What A Tutor Can Do For You

What A Tutor Can Do For YouIf you're looking for a tutor in NJ, then we can help. We have an extensive network of tutors and we will work with you to arrange an appointment or a tutoring session. You can choose the tutoring that you would like to have, based on your needs.The most important thing is that you and your student get along well. As much as possible you should try to practice common sense before doing anything. This can be especially true when it comes to your children. The more you practice proper manners, the more likely you will succeed in raising a better person.You might think that since you are located in NJ you are free to practice whatever you want without any consequences. However, you must remember that if you continue to be rude, it will backfire on you.If you ever have an unfortunate accident on the road, or someone slips and falls on the stairs or something similar, then this could be considered an emergency. In this case you should have the ability to give so me advice or help to the person who gets hurt. Therefore, you should be able to accompany the person to the hospital, or even stay behind to help the person until the ambulance arrives.Even if you don't have the ability to accompany someone, you can still lend a hand by sitting behind them. When the person gets out of the ambulance, you can help them walk and help them to a chair. When you sit behind the person, you can make eye contact with them, so they can feel your support.Once you become familiar with NJ, you'll notice that there are lots of people who are working to help you. Don't be embarrassed to ask someone to help you out. These people are there to help you succeed, so they'll do what they can to help you do that.If you've found the right tutor in NJ for you, then he or she will be able to look after your child's needs while you go about your busy schedule. You will be proud to be able to say you helped in making NJ a great place to live in.

Ask an Admissions Expert Kofi Kankam

Ask an Admissions Expert Kofi Kankam Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Kofi Kankam is the co-founder of Admit Advantage, a leading admissions consulting company that provides admissions assistance for college, MBA, and law school applicants. He received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Harvard University as well as his MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a former admissions interviewer for Wharton and has been actively coaching students through their application processes since 2004. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Kofi: Truthfully, you should begin work on your college application from the moment you start high school as the process of achieving exceptional grades, amassing standardized test scores, and participating in extracurricular experiences that will comprise your application begins. In terms of actually completing the online or paper application, we recommend getting started as soon as applications are released generally sometime in August. We also encourage students to familiarize themselves with the Common Application during junior year, including a practice run at essay writing. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Kofi:When beginning the essay writing process, think initially of breadth of topics rather than depth. There is a time for brevity in writing, but the idea-generating stage is not it. We have students brainstorm possible topics by reflecting on people, experiences, events, etc. that have shaped their lives. We additionally encourage them to cull through old photos, thumb through old books, and talk to people who have been an integral part of their lives in order to spark some ideas about possible topics. In general, we advise students to avoid topics that may be too intimate, controversial, or publicized. Many of the most eloquent and memorable essays I have ever read are about mundane topics with a personal spin. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Kofi:We tire less of particular topics and more of unsophisticated writing. Too often, applicants write generic essays that fail to differentiate them as candidates. We also warn students against pursuing the controversial topics which are difficult to effectively manage in a college essay. Its one thing to take a stand on an issue; its another thing entirely to take that stand in your essay only to offend or alarm the gatekeepers of the university. There will be plenty of opportunities for debate once the student has earned admission. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Kofi:Being disingenuous. This could be in the form of a blatant lie or in a more subtle manner: assembling an application that is incongruous in different parts. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Kofi:Admissions processes vary widely, especially depending upon the number of applicants, size of admission committee, selectivity of the institution, etc. But, in general, colleges will review the hard data: GPA, class rank, standardized test scores. In addition to the statistics, admission committee members will read supporting documents: student essays, recommendations, resumes, portfolios, etc. In general, the statistical information and supporting documents are the driving force behind some sort of group classification: Admit; Deny; Undecided/Possible. Many schools prefer for each application to be given multiple reads to ensure that candidates are accessed thoroughly and equitably. Unfortunately, some schools, particularly larger institutions, do not have the capabilities to employ such rigorous efforts for large applicant pools and therefore rely on an automated system based on statistics for admission. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Kofi:By the time students apply to college, much of the data students will report is already fixed (GPA, class rank, standardized test scores), however, the essay remains very much in a category of its own. This is the one element of the application over which the student can exercise control up until the moment of submission. As such, view the essay as potentially your greatest advocate and a true differentiator. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Kofi:To the extent possible, make the visit as authentic as possible: visit while classes are in session, attend an information session, take a tour, and sit in on a class. And dont be afraid to deviate from the script. Student ambassadors and tour guides are trained to highlight the assets of a university, so try to engage students beyond the formal part of your visit. Stop students in the cafeteria or on the green to get a different perspective. One question to always ask on campus visits: If you could change one thing about this school to make it better, what would it be? Every college has areas of weakness, and this question encourages students to hone in these areas. Also, during your visit, be mindful of whatever visceral reaction you have to the campus. Did you immediately fall in love with the campus? Were the students warm and engaging (and not just the tour guides)? Did the students seem miserable or stressed out? Were the students dressed in their Sunday best or still in their pajamas as they headed to class? The more campuses you visit, the more the experiences may start to bleed into one another, so take notes and pictures to help the experience last beyond your visit; limit visits to two maximum per day. Finally, reach out to students you may know who attend schools in which you are interested. Ask them about their experiences, both positive and negative. And ask them if they had it to do over, would they choose the same school? VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Kofi:Early Decision should be reserved for students who have a clearly defined number one choice school. It is a binding agreement and should be treated as such. Students should also be aware that Early Decisions are made well in advance of financial aid packages being awarded, and if the cost of college is an issue, ED candidates generally have fewer financial aid options given the timing of ED acceptance and aid letters. Early Action provides students with far more options, as acceptances under this provision are not binding, and students have the peace of mind knowing they have been accepted well in advance of decisions that are mailed under regular admission. We never suggest that the type of application, i.e., ED, EA, etc., be the driving force behind a candidates school selection, but rather they should consider the overall fit as the top priority. That being said, we do encourage students to consider applying to schools that will be a good fit and have some sort of Early Action admission. This early planning allows for more application work to be completed early in the school year, decision letters to be mailed earlier, and more time to enjoy some of senior year without the stress of waiting for every decision to come in the spring. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Kofi:For many schools, they are the two most important criteria considered for admission, with the nod of importance given to the former considering it measures performance over a number of years and not just a single test sitting. If possible, we encourage all students to take some sort of test prep course; not doing so will almost always place students at a disadvantage considering the number of students who now take these courses, particularly if applying to competitive colleges. One thing to keep in mind regarding grades: colleges dont just want to see a strong GPA; they want to see that you have maintained a strong GPA while taking a rigorous course load. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Kofi:Foremost, dont be afraid to ask teachers if they are able to write a strong letter of recommendation for you. A lukewarm letter of recommendation can certainly undermine your candidacy. Also, we encourage students to provide teachers with a copy of their resum as well as samples of work that they have completed in that teachers class. This will aid the teacher in writing a more personalized and comprehensive recommendation. Once the letter of recommendation has been submitted, remember to send the teacher a hand-written thank you note. For more information, visit AdmitAdvantage.com. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How Many Spanish Speakers Are in Your State [Infographic]

How Many Spanish Speakers Are in Your State [Infographic] Suzy S. Spanish is quickly becoming a prominent language in the US in fact, its estimated that there are now more than  54 million Spanish language speakers throughout the country, accounting  for almost 20% of the entire US population! These stats alone are a compelling reason to learn Spanish as a second language. But its also interesting to look at how the language has grown over the years. The infographic below, put together by Day Translations (with data from the US census, Pew Research Center â€" Hispanic Trends, and Wikipedia) shows the distribution of Spanish speakers in the US, and just how much the total has increased  since 1970. Check it out: Continue reading the post here.  And if you want to learn more about Spanish speakers in the US, the Pew Research Center for Hispanic Trends is another cool website to browse! Ready to Learn Spanish? There are so many benefits to being bilingual, and Spanish is a great second language to choose! Here are some resources to help you get started: Live, online group classes from TakeLessons (for a limited time, sign up for one of our classes for free!) Private Spanish tutoring Spanish articles and guides Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

How to Assess an Analytical Writing Assessment Prompt

How to Assess an Analytical Writing Assessment Prompt The Analytical Writing Assessment, or AWA, is the first section of the GMAT exam. You are allotted 30 minutes to compose an Analysis of an Argument essay in which you must assess the strength of an argument by identifying its assumptions and flaws. Here are five steps to help you craft an effective critique in the minimal time the AWA allows. 1. Read the prompt Before you begin your response, review the AWA passage presented to you. Determine what is being said, as well as who is saying it. For example, consider the Analysis of an Argument prompt available on page 25 of this document, which concerns a potential uniform policy at Bayview High School. This prompt poses the question of whether high school students at one school should wear uniforms based on the performance of students at another school in the same town. This issue is being raised via a letter written to the editor of a newspaper. Now that we know the situation at hand, what is the next step? 2. Determinethe argument The argument often appears at the end of the passage, and it usually includes a prediction, a suggestion, or an assumption-based conclusion. What does the author of this letter to the editor think should happen? He or she hopes that Bayview High School will adopt a uniform policy. Once you find the argument, assess its overall strength and start outlining your response. 3. Identify the assumptions What is the author basing his or her argument on? Why should Bayview High School students wear uniforms? According to the writer, Acorn Valley Academy students, who do wear uniforms, generally earn higher grades and are more likely to attend college than Bayview High School students. Additionally, Acorn Valley Academy students are infrequently absent, late, or disruptive. The writer appears to associate the notable performance of students at Acorn Valley Academy with uniform use, and he or she believes that students at Bayview High School should have the same clothing requirements. This stage can be difficultif necessary, request the assistance of a mentor or GMAT tutor as you complete practice prompts. 4. Develop two to three flaws What is incorrect about the authors assumptions? How does he or she leave the argument vulnerable to attack? In the example above, the unnamed writer provides no proven evidence that the presence of uniforms at Acorn Valley Academy has caused its students exemplary performance. The differences between the students at the two schools may be attributable to other issues. For instance, though the students live in the same town, they do not necessarily live in the same neighborhoods. They may come from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The students at each school might not even be the same age. Furthermore, the quality of the classes, teachers, and administrative staff at the two schools may be far from equivalent. More qualifying information must be provided before deciding that uniforms are the best way to resolve the discrepancies between the two groups. If possible, include a concrete example of schools in a similar circumstance whose characteristics differed based on reasons outside of uniforms. These are some simple ways to improbve your writing skillswhich may help you as well. 5. Conclude with advice Conclude your response by restating your main thesis and what must be examined before arriving at a decision. How can these logical flaws be addressed? How would doing so strengthen the argument? In this example, research could be conducted to examine the effects of requiring uniforms at other schools in the region. In addition, a survey could be completed at both Bayview High School and Acorn Valley Academy to assess what qualities the students, parents, teachers, and staff believe influence average grades and college attendance. In addition to following these five steps, remember to budget your time wisely. You only have 30 minutes to compose a detailed critique. Use the first five minutes to plan your essay. Spend the next 20 minutes writing as much as you can. Finally, use the last five minutes for editing and polishing. Your prose need not be perfect, but it should leave the reader with the best impression possible of your composition skills as a future MBA student. Here are some great tips on how to increase your GMAT analytical writing score.

How to Score a 5 on the AP World History Exam

How to Score a 5 on the AP World History Exam Sign up successful 2. Know the World Map In order to get a solid grasp on the material you’re learning, you should first become familiar with the world map. Pay special attention to places that have changed over time. For example, “Mexico” used to be called “New Spain” and “East Pakistan” is now “Bangladesh.” I’ve seen plenty of students confused because, not realizing the territory has been renamed, they can’t find New Spain on the map! To make sure you have a good geographical foundation, practice drawing the world map a few times (or at least filling in a pre-drawn but blank world map). Make it a contest with fellow classmates or friends to spice up this activity. Also, there are plenty of online sites to test your “map and geography knowledge.” (Try Lizard Point Geography Quizzes.) 3. Make A Timeline Many teachers will tell you “dates aren’t that important for the exam.” In essence, I agree with this statement, especially the farther back in history you go. However, it’s important to know the general chronology of historical events. Here’s why: The AP World History Exam places emphasis on global interactions and change-over-time (there is actually a “Change-Over-Time” essay), both of which require having a reasonable idea of when things occur (not necessarily dates) and what else is going on in the world simultaneously. This emphasis makes sense: People, countries, and continents are not isolated. They may exist separately but they fluctuate together, constantly evolving. So, to really understand “time,” I suggest a timeline. Now, because so much happens in our world’s history, it’s important to have a big timeline. If there’s room in your house, put up a roll of paper from one of the wall to the other. Then you can make a line and label events as you go t hrough the world history course. Make it interactive by drawing pictures to go with significant events. If you don’t have room in your house, you can go online. I recommend Prezi.com (or a similar site with a wide open canvas that you can zoom around on, add information, and upload pictures and video). 4. Supplement Your Reading If you’re taking a class, you will almost undoubtedly be working with a history textbook. However, words on a page often have trouble sticking in our brains by themselves. What you need to do is find movies and short videos (use Youtube) that you can watch after you’ve read about an event. Then go back to the textual information and reread it, checking to see if the way you imagined the event matched up with what you saw. This helps you more than you realize. By combining reading and watching, you’re first creating an original virtual reality experience, then comparing that with the media you’re viewing, and then, during the second read through, you’re analyzing the differences. This process interweaves many facets of your brain enabling strong recall and memory with the information you’re learning. Yes, it may take a little extra time to read, watch, and then reread information on one particular concept. You definitely don’t want to do this with every significant event. To start, I recommend choosing 10 important events (spaced out over our historical timeline) that interest you. How do you choose the events? If you have an AP Review Book, they will have an “important events” list at the end of each unit, which are generally separated by time periods. Otherwise, go online, type in “AP World History Important Dates,” and choose some from a list that comes up. If you’re stuck, here’s a good starter list (but remember there are so many to choose from): 2000 Judaism begins w/Abraham 1320-1340 Spread of Bubonic Plague 1029-258 Zhou Dynasty 470-430 Golden Age of Athens 610 Rise of Islam 1492 Columbus expedition 1600-1690 Scientific Revolution 1770 Beginning of Industrial Revolution 1948 Creation of Israel 1959 Cuban Revolution Don’t forget to put all the events you spend extra time with onto your timeline. Finally, remember that world history is just one, long, ongoing story about the human race. Try to put yourself in the shoes of those you read about and recognize that understanding the concepts is far more important than knowing exact dates. Learning specific study skills for this type of memorization can be easily achieved with a tutor, so check out TakeLesson’s selection of experienced world history tutors for additional help. For more information about the test, visit The College Boards website. Tali H. tutors in various academic subjects in Olympia, WA, as well as through online lessons. Since 2010, she has worked with  numerous students in elementary, middle, high school, and college in both group settings and one-on-one. Learn more about Tali here!   Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by  KarandeepSingh

Um, So What Should I Be Choosing As My First Guitar

Um, So What Should I Be Choosing As My First Guitar The Beginner Guitarist's Guide to Making the Right Choice. ChaptersHow to Avoid Ending Up With an Inappropriate Guitar?What are the Different Types of Existing Guitars and Their Features for Beginners?Choose the Right Guitar: Buying Options.In ConclusionWith eight years of practice, I’ve often had to deal with students’ loss of motivation, simply because of an inappropriate guitar, bought too quickly or often based on an attractive design. They don't pay an attention to the playability, the fact that it sounds great, or that its features - say its headstock, body and neck - are actually made well.I’m Kelsey and I’m a guitar teacher.For some, during the first purchase of a guitar, only the electric guitar matters - because it has style, it plugs into an amp, and makes noise! Acoustics or classical guitars are generally overlooked in favour of the vision of being a cool electric guitar player.The other problem that people with a new guitar find is that they expect to be a master of their musical instrument straight away. Above all, peo ple often believe that it is easier to play before they actually learn how to play the guitar. Which is not entirely wrong and you will understand why.People put a lot of value on their first guitar, so to choose well, some key features have to be kept in mind when buying.  You should also be remembering the fact that, although your hands are itching to shred that fretboard, you are a beginner guitarist - and that you first and foremost need an appropriate guitar for beginners.Of course, you will evolve and progress during your guitar lessons near me and, at the same time, you will refine the type of sounds you are looking for. Also, you will probably desire to try several different sounds and styles after a few guitar lessons. Maybe you will become interested in fingerpicking, meaning you might find yourself wanting an acoustic or an electro acoustic guitar. You might find that the deeper, groovier noise of the bass guitar sounds great, and so you check out the electric bass. This is to say that you need to follow what you like, acoustically and in terms of the style of music.  You will then start to acquire other guitars: it’s not uncommon to meet an amateur with several guitars. He will make his choice according to the style tackled.Pay attention and don’t forget that you are a beginner. Even if it’s interesting to start with an instrument that matches your desires and musical tastes to keep the spirit up during that tough time of learning, the type of sounds coming out of the guitar should not be your first concern. Keep in mind that when you first start learning to play the guitar, you're not sure to continue... So pay attention to the cost of this first purchase: go for the low end of price, but don't compromise on quality.Also, you should have a complete guide to selecting and changing your guitar strings...What are the Different Types of Existing Guitars and Their Features for Beginners?Who is your favourite guitarist? Maybe their instrument choi ces can help you decide.There are three main types of guitars, not to mention more specific models like the Dobro for instance.The first thing that someone who wants to learn how to play the guitar should do is to choose the guitar that suits them best according to its characteristics and sound.The Classical GuitarA classical guitar is the usual choice for beginner guitarists or parents. It is perfect for styles like bossa, classical or flamenco - as these nylon string musical instruments were developed with these styles in mind. The body shape, the size of the fingerboard, and the delicate hollow body are all designed specifically for these purposes.The classical guitar is for the purists!But is not ideal for beginners. The classical guitar, as its name indicates, is initially intended to play classical pieces.However, it can also appear in other musical currents such as bossa nova, jazz or flamenco, but will be less present in styles like rock, pop, pop rock, or even funk.The clas sical guitar has a wider neck than all the others and nylon strings. Of course, nylon strings are softer than the steel strings you find on acoustic guitars, but it does not make it easier to play, quite the contrary! Depending on the material, the price of the guitar strings may vary.By default, beginners or parents tend to buy this model of guitar because it has the most affordable prices. However, the width of the neck and the more spacing between the strings can quickly hurt beginner guitar players' fingers. And the affordable price is a bit misleading: they are marketed for beginners and they are, more often than not, not great quality.    Of course, you can support your guitar while playing by choosing the right guitar strap so that your arms don't get overly tired...If you wish to play bossa nova music, classical or flamenco, the classical guitar is the one you need. But if you are looking more into playing folk, pop or rock music, forget about the classical guitar and head t o an acoustic guitar.It is purely personal and taking into account my eight years of experience in teaching guitar lessons, I advise against a classical guitar to begin with. Unless, of course, you are absolutely committed to the sound produced by these musical instruments.For others, however, after some time practiced on a guitar more adapted for you, you will refine your tastes and your pursuit for sonority. Therefore, it is not impossible that the classical guitar can correspond with you afterward. For me, I only use it occasionally when I have to record melancholy themes.Discover how to choose a guitar strap, and check out the straps that Guitar Center has to offer.The Acoustic Guitar: Great for Beginners because of its Versatility and Thinner NeckThe folk guitar is ideal for beginners.Unlike the classical guitar, the acoustic guitar has steel strings and a much thinner neck. This feature makes it a versatile guitar, adapted to play a great diversity of musical styles. It is wid ely used in pop, rock, blues, jazz, and pretty much every other style you can think of.It covers a much wider range than the classical guitar. If you want to play popular pieces that you hear everywhere, play with friends, sing together, take it with you wherever you go and if your musical influences are folk, rock, pop, pop rock, variety or blues, this is the guitar you need.Despite a slightly higher price than its little sister, the classical guitar, the acoustic guitar remains an extremely versatile instrument. It covers a much larger range of music than the classical guitar and is also much easier to play thanks to a thinner neck. It’s also more comfortable and more suited for playing current music. This is the guitar that I recommend you  begin taking guitar lessons with.You'll find that the acoustic guitar comes in all different shapes - from the dreadnought to the parlor to jumbo and grand auditorium. And you'll notice in the picture above that some have a cutaway and other s don't. These changes in body style become more important as you become more familiar with the instrument, but just note now that the size of the guitar body - and consequently of the sound hole - affects the sound: some are louder and more resonant, whilst others are more gentle.If you are starting out, the best acoustic guitar might not be the dreadnought - as these are very large.The Electric Guitar More expensive and bulky than the others; less suited for beginners unless you only dream of playing rock.Choosing your first guitar is hard - but don't fret too much.The electric guitar is a guitar without a sound box: it’s the main difference with acoustic guitars. The microphones placed under the strings produce the sound.The electric guitar became a mythical instrument in the 20th century, thanks to legendary guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and BB King.The electric guitar strings are quite similar to the acoustic guitar strings (steel strings), although they are gene rally softer. The electric guitar is used for playing  a vast variety of styles, from jazz to hard rock. The electric guitar's very thin neck and very low tension of the strings make it one of the easiest guitars to play. Its disadvantage, however, is that it must be connected to an amp so that the volume is correct: this implies additional purchases.The electric guitar's price also remains affordable. While it may be easier to play, it is, however, more difficult to move and involves purchasing an amp. It is not the guitar that I recommend to begin with, unless you greatly appreciate its unique style.Choose the Right Guitar: Buying Options.Acoustic: Epiphone DR-100A very good acoustic from a well-regarded brand: nice design, good playability, and great sound for the price.Acoustic: Seagull S6A new brand that makes incredibly good instruments. Pricier than other beginner instruments, but a dream to play - both for amateurs and experts.Electric: Yamaha Pacifica PAC112VOne of the most respected brands in beginner musical instruments. Classic Stratocaster shape with great price.Electric: Epiphone Les Paul Special II PackA good option for those looking for a stylish axe but with all of the accessories.Classical: Cordoba Iberia C5From the best of classical guitar manufacturers, the perfect beginner guitar.Classical: Yamaha C40A great, reliable instrument from one of the most-loved guitar brands out there.In ConclusionThe classical guitarAdvantages: Has a very soft sound, ideal for bossa nova, jazz, and flamenco.Disadvantages: It's limited in terms of style and difficult to play.The folk guitarAdvantages: A versatile guitar, adapted to playing almost any style. It has a thin neck that makes it easier and more comfortable to play. Ideal for learning to play the guitar.Disadvantages: It has steel strings, it's less flexible than nylon strings and hurts the fingers in the beginning, but that can be overcome quickly.The electric guitarAdvantages: It has a very thin neck and very weak strings that make it easier to play. It's suited for all styles (a multitude of sounds).Disadvantages: It's less portable than the folk guitar, and you also have to buy an amplifier to go with it.Now that you have all this information, you just need to decide which guitar you want to play and get started learning on the guitar that best meets your expectations: how to choose the guitar of your dreams thanks to these few recommendations.Once you’ve found your dream guitar, find a guitar class around you thanks to Superprof.And for more guitar accessories?

Your Personal Trainer Will Help You Stay in Shape!

Your Personal Trainer Will Help You Stay in Shape! Stay in Shape with Exercise Classes from a Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer ChaptersSports Disciplines that Require the Guidance of a Fitness ProfessionalTypes of Physical ConditioningObjectives of a Physical Preparation SessionSelecting The Right Personal Fitness TrainerHow Physical Training WorksFitness Classes Available (And How To Copy Them At Home!)Why Opt For A Personal TrainerHave you just signed up for a marathon, a half-marathon; a triathlon or your local Iron Man competition?And right around the time you signed that dotted line, you remembered that you only go running twice per month.With that level of training, you'll never cross the finish line!Now is the time to pick up the pace. How are you going to do that? Motivation helps, of course, but you have to find your way back to that natural rhythm, the one your body functions best at.A professional fitness trainer, one who specialises in overall fitness conditioning, is what you need. A coach who will stand by you, no matter what discipline you see yourself practicing.Team sports: basketball, handb all, football, rugby and others.Extreme sports: mountain biking, Parkour, snowboarding â€" especially off-trailIf you think a coach is not needed, especially for extreme sports, you would be gravely mistaken. A coach is necessary, especially for extreme sports, for you to grasp every aspect of the sport s/he has mastered.Bear in mind to seek out an athlete who is specialised in the field you are passionate about.It is vital to choose a personal training programme specifically designed for the sport you want to participate in.A Pilates instructor may well know how to abseil, but unless s/he has undergone official certifying in the sport, s/he is not qualified to teach anyone how to rappel.Check out different fitness classes near me here.A running coach can help improve performance and endurance Source: PixabayTypes of Physical ConditioningDo you want to increase your athletic ability and improve your athletic performance?Any sport demands a firm commitment and anyone who trains assid uously stands to perform better.Here, we highlight two distinct performance categories.General Physical Preparation, otherwise known as GPPThis is considered fundamental physical training. This type of conditioning is necessary because it instills three key elements of physical fitness and health that every fitness instructor should stress throughout training.Endurance: to increase your staying power in any sport, you need to gradually increase the number of reps during your training sessions.Be reasonable! Do not take great leaps in your regimen; make incremental gains. Your fitness trainer will advise you to step up your routine when you are ready to. S/he will take into account your overall physical state, with an eye toward your goals. Increases to your workout should happen gradually.Gaining muscle mass: working your muscles â€" pectorals and deltoids, abdominals and lats, thighs and glutes, biceps and triceps.Connective tissue is conditioned through repetition, with moves such as squats, crunches and pushups. These training techniques render your body trim, fit and healthy to engage in the physical activity you wish to pursue.Strength training: not only helps you gain muscle mass but helps build you up for greater athletic performances.For this aspect of physical training, your coach will guide you through bench presses, squats with weights, resistance training and isometrics. Strength training workouts inherently build muscle as well as condition you to a higher level of personal fitness.Discover how to slim down with a fitness specialist.Specific Physical Preparation, otherwise known as SPPAt this point in your physical training, things start getting serious. Training is amplified and your coach will boost your workout sessions to competition level preparation, or champion grade sports meets.An accredited sports professional will clue you in to training methods and exercises geared toward the sport you wish to compete in.In competition, it is not unusu al to see badly trained, and even over-trained athletes.That is why it is absolutely vital for your exercise program to develop the requirements of the discipline you wish to engage in.Because your certified personal trainer works you to an exactitude, you will be drilled to the specifics of your sport.You will come to realise that not every exercise â€" and too many reps are not necessarily the best course of action in your training regimen.Professional intervention: your training coach will get you to peak performance by working your weaknesses all while exercising your strengths.Objectives of a Physical Preparation SessionNo matter your level of fitness or your chosen sport, your fitness and exercise coach has only one goal in mind: to improve your performance.After a physical assessment, you and your fitness trainer should hammer out objectives to realise, to reach your short-term and long-term goals â€" be they running a marathon or winning a tennis tournament.Your goals may ch ange the more you are exposed to exercise science, but these facets of fitness training will always remain. By working out regularly, you will enjoy:Improved performanceIncreased competitivenessGreater speed, strength and enduranceLess chance of injury.Your coach will demonstrate proper form Source: PixabayHealth and Safety Executive, it must be renewed every three years.Athletes dedicated to teaching sports, health and fitness can obtain personal trainer certification for specific disciplines, especially those that demand a high level of physical preparation, and a thorough knowledge of exercise physiology.What Competencies Should Your Trainer Possess?Obviously, your sports coach should be well-versed in every aspect of the discipline you wish to train in. His goal is to aid your progress while setting short- and longterm objectives. S/he should establish a specific nutritional and workout regimen for you to follow.Your fitness education professional should be a source of motivatio n.You have appealed to him for competition preparation or a unique aspect of physical conditioning. It is his job to motivate you physically and mentally.Mental conditioning is vital to your athletic evolution. A firm mindset will encourage long-term development of your physical being.Besides, thanks to his training, safety will be a prominent feature of your athletic development.S/he knows how to work your body without risk of injury: the proper movements, poses and number of reps you can safely do at every stage of your training.Find an online personal trainer here.Your coach should monitor your work to prevent injury Source: Pixabay Credit: Alex VanHow Physical Training WorksYour coach should take a three-pronged approach to your developing fitness for life:Primary phase: s/he should identify your strengths and weaknesses, conduct a diagnostic assessment in line with your past physical activity and the objectives you wish to attain.Planning phase: now clear on your current abilit ies and objectives, s/he will establish a plan of action tailored to you.Physical phase: your training sessions follow requisite steps.Some disciplines require intensive work of certain muscle groups while others permit a more relaxed approach and milder conditioning.At every stage, your exercise sets correspond to your physical condition. Rest assured that your coach knows your physiology and would not put you at risk of injury by overworking you.Regardless of the sport, your physical training will develop your strength, endurance, agility, coordination, and flexibility. All are necessary ingredients of any sports discipline, but they will also help improve your daily life and well-being.Your trainer maintains a duty to revise your regimen.At the start and again at the completion of every session, s/he should measure your gains. Should you develop faster than anticipated, s/he can increase workout intensity to attain your training goals sooner than expected.Conversely, if developme nt is more gradual than anticipated; s/he must downgrade your routine, in keeping with your current physical capabilities.Most likely, your coach will assign you work to do between  sessions.Bear in mind that your personal fitness trainer has developed a bespoke regimen, which may include your taking the stairs instead of the lift to get to your office. S/he may prescribe walking to your local grocer's rather than driving your car.Quite possibly, you may be assigned a few dozen sit-ups and lunges, to be done after breakfast.Your fitness instructor only wants for you the best physical shape you can have - a toned and healthy body. Observe and follow all of his instructions and you will come out ahead.After that, all you have to do is reach for the brass ring!Next: work your way to a new, ripped abdomen!Fitness Classes Available (And How To Copy Them At Home!)So while a fitness trainer is ideal whilst you train for a sporting event, there are a few other physical activities you can do alongside their coaching to raise your heart rate, either at the gym, a local class or at home.Fitness classes are all the rage right now.If you fancy trying out a few fitness classes to improve your physical conditioning in a sociable environment, then here are a few popular trends that are worth considering. Group classes bring their own benefits, such as challenging you to keep up with others and being able to socialise with a group of like-minded individuals.Zumba: Zumba is a high cardio, dance-based workout that combines Latin and hip-hop steps with martial arts and resistance training by formulating fast and fun choreography. A typical class lasts 40-60 minutes and can help you to tone muscles, burn calories and relieve stress because of its uplifting properties. The dance moves are often not hard, nor are the sequences hard to remember so people can join at any time. It's appropriate for all ages and fitness levels too. Zumba at home: You can get your Zumba on at home by wat ching a Zumba fitness video on the Internet or on a relevant TV channel as well as by quite simply dancing to an upbeat record. If you want to do Zumba both at home and in a class then why not practice in between by downloading the tracks you dance to with your coach?Barre: Barre is a ballet-inspired class that uses repetitions of small, precise ballet movements to help you to tone muscle, build strength and control, and improve your overall posture (just as you would in a ballet class but on a smaller scale). Not all classes are slow, however. Some sessions are quicker and make you feel the burn much more, especially in your arms, abs, bottom, and thighs! Barre at home: It's not always easy to practice ballet at home unless you have a suitable handrail but you can get portable barres if you are serious about keeping fit in this way. Then, you can purchase DVDs, watch videos on YouTube and download audio podcasts to guide you through your workout routine.Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga): Bikr am yoga is every bit as strengthening as your usual yoga class, yet it's even more challenging because you are positioning yourself in all those yoga poses in a room measuring more 105 degrees to make you more flexible. Whilst other fitness classes focus more on a cardio workout, Bikram Yoga is concerned with breathing techniques and the flow of oxygen through your body. The fitness craze includes 26 hatha yoga postures and two pranayama exercises. Bikram yoga at home: Doing yoga from home is easy enough if you have a yoga mat and the right video tutorials, but getting the heat element of Bikram Yoga isn't as straightforward. Some fans have been known to take their yoga mat to the bathroom and switch the shower on for a little while to get the temperature and humidity rising without wasting money on gas bills!Pilates: Similar to yoga, Pilates is a conditioning workout that is designed to sculpt the body by toning muscles. All you really need is a mat and a positive attitude so doing Pilates at home is relatively easy. Having a trainer, or at least following a lesson online can be beneficial as the instructors are there to help you connect your mind and body with the series of movements, which focus greatly on aligning the spine and improving the overall posture. Pilates at home: Pilates is a great workout to do at home because you can work at your own pace and it requires little space or equipment.Boot Camp: This intense fitness class involves a bit of everything: cardio, strength training, and agility.   The military-inspired workouts are put together to help you burn more calories by varying the pace, exercise styles and movements. Doing short bursts of circuit-style workouts with little or no rest in between is the perfect way to work up a sweat and has a positive effect on the body in terms of strengthening and weight loss. Boot camp at home: You can do boot camp-style workouts at home if you want to. Why not build your own circuit training area out in you r garden from moves you already know, or by moving yourself from one room to another in your house for each different fitness type, if you have space?Spinning: Spinning is a form of indoor cycling where you perform intense and high-cardio workouts on a stationary bike.   With the tough, unforgiving sequences, you work on strength and endurance, usually in a group guided by an enthusiastic teacher. Don't expect to be sitting on your saddle for the full 30-40 minutes - you'll have your glutes up in the air and working hard throughout the session! Spinning at home:   Spinning bikes aren't the same as your usual workout bicycle, but you can definitely apply some of the lessons you've learnt in a spinning class when cycling in your home gym. You can, if you are really dedicated, buy an official spinning cycle for at-home use.Boxing: Everyone nows what boxing is but do you know why it's so popular as a sport nowadays? Increasingly popular among women (as well as Box Fit), this exercise is empowering and allows you to exert lots of force and therefore stress, through punching as well as hopping and jumping to maximise calorie burn, weight loss and increase lean muscle mass. Boxing at home: As long as you've got the gear, you can buy some light dumbells or a pop-up punch bag to practice your endurance at home. Make sure you put these in a safe place away from anything valuable that might break should you miss!Bounce: Bounce is probably the newest fitness craze to enter the scene and involves performing exercises on mini trampolines in order to enhance the workout. Normally a group exercise class performed to loud and upbeat music, this fun all over body training combines simple movements whilst bouncing up, down and around and therefore raising your heart rate. According to the website, 10 minutes spent at Bounce is the equivalent of a 30 minute run. Bounce at home: If you happen to have a trampoline outside in your garden or you don't mind investing in the small roun d ones used during the class then you can have a fun time jumping (or exercising) at home as well!Why Opt For A Personal TrainerWhile there are many advantages to joining a gym in your city or starting out at a class like the above: the flexibility to go whenever you have a spare moment, the variety of equipment you can use, the diverse schedule of classes being held in the studios and so on, there are some things that only a personal trainer Edinburgh can bring to the table.First of all, the nature of personal training is educational. Exercise regimes and nutrition plans are led by the professional's expert knowledge in the science of the body and catered to what result you wish to achieve, whether that is weight loss, muscle tone, training for a particular sporting event or other goals.Secondly, a personal trainer is there to be focused solely on you, so rather than that feeling of being in a class and not knowing if you are doing to positions or moves correctly, your personal ins tructor will be on hand to analyse your workouts and ensure that you are getting the most from them. They will evaluate your unique situation and why you have chosen to take this approach to your health and fitness and working out what is the best way for you to proceed. Helping you form good habits, they also help you to make your mind fitter as well as your body.What's more, isn't it better to be involved in a personal training programme which you feel obliged to keep at rather than telling yourself you'll go to the gym three times a week and then letting yourself down each time you are feeling lazy or seem too busy to fit it in?Knowing that someone is relying on you to keep up the hard work other than yourself (yet still holding you accountable if you begin to lag behind) can be a huge motivator!

English Listening Exercise Freakonomics and Car seats

English Listening Exercise Freakonomics and Car seats One of my students has recently introduced me to U.S. author and economist Steve Levitt. Levitt, in his books and lectures, presents theories based on data that are often surprising and go against popular wisdom. This week, were using his TED lecture as a English listening exercise.Levitt has proposed a number of controversial and even unpopular theories. One famous theory from his book Freakonomics is that the massive, unexpected decline in crime that the U.S. saw in the 1990s was not the result of better policing, tougher prison sentences or the death penalty, but legalized abortion.The TED talk in the video below may be his most controversial theory. He claims that child car seats are no safer than seat belts in protecting children in motor vehicle accidents, and that seat belts may even be safer. This after a campaign that has made it a law that parent must restrain children in car seats in the U.S. and the generally unquestioned belief that it is the safest thing to do. Below yo ull find a Levitts TED talk in which he presents this idea, and is even questioned in the end by an audience member. If you would like to take an English class based on this video, contact us.Why you should listen to Levitt:With his 2005 book Freakonomics (co-authored with Stephen Dubner, a writer who profiled him for the New York Times), Steven Levitt carried hardcore economic method into the squishy real world and produced a pop-culture classic. Freakonomics is both an economics textbook and a series of cautionary tales about the fallacy of conventional wisdom. Levitt examines the links between real-world events, and finds many instances where the data simply doesnt back up popular belief.He asks provocative questions: If selling crack is so lucrative, why do dealers live with their mothers? Does parental doting really improve childrens test scores? Did New York Citys crime rate really drop because of police tactics (or population trends)? His controversial answers stir debate, an d sometimes backlash.What was the difference between the first and second cure for the disease?What was the problem with the second cure?Then ____ ____ a lowly economist. Who ___ children _______.What was the disease?What were the cures?But ___ _____ are so _______ and _______ and they ____ ____ ___ ______ of ______.What is the other line of reasoning people have against believing seatbelts are better than carseats?What happened when they called crash test centers?Fundamentally, the car seats ______ _____ ____.What did Levitts father give the first set of patients that came in to see him, if he thought they werent sick?What did he give them if they came in a second time, and he still didnt believe them? (use the specific word)What were in the third jar?What question does the person in the audience ask?