Toys are not only useful for playtime, they can also be wonderful props to photograph. With the right setting, pose and angle, you can bring your subject to life. To participate in this week’s Phone Snap Challenge, photograph a toy of your own and post it to the corkboard by Monday, December 5th at 11:59 pm PST for a chance to win a Pop Art Color Toy Camera.
New Year's Resolutions are just that for a reason - they're promises we make to ourselves when the clock strikes twelve and we're a little too looped up on celebratory martinis to know any better.
Has anyone actually used the Kinect for fitness purposes? If so, which games are the best?
The seated hammer curl using resistance bands is used to target primarily the biceps, however because the wrist remains perpendicular to the ground rather than parallel, the forearm also gets a workout.
The cable pullover is a great way to work the upper back muscles. This exercise also works just about all the muscles of the upper body to some degree. The largest muscle in the back is scientifically known as the latissimus dorsi. You might see it referred to as the "lats" or "wings." The lats are used any time you pull something. For example, when you open a fridge or a car door, you are primarily using your lat muscles.
The superman exercise can be used to work the lower back (erector spinae muscle). This exercise also works the hamstrings, butt, and shoulders. Some experts maintain that the superman exercise overloads the spine in a potentially unsafe manner. Thus, contralateral supermans are usually preferred. The contralateral superman exercise involves raising only one arm and the opposing leg (e.g. left arm, right leg). With this technique, there is a reduced load on the lumbar spine. The following are ...
Alternating supermans are ideal for strengthening the deeper muscles of the lumbar spine. The abdominal muscles are also heavily involved in stabilizing the core during this exercise.
Here is a simple exercise. Heel touchers are primarily used to work the oblique muscles. The obliques are used to assist with rotation of the torso, as well as basic abdominal contractions. The obliques are commonly referred to as the "love handles." It is important to note that even though the heel toucher is an oblique exercise, the entire abdominal area is being worked. A workout mat or soft surface is recommended.
There are many variations of the side crunch exercise. This exercise works the oblique muscles. The lateral flexors of the spine (quadratus lumborum) are also involved in this exercise. The obliques are commonly referred to as the "love handles." They are used to assist with rotation of the torso. They are also instrumental during abdominal contractions.
The bicycle crunch is traditionally used to work the oblique muscles. While that may be true, this exercise is good for overall abdominal strengthening. The rectus abdominis (the "six pack" portion of the abs) is probably more active than are the obliques. Nevertheless, it is still an effective ab exercise. Instructions for the bicycle crunch are listed below:
The long arm crunch is a modified version of the tradition abdominal crunch. When the arms are extended above the head, it increases the level of resistance placed on the abs. Thus, the traditional ab crunch becomes a bit harder to perform. The long arm crunch is slightly different from the traditional ab crunch. This exercise is more of a curl up with the arms extended. Instructions for the long arm crunch are as follows:
This exercise is good for abdominal strength and endurance. It is safe and easy to do. The crunch is one of the most incorrectly performed exercises. This exercise works best when done slowly.
The supine leg raise is often used to target the lower abs. However, when the legs are elevated from a supine position, the hip flexors become the prime movers, not the abs. Leg raises can put stress on the lumbar spine. Thus, alternative exercises are recommended. It is also important to note that the midsection is not divided into lower and upper halves. The rectus abdominis is one muscle.
The prone (face down) bridge or plank is a great exercise if you are trying to develop the core. This exercise is unique in that it is done from a static position. There are no repetitive movements. The prone bridge strengthens the lower back, as well as several muscles in the upper body. If you are new to exercise, consider starting with a modified version of the prone bridge, then progress to a full bridge. A workout mat is recommended.
The modified prone (face down) bridge or "plank" is a great exercise if you are trying to develop the core muscles. This exercise is unique in that it is done from a static position. There are no repetitive movements. The modified prone bridge strengthens the lower back, as well as several muscles in the upper body. A workout mat is recommended.
Here is an exercise that really works the gluteus muscles. It is relatively easy to perform. However, for this exercise to be effective, it does require a bit of skill and proper technique. A workout mat is recommended.
The outer thigh lift is a great way to work the butt. Whenever leg abduction (movement away from the midline of the body) takes place, the gluteus muscles are involved. Instructions for the outer thigh lift are as follows:
The gluteal muscles, or glutes, can be targeted with donkey kicks. This exercise is easy to perform and does not require any fancy equipment. The donkey kick is a classic "butt" exercise, and there are many variations of the original donkey kick. Instructions for the donkey kick exercise are listed below:
If traditional supine bridges become too easy, you can try to progress to the one leg version. This exercise is going to work your glutes like none other. Your hamstrings and lower back are also heavily engaged during this exercise. The single leg bridge requires an advanced level of fitness. This is generally true in cases where one leg is being used to support the majority of your bodyweight. Another factor that makes this exercise difficult is that it is perform using a Swiss ball (unstabl...
This version of the leg curl is one of the most demanding hamstring exercises you will find. One should at least have an intermediate level of workout experience before attempting this exercise. A certain degree of muscle control is required in order to be able to stabilize the ball. But with a bit of practice, anyone can master this exercise. It is important to thoroughly warm up your hamstrings before performing this exercise, as the starting resistance level is high.
There are a number of unconventional training methods which can be used to improve strength. The truck pull is one of them. When performing this exercise, the speed at which the vehicle can be pulled is very slow. Thus, it is ideal for building strength in the lower body.
Dan Osman was a real life Spiderman. This wild man did not die recklessly, but due to unfortunate equipment failure in Yosemite in 1998. This week is the tenth anniversary of his death.
The SCRABBLE Brand trademark has been around since 1948, but video advertisements for the popular board game didn't appear until the start of this millennium. Although there may be a few SCRABBLE video spots out there that predate 2000, I haven't come across them.
Recently, buyout talks between Google and Groupon ended with Groupon turning down Google's $6 million offer. But with Amazon backing LivingSocial, should they have? Your guess is as good as mine, but one thing's for sure— Groupon has a great voice, and they're sharing it with the world via their Public Groupon Editorial Manual.
So you've added Google insiders, celebrities, and authors to your circles, but you want to know who you can reach out to for help when it comes to Google overall. Luckily for you, there seems to be a Community Manager for almost every Google product. If you've got an issue with your Google Account, just contact them via their Google+ profile!
Search "Pilates animation" on Wonderhowto for other more videos by this user. If you are looking a for a quick pilates reference, take a look at this pilates animation. This a quick & easy, clearly explained diagram of the pilates mat exercise: Classical Pilates for Beginners:
Sometimes no matter what you do laces always come undone. If you hate dealing with your laces always untying, try this next time you go out for a run or walk. Watch and learn a quick and easy way to tie the laces on your running shoes so that they don't interrupt your workout. Tie running shoe laces.
This how-to video is for anybody looking to gain lean muscle right in the convenience of your own home with little to no equipment. The intensity and variety of these exercises makes for an effective muscle-building workout. Standard Pushup
Seated rows are a great upper body back workout and tubing or resistance bands are a great workout tool to use to increase intensity. Learn how these are done and their benefits from a health and fitness expert in this free video clip. Do seated rows using tubes or resistance bands - Part 1 of 12.
Hangouts are one of the most fun features in Google+. As long as you have a webcam and a microphone, you can "hangout" with up to 10 of your buddies on Google+ and do just about anything. Of course, sometimes it can get kind of awkward when you are hanging out and you don't really have anything to say. This problem can be mitigated if you host hangouts with a plan.
Samosa House This southern Indian market and restaurant is a stellar choice for any veggie. Their jackfruit is superb! If you've never tried it, please do. It looks like pulled pork, tastes like a seitan or chicken and is a great natural alternative to meat. Lucky you, they just opened up a second location up the street in Culver City! Also the Bharat Bazaar is a great spot to pick up spices, ginger beer and anything you're missing as far as an Indian grocery goes!
Want a buff bod? No need to workout! Just follow these steps to exfoliate and get beautiful, glowing skin. Loofah
Tis’ the season…for weddings! At the beginning of October, three of my college pals got married on the same day. This meant a ton of planning, parties, and presents for these three lucky ladies. This also meant that there were many a brides maid needing to make sure their bride was feeling special on such a wonderful occasion. One of the most exciting aspects of being the Maid of Honor is helping to plan the Bridal Shower, but it can also be a lot of work if you aren’t prepared. Here are 10 t...
The hamstring pull one Pilates exercise is a great advanced workout for anyone wanting to get into Pilates. Learn about this exercise in this free video clip on advanced Pilates. Do the hamstring pull pilates exercise - Part 1 of 15.
Learn how to warm up in the water in this free exercise video on swimming pool workouts and aqua fitness. Warm up in the water with aqua fitness - Part 1 of 15.
This video series on fitness is great because it not only focuses on lifting free weights and body weight but it also focuses on keeping your heart rate up constantly while doing it. This creates a massive calorie burning machine in your body while building muscle at the same time. You will learn how to use rubber bands and a physio ball to get a great workout and trim those inches fast! Use free weights and resistance bands - Part 1 of 16.
How Step got started. Learn about the history of step aerobics in this free fitness workout from a professional instructor. Learn about step aerobics - Part 1 of 10.
Introduction Ever wished those flabs of fat would just disappear? Ever envied those models with skinny flat stomachs that no matter how hard you try, you just can't get? You've come to the right place. Even those of you who can't resist leaving a single morsel left on your plates will be forced into a skinnier, healthier shape.
I don't know what I'd do without my computer. I can't do my job without the internet. I communicate with employers, friends, and family through emails, video chat and Twitter. I schedule meetings and plan deadlines. I bank. I shop. I read the news. I play games. I watch my favorite shows. Yes, I'd be rather lost without this little plastic box of circuits.
