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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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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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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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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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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Whether you are starting from seed or seedling, Sunset Magazine shows you how to choose, grow, and harvest edible plants. Pick the right container, sow seeds, and transplant your crops without damaging the roots; before you know it, you’ll be feeding your family healthy veggies straight from the garden. This lesson features chard, beet greens, and lettuce.
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Drawing can be difficult and intimidating if you weren’t born with the hand of an artist, but like every other skill, it can be learned through exercise and repetition. In this lesson from Drawing Teachers, Michael teaches about 3D elements such as the vanishing point and horizon line while showing you step-by-step how to draw a 3D house. For this exercise, you’ll need a paper, ruler, pencil, and pen. Once you master this lesson, you’ll be able to draw any boxy design in 3D.
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Learn how scientists discovered DNA and determined its function, composition, and structure. The first in a series of eight, this lesson will teach you about the major experiments that led to our understanding of DNA as the physical basis for heredity. Craig will also teach you about the chemical structure of DNA and recent advances in genetic study - including cloning Dolly the sheep!
Watch the rest of this series to learn about DNA replication, protein synthesis, and gene control.
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Correct the balance of your pelvis, help your upper body posture, work your abs and buttocks, and stretch out your legs, all with just one stretch! In this lesson, neuromuscular therapist Holistic Sam introduces you to the kneeling hip flexor stretch, designed to help with excessive anterior pelvic tilt - a frequent cause of back pain. This lesson offers instructions for a basic and an advanced form of this stretch.
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Succulents come in a variety of shapes and stunning colors, and are versatile enough to fit in deep or shallow containers. Create a beautiful container garden showcasing these gorgeous plants, and add interest to your porch or patio! Learn how to prep your container, what kind of soil to use, and how to maximize the 4” pots of succulents you’ll buy. Single-container succulent gardens also make unique and thoughtful gifts—whether your creation is for a friend or yourself, it’s sure to be enjoyed.
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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!
Everybody was Kung Fu fighting... And soon, you will be too! In this intro lesson, Master Wong walks you through the basic moves and philosophies of Wing Chun. This close-combat Chinese martial art is a great self-defense technique. Learn some stretches and exercises to warm-up, then jump into an energy drill to practice holding the line of your body when striking and pushing. See a grab and pull that can divert your opponent, and get tips on moving your feet without losing control of your body.
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Confused about why there are electoral votes in US presidential elections? Learn about the Electoral College and the part it plays in choosing the president. In this lesson, HipHughes will explain how electoral votes work, how they are allocated, and why the media pays such close attention to the election map.
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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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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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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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Get a forehand tennis swing like just the pros! In this lesson, Rachael from Full Swing Tennis teaches you all about the modern forehand in four easy steps. Learn about the semi-western grip, which can allow for extra topspin. The lesson also covers dropping your racket for the backswing, rotating your waist and shoulders, and swinging through with your non-hitting hand. Be sure to keep your weight on your inside foot as you step out for the swing.
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Be the life of the party by learning how to DJ like a pro! In this introductory lesson for amateur DJs, learn about equipment and how to mix songs. DJ Mark J. explains what kind of equipment you need in order to mix songs, shows how to use mixing controls and effects, and teaches you about matching up BPM when fading one song out and another in. See how this exciting skill is done, live--you’ll want to give it a try and start a dance party with your friends!
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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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Knowing how to handle a chef’s knife is an important culinary skill. All too often the slicing and dicing of ingredients is considered a challenge or a chore, discouraging many from making home-cooked meals. In this lesson, you’ll learn chef knife safety and how to use the rolling and up-and-down techniques effectively. Take on new recipes and culinary adventures with confidence!
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Want to add a little spice to your kitchen wallpaper? Use a stencil to paint a border running above your counters and appliances! This lesson from Cutting Edge Stencils teaches you to tape your stencil in place, apply your paint evenly with a roller, and remove your stencil without smearing or bleeding your paint. This simple technique for stenciling a border can add an simple but classy accent to any room.
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Think that all you need is a good camera and a good bit of know-how in order to take great pictures? While that might be true, a tripod is a tool that can help improve your photography skills—and not just for portraits. In this photography lesson, Julie Waterhouse offers two reasons why you should use a tripod the next time you are out shooting.
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Before you set out on your next adventure in the great outdoors, make sure you have the right food—and enough of it! Elaine Johnson, associate food editor at Sunset magazine, reveals what to prep ahead, why you should use a grocery list, how to pack a cooler to keep fragile foods safe and secure, and more. With all of the meals squared away in advance, you can spend less time hovering over the grill and more time enjoying the fresh air.
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Comment allez-vous? Learn French Now! makes learning conversational French easy by teaching common phrases for informal greetings. Build your French vocabulary with greetings, conversation starters, and pleasantries. Whether you're going on a trip to Paris or just want to learn French for fun, this lesson will teach you the vocabulary to get the conversation started.
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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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