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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Parkour star Alireza Japalaghy's video landed him in hot water with Iranian authorities for violating public decency laws, forcing him to escape to Turkey. The possibility of extradition back to Iran has human rights activists concerned. Produced by: Durrie Bouscaren. Image credit: Screenshot from Radio France Internaional via YouTube video.
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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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Whether you use your machine for gaming, video and photo editing, or animation, maximize your resources by using a computer suited specifically to your needs. In this first of four videos from his series on how to build a computer, Carey Holzeman demonstrates that it’s really not that complicated. Get started by figuring out what hardware you’ll need (if you’re stumped, Carey’s got some recommendations for you) and learn how to connect the power supply.
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Scrapbooking is an excellent way to preserve memories for future generations. Although typically scrapbooks are graphically focused (with pictures, ticket stubs, cards, or other memorabilia creating the bulk of the contents), consider enhancing your books with creative journaling. In this lesson, Susan shows you how to add journaling to your scrapbook. Your life and your memories are unique; ensure that those once in a lifetime moments truly are unforgettable with creative journaling.
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Are you not content to just fill a scrapbook? Make your own scrapbook from scratch! In this exclusive Curious lesson, crafting expert Erin Bassett teaches you how to fold, cut, and glue paper to make a colorful and original tiny book. You'll need a 12-inch square piece of paper, a scoring board or ruler, scissors, and glue. You can even paint or decorate your paper before making your book to add a specific color or design.
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Did you know how important the pole plant is to great skiing technique? Many people make the mistake of planting poles too late and become unbalanced as a result—don’t become one of them! Instead, learn the optimum time to add support from your poles from this pole plant ski drill. Proper pole technique not only stabilizes your body through a turn, but also ensures that you don’t turn up the hill you just came down.
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Besides masculinity, the beard has long denoted wisdom and a philosophical soul. However, despite the distinguished air a beard can lend to its wearer, a poorly groomed beard may also make the wearer appear slovenly and unkempt. Never fear though—instead, take the guesswork out of your grooming! Learn the most classic and popular styles of beard; Sciascia’s Salon’s Donna Gillis demonstrates how to achieve each beard style (the natural, classic, and urban beards and the Van Dyke).
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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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Do you love the film, characters, and soundtrack of “Frozen”? Then try learning Idina Menzel’s version of “Let It Go” on guitar, taught by Smiley Mo! This intermediate guitar lesson covers all the chords you need to know to play this song through and through, from the intro to the last note. Practice the strumming patterns and perform your new song for friends and family!
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Fondant is a great alternative to store-bought frosting. Although homemade fondant made from marshmallows can be sticky, messy, and time-consuming, it is not the only method available to yuo. With this marshmallow-free recipe from Eat Now, Cry Later, you can start decorating your cakes with fondant in no time.
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Want to wow the world with the quality HD video you could be shooting with that iPhone in your pocket? This lesson will teach you the basics of shooting video on your iPhone 4, 4s, or 5. Once you are familiar with the camera app, learn how to hold and focus the camera, and how to view an accurate display of your video. Ready to shoot? Finish this lesson by learning ways to stabilize your camera to make your online video or tutorial appear smooth and fluid.
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Knock it out of the park with help from this power bag drill! This lesson from Performance Factory Baseball teaches you an exercise to improve the explosive power and drive of your baseball bat swing. The lesson offers tips for the stance, form, angle, and direction of your swing. This drill will also develop hand, wrist, and core strength.
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April showers are finally coming up in May flowers! Learn to make gorgeous three-layered paper flowers that are sparkly and colorful. You'll need cardstock, paint and a brush, glitter glue, scissors, glue, and beads or buttons to ornament your flower. The lesson includes a great trick for giving any old paint the consistency of watercolor paint. These versatile paper flowers are great for decorating scrapbooks, cards, treasure boxes, or gifts.
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Fashion magazines can provide wonderful ideas for your wardrobe. But these fashions often cost more than you can spend. Learn how to make them for yourself, at home! You’ll save on cash, and each time someone compliments you on your good taste, you’ll have the personal satisfaction of knowing you designed and created your one-of-a-kind jewelry. In this lesson, get the hang of making wirework jewelry— familiarize yourself with the tools, materials, and learn how to design your own pieces.
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You've set up Twitter, Facebook, blog, and Pinterest accounts for your business... so why is nothing happening? In this lesson from Lyra Communications, learn how long social media marketing takes to kick in, and why. While advertising results in a sudden spike then fall in interest, social media builds interest gradually over time, particularly for start-ups. Get estimates on how long it will take to see an impact, and find out why social media is worth the investment despite the wait.
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Mix up your style with this flirtatious play on the traditional braid. Learn how to part, braid, and pin your hair for a look so easy that you might surprise even yourself! As versatile as it is fun, this look can be paired with lace for sophisticated bridal hair - or with summer flowers for a casual style worthy of a day in the park. Keep this updo in your back pocket as a perfect fix for those bed-head bad-hair days!
For more beauty and style tips, check out the [Milkmaid Braid](http://www.pinkpistachio.com/the-milkmaid-braid) post on Pink Pistachio's blog.
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Inspired by the leading ladies of Mad Men? Achieve their classic cat eye look by following the beauty tips outlined in this lesson. Learn how to smoothly apply eye makeup to create a beautiful and subtle look that can be worn day or night. Spoiler alert! Use a counter or table to steady your hand as you apply your eyeliner - this will help avoid wobbly lines!
For more beauty and style tips, check out the [Cat Eye](http://www.pinkpistachio.com/the-cat-eye/) post on Pink Pistachio's blog.
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Looking for a new jewelry making technique? Learn how to locker hook beautiful handmade bracelets out of yarn, ribbon, recycled silk, and fabric. In this lesson, Theresa Pulido will share tips and tricks from her most recent book on locker hooking, Locking Loops. A cross between needlework, crochet, and latch hook, locker hooking is a unique needlecraft that is equally fun for kids and adults.
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Create an elegant clutch to match any outfit! This lesson from Professor Pincushion takes you through every step of transferring the pattern, cutting, lining, and sewing a silk purse with a metal frame (no sow's ear required). Learn how to embellish your external fabric with a folded design, and then embroider the lazy daisy stitch on the corner of your purse. The lesson comes with a downloadable pattern for the purse, and the video includes handy tips for stitching corners.
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This delicious banana twist on a pancake recipe will delight all everyone at your next breakfast or brunch. Learn how to make your pancakes fluffy, delicious, and golden brown. This online tutorial makes cooking pancakes easy and fun for the whole family. A great recipe for kids - they’ll love mashing the bananas!
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Interested in making over your old furniture? Give your chairs new life by reupholstering them with the O'Neil Sisters! Jennifer and Kitty will teach you how to refinish your chair with spray paint, how to choose the right upholstery fabric, and how to recover the cushion to give your outdated or vintage chair an updated look.
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