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.
Assignment:
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.
Assignment:
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.
Assignment:
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.
Assignment:
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!
Assignment:
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.
Assignment:
Javascript is not only one of the main languages used in contemporary web development, but it also has many non-web based applications, from.pdf files to desktop widgets. Thus, Javascript is an extremely versatile and valuable language to have command of. In this lesson, Mark from LearnToProgram.tv demonstrates how to begin coding with Javascript, as well as how to test your code using a text editor (Mark recommends Komodo Edit). Finally, learn how to use Javascript to manipulate HTML pages.
Assignment:
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.
Assignment:
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.
Assignment:
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.
Assignment:
Want to improve your running in a way that doesn’t involve grueling exercises? Setting goals is a wonderful way to become a better runner, but Coach Tief is here to tell you that the quality of the goal matters. Often, goals are not attainable or not specific enough. But with Coach Tief’s SMART goals sheet, you will be running better, and increasing your confidence and sense of self worth. Start setting and achieving your goals today (link to SMART goal sheet available)!
Assignment:
Viva la salsa! This video will teach you how to dance salsa and do turns like a champion - in the privacy of your own home! This dance lesson breaks down all the moves of a basic turn - in a fun and simple way. First, you will learn the steps without music, and then with music. Learning how to salsa was never easier!
Assignment:
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.
Assignment:
Interested in the art history of ancient Greece? Explore the story and secrets of the frequently copied statue of Apollo Sauroktonos, the Lizard Slayer. Sculpted by the famous Greek artist Praxiteles, this classic nude depicts a youthful Apollo poised to kill a lizard climbing a tree. In this lesson, Lucas Livingston, historian at the Art Institute of Chicago, explores the Lizard Slayer sculpture as a metaphor for the struggle between the Greek gods of Mount Olympus and the primordial race of titans.
Assignment:
From gathering tools and materials to devising a final script, planning a high-quality lesson is a challenge. If you’re having trouble, take some tips from crafting experts and producers of over a dozen Curious lessons, the O’Neil Sisters. Whether you are thinking about creating your own how-to videos or you’d like to improve the quality of an upcoming series, use these tips and tricks to create clear, structured, and attractive lessons.
Assignment:
Want to make your own beautiful lace shirt? This lesson from Boat People teaches you to make a caftan or box top style lace shirt with just lace, scissors, pins, a needle, and thread! Learn how to fold your lace, cut out your neck hole (be sure to check the fit), and sew up the sides, leaving sleeves or arm holes. These stylish shirts look great over a colorful tank top or sports bra.
Assignment:
Get ready for the rainy season by installing new gutters. In this DIY home improvement lesson, Ron will teach you how to install gutters to promote proper drainage around your property. Learn how to find the slope of the eaves, how to cut and and hang your gutters and downspout, and how to ensure that your new gutter system doesn’t leak.
Assignment:
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.
Assignment:
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.
Assignment:
Become a twinkle-toes... literally! This lesson from Boat People teaches you to brighten up a pair of old thrift store shoes by adding sparkle to the toes. This fun and easy project uses just glitter, mod podge, a brush, and some masking tape. Tape off the end of the shoe, brush on some mod podge, and apply the glitter. For added glamour, swap out the laces for a shiny ribbon!
Assignment:
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.
Assignment:
Do you have an ugly hole in your wall you want filled, but don't want to block off what's inside? This lesson from Rick's DIY teaches you how to create a drywall access panel like that you'd place over, for example, a heating unit built into the wall. See how to cut your drywall to the right size with a razor knife, create a trim board for the base of the panel to match the wall, and choose the right screws to attach a trim frame around the panel.
Assignment:
Have you mastered the double crochet and slip stitch? Are your friends and family always complimenting your handmade crochet scarves and accessories? If you want to start selling your crochet for profit, this is the course for you! You’ll learn how to create a business plan to make your dream into a reality. Begin by thinking about your audience, inventory, pricing, and advertising strategy.
Assignment:
Want to improve your forehand swing in tennis? In this lesson from Jeff Salzenstein, a professional tennis coach from Total Tennis Training, learn to avoid a common problem with your ready position that results in a weak forehand swing. Learn to space your hands and place one on the throat of your racket—so that you can extend your left arm more easily on the first swing. This trick can make your tennis swing more efficient and accurate.
Assignment:
Do you love Korean BBQ? Now you can grill Korean style beef at home following this simple recipe - and you don’t even need a barbecue to make this delicious treat! Learn how to marinade your beef in soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion, red pepper flakes, honey, and garlic. Honeysuckle Catering teaches you how to grill your beef perfectly.
Assignment: