just a baseball coach. But everyone knows budgets are enrollment driven.”

White, who played at Sonoma State in 1993-94 before being drafted by the Miami Marlins, is in the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame as a player.

“I was at Sonoma State when it dropped football,” White said. “I was there when there were threats of eliminating athletics then. I’d say the athletes saved sports at least twice with votes.”

Two of White’s assistants are also former Sonoma State baseball players, including Derek Bell, who is also in the Sonoma State and CCAA Hall of Fames.

“I coached both of them when I was there,” said White, who spent 16 years as an assistant coach for the Seawolves before becoming CSUMB’s head coach.

Coincidentally, Sonoma State’s men’s and women’s basketball programs will visit CSUMB on Saturday at the Kelb Bed.

When news broke of Sonoma State’s decision around noon Wednesday, White admitted losing some focus during practice.

“It was hard to focus,” White said. “I started thinking of my teammates and players I coached there. It’s a major blow to the alumni at Sonoma State.”

Shrinking enrollment is the primary reason for Sonoma State taking drastic measures. That’s not an issue at CSUMB, where enrollment has steadily gone up since the pandemic.

According to Corpus, Cal State Monterey Bay has seen the largest increase in enrollment year to year this fall within the CSU system after almost ten years of declining enrollment.

“Our administration had the foresight that any CSU surviving comes down to enrollment,” said White, who has won back-to-back conference baseball titles, and came within an out of reaching the Division II World Series last spring.

“These programs provide an immense lift to our school spirit, pride and the historical identity and ambition of the university,” Corpus said. “It’s a brand that has been developed and celebrated by the broader community, almost as much as the alum who cherish it.”

While White isn’t concerned about CSUMB, he has growing concerns that other schools in the conference could potentially make similar decisions in the coming years.

“There are other schools that are drastically under their enrollment,” White said. “When one goes, it gives people an outlet, an excuse. No one wants to be first. Now there’s a pathway. So, it is a concern.”

Former Carmel High golfer Cole Kroeker is in his sophomore season this spring for the Seawolves golf team, which finished second to CSUMB last year at the CCAA conference championships.

“He called me as soon as he got the email,” said his dad, Ross. “He was in shock and a little upset. Until they met with the athletes, no one was sure they were even going to continue this season.”

With intentions to keep playing golf beyond this spring, Kroeker will begin the process of entering the transfer portal after he finishes his sophomore season.

“He’s still trying to digest the news,” said his father, who is also Carmel’s boys and girls golf coach. “No one saw this coming, including his coaches. It leaves him in a quandary. But he definitely wants to keep playing. It’s a relief that he will at least be able to finish off the semester.”

High School girls flag football: North-South all-star football game rosters

Central Coast high school all-star girls flag football game rosters

Sunday at Santa Cruz High, 1 p.m.

South Roster

Coaches: Jose Perez, Hollister; Mike Phillips, North County; Marisol Rasul, Alisal.

Players

Emily Aguilar, Salinas, QB

Audrina Alderete, Salinas, WR/RB

Mia Briano, Hollister, DE

Jasmine Estrada, Alisal, QB

Piper Gallego, North County, WR

Aileen Gonzalez, Alisal, DB

Allison Guerra, Palma, QB

Bianca Guerra, Hollister, LB/WR/RB

Natalie Jimenez, Salinas, WR/RB

Jasayla Mariscal, Hollister WR

Samantha Muniz, King City, LB/WR

Kylee Parker, Palma, LB

Bryley Pemberton, North County, DE

Peyton Phillips, North County, CT

Janelle Ramirez, Salinas, DB

Yesenia Rodriguez, King City, DB

Jazmin Rubio, Hollister, CT

Ashley Torres, North County, DB

Isa Valadez, North County, RB

North Roster

Coaches: Frank Galvan, St. Francis, Eric Kirby, Soquel, Andy Morris, Santa Cruz

Players

Siena Bettermann, Soquel, DB/WR

Ashlyn Brady, Soquel, WR

Malia Cooper, Santa Cruz, LB/CT

Jazzy Doubek, Scotts Valley, LB

Kat Fanni, Santa Cruz, WR/DB

Izzy Graff, Aptos, DB/RB

Mia Guardino, St. Francis, CT

Fernanda Lazo, Watsonville, QB/SS

Brianna Leon, Watsonville, LB/WR

Hayden Mandell, Santa Cruz, RB/DB

Chloe McGilvray, Soquel, WR/S

Juliet Ray, Harbor, WR/DB

Mia Sanchez, Aptos, DB

Claire Skinner, Scotts Valley, DE/WR

Soraya Westlund, Scotts Valley, DB

Taylor Wilson, Scotts Valley, WR

Trinity Wilson, Soquel, RB/DB

 

Steinbeck Center building still on the market: There have been offers, but CSUMB still looking for right match

SALINAS – Cal State Monterey Bay has turned down two offers to buy the building that is home to the National Steinbeck Center, one of the largest literary museums in the country dedicated to a single author.

The CSUMB Salinas City Center building was bought for $3 million in 2015 by the University Corporation, CSUMB’s arm for business and financial matters. CSUMB also purchased the land under the building for $100,000. In November, university officials confirmed the building in downtown Salinas was up for sale. They have since turned down two offers. Who made the offers, the terms and the asking price have not been disclosed.

The university decided to sell the City Center building in order to invest in its students and create more affordable housing according to Alan Fisher, interim vice president for administration and finance/CFO.

“Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to the Salinas area in many ways, including building a strong pathway to education for local students, engaging in the community and creating strong partnerships with local industries, businesses and community organizations,” said Fisher in a prepared statement.

As CSUMB’s enrollment continues to reach new heights, the university has had to get creative in finding housing solutions for its growing population. Proceeds from the sale “will be reinvested into the development of strategic infrastructure that supports student success,” said Fisher.

CSUMB had originally planned to utilize the space for “cultural and educational programming and outreach” according to its website. Under the 2015 contract, the Steinbeck Center had a 80-year lease which will carry on to the new building owner so museum activities will not be impacted.

The museum and memorial is dedicated to the author John Steinbeck, whose hometown is Salinas. Originally championed by community leaders and activists, the center also serves as a gathering place for locals.

“The Steinbeck Center is a centerpiece of downtown Salinas,” said Supervisor Luis Alejo, who represents the district where the Center is located. “Not only the museum, but the conference center itself is a beloved part of the city. We’re able to hold events there that wouldn’t be possible anywhere else in our city.”

University Corporation board members, including President Vanya Quiñones, will continue to review any offers made until the right fit is found, according to Fisher. The two offers already made were turned down because they “were not suitable for the community or the downtown revitalization effort.”

After initial planning and outreach began in 2012, the Salinas City Council and Monterey Board of Supervisors approved the Salinas Downtown Vibrancy Plan in 2015. The revitalization effort aimed to “restore activity, commerce and vitality” in downtown Salinas. The Steinbeck Center sits on one of the blocks targeted in this plan.

“It is unfortunate that CSUMB is selling its only asset in the Salinas Valley,” said Alejo. “I hope the university will work with local leaders who desire to keep the beloved Steinbeck Center in public hands and who have a vision to enhance its use and benefit to Salinas residents and visitors.”

Despite the sale of the building, Fisher said CSUMB remains committed to its high population of commuter students from Salinas as well as maintaining a deep partnership with the city.

Last fall, the university launched the Panther Otter Pathway program, a joint partnership with Hartnell Community College that expands access for local high school students to attend the university after obtaining an associate’s degree from Hartnell.

“As an institution, we are deeply committed to fostering workforce development in the region,” Fisher said. “Our mission is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, helping to drive economic growth not only in Salinas but across the state.”

Campus Town project in Seaside gets Phase 1 final map approval

SEASIDE – The Seaside City Council adopted a resolution through its consent agenda at its meeting last week that included the approval of the Campus Town Specific Plan Final Map Phase 1, and approved the Draft Subdivision and Improvement Agreement for Phase 1A.

A consent agenda is used to facilitate the approval of items on the City Council’s agenda with a single motion with the understanding that materials sent to council members in advance of a meeting adequately explain what is required for each item and no discussion is required.

The Council adopted the resolution that determined that KB-Bakewell Seaside Venture, LLC, is acting in good faith compliance with the provisions of the Development Agreement; and approved the Campus Town Specific Plan Final Map Phase 1, a portion of Vesting Map VTM-01, and approved the Draft Subdivision and Improvement Agreement for Phase 1A.

The city of Seaside is initiating the recordation of the Phase 1 Final Map, a portion of the Vesting Tentative Map, and creating legal parcels allowing KB-Bakewell Seaside Venture II, LLC., – the applicant – to purchase Phase 1A.

The area of Phase 1A is about 37 acres and is bounded by Lightfighter Drive to the north, U.S. Army property to the south, General Jim Moore Boulevard to the east and 1st Avenue to the west. According to city documents, associated with the Final Map, the Draft Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Phase 1A of the Campus Town Specific Plan has been prepared for recordation concurrent with the purchase of Phase 1A by KB-Bakewell Seaside Venture, LLC., which will contractually bind the developer to complete improvements.

Phase 1A is anticipated to be the first place to see development of the Campus Town project.

The city of Seaside and the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the city of Seaside, and developer KB-Bakewell Seaside Venture, LLC., a California limited liability company, entered into a purchase and sale agreement on Feb. 6, 2020, for the property described as “Surplus II” and “26 Acre Parcels” and is approximately 103.5 acres in size, collectively referred to as the “Property.”

The proposed Campus Town project would permit the construction and operation of 1,485 housing units, 250 hotel rooms, 75 hostel beds, 150,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment uses, and 50,000 square feet of office, flex, makerspace (collaborative workspace) and light industrial floor space. It would also include park and recreational areas (including approximately 9 acres of public open space and 3.3 acres of private open space), roadways, parking and supporting infrastructure, on approximately 122.23 acres of land, through the adoption of the Campus Town Specific Plan and associated entitlements, according to the city of Seaside.

On March 5, 2020, the City Council conducted a hearing on the developer’s application for this agreement, and found and determined that the following actions were consistent with the General Plan: the Campus Town Specific Plan, the General Plan Circulation Element Amendments, the Zoning Map and Text amendments creating “Campus Town Specific Plan” District, the Development Agreement, the Vesting Tentative Subdivision map and the Inclusionary (affordable) Housing Agreement for Campus Town Property.

At that same meeting, the City Council reviewed and certified, after making appropriate findings, the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Campus Town Specific Plan Project.

With the approval of the Final Map Phase 1 for the Campus Town Specific Plan, a portion of the Vesting Map VTM-01, Draft Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Phase 1A, and Annual Review of the Development Agreement. Subsequent to the Phase 1 Final Map and Phase 1A Subdivision Improvement Agreement on May 5, 2022, the city of Seaside and the developer, KB-Bakewell Seaside Venture, LLC., have agreed to modifications as the result of easements, property exchanges and to identify street names on the Final Map as approved by separate action. The city and developer have also agreed to an updated Subdivision Improvement Agreement that further clarifies responsibilities. These revisions require a new Final Map and supporting documents to be approved.

The Phase 1A map shows streets with the names of people that have been part of Seaside’s history such as Rucker, Rubio and Jordan avenues, as well as, Blackwell, Watts, Smith and DeBerry courts.

A sign in the area designated for the Campus Town development near Cal State Monterey Bay shows the plan for the project. (Arianna Nalbach/Monterey Herald)

The city of Seaside conducted the annual review of the Development Agreement and determined KB-Bakewell Seaside Venture, LLC., is acting in good faith in compliance with the provisions of this agreement.

The Final Map Phase 1 subdivides the Campus Town Specific Plan for construction of uses. The Final Map Phase 1 encompasses approximately 37.29 acres of the total 103.5 acres of Vesting Map VTM-01. The final map application was deemed complete by the city engineer on Jan. 10.

The Draft Subdivision Improvement Agreement was prepared to contractually bind the developer to complete Phase 1A improvements, a portion of Final Map Phase. The Draft Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Phase 1A will be recorded concurrent with the transfer of property to the Applicant.

Once recorded, the Subdivision Improvement Agreement contractually binds the Developer to complete the Project improvements in accordance with the Final Map Phase 1 and to provide security for completion in accordance with the city requirements.

Power your workouts with these top soy protein powders

Which soy protein powder is best?

Getting enough protein in your diet can be more challenging than it seems, especially if you live an active lifestyle. Soy protein powders can supplement your diet with essential amino acids, protein and other nutrients.

For anyone following a strict diet, soy protein powder is an excellent way to bolster your protein intake. If you want a high-quality soy protein powder, consider Now Sports Soy Protein Isolate Protein Powder. You’ll get 20 grams of protein per scoop, and it mixes easily with other juices and smoothies.

What to know before you buy a soy protein powderDiet

If you follow a regular diet, you have the freedom to take other kinds of protein powders. However, for those following a strict diet such as vegan or keto, a soy protein powder is a great way to get a healthy dose of protein. Soy protein powders usually contain only two ingredients, soy protein and soy lecithin, so you don’t need to worry about consuming animal byproducts or foods that go against your diet.

Soy protein vs. whey protein

Soy protein powders have soy protein isolate, which is derived from soybeans. Soy protein isolate is high in protein but low in carbohydrates, so it doesn’t naturally have a pleasant taste or texture.

Whey protein isolate is derived from dairy, usually cow’s milk. And both soy and whey protein have a thorough essential amino acid profile. However, if you’re looking to build lean muscle mass or lose weight, whey proteins have a higher concentration of amino acids that facilitate these things, making them ideal.

Side effects

If you have a weak stomach, you might experience side effects when taking protein powders. Since soy protein powders don’t contain any animal byproducts, the chances of experiencing side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, acne breakouts or bloating are significantly lower, but they’re still possible.

If you experience unpleasant symptoms after drinking soy protein, stop immediately and consult your physician before trying another one.

What to look for in a quality soy protein powderHigh protein

The whole point of consuming soy protein powder is to get a good protein fix, so it’s best to find one offering a high amount per serving. Generally, most whey protein powders provide 18-30 grams, but soy protein powders usually have less, roughly 15 to 24. Usually, the less protein, the easier a powder is on your stomach and digestive system. If you need an additional boost, you can always increase the volume of your servings.

Low carbohydrates

Many people who take protein diet supplements do so to get enough nutrients while lowering their daily caloric intake. This is done to facilitate weight loss, but it’s not as effective if carbohydrates are prevalent in the diet. A protein powder with a low amount of total carbohydrates, typically under 2 grams, is ideal if you want to lose weight.

No artificial sweeteners, colors or additional flavors

Flavorless protein powders can be a drag, but if you can’t find one with a low concentration of natural sugars, you’re better off going with a pure flavorless powder. Artificial sweeteners act as a substitute for natural sugars, and while that may sound appealing, they can increase sugar cravings and promote weight gain.

How much you can expect to spend on soy protein powder

It depends on the size, but for a container of 1 to 2 pounds, expect to pay $10-$25. However, some can cost up to $40, depending on their ingredients and nutrient profile.

Soy protein powder FAQIs soy protein powder safe during pregnancy?

A. Yes. However, like everything else, it’s best to monitor your soy protein intake and consume it in moderation.

Is soy protein a complete protein?

A. Yes, it contains nine essential amino acids.

Are there any health benefits of soy protein?

A. Soy protein can promote a healthier digestive system. Also, a meta-analysis of 46 studies reviewed by the FDA found that soy protein can reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

What’s the best soy protein powder to buy?Top soy protein powder

Now Sports Soy Protein Isolate Protein Powder

What you need to know: This powder offers an excellent vegetable source of high-quality protein and is suitable for all kinds of diets.

What you’ll love: This powder contains just 90 calories and half a gram of total fat per serving. It has a thorough amino acid profile, contain 20 grams of protein, and has naturally occurring proteins and enzymes for efficient muscle recovery. Also, since it’s flavorless, you can mix it with sports drinks or smoothies.

What you should consider: It doesn’t blend easily with soy milk, and some customers find the taste and texture unpleasant.

Top soy protein powder for the money

Puritan’s Pride Soy Protein Isolate Powder

What you need to know: This protein powder is low in fat and carbohydrates, making it great for those who want a healthy snack between meals.

What you’ll love: This powder contains 110 calories and just 1 gram of fat per serving. It’s available in natural, chocolate and vanilla, and has an extensive amino acid profile, making it ideal for athletes and casual weightlifters. Plus, it’s cholesterol free and can be mixed with juices.

What you should consider: It’s lumpy when mixed by hand with water or juices, and some customers found the natural flavor too bland.

Worth checking out

BulkSupplements Soy Protein Isolate Powder

What you need to know: It’s a good choice if you’re looking for something that offers lots of protein per serving and has no carbs.

What you’ll love: It has 27 grams of protein per serving and has no sugar or carbohydrates. It’s got a smooth, silky texture, so you won’t have any grainy bits in your drink.

What you should consider: It tends to settle quickly, so you need to keep stirring until it mixes in.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Maximize your cardio with the best air bikes

Which air bike is best?

If you’re looking for a way to start burning some serious calories, an air bike may be just the ticket. Unlike many other types of exercise bikes that offer steady resistance, air bikes get harder the faster and more intensely you pedal. This makes them a good choice for raising your heart rate and pushing your body to its very limits.

There are several things to consider when purchasing an air bike, including the features it offers, how well it conforms to your body and how comfortable it is. Your budget and space constraints also play a role in your decision. The Schwinn Fitness AD Pro Airdyne Fan Bike is a top choice because it offers a lot of adjustability for tall and short users alike, and it features an informative display panel to track your metrics or follow along with HIIT programs.

What to know before you buy an air bikeHow air bikes produce resistance

Unlike some other styles of exercise bikes that may use magnets or a heavy flywheel to create resistance, air bikes rely solely on air. They’re equipped with fans that may have anywhere from five to 30 large blades. As you pedal, the fan spins, creating wind resistance. The faster and harder you pedal, the greater the resistance becomes. This means they essentially offer infinite resistance levels.

Stability

Stability is key for the safe operation of any piece of fitness equipment, but especially so on something you’ll be pedaling intensely like an air bike. There are several factors that determine an air bike’s stability, including the size of its footprint and the overall build quality. Those with a wider and longer footprint are more stable, as are those with a sturdier and heavier build.

Noise

One of the biggest complaints about air bikes is the noise they create, and the harder and faster you pedal, the louder they get. At high intensities, the noise can be comparable to a vacuum cleaner. Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, as there’s no way for fan blades to spin quickly through the air without creating noise. That said, at medium intensities, which is what most people tend to pedal at for any extended period of time, the noise level shouldn’t be loud enough to disturb anyone not in the same room.

What to look for in a quality air bikeAdjustability

It’s important to be able to adjust exercise equipment to your body for the most ergonomic workout. In the case of an air bike, this means an adjustable seat that can move up and down at the very least, but ideally also forward and backward. If the model has stationary handles, those, too, should be height-adjustable.

Comfortable seat

A wide and well-padded seat can go a long way toward keeping you comfortable on your air bike and exercising for longer.

Performance tracking

Tracking your performance metrics is key to improving your fitness levels and motivating yourself to excel. Air bikes that offer performance tracking have a small display panel that can show distance, speed, calories burned and RPM. Some models may also connect with a dedicated app for longer-term fitness tracking.

Fitness programs

Getting an air bike and pedaling at a consistent speed is great, but you can really ramp up your exercise routines with fitness programs that push you to work out harder. These are generally only found on premium models and include various HIIT sessions.

Foot pegs

Most air bikes are a bit like ellipticals in that they have moving handles to work out both your upper and lower body. Models with foot pegs provide you with a stationary place to put your feet when you want to focus just on upper body conditioning.

Multiple grips

Multiple grips on an air bike serve two purposes: they allow you to change up your hand positioning either for specific fitness reasons or to offer some variety during your workout to keep you from getting uncomfortable. They may also allow multiple people to use an air bike without having to adjust the seat in between each user.

Weight capacity

Every air bike has a maximum user weight capacity that should never be exceeded. On the most basic models, this may be as little as 200 pounds. Some more premium air bikes may accommodate users up to 400 pounds.

Wheels

If you don’t have a lot of space in your home and plan on moving your air bike out of the way when not actively in use, wheels are a non-negotiable necessity. They allow one person to move the bike around relatively easily as needed without having to worry about damaging floors or lifting the entire machine.

How much you can expect to spend on an air bike

The most affordable air bikes start at around $200. Premium and commercial models with all the bells and whistles can cost anywhere from $500-$1,500.

Air bike FAQHow many calories can I burn on an air bike?

A. There’s no definitive answer for this on any exercise equipment because the amount of calories your body burns doing a particular activity is personal, and no two people will get the same results. It also depends on the intensity level. That said, most people can burn somewhere from 10-30 calories per minute on an air bike. One particular personal trainer holds a record of burning 87 calories in a single minute on an air bike.

Can I adjust the resistance on an air bike?

A. The resistance isn’t manually adjustable on almost any air bikes. Instead, it increases dynamically as you pedal harder and the wind resistance increases.

What’s the best air bike to buy?Top air bike

Schwinn Fitness AD Pro Airdyne Fan Bike

What you need to know: This calorie-burning machine features a single-stage belt drive for smooth action and a large display panel to track your fitness metrics.

What you’ll love: It has several HIIT programs to help push you to your limits, and it feels extremely stable even when pedaling at high intensities. Also, it’s equipped with foot pegs for those times you want to focus solely on upper body conditioning.

What you should consider: Some users complain the seat is uncomfortable.

Top air bike for the money

Marcy Exercise Upright Fan Bike

What you need to know: Despite coming at a reasonable price, this Marcy Upright Fan Bike has many of the same features as premium models, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.

What you’ll love: It tracks time, speed, distance, calories and RPM to keep you abreast of your fitness metrics. The fan also sends air toward your body to keep you cool during workouts.

What you should consider: It doesn’t allow full range of motion of the arms for people over 6 feet tall.

Worth checking out

Assault Fitness Assault AirBike Elite

What you need to know: It commands a high price tag, but this commercial-quality bike boasts all the bells and whistles serious fitness enthusiasts could ask for.

What you’ll love: You can adjust the seat up and down and forward and backward to achieve the best ergonomics for your body. The highly detailed display panel shows you every metric you want to know about your workout, and it even connects to mobile devices via Bluetooth for transferring that data to an app.

What you should consider: The display isn’t backlit and can be hard to see in dim light.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Elevate your listening experience with these top Sony headphones

Which Sony headphones are best?

Music is everywhere. With the rise of technology, it is now infinitely easy to listen to your favorite tunes from the convenience of your smartphone. With so much music at our fingertips, it is only natural to want the best quality headphones to listen along to our bumpin’ tracks. Headphones give us the ability to listen to music anywhere we want, whenever we want.

Finding a good pair of headphones can be stressful, especially with so many options from which to choose. However, one of the most consistent and leading brands of the headphone industry is Sony, which has been delivering quality audio products since 1946. Now, with their definitive line of wireless, noise-canceling and Bluetooth headphones, it has become easier than ever to jam out.

Types of headphones

When it comes to Sony, there are primarily three distinct types of headphone options, including headband, in-ear and truly wireless options.

Headband headphones

Headband headphones are classic headphones that encompass your whole ear to provide the most in-depth auditory sensation. Headband headphones are for those looking for true immersion with their music listening, with full detachment. Most often, these kinds of headphones will have built-in noise-canceling and Bluetooth capabilities.

In-ear headphones

In-ear headphones usually sit snugly in the ear canal, in-ear and can come either wirelessly or wired. Sony has a particularly great line of wireless noise-canceling in-ear headphones that are great for working out at the gym or running.

True wireless headphones

True wireless headphones have gained a lot of steam in the last few years. These are your Apple AirPods or your Samsung Galaxy buds, always connected via Bluetooth and usually paired with a charging case for storage. Sony has a solid line of wireless noise-canceling earbuds that are great for casual use or more intense use for sports.

Features of Sony headphonesNoise cancellation

Noise-canceling headphones are becoming more and more common, especially for students and people alike who want to unplug from the world around them fully. They are perfect for studying in libraries, coffee shops or even quiet listening on your local train commute or flight. Having a noise-canceling feature can allow you to fully immerse yourself in the joys of music without being interrupted by background noise.

Bluetooth

Also, a now much more common feature, Bluetooth headphones allow you the luxury of listening to your favorite music without having to struggle with the cord. How many times has a cord gotten stuck on a door handle, bag/purse or even dangling limb or passing stranger? With Bluetooth headphones, you do not have to worry about any of that and enjoy your music without worrying about your headphones getting yanked off of your head.

The best Sony headphonesTop Sony headphones

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones

What you need to know: The 1000XM4 is Sony’s top-of-the-line headphones that get up to 30 hours of battery life and has Alexa voice control, making it one of the best on-the-go headphones out there.

What you’ll love: They come in three distinct colors, have wireless Bluetooth pairing and touch sensor controls for pause play and volume control.

What you should consider: Wind can come through on phone calls even with noise canceling on.

Top Sony headphones for the money

Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones, White MDR-ZX110

What you need to know: These give the same Sony quality while being much more affordable.

What you’ll love: Sony’s ZX series provides all the comfort of more expensive headphones at a fraction of the cost.

What you should consider: Only available with wired connectivity, and the standard option does not come with a mic.

Best headband headphones

Sony MDR-Z7M2 Hi-Res Stereo Overhead Headphones Headphone

What you need to know: It has high-res audio compatibility to provide one of the richest soundscapes for listeners.

What you’ll love: Ergonomic earpads ensure quality comfort for long listens, perfect for commutes or long flights.

What you should consider: This is one of Sony’s most expensive headphone models.

Best in-ear headphones

Sony WI-XB400 Wireless in-Ear Extra Bass Headset/Headphones with mic for Phone Call

What you need to know: These wireless in-ear headphones provide quality audio paired with a clear mic quality, perfect for listening on the go.

What you’ll love: Its wireless design rests around your neck and is great for active use, especially in places like the gym.

What you should consider: There are some reports of lower noise-cancellation capabilities.

Sony Extra Bass Earbud Headphones/Headset with Mic for Phone Call

What you need to know: Super affordable wired earbuds perfect for casual listening during work and on the go.

What you’ll love: Compact and portable, these extra bass earbuds have an integrated mic and a y-type cord slider to prevent tangles in the wire.

What you should consider: Requires a headphone jack to plug into most smartphones.

Best true wireless headphones

Sony WF-1000XM3 Industry Leading Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds

What you need to know: Portable in a stylish case, these true wireless earbuds have all the capabilities of Sony’s headband headphones without the bulk.

What you’ll love: Up to 24 hours of battery life with the carrying case and uninterrupted left and right simultaneous Bluetooth transmission, allowing you to connect to several devices at once.

What you should consider: A few reviews mention that the noise cancellation could be better.

Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Sports In-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones

What you need to know: These noise-canceling sport headphone buds are sweat and splash-proof, making them great for working out.

What you’ll love: They have 9 hours of battery life per charge, up to 26 hours.

What you should consider: The shape and fit may be uncomfortable for some and will require switching out the buds to find the right ear shape for you.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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