911 Essay

911 Essay

Dan

How To Increase Value Of Your Home

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Whether or not you are planning to sell your home, increasing its value is always recommended. Of course, you saved a lot to buy a house for your family, hence making its value depreciate is not something you want to consider. There are many ways you can do to make your home value appreciate and to name them, read this article.

How To Increase Your Home Value

There are many ways you can do to increase your home value, and to give you ideas, here are the things to consider.

Inspect your home

Never forget to inspect your home from time to time. It is best if you hire a professional to do it so the structure, building and pest infestations are checked well. A home that has a lot of structural issues will not only make its value depreciate but may also make the house unsafe for your family to live in. Make sure that inspection is done on a regular basis.

Hiring a professional is just so easy, all you need to do is call their number and wait for them to come to your house. You do not need to go with them while checking around, you can do what pleases you, you could play slots or look for sister sites and watch TV, cook meals, etc.

After their inspection, they will send you a detailed report about their findings after 24 hours or more depending on the size of your home.

Paint

Painting your home is good enough to make your home look brand new again. This time, you do not need to hire a professional, some DIYers opt to do this activity by themselves. But if you have the funds to hire a professional, or you are not as adventurous as other DIYers, or you do not have the time to paint your home by yourself, then by all means you can call a professional painter to do the job on your behalf.

Low maintenance landscaping

Giving attention to your home exterior is also necessary if you want an utmost increase on the value of your home. If you do not have the time to do the gardening and cleaning regularly, go for a low maintenance landscaping. You do not have to worry though as the price for this project is not as expensive as you think. There are cheaper landscaping services you can get, all you have to do is research and ask around.

Also, you can plant trees and wait for it to grow big. Houses are not only more expensive but attractive if there are trees and beautiful landscapes.

Bath and kitchen remodel

If you have money to spare, remodel your bathroom and kitchen. This is definitely a sure way to increase the value of your home. Having a more modernized bathroom and kitchen will give everyone in the family convenience and extreme satisfaction. Although expensive, there are a lot of good things you can get from considering this upgrade.

Why Using the Right Educational Tools Benefits Learning among Children

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Never in humankind’s history have we made the strides that we have in the area of education, particularly that of the child. There was a time in history when it was an oddity to see a child below the age of five receiving formal education. But the narrative has changed; no longer does the little girl need to touch the tips of the opposite ear before she is deemed worthy of being taught her letters. We now have educational tools and curricula tailored to suit every stage of a child’s development (even as a fetus!). This is especially important now, because with coronavirus closing schools, the need for effective classroom technology has never been more important. In the eyes of the educators of the past, we have achieved the impossible, for we have found the tools to give letters and numbers to the children whom they would have called un-teachable, and we have made bright the other tools in the box.

Indeed, we should pat ourselves on the back. We have discovered and formulated an abundance of methods and tools such as Simplilearn, to cater to the myriad and unique needs of children. Like every coin, this one too has a flip side; there is so much at our disposal, that frequently we unwittingly apply the wrong tools to the education of children. A somewhat acceptable solution to this conundrum is the one-size-fits-all approach. The approach may yield some results, but it goes without saying that for the best results, one should use the right tools for the job. In the same vein, using the right educational tools will benefit learning among children in many ways.

  1. Allows for Early Detection and Intervention

The right educational tool, by default, will be expeditious in bringing to light areas in which a child may be deficient and may require additional attention or a supplementary educational tool even. With the wrong tools, these deficiencies will most likely go unnoticed and unattended, thereby retarding the learning efficiency of the child.

2. Maximizes Learning Efficiency

Learning efficiency is a measure of a child’s educational progress. It takes cognizance of a student’s performance improvement as well as the time needed for the improvement. As has already been established, the right tool will maximize learning efficiency; this it does by revealing any areas of a child’s educational development that may require fortifying.

3. Saves Time

The right educational tool will “hit the ground running.” That is to say that the educational needs of a child are attended to right away, and head-on, which is opposed to the sedate pace and roundabout route of a one-size-fits-all approach or the blatant stagnancy that will be the result of applying wrong educational tool. The right tool will save time not only for the child (ren) but for the educators as well.

In conclusion, “if the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” These were the words of Abraham Maslow. In some cases, a hammer might suffice for a practical solution, but never would the solution be called perfect. And then there are the times when a hammer will fail, fail miserably.

How safe is it to use online banks

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With the increasing popularity of online banks, you might have heard about online banks like Transferwise and you might be wondering: Is Transferwise legit? Every right-thinking person would want to ask that question about any organization they want to patronize and more so, when it is a bank since they would be putting their hard-earned money directly into the bank and they would want the money to remain there, grow if possible and be available whenever they want to use the money. Based on this, it is important to question how legit online banks are. This article will answer the question as to if online banks are legit and what you can do to stay safe.

Are online banks such as Transferwise legit?
 The simple answer is that online banks such as Transferwise are very legit. Many online banks have been operating for over a decade and have provided their customers with as good a service they would get from any local bank if not better. Thus, it is possible to find an online bank that you can use and you would be happy you did. However, just like every other thing, where there are good and legit things, there is always the bad and counterfeit version even to the clothes we wear. Thus, banks are not left out. Some people just get a little knowledge of programming and web development or hire a web developer to build a banking site for them. After convincing a few people to register, they subsequently run away with the money of those they have convinced to register. Thus, this article will further discuss how to find safe online banks.

How to find safe online banks?
Read reviews: One of the best ways to find out if an online bank is legit or not is to read reviews about the bank. After reading reviews about the bank, you would be able to hear directly from people who have patronized the online bank as to if the bank is credible or not. You can be sure that anybody who has been cheated out of their money would want to rant on every platform possible, even if it will be on a quest to revenge and make the online bank lose customers and profit than it is because they care about others and do not want them to lose money. Bottom line is that you would be able to see their complaints in the reviews section of the online bank and then you would know it would be best to move forward. If on the other hand, you can find a lot of positive reviews, it would mean that the bank has satisfied their previous customers and it would imply you can also expect satisfactory service.

Read the online bank’s terms and conditions: it is important to read the terms and conditions of the online bank. If anything was spelt out in their terms and conditions, then you should know that ignorance is not going to be a defence. By reading you would know if there is any clause you are not comfortable with and if there are, you might want to look out for other banks.

Contact customer service: Contacting customer service is another way to find a safe online bank. You want to know how quickly they would answer the call. You might also want to ask one or two questions relating to opening an account to know how courteous and knowledgeable to customer service personnel is. This could guide you to know how you would be attended to when you have a problem and if you would be happy with that type of customer service treatment.

 

Ways to Reduce Your Losses When Selling Your House 

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Ways to Reduce Your Losses When Selling Your House 

You don’t want to sell your house without earning a handsome profit out of the transaction. You need that money to find a new home and for other expenses. However, if you’re in a hurry to sell your house, you might agree to offer the property to a potential buyer at a lower price. As a result, instead of making money from the transaction, you end up losing a lot. These are some tips to help you avoid financial losses during the transaction.

Don’t be too desperate

Sure, you’re in a hurry to sell your house, and you want to move on with your life right away. It doesn’t mean that you will settle with whoever is available to purchase your house. This person might keep asking for a lower price, and since you’re desperate, you have no choice but to agree. Although you have a hard time right now, you will eventually find the right buyer. It would help if you worked harder on your advertising strategies so that you can reach as many people. Wait for some time, and you will see that a lot of people would reach out to you and ask about your property for sale. You might even regret it if you already sold your property, and you find someone willing to pay a higher price for it.

Don’t agree to make changes right away

Some potential buyers will decide to buy your house at the price that you offer. However, there are demands that you need to address in return. If these are home repairs and renovations, you might say yes. A leaking faucet or a hole in the ceiling are reasonable repair demands. It’s your responsibility as the owner to ensure that whoever will stay in your house will feel more comfortable. However, if the orders are too much, you might have to say no. You will spend more money to make these changes, and the selling price won’t be enough to cover the cost.

Compare your property with nearby houses

It also helps if you try to research other properties in the area. You will have an idea about the selling price of these houses. You will then know if it’s reasonable for you to sell your house at the price that you’re offering. If the other houses in your area are way more expensive, it means that you might lose a lot with your current selling price. The property owners are confident in selling their houses at that price because they know that the location is suitable for a lot of buyers. You can also increase your property value since your home is within the same area.

The biggest mistake that you can make is to settle with someone who won’t pay a reasonable amount because you want to sell now. If you’re in a hurry, you would instead partner with a wholesale buyer. If you live in Miami, you can look to sell my house Miami online. You will then have more information about wholesale buyers in the area and decide to partner with them in this transaction.

 

4 Most Common Problems for Dog Parents

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If you’ve recently welcomed a new pup into your home, you want to do everything you can to give him the life he deserves. Having a furry friend to keep you company can benefit both you and your pet in a myriad of ways. According to research, becoming a dog parent has been linked to an improved mood, better heart health, reduced stress levels, and greater empathy. Likewise, you can give your dog a better life by bonding with him and taking good care of him.

While the journey you’re about to embark on with your dog will be filled with opportunities for fun and quality time together, it’s important to be prepared for the tough spots as well. Bringing a new pet into your home is a major responsibility that comes with its own challenges and setbacks. To ensure that you’re up to the task, it’s crucial to know what you can expect from owning a dog for the first time. The following guidelines will help you assess your dog readiness and offer you practical solutions for common problems that you might face.

  • Shedding

The idea of cleaning up the mess that your shedding dog left behind isn’t something that you want to think about as a new pet owner. If you’re particularly fussy about cleanliness, this potential issue could be even harder to come to terms with. Fortunately, not all dog breeds shed, and it’s worth your time to do research on this topic before you choose your new pet.

If you still find fur scattered across your home, don’t panic just yet. Your standard vacuum may not be able to erase all the damage, but the best vacuum for pet hair can. Consider investing in a vacuum that’s designed to clean pet hair if shedding has become a significant problem. This can ultimately help you save time and make it easier to maintain a clean living space.

Additionally, remember to use your vacuum for pet hair on a regular basis instead of waiting for the damage to build up. Cleaning up messes as soon as possible helps you build the habit of tidying up and makes your job a lot easier as well. While your vacuuming schedule may vary depending on how messy your pet is, try to clean up at least once a week to keep your home properly polished.

  • Excessive Barking

Dogs use barking as a means of communication, and a few yelps here and there shouldn’t alarm you. However, if you can’t open the front door without having your dog insist on barking incessantly, it may be time to find a solution.

The most effective way to address excessive barking is to let your dog grow acclimated to disruptive sounds. For example, you can start out by having a friend or neighbor lightly tap the front door. If your dog doesn’t bark, praise him verbally or give him a treat. Repeat the process while asking your friend to gradually increase the noise level. Once this goes on for a while, your dog will begin to recognize that there’s no imminent danger every time someone arrives at the door. As a result, he will stop reacting by barking needlessly.

  • Chewing

Chewing is a completely natural activity for dogs, but it can be a headache for owners. If you’ve come home from work to find that your pup has chewed through your new pair of sneakers, it’s time to set things straight.

Fortunately, getting your dog to give up his chewing habit is easier than you think. A simple way to start is to give your pet enough chewing toys to keep him occupied. When introducing your pup to chew toys, it’s crucial to implement positive reinforcement as much as possible. Reward him with a treat whenever he gnaws on a toy instead of an object that isn’t meant for chewing.

To further discourage your dog from chewing your belongings, try to connect his chew toys with mealtime. For example, if you use his toys to feed him or place one of his toys next to his dog bowl, your dog will be much more likely to associate his chew toys with a positive experience. Overall, keep persisting. Your dog will eventually take the hint and stop chewing when he isn’t supposed to.

  • Leash Pulling

Dealing with an uncooperative dog during walks can be a struggle for new owners. When your pet pulls on his leash, you may have trouble getting him to do his business and find yourself spending more time outside than you planned. To fix this issue, it helps to understand the way your dog’s mind works.

Dogs are naturally curious creatures who are always searching for the next opportunity to explore. When your pet constantly pulls on his leash to sniff the same spot, he likely smells traces that another dog left behind, and he’s eager to take in this information. This is where you come in. To get your dog to give up the constant sniffing and licking, you need to keep him fully engaged throughout the walk.

Instead of simply pulling him along the sidewalk, pay attention to your pup. Talk to him throughout the walk and be sure to use an encouraging tone. This can be especially helpful if your furry friend takes a while to do his business. If you typically stick to the same route, try switching to a new one. By keeping your dog excited and interested from start to finish, you can get him to direct his attention to you instead of whatever he’s trying to sniff.

Handling Your New Dog Like an Expert

While dogs are extremely lovable pets, they may cause you to run into problems that you weren’t quite prepared for. Fortunately, by keeping these simple guidelines in mind, you can welcome your new pup into your home with confidence. Before you know it, you’ll be able to overcome any obstacle and focus on creating a meaningful connection with your brand new dog.

Significance Of Music In The Overall Slot Game Experience

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Video slots these days are often called the pinnacle of gambling entertainment, especially in the online sphere. You cannot really argue with it either – is there another part of the industry with such complex online slots games? It is incredibly difficult to beat the aesthetics of online slots, let alone the bonus rounds, playability and general win-potential of these games.

No wonder, then, that millions of gamblers spin the reels each and every year, number that amazingly hasn’t stopped rising since the proper inception of online slots. Something that many people don’t actually think about when it comes to these games are their soundtracks, but they can make all the difference. Read on for a brief conversation on the significance of music in the overall slot game experience.

Makes Things More Exciting

You would have to be really rather stern to argue that a good soundtrack doesn’t make things infinitely more exciting when playing online slots. They are definitely primarily visually stimulating, however you would be a fool to discount the importance of audio as well. A silent slot game is bound to be a lot less exciting than one with a good soundtrack, is it not?

Of course, many of us online slot gamblers will tend to put on our own music whilst we spin the reels, but this is a lot more effort than simply opening up a game and having the music all there waiting for you. Furthermore, having music on the loading screen of an online slot can dramatically increase the excitement before you play, only having a good affect on the overall slot experience to come!

Echoes The Theme

Another great thing about online slot soundtracks is how they can echo the theme, therefore enriching the whole experience much more than if it was just silent. We have long known about the importance of audio stimulation when trying to set a scene in cinema or gaming, for instance, and the same can be said of online slot gambling.

Take the slot Guns N Roses. This marvellous piece of online casino software was developed by NetEnt and is based on the rock band of the same name. Now, without the excellent soundtrack this slot would still be good, but with it it is absolutely incredible. Just one instance where the soundtrack directly influences the level of enjoyment.

Sound Effects & How They Can Enhance A Slot

Lots of online slots have proper soundtracks, but even more will make use of different sound effects, usually things like the clinking of coins after a big win. You cannot argue with the added excitement when this happens, yet another way that the audio element of online slots can better the overall playing experience.

How Important Really Is The Music?

So, how important is the music in the overall slot experience? Well, obviously it isn’t quite as important as something like graphics or playability, but this doesn’t mean it is something that can be discounted.

 

The Most Immersive Online Casino Games

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Online gambling has been around since the late 90s but over the last several years its really taken off, becoming increasingly popular. As more people began to participate in online gambling, the technology involved began to grow, allowing for more immersive experiences. But what immersive experiences are available now?

Table Games

Most online casinos and their sister sites today offer a variety of games, usually video slots and classic table games such as blackjack and roulette. These games have been a staple at online casinos and offer a pretty basic experience, letting you play slots and table games against a computer. Over the last year, however, game developer Evolution Gaming has been shaking things up by launching a series of first-person games, which provide a close-up view and experience of the game, almost as if you were actually at an online casino playing the game!

At the time of writing, there are currently four first-person games; roulette, blackjack, lightning roulette, and dream catcher. The games all follow the same rules as real table games but can be played on multiple devices and feature superior 3D animations that help provide players with the ultimate immersive experience.

Live Casino

Over the last few years, live casino games have grown more popular. In live casino games, real-life dealers are streamed directly to you and you can interact with them and other real players who are participating in the game alongside you. The dealers stream from a purposely built studio and interact with the players via the stream. There are dozens of live casino games including blackjack, roulette, poker, sic bo, and more. These special games allow users to play their favourite casino games with a real dealer from the comfort of their home, a great alternative for anyone whose nearest casino may be a little too far away.

Most recently, game developer Playtech launched the first-ever live slot game. The Buffalo Blitz live slot features a real dealer who speaks and interacts with players while the slot continuously spins behind them. Players are required to enter the maximum wage they want to bet and select the maximum number of spins they want to wager on. Although dealers generally don’t stand around with you when playing slots at a brick-and-mortar casino, there’s no denying that it offers a truly unique immersive experience!

VR Casino

One of the most immersive experiences when it comes to online gambling is VR casinos. Since virtual reality technology is still growing, NetEnt has managed to launch its very own VR slot games, including Gonzo’s Quest. These VR titles plunge you straight into the game itself, and users who play Gonzo’s Quest VR will be placed directly in front of the reels with a full 360-degree view. Gonzo himself will appear in the game and will react to your wins and losses throughout the game.

Meanwhile, SlotsMillion launches a VR casino lobby where players can walk around! Currently, the available VR casino games available are mostly slots since they’re much easier to program but it’s likely that more developers will begin to invest in this technology as VR grows and we may eventually see VR table games and, sometime in the future, possibly even VR live casino.

Regardless, all of the games here offer players an immersive experience. What you enjoy will depend on how immersed you want to be, whether that means just wanting to play a simple slot or interacting with a real dealer and other players. Whatever you choose, you’ll have fun and that’s what matters the most.

4 unmissable cultural highlights in London this February

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Visiting London in February? Then it’s time to plan your itinerary for this romantic month! With Valentine’s Day and the February half-term thrown into the mix, the capital has an abundance of options available.

But with so much going on, it can be hard to narrow down what activities you want to complete during your trip. Luckily, this guide provides you with the unmissable highlights for the month of February!

London Fashion Week

Whether you’re a fashionista or not, London Fashion Week is a must see event in February. This iconic, global fashion event returns on Friday 14th February and runs until Tuesday 18th, showcasing over 250 designers and their Autumn/Winter 2020 collections.

From the #PositiveFashion Designer Exhibition to city-wide celebrations, London Fashion Week has it all going on. With a focus on “Positive Fashion” the event looks to educate attendees on the sustainability within the fashion world. Public-facing shows are also set to return, so you can immerse yourself in the world of fashion and go behind-the-scenes to discover the hottest trends for next season and up-and-coming designers from around the world.

Kew Gardens Orchid Festival

Kew Garden’s annual Orchid Festival returns for its 25th year in February, celebrating the incredible wildlife and culture of Indonesia. The festival begins on Saturday 8th February and runs through until Sunday 8th March and is a must see if you’re travelling to London!

Visitors will find themselves transported to a botanical paradise that evokes the sights, smells and sounds of Indonesia. Fans of all things botanical can expect to see life-sized animals decorated with tropical flowers, an erupting volcano created from orchids, as well as traditional Indonesian music, dance and live cooking demos!The Orchid Festival is a must for anyone looking to discover new cultures and learn everything there is to know about Indonesia.

Imagine Children’s Festival

If you’re visiting London on a family trip, then why not take the kids to their very own festival? Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival returns with a heap of fun activities, events and entertainment for the little ones.

For any kids under 11 with a passion for creative writing or stories, this event is the perfect way to keep them entertained. The kids can explore creative stories, music performances, comedy and parties from the 12th February to 23rd February. The Imagine Children’s Festival is set to be a fantastic event for families!

Romantic river cruises

For any lovers visiting the capital over Valentine’s Day, why not take a romantic river cruise whilst you learn about the history of London and see some of its most famous sites? From Big Ben, Tower Bridge, The London Eye and more, river cruises offer a picturesque way to see the city of London.

Make your romantic trip even more special by staying at Dorsett Hotel, City of London. Only a short distance from Tower Pier, this hotel is ideally located for you to enjoy a river cruise and see what London has to offer from the water. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to explore nearby the hotel and, being a short distance from Shoreditch, you can explore this vibrant borough too.

 

What are the different ad extensions for Google Ads

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Google Ads is the paid advertising service offered by the search engine giant Google. Paid search digital marketing or pay-per-click as its widely known, offers advertisers the opportunity to advertise with a search engine so that their business appears on their search engine results pages.

Basically, Google Ads is Googles paid advertising service whereby your business pays to show up on the search engine results pages (SERPS). When done correctly, this service is quite straight forward, cost-effective and can yield impressive results. There are many benefits of incorporating Google Ads in your digital marketing strategy.

Using ad extensions in your Google Ads (previously known as Google AdWords) is a great way to improve and capitalise on your pay-per-click conversion rates with Google Ads. You can boost your qualified clicks by attaching ad extensions to all of your Google Ads campaigns.

To get the most out of your pay-per-click advertising strategy it’s highly beneficial to complete an accredited digital marketing course or a paid marketing course so you fully understand this popular online advertising platform.

Why use ad extensions for Google Ads?

Using the built-in ad extensions for your Google Ads is a great way to increase traffic to your website and will help your business generate more leads – and they don’t cost extra. Almost every advertiser on Google Ads has experienced logging into your Google Ads account with the high hope of seeing a large number of clicks only to be sorely disappointed.

Many advertisers experience the same thing, but how do you increase the performance of your Google Ads? So, if this has happened to you remember – you’re not alone. Online advertising is an extremely competitive field. The good news is that you can dramatically increase the performance of your ads by using ad extensions. Think of an ad extension as a helpful way to improve your text ads with Google Ads.

By using extensions in your ads, you are able to maximise your digital marketing budget which boosts your click-through rates. More clicks through to your website means higher traffic volumes and every digital marketer’s main goal is to boost their click-through rate. With ad extensions added to your Google Ads search strategy, you can add special discounts and offers, additional links to your website and other information to draw in visitors to your site to increase your click-through rates.

Types of Google Ads extensions

Fortunately, Google offers advertisers a wide variety of ad extensions which really do help increase your ad rank and ultimately your click-through rate. In fact, keep in mind that its key to make use of the many different types of extensions in your Google Ads search strategy because some ad extensions perform better through different devices, such as desktop versus mobile, which includes tablets and smartphones. It’s really helpful to get a thorough understanding of the ad extensions that’s best suited to certain devices to help you get the most of incorporating extensions in your Google Ads.

Here are a few of the most popular ad extensions for Google Ads:

  • Location extensions – A location extension is clickable and should be linked to a relevant landing page. This extension is listed on a separate line, thereby increasing the size of your ad, drawing more attention.
  • Call extensions – By including a telephone or mobile number in your ad you’re effectively making it easier for people to contact you.
  • Link extensions – These extensions are clickable and should be linked to relevant landing pages on your website. Enabling site links on your Google Ads increases click-through rates.
  • Promotion extensions – A promotion extension is great to highlight sales, discounts or promotions.
  • App extensions – This type of extension only appears if the user is using a mobile device and the app link is placed below the ad itself.
  • Price extensions – This is a great way to showcase your products and pricing. This extension appears below your text ad and is viewable via a pc or mobile device.
  • Automated extensions – This is a really handy feature with Google Ads. Google automatically adds an automated extension to improve your ads performance.
  • Seller rating extensions – A seller rating extension is also automated. Google gathers ratings from reputable sources and displays them below your text ads.

What are the principles of Pilates?

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There are many benefits that you will experience from doing Pilates. This is because Pilates is responsible for developing every aspect of fitness such as strength, flexibility, coordination and control. However, if you really do want to reap all of the benefits that Pilates has to offer, there are a number of principles according to which you need to structure your practice.

Concentration

As Pilates is a mind-body exercise, it cannot be performed half-heartedly. Pilates calls for full attention to, and awareness of the entire body. It is this principle that can make a basic exercise challenging and effective for even an advanced student.

Control

Control is probably the fundamental principle of Pilates. This is seen by the fact that Joseph Pilates originally called this exercise form “Contrology”.

When practising Pilates, it is important that each movement of the body is made in a slow, controlled manner as opposed to merely swinging your body parts into position. This is because by using controlled movements, various muscles are required to work together and help the body to develop greater coordination as well as balance.

Control also prevents injury and assists the practitioner to realise the full functional benefits of that are gathered from each movement.

Centring

The action involved physically bringing the focus to the centre of the body, in other words the powerhouse area between the lower ribs as well as the pubic bone.

Breathing

Breathing in (inhaling) to prepare for the movement. Breathing out (exhaling) and moving on the effort which connects the pelvic floor with the abdominal muscles. In a lot of cases, the effort will be on the concentric (positive) phase of the exercise. Although, in some cases, the effort may be on the eccentric (negative) phase of the exercise.

It is highly advisable participants do not hold their breath while exercising. Precision during breathing should be taking during the eccentric phase of the exercise so that the abdominals are engaged properly and that placement of the rib cage is not compromised.

Flowing movement

Pilates exercises are all done in a flowing manner. Fluidity, grace and ease are goals which apply to all exercises. The energy of a movement connects all body parts and flow through the body in an even manner. Pilates equipment, like the reformer, are exceptionally good reflections of one’s flow and concentration as these are likely to bang around and suddenly become quite ‘machine-like’ if one loses control and flow.

Postural alignment

Having an aligned posture is essential if all Pilates exercises are to be carried out correctly.

Ribcage placement

The rib case position affects the alignment of the upper back. When lying on your back (or supine) in a neutral position maintain the sense of the weight of your ribs resting gently on the mat, in other words maintain the normal curve of your upper back.

Do not push off, or push your ribcage into, the mat. Pay specific attention to the placement of your ribcage when you are inhaling or while you are performing arm movements overhead.

Scapula stability

Stabilising your shoulder blades on the posterior part of your rib cage is an important as contracting your abs during the initiation of very exercise. This will help you to avoid straining your neck and upper shoulders.

To achieve proper placement, a sense of width should be maintained across the front and back of the shoulders. Make sure that you neither allow your shoulders to round forward too much nor squeeze towards the spine.

Your shoulders ought not to be lifted too far off the mat or be over-depressed. Shoulder placement should be somewhere between these two positions as well as in neutral. The shoulder blades have a wide range of motion so remember to maintain stability.

Pilates consists of movement through a slow, sustained series of exercises by making use of abdominal control as well as proper breathing. The quality of each posture is more important as opposed to the number of repetitions or how energetically you can perform the movements. Books and videotapes on Pilates are available, but look for a qualified Pilates teacher or Pilates-trained Personal Trainer to get the best results.