Parkour is a free-style method of exercise and exploration, in which an individual propels him- or herself through a urban landscape using only their surroundings and their own body—it requires agility and good form in order to prevent injury. In this lesson from Zoic Nation, learn how to do a parkour cat grab. Andy starts by outlining baby steps to get started with, as well as the often-injurious mistakes that people often make, before demonstrating a perfect cat grab.
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Both a “punch” and a “plyo” are two-footed jumps in the sport of parkour. But a plyo is not a punch. In this lesson from Zoic Nation, learn how to do a plyometric jump, safely. Andy demonstrates how to step into a plyo (instead of hopping or hurdling into it) for a quiet landing on the balls of your feet, as well as how to swing your arms forward into your jump for momentum. Finally, he illustrates common mistakes that people make and shows what a well-executed plyo should look like.
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One fundamental movement of both Parkour and Freerunning is the Vault. The Vault is a basic maneuver that you can use to safely hurdle over obstacles, including low walls, railings and fences. If you are looking for a movement that will allow you to navigate the landscape while maintaining your forward momentum, this is it! In this fun and quick lesson, you learn how to do the Speed, Reverse and Monkey Vaults.
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Somewhere between gymnastics and martial arts is Parkour, a challenging, physical discipline requiring speed, body control, and flexibility. In this essential lesson for Parkour and freerunning novices, review two essential skills: warm ups and landings. If you want to start practicing Parkour and freerunning safely as a beginner, this lesson is a great place to start.
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Ready to learn how to do a side flip? In this lesson, teacher Christopher Tung uses stop-action footage to show you exactly how to take off and jump higher. You'll see how to position your arms to generate torque when spinning, control your tuck, and spot the ground for a smooth landing. With some practice, you'll be able to add this trick to your free running and parkour moves!
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Maybe you aren’t a graphic artist yet, but do you dream of one day animating a Disney Pixar blockbuster? If you are interested in digital animation, but have zero experience in the field, start with the basics. In this introduction to the 3ds Max series, Jerry Gonzalez gives you a quick overview of his series on animating in the program—follow each tutorial closely and put in practice time, and you’ll be creating complex models and 3D animations (and maybe the next blockbuster) in no time!
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Want to look and feel better? Strengthen your core and expand your horizons by exploring this introductory Pilates workout! The exercises in this lesson from Sean Vigue of Motley Fitness can be performed anywhere, and include: the Pilates 100 warm-up; back and spine stretches; on-the-back movements; the sphinx pose, dart pose, and child's pose; and side bends and stretches. This lesson also shows how to improve your form and breathing - perfect for the Pilates beginner.
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Are you hosting a barbeque this summer, and want to impress your carnivorous neighbours? Grill the perfect steak! Begin by marinating your meat with this simple recipe. Then, learn to light your barbecue with just the right amount of charcoal and newspaper - and cap your grill to adjust the flame’s heat. Discover the fine points of placing, rotating, and flipping your steak, and see how to tell when your steak is cooked through. Make sure to let the juices cook the meat once it's off the coals!
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Share a photo of your perfectly grilled steak!
Cycling is an environmentally friendly way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and even save on gas money. The first step to getting started cycling is getting the right bike; the second step is getting the right fit. In this lesson from Art’s Cyclery, Luke demonstrates how to get the correct saddle height, and the right saddle fore and aft positions. Finally, to take pressure off of your back and wrists, learn how to flip the stem for a more comfortable angle on your handlebars.
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Patina is the result of the process of oxidation on certain metals and glass; changing the material’s appearance over time, making it appear aged or tarnished. But with the process of patination you can also intentionally create beautiful designs or patterns on a surface, by using chemicals to speed up the oxidation process. Learn how make attractive custom art pieces for your home in this three part series from Royal Design Studio. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the chemicals and tools!
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Frog in your throat but a song in your heart? In this lesson from Vocal Edge, learn some emergency quick tips to soothe your throat and rescue your voice when you're sick before singing. Find out what's happening to your body when you have a cold and how it affects your larynx and vocal cords. Take an expectorant and anti-inflammatory, and drink a gallon of water each day. Try a sinus rinse, humidifier, or menthol-free cough drops. Should you be drinking black tea or herbal? Watch to find out!
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New to homebrewing beer or curious about the chemistry and cooking process behind the delicious brew you already know how to make? In this video James teaches you the tricks and techniques of home brewing your own beer while making a Nut Brown Ale from a malt extract recipe. Learn how each ingredient and process contributes to the flavor profile and appearance of your homemade brew.
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Are you training for a half marathon or marathon? Want to increase your running distance but not sure how? Learn to build endurance and run faster! In this lesson, Coach Tief offers two different ways to increase running endurance: “long slow distance” running, which slowly increases your miles each week, or “hill runs,” in which you cover less distance, but build endurance from the added resistance and difficulty of the terrain.
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Learn how to do your first 50/50—from the proper stance, to how much edge to use. Begin by drawing a box on the snow, and graduate to real boxes and rails when you are ready. Snowboard Addiction also gives suggestions for which types of features to attempt your first 50/50 on. Once a 50/50 is no big deal, learn how to ollie onto features or throw a 180 on the end of the trick. The key to mastering the 50/50 is the “solid riding stance”. Note: this lesson is geared towards regular foot riders.
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The game of chess has persisted in relevance for centuries because it forces players to use the fundamental elements of time, space, and force. In this lesson, William Karneges discusses different strategies: leveraging these elements, checking your opponent’s king (using not only common means like back rank weakness, but by making supporting pieces like your rook and knight work together), and avoid unsatisfying stalemate.
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Indulge your inner mad scientist by experimenting with and creating shapes out of magnets and ferrofluid, a black liquid present in the earth's crust. Discover the science behind this magnetic rare earth, hear how to make your own ferrofluid at home (including a portable version encased in water), learn how to alter and complicate your ferrofluid designs, and get tips on how to tidy up after your project (as every good mad scientist should).
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They can huff and puff, they won't be able to blow down this wall! In this lesson, stonemason Mike Haduck teaches you to cut a brick design into a wall made of cement and stucco. Learn to create a frame for your cement and apply each layer of cement and stucco. See how to rub your stucco with a sponge for a nice sandy finish, then create a cutting tool using an old wall tie and slice in your brick pattern.
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Tired of failing to capitalize on your self-improvement kicks? In this lesson from Darya Rose, creator of Summer Tomato, learn how to take advantage of natural habit-building tendencies and enhance your daily routine. Once you identify your bad habits, rewire them without losing the rewards. Whether you want to start eating healthier or focus on physical fitness, these tips will help you achieve your goals.
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You want to play golf, but your friend wants go surfing, and you'd both rather be together than not. It is in your best interest to make the same decision, but you have a few options, and you have to decide without knowing your friend's decision. Learn how to run a mixed strategy algorithm to determine if there is a mixed strategy equilibria. Once you can calculate the payoffs for a mixed strategy, you can make an educated decision and choose the option with the highest probability of success.
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If your creativity can't be constrained to a single ink color, try sponge daubing on stamps - where sponges are used to blend many colors directly onto the stamp. This lesson from Fabulously Artsy Studio reviews the different types of sponges and offers tips on how to sponge daub. Be sure to apply the lighter color first, followed by the darker colors!
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Drilling through ceramic is a useful skill, whether you’re hanging decorative plates on a wall, creating a fountain from terra cotta flowerpots, making wind chimes, or creating your own project. All it takes is a drill, some diamond drill bits, and a container of water. In this video from Supergokue1, learn how to safely operate your drill to avoid injury while quickly drilling through whatever ceramic material you’re working with.
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Everything's coming up roses when you make these gorgeous crêpe ribbon flowers! Part one of two, this lesson from craft addict Erin Bassett teaches you how to fold, sew, and paint your ribbon. Select a patterned crêpe ribbon that is thin, flexible, and delicate, then fold and sew the ribbon into a circle with needle and thread to create your flower’s petals. Paint the ribbon's edges, and then spray your whole flower with glitter mist and add color accents.
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Running may seem easy and natural, but it does requires proper technique if you wish to not injure or harm your body along the way. In this fifth and final lesson on improving running form, Oliver Henzler explains how you can avoid overstriding. Some people overstride because of a shortened Achilles tendon; regardless of why you overstride, minimalist running shoes or zero drop shoes naturally help you improve your form. Learn how to run correctly, and your body will thank you later.
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Missing your play dough days? Try the grown-up version: clay sculpting! The third in a series of four, this lesson teaches you to condition your clay using a roller and your hands so that it won't dry out or crack. Once it’s ready, learn to cut your clay safely with a blade, and then blend different clays and inclusions (such as glitter) to create the perfect shade for your art project.
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Sometimes all it takes to turn a bad habit into a good one is a bit of mindfulness. In this lesson, learn several techniques for eating healthy by paying attention to the food on your plate. Darya Rose, author and creator of Summer Tomato, explains how even small environmental tweaks like low light and soft, slow music can improve your eating habits.
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