Creating a cohesive furniture layout for your living room—one that’s functional as well as aesthetically appealing—can be a challenge. You know that you need a couch, a coffee table, and a few chairs, but figuring out how to arrange everything is another story. When you look at an empty room, starting from scratch and envisioning how everything will come together can seem impossible. Fortunately, there are many furniture arrangement tips to serve as guidelines throughout your interior design journey. Here are some simple tips for arranging your living room furniture to help you get started.

Choose a focal point

The first step in creating a quality living room layout is to determine a designated focal point in your room. This point should be the area around which all other furniture is directed. Common examples of living room focal points include a fireplace, television, or mantle. By arranging your furniture around a central area, you create cohesion and give the furniture in your room a sense of purpose and direction. Without a focal point, the design of your living room can quickly appear cluttered and chaotic. Every piece of furniture doesn’t have to—and shouldn’t—directly face your focal point, but they should all be turned in that general direction.

Get out your tape measure

Before you try to arrange or even purchase your furniture—especially larger items such as coffee tables, couches, and sectionals—you need to break out your trusty tape measure. To ensure that you purchase the right-size furniture, make sure to measure the dimensions of your living room. Then, draw up a floor plan on a piece of graph paper using the measurements of your room and the size of the furniture you’re considering purchasing. You could even use a computer program to create a virtual layout. Whatever method you use, creating a rough outline of your floor plan before making any purchases will ensure your furniture can fit comfortably in your living room.

Allow room for traffic flow

If you place the furniture in your living room too close together, guests won’t be able to move around freely. To avoid having to climb over couches and chairs as you navigate the room, make sure to allow for plenty of space between your furniture. You should leave at least two or three feet between your coffee table and sofa as well as between chairs. In addition, leave a clear path through your living room that allows people to enter and exit the area easily.

Create a space for conversation

A primary function of many rooms is to provide a comfortable area for conversation. People often use their living rooms as gathering spaces for socializing with other residents or mingling with company. As such, you should design the layout of your living room to allow for easy conversation. Your furniture shouldn’t all face one direction so that people must crane their necks or lean over to talk to one another. Instead, arrange furniture in a semi-circular configuration. In addition, there shouldn’t be more than eight feet of distance between seating, as this will make it difficult for people to interact with each other without raising their voices.

Use a rug to unify your setup

A great way to unify your living room furniture layout is to lay down a rug. Center a rug in the middle of the main seating arrangement to tie the room together and anchor your furniture. When you’re choosing a rug for your living room, it’s important to find the right size. A rug that’s too small can make your furniture layout feel crowded. The rug should be large enough to comfortably contain all the furniture in your seating arrangement, or at least the front legs of large pieces. Ideally, the rug should extend a few inches beyond the sofa and chairs.

Don’t place furniture against walls

A common living room furniture faux pas is to place sofas or other seating directly up against a wall. People typically do this to create more space in the center of small living areas. Doing so, however, adds little functionality to the room and typically just adds more dead space in the center of the room. Instead, allow your furniture to float a little by positioning your sofa and chairs about a foot or more away from the walls. Doing so will make your living room appear more inviting.

Include plenty of table space

A coffee table or side table should accompany every seating area in your living room. Such tables allow guests to easily access their drinks or snacks without having to get up and down, place them on the floor, or hold them the entire time they’re in the room. Place coffee and side tables at arm’s length from seating areas for optimal convenience.

Use seating to divide large rooms

If you have a larger living room or an open-concept floor plan, dividing your room into two different seating areas can be beneficial. An easy way to do so is by using the furniture itself. A large sofa, sectional, or daybed works as a perfect room divider between two different seating areas. The back of your sofa will help separate one grouping from the next, providing each group with privacy without completely blocking off each area from one another. To keep the flow between both zones, there should be a clear path between both seating areas.

To find the perfect sofa, sectional, sleeper, recliner, or chairs for your living room, take a look at the extensive array of high-quality furniture at Sofas and Sectionals. In addition to a wide variety of stunning furniture options, we also provide the option for custom-designed furniture with 10 free swatches to help you determine your ideal fabric. If you need a little extra guidance while creating your perfect living room, we also offer free design services to help you through every step of the design process. To begin your journey toward the perfect living room, contact us today.

Tips for Arranging Your Living Room Furniture Infographic

Sleeper sofas are incredibly versatile pieces of furniture that add an extra element of functionality to any room. Also known as sofa beds or simply sleepers, sleeper sofas are sofas that can double as beds. As such, they can turn any room into a guest room and provide an effective way to optimize the space in your home. To choose the perfect sleeper sofa that gives you the best of both worlds, mull over some of these important considerations when buying a sleeper sofa. Will it primarily be used for sleeping or sitting?

Before purchasing a sleeper, ask yourself if it will be primarily used as a bed or for seating. While sleeper sofas can be used as both a bed and a sofa, there is likely going to be one predominant purpose for the piece of furniture in your home. For example, some people purchase sleeper sofas to be used occasionally as a guest bed while others use sleeper sofas as their bed every night. Determining the sleeper sofa’s primary function in your home will help you choose the most comfortable option for your intended purpose.

Sleeping

If sleeping is your top priority, the type and comfort of the mattress is of utmost importance. There are many different types of mattresses that accompany sleeper sofas. For example, a sleeper could be equipped with an air mattress, spring mattress, or specialty mattress. Which mattress you choose will largely depend on your personal preference; however, specialty mattresses are generally preferred among those who plan to use their sleeper as their primary bed.

Sitting

If your sleeper sofa is going to be primarily used for seating, you may want to avoid purchasing a futon or daybed, as their frame lacks the cushioning and comfort of a standard sofa. Instead, consider purchasing a standard fold-out or pull-out pop-up, as both offer good support when used as seating.

Size of the room

One of the most important considerations to make when choosing a sleeper sofa for your home is its size. The size of the room containing your sleeper sofa will play a significant role in choosing the right piece of furniture. You should take the measurements of your room before shopping for your sleeper and determine the maximum dimensions of a piece that could comfortably fit in your space. If you’re choosing a pull-out pop-up or standard fold-out sleeper, make sure to allow for the space it will take up when the bed is out. You don’t want to be inconvenienced by having to rearrange the furniture in your room every time you want to use it for sleeping.

Aside from simply being able to physically fit in your space, you should consider a sleeper that won’t make your room appear crowded or make it difficult for people to navigate around. Ideally, there should be at least two feet between your sleeper and all other furniture to allow for an easy pathway. If you don’t have a lot of space in your room, twin-size sofa beds are a great option, as they are typically around 54 inches wide and 85 inches long when open.

Style

Factor in style when choosing any type of furniture for your home. As a focal piece of furniture, the style of your sleeper should complement the aesthetic of your room. Whether you’re searching for a bold-colored sofa to make a statement or a classic neutral hue, ensure that the color you choose suits the décor and palette of your room nicely.

Comfort

Because everyone’s definition of comfort is different—some prefer a firm sofa while others like super-soft and plush sleepers—it is important to test out a sleeper sofa before making a purchase. When doing so, don’t be afraid to take your time. Rather than simply sitting down for a couple of seconds and getting right back up, consider trying out multiple different seating positions. Taking a few minutes to confirm that your sofa will be comfortable in the long run is well worth your time.

Firmness

If you prefer a firmer sofa, consider searching for one with foam cushions that provide structured support. Those who appreciate a softer sofa may prefer cushions made from feathers instead. If you like a mix of both, you can even purchase a sleeper that offers cushions filled with a combination of feathers and foam.

Size

In addition to the softness or firmness of your sofa, you should also take size into consideration when purchasing your sleeper. If your sleeper is too small, you may find it uncomfortable to sleep on regularly. A twin sleeper can generally comfortably hold a single person who weighs up to 250 pounds, while a full-size sleeper can hold double that amount. Queen and king-size sleepers can hold over 600 pounds and are ideal if more than one person will use the sleeper.

Frame

The material that the frame of your sleeper is made from can also greatly affect its comfort. Those who choose metal frames may regret their decision, as the unforgiving frame may end up digging into them while sleeping. Solid hardwood frames may be more expensive, but they are often the ideal option in terms of comfort.

The open and close mechanism

If you’re purchasing a standard fold-out or pull-out pop-up sleeper sofa, the open and close mechanism should be a top consideration. Ideally, the mechanism in a sleeper sofa should be able to lift up and out in a smooth motion without sticking or making squeaking noises. To ensure that the sleeper can be easily opened and properly closed, search for sleeper sofas that include a lock-down bar. Additionally, you should also check to make sure that the mechanisms of the sleeper are smooth. If the sleeper has any sharp or jagged edges, blankets or sheets could get caught on them and end up tearing.

If you’re searching for a quality sleeper sofa, look no further than the incredible selection offered at Sofas & Sectionals. In addition to sleeper sofas, we offer an array of other home furnishings, including genuine leather sectional sofas, stylish recliners, and more to complete your home. Committed to providing you with the best possible customer experience, we offer easy returns, unlimited free shipping on orders of $1,000 or more, and excellent customer service. To find the perfect sleeper for your home, shop Sofas & Sectionals today.

Considerations When Buying a Sleeper Sofa Infographic

If you have a large family or regularly host a lot of people, the sectional sofa is for you. An alternative to the standard three-seat sofa, the sectional can accommodate a lot more people. Even if you don’t need the sectional for more people and you just like to lounge and stretch out, you can’t do better.

In the past, options for sectionals were limited. They were cumbersome and poorly designed, and they didn’t seem to fit well anywhere but in a gymnasium. Today’s sectionals have superior design and are much more streamlined than the monsters of the past. Many more stylistic options are available, such as velvet, leather, linen, and every color under the sun. Additionally, the modern sectional is far more versatile than it appears. It can fit in a small study just as well as it can in spacious basement or den. We have compiled the ultimate guide to buying sectional sofas for your home so that you can be an informed consumer and buy something you’ll love for a long time.

Why You Need a Sectional Sofa

The first reason why most people want sectional sofas is that they accommodate more people. Sectionals offer a lot more seating for a lot more people than conventional sofas do—in optimal comfort—and that’s the primary goal. They’re perfect for just lounging and putting your feet up. With a new sectional, you can have friends over to watch the big game or your favorite series.

Furthermore, sectionals are very versatile pieces of furniture that can fit in many spaces. Their purpose isn’t merely to eat up space in large rooms. They come in different-size pieces, making them capable of fitting in odd-shaped rooms. Utilizing the space available—as well as maximizing the space in the room—is key. Sectionals are also great at breaking up open floor plans. The open floor plan has been the preferred style in new homes for many years now, and the sectional is great at creating “rooms” within the open space. They can break up an open floor plan and define spaces in a way that standard sofas cannot.

Know the Different Designs

Like everything else in America, there are many different options for sectional sofas. So many, in fact, that knowing where to begin can be difficult. Still, having all those options means the odds are great that, once you wade through all the options, you’ll be able to find what you want. Becoming familiar with some of these basic designs will guide your decision-making process.

Curved

Not to be confused with the U-shape, the curved sectional has a sweeping, curved elegance to it. It’s a decorative piece as well as a functional one. However, this is not a good option for confined spaces. The shape of the sofa prevents it from sitting flush against any wall. You’ll need a large room and extra space to accommodate the curved shape.

U-Shape

The close cousin of the curved sofa is the U-shaped sofa, and it’s one of the more popular styles. The U-shape is perfect for filling a large space such as a home theater or basement. It will give you the maximum number of seats for your money. With arms that extend out and face each other, the shape almost forces conversation and togetherness.

L-Shape

Just like it sounds, L-shape sofas looks like two traditional sofas stuck together to make a right angle. They’re great for corner spaces and for defining a room or boundary. It’s one of the most versatile of the sectionals, and it can have different configurations. The most common configuration is the three-cushion sofa connected to a two-cushion sofa.

Chaise

The chaise sectional comes with a gigantic chaise lounger for feet. Think of a regular sofa with an extended ottoman on one side. It’s the simple cousin of the L-shape, but it can go places the L cannot. The chaise can go just about anywhere a conventional sofa can, and it’s great for smaller spaces.

Modular

The modular sectional is the next generation of sectional sofa. If the curved sofa is a vintage Rolls Royce, then the modular is a Tesla. Most sectionals come in a few pieces that are designed to fit together in a specific way. Not true with the modular—it comes in as many as five pieces and can fit in any way you need it to. Modular sofas are designed for arranging in any way you see fit. Their mobility is their strength—you can use one sofa as five different pieces of furniture in one room, if that’s what you want.

Sleeper

The classic sleeper sofa is an option that may come with an already-useful sectional. If you need space for overnight guests, then the sleeper is a good option. The sleeper technology is improving, too; they’re no longer only slightly better than sleeping on the floor. Sleeper sofas usually come with the chaise-style sectionals.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before buying anything, make sure you cover a few things that will help you narrow down your search for a sectional sofa. Decide what kind of material you want the couch to be made from. Do you want leather or fabric? Measure the room for which the sofa is destined to make sure it will fit. Also measure the doorways to ensure it will make it into the house. There’s no point in buying something that you can’t get in the house.

If you’re buying an L-shaped sectional, the most important to thing to consider is whether you need it to face left or right. The distinction between the two is simple, but it’s still easy to confuse them. Imagine standing in front of your sofa—that’s how you choose the orientation. If you want the sectional to extend out at the right side, choose a right-facing sofa. If you want it to extend to the left, choose a left-facing sofa.

Sofas & Sectionals is your home for elegant, quality Natuzzi leather furniture—among many other sectional sofas, couches, and reclining sofas in a wide array of colors and fabrics.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Sectional Sofas for your Home Infographic

If you’re someone who enjoys hosting company at your house, you likely want to design your home in a way that isn’t just pleasing for you but will also be admired by your guests. A well-designed interior space can help you make a good first impression on your guests and foster a relaxed, comfortable, and pleasing environment in which to spend time together. To create a beautifully designed home, here are some interior design tips that will instantly impress guests.

Invest in a high-quality sofa

Unless you’re hosting a dinner party, you and your guests will likely end up spending the most time in your living room. In many ways, the sofa is the most important piece of furniture in your living room. Not only is it likely the largest piece of furniture in your home, but it is also one of the most-used pieces of furniture—especially when you have guests over and need to seat multiple people. As such, it is important to invest in a quality sofa that isn’t just aesthetically appealing but is also comfortable.

When choosing the sofa, the three main factors you’ll want to consider are size, material, and comfort. Choosing a sofa that is too big or too small for your room can make your space feel cramped or awkward. Always measure your room before purchasing a sofa to ensure that it will comfortably fit in your space without obstructing traffic flow.

In addition to size, the material also plays a large roll in choosing the right sofa for your space. Choosing a sofa made from a material that stains or damages easily can significantly reduce the appearance of your home. Instead, choose a sofa made from a durable and long-lasting material such as leather.

Lastly, make sure to choose a comfortable sofa. While an aesthetically pleasing sofa may impress your guests from a distance, their admiration will likely dissipate when they take a seat and find they don’t like the feel of it. Add some green

Plants can add a sense of vibrance and life to any area. Plants look good in all rooms, regardless of their color schemes. In rooms with more neutral tones, plants add a nice pop of color without appearing distracting or ostentatious. In rooms that already have bold color schemes, plants won’t compete or conflict with the other colors. You truly can’t go wrong when decorating your home using plants.

In addition to adding life to your space, plants can help resolve many common interior design faux pas. For example, if you have a lot of hard angular lines in your room, plants can soften the appearance of a room and make it look homier and more inviting.

Plus, if you have dead space in your home, adding some potted plants is a great way to fill it up and maximize the design potential of your home.

Examples of great houseplants to decorate your home with include kentia palms, fiddle-leaf fig trees, snake plants, and winterbourne. Give your walls some love

To impress your guests, you’ll want to design every aspect of your home to its fullest potential—including your walls.

Many people neglect their walls when designing the interior of their home and choose to leave them bare or barely decorated. However, doing so wastes a valuable opportunity to add dimension to your space and really turn an area into something special. Plus, decorating your walls won’t take up any precious floor space, so it won’t cause your room to feel cramped.

One of the best ways to decorate your walls is by hanging artwork such as paintings, photography, or prints. Not only will this add an element of class to your room, but such artwork will also serve as great conversation pieces for you and your guests.

Another great way to decorate your walls is by using wallpaper. If you want to keep decorations to a minimum in your home but don’t want your space to appear bare, wallpaper is a great option. Adding an accent wall in your home or plastering wallpaper around an entire room can add depth and style to your room.

Prioritize lighting layouts

Lighting has a huge impact on the appearance of your home. Even rooms with impeccable design can end up looking dull if they don’t have quality lighting. As such, you shouldn’t neglect lighting when designing the interior of your home.

When creating the lighting plan of a room, keep in mind what the room will primarily be used for. For example, if you’re creating the lighting plan for a kitchen, you’ll want to provide plenty of downlights above stovetops or counters. However, if you’re creating lighting for a media room, you’ll want to avoid adding harsh lighting around screens that could cast a glare. Ultimately, you’ll want to make sure that the lighting suits the intended function of the area and consider the placement, light output, and color temperature of the lights accordingly.

You might also consider which aspects of the area you want to highlight when creating your lighting layout. For example, if you have a statement decoration or piece of artwork in your room that you would like to draw attention to, consider using some spotlights to highlight the area.

After creating your lighting layout, take special consideration of the lighting fixtures. To really impress your guests, consider opting for bod pendant lighting with a unique design that will catch their eyes. However, try to avoid varying the style of your lighting fixtures too much in one area, as doing so can start to appear disorganized. You’ll want to tie your lighting fixtures together by keeping their material finishes and color schemes consistent.

If you’re in the process of redecorating your home, Sofas & Sectionals can help. We offer a wide variety of furniture options such as sofas, sectionals, sleepers, recliners, chairs, and outdoor furniture to help you find great pieces for your home. If you’re looking for furniture that is a little more personalized, we also offer custom design fabric or leather sofas and loveseats. For more information regarding our products, contact us today.

Interior Design Tips that Will Instantly Impress Guests Infographic

Sometimes the simple things in life make every struggle worth it. One of the best feelings in the world is coming home after a long day and relaxing on a comfortable chair or couch. It doesn’t matter if it’s leather, microfabric, or high-density foam, each piece of furniture provides comfort, safety, and security. However, some people may be intimidated by trying to find the best one. In that case, check out how to choose the perfect recliner for your home and enjoy its satisfaction.

Size

This should be the first concern in your head when choosing the right recliner for your home. The physical space in your room determines the size of the new recliner. You should keep in mind both the space of the room and the size of the recliner. This way you avoid any issues with space availability for other items. This is especially true if you want a recliner that leans back or extends. Either way, you should also consider how the size of the recliner affects your body position. Ideally, a recliner should reduce pressure from certain body parts, like the head, shoulders, knees, back, neck, and legs. A recliner that’s too small could prolong these pains or potentially make them worse.

Fortunately, recliners use specifications based on your height. The four main types of recliner types are petite body types (for people 5’4” and under), small body types (5’5” to 5’9”), tall body types (5’10” to 6’2”) and extra tall body types (6’3” and over). With the right-size recliner, you reduce any stress placed on your body. From there, you’ll likely notice many different health benefits. A supporting recliner may improve circulation, provide back pain relief, make breathing easier, relax your nervous system, and improve digestion. Each of these health benefits lead to a longer, more fulfilling lifespan.

Quality

Of course, no one chooses a recliner unless it’s comfortable, which is why quality is another important consideration. A high-quality recliner will last you years. However, not every couch or chair is the same, and some may exacerbate health issues because they promote poor posture or are constructed with inferior materials. Keep in mind, a high-quality recliner seat should use the right upholstery and padding materials. Leather and microfiber, for example, are popular materials because they’re stain-resistant and easy to care for. Additionally, consider a memory foam or high-density foam cushion that molds to your shape. This reacts to your body heat and molds to your shape, thus reducing stress on the body.

Type

Naturally, there are different types of recliners to choose from. Each of these have their own mechanisms for complete functionality in your living space. The top recliner types to know are pushback recliners, lever and handle recliners, power recliners, lift chair recliners, position and leg-only recliners, wall-hugger recliners, lay-flat recliners, rocker recliners, and swivel recliners.

Pushback recliners require the sitter to use both arms and push against the back to recline. Most pushbacks are modern and smaller in design, coming with footrests or ottomans attached.

Lever and handle recliners use a mechanical lever, handle, or pull loop to recline. They are some of the most common types of reclining seats in households.

Power recliners are like lever and handle seats but feature a button instead. As the easiest to operate, many models come with memory settings, positioning options, USB charging ports, massage capability, and other high-tech features. Lift chair recliners are common with elderly or mobility challenged individuals. They are fully automated power chairs that assist in raising or lowering from a seated position. While only some offer fully flat recline positions, most have button controls and battery or electrical power backup.

Position recliners consist of two-position and three-position chairs. These only offer two or three positions: upright and reclined (with one or two reclining options). These could be upright and fully extended, upright and leg-only, or upright, leg-only, and fully extended. Similarly, leg-only recliners offer only leg extension on the footrest. The backs on these models do not move at all.

Wall huggers sit adjacent to the wall and extend further to avoid hitting anything behind them. Alternatively, lay-flat recliners extend completely to allow for a full-body position.

Rocker seats offer a rocking chair motion when in the upright position. They also might swivel or offer different reclining positions with rocking capability.

Lastly, swivel chairs have a swivel base and an easy pivoting motion. You can reposition the orientation of the chair, which makes this a great seating option for visitors in the family or living rooms.

Style

With so many types to choose from, it’s important to have the right style to match. Recliners come in four main styles: traditional, contemporary, transitional, and classic. Traditional chairs are casual, comfy, and usually use leather or textured microfiber fabrics with plush padding. They tend to have an overstuffed feel. Contemporary, or sleek, chairs have trim, tailored lines and angular edges. Transitional seats often feature different styling details. Specifically, these include nail head trim, stitching enhancements, and roll arms. Finally, classic chairs showcase the traditional leather seat image with reclining capability.

Features

At last, many recliners offer different functional features as well. One feature every recliner has in common is, well, reclining. Some provide full-body support, articulating headrest, and lumbar support to supply optimal comfort throughout the chair. You should feel comfortable from the moment you sit down to the moment you rise. Some recliners have massage capability. These massage your head, back, and legs, which relaxes both your mind and muscles. Recliners may feature cup holders, USB ports, or even heated seats. No matter which options you choose, make sure the recliner is the ideal chair for your body. These features depend on its use and purpose for your home. Just make sure the piece fits your budget.

Whether it’s a wallet-friendly chair or full-on luxury recliner, always buy leather recliners from us at Sofas & Sectionals. We carry all types of recliner styles and types to choose from, including power lifts, traditional, pushback, and lever options. Some of our seats are also USB compatible for fast charging when seated comfortably. Contact us with any questions, and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect reclining chair or couch for your home.

The Perfect Recliner for Your Home Infographic

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is known as a conditioning and a strength brand that combines a multitude of disciplines. These disciplines are gymnastics, sprinting, weightlifting, kettlebell training, powerlifting, rowing, plyometrics, and even medicine ball training.  Kettle Bell WeightsThere is a belief system behind the CrossFit brand. This belief system comes down to the principle that a fit and healthy man or woman needs proficiency in 10 skills. These skills are accuracy, coordination, balance, agility, speed, power, flexibility, strength, stamina and endurance. It is a program that was founded by Lauren Glassman and Greg Glassman, a former high-school gymnast.

The CrossFit brand defines fitness as work capacity that is heightened across the 10 domains of accuracy, coordination, balance, agility, speed, power, flexibility, strength, stamina and endurance. CrossFit asserts that it promotes this by stimulating both hormonal and neurological adaptations over whole metabolic pathways. Athletes who practice CrossFit can climb and jump rope, lift odd objects and row. Using both weightlifting as well as powerlifting techniques, athletes who practice CrossFit can move big loads efficiently over moderate distances. Some equipment and tools that CrossFit athletes use include dumbbells, kettlebells, pull-up bars and gymnastic rings. This program is already utilized by up to 2000 gyms across the globe, and even a few police departments, military organizations and fire departments have used the CrossFit program.

Nutrition: The Paleo Diet

Ancient Corn MortarThe Paleo diet is short for the Paleolithic diet, which is also called the caveman diet, the hunter-gatherer diet and even the Stone Age diet. This nutritional diet is based upon the assumed, ancient diet that consisted of wild plants and even animals that many human species constantly ate during the Paleolithic era. The Paleo diet these days consists mostly of pasture-raised and grass-fed meats, vegetables, fish, nuts, roots, fruits, legumes, grains, salt, dairy products, processed oils and refined sugars. The basic principle of this diet is that it consists of foods that can only be either hunted or gathered, which means that foods such as fish, fruit, insects, eggs, seafood and meat are included in this diet. Practitioners of this diet think that people should get between 56 and 65 percent of their food energy from animal foods and only between 36 and 45 percent of their food energy from plant foods.

CrossFit Exercises

The exercises in CrossFit are based on the principles that each person should have the capability of balancing various levels of activity and also performing satisfactorily at any given task. The exercises for CrossFit are designed to promote and to defend these kinds of principles in the CrossFit philosophy. The exercises in CrossFit can be traditional, such as gym-based exercises like drills, running, calisthenics and lifting, or they might even be anti-traditional like carrying weird-shaped items, pulling along weighted sleds, or even flipping tires. The kinds of exercises that CrossFit features in its program are tailored to each individual so that everyone at different levels of fitness can productively take part in a CrossFit program. For example, participants who lift only 20 pounds versus those who are so advanced that they can lift 130 pounds can identify with each other, based on the principle behind how each person tries to execute the exercise.

CrossFit Competitions

CrossFit competitions are this fitness brand’s way of determining who the fittest person on Earth is, at least based only on the people that are active participants in the CrossFit program. The competitions can best be defined as multi-stage trials that are based on a grueling work ethic and courses. The trick behind these competitions is that the competitors have absolutely no idea what awaits them: Each and every year, CrossFit actually changes the events from the previous year, so competitors have to be reasonably fit enough that they are ready to take on practically anything. In any given CrossFit competition, participants can expect lengthy endurance races, gymnastic ring handstands/pushups, scaling walls, weightlifting, sandbag running and other tests or endurance and strength. CrossFit competitions are open to contestants from across the whole world, and contestants qualify for the event simply by sending in a home video of themselves performing some feat of CrossFit strength. If accepted, they then participate in the CrossFit competition finals, which are usually held around the late part of July.

Frequently Asked Questions

Woman Lifting BarbellQ: What is a WOD?
A: WOD stands for “Workout of the Day.”

Q: What is the official warmup for CrossFit?
A: The official warmup for CrossFit consists of three rounds of up to 15 repetitions of the Samson Stretch, the overhead squat with an accompanying broomstick, the back extension, the sit-up, the dip and the pull-up.

Q: What is the meaning of pood?
A: The pood is a Russian measure for kettlebells.

Q: What is a hook grip?
A: The hook grip is when one wraps his or her hand around the bar while grabbing as much of one’s thumb with the first two fingers as possible.

Q: What is a Tabata?
A: A Tabata is doing 20 seconds worth of repetitions for the assigned exercise, then resting for 10 seconds.

Q: What is a Farmer’s Walk?
A: A Farmer’s Walk is lifting two dumbbells that are heavy and walking for a certain distance.

Q: What is a Waiter’s Walk?
A: A Waiter’s Walk is when one holds a weight over his or her head and then walks for a certain distance.

Q: What is a Samson Stretch?
A: A Samson Stretch is when one interlaces his or her fingers and raises them overhead so one’s palms are towards the ceiling. The Stretch occurs when one lifts with his or her shoulders.

Q: What is the wallball target height?
A: The standard height of the wallball target is 10 feet.

Q: What makes a suitable substitute for running?
A: A suitable substitute for running can be box-stepping, stair-climbing, dumbbell or kettlebell swings, heavy bag work, cross-country skiing and box jumps.

Man Sprinting Down Road

John L Baird2A Scottish engineer, John Logie Baird was the inventor of the first publicly demonstrated and public television in the whole world. He was also the inventor of the first color, electronic television tube. His significant place in the invention of the television is secured by way of his achievements in displaying working television broadcasts. Baird’s television system was in the end displaced by a purely electronic television system, his having been an electromechanical one.

Baird was a Scotsman, born in Helensburgh on August 13, 1888. He went on to be educated at Larchfield Academy, which was also in Helensburgh. His studies at institutes of higher learning took place at the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College and then later on at the University of Glasgow. Interestingly, he never returned to his university to finish his course work after World War I interrupted his studies.

Early Influence

Arthur Korn 2Arthur Korn was a German-born, Jewish inventor, and he both invented and crafted the first circuits for signal conditioning that were for image transmission. Korn’s circuits permitted him to send pictures either by wireless or by telephone between oceans and countries. His circuit worked even without the advantage of electronic amplification. Baird was a direct beneficiary of this technology of Korn’s.

The First Television

Baird’s success was founded upon being able to create the first moving, live, grayscale television image that came from reflected light. He was successful since he bettered the signal conditioning from both the video amplifier and the photocell. On the back of this success, the Scotsman, in the early 1920s, began to rent a workshop in Hastings, which he would use for his experimentations. After getting a massive electric shock and consequently being evicted by his landlord, Baird took his experiments to a workshop in London’s Soho neighborhood.

First Television Image 2On October 2, 1925, Baird made a breakthrough by succeeding at transmitting the very first grayscale, television image. After this success, Baird looked for publicity by paying a visit to the offices of the Daily Express newspaper, yet the editor at the time thought him to be mad and warned his staff to be wary of him. A few months later in January of 1926, Baird demonstrated his transmission success to both a reporter from the Times newspaper as well as members of the Royal Institution. More demonstrations followed thereafter: In July of 1928, he demonstrated the very first color transmission in the world, and in 1932, he demonstrated the first ultra-short wave transmissions in Britain.

Early Television System Diagram

Other Innovations

Cover Science And Invention Nov1928In 1927, the Scotsman had already transmitted a long-distance television signal between Glasgow and London. This was the precursor to him establishing his own company, the Baird Television Development Company Ltd., which holds the distinction of producing the first transmission across the Atlantic from London to New York in 1928. It also made the first television program for the BBC. Baird’s television systems were used by the BBC until 1937, when they decided to switch to an electronic television system that was created by EMI-Marconi. Even though mechanical television systems had been relegated due to the more popular electronic systems, Baird still contributed to the newer medium. He both demonstrated and patented a system of 3-D television that had a definition of 500 lines in 1941, and he also performed the world’s first demonstration of a television display that was completely electronic in 1944.

Though the Scotsman’s contributions were primarily to the television industry, he dabbled elsewhere. In his 20s, he attempted to make diamonds by heating up graphite, yet that resulted in the shorting out of Glasgow’s supply of electricity. Baird finally died on June 14, 1946, the casualty of a stroke that he endured a few months earlier. Today, Baird is buried in Helensburgh Cemetery along with his wife and parents.

Further Resources

To learn more about the Scotsman, check out the following links.

After a long day at school, watching TV or playing video games might seem like the best way to unwind. However, the best way to fight the stress is to get active. Participate in after school activities. There are many different ways to do this that can benefit students of all grades, personalities, and cultural aspects. There are many programs that are sponsored by schools and the community that are completely free. There are also other programs that are available that cost money. Either way, there is something available for everyone.

Benefits of After School Activities

There are many benefits of getting active after school rather. The most obvious benefit includes health and fitness. When students are more active at a younger age, it is easier to stay active into adulthood. Life expectancy in the U.S. is actually decreasing because of obesity. Getting and staying active could increase the quality and duration of your life. The health benefits also continue into the strength of the immune system. This means that people who are more active get sick less often then those who do not.

Getting active is a great way to get into a good mood and stay in one. While exercising or playing sports, the body releases chemicals that are natural mood enhancers and stress relievers.  Youth Soccer Team Meeting

It also helps to get out excess energy that can make you fidgety and inattentive while in class or studying. By being in a better mood and being better able to concentrate, you can even expect grades to improve.

Participating in after school activities is a great way to make friends. Everyone already has things in common and spends a lot of time together. Depending on the program, many of the teammates are likely to have the same classes, teachers, and acquaintances. When there are teams involved, each member learns how to work together and encourage each other. This gives an opportunity to create bonds and friendships that could last a lifetime.

When students are more active, they look and feel better. The entire personality and mood tendencies can shift to a more positive sense of being. This can lead to more confidence, more friends, ability to work as a team, and can completely transform a student’s life.

Ideas for After School Activities

The best part about after school activities is that you can choose what you want to participate in based on things you like to do. There are options for activities that include team work as well as more individualized activities. There are high impact activities such as football and low impact activites like track. If you discover that you like an activity, you can get really good at it and play through high school and into college. Teens with great skills and teamwork are often granted scholarships.

Even if your school doesn’t offer a particular sport or activity that you’re interested in,there may be opportunities in your community. Tae Kwon Do and other Martial Arts are commonly located in higher populated areas – and even gymnastics or horseback riding.

Boy In Baseball Gear

Baseball

Basketball

Bowling

Cheerleading

Girl Playing BasketballCrew

Football

Hockey

Lacrosse

Skiing

Teen Swim TeamSoccer

Swimming

Tennis

Track

Volleyball

Weight Training

Wrestling

Can you imagine a beautiful garden hanging down and growing from the balconies and rooftops of a gigantic palace? These were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Two thousand years ago, travelers passed by marvelous sites, which they recorded, and eventually these amazing places were used as the basis for choosing seven world wonders. Ancient Greeks made a list of the most remarkable man-made creations and they named them the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Greeks chose seven because they felt the number seven was the perfect number.

7 Wonders of the Ancient World

The Seven Ancient World Wonders are:

  1. Pyramids of GizaThe Pyramids of Giza, Egypt was built approximately 2,000 B.C. These are the massive tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs. A tomb is like a large stone room where the Egyptians buried people when they died. The Egyptians believed that the dead person would come alive again to live a new life, which is why their tombs were also filled with the person’s belongings. Of the ancient wonders, the Pyramids of Giza is the only one left standing.
  2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon in Iraq (keep reading for more information on this secret garden!)
  3. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was built in Turkey during the sixth century B.C. This giant temple, a building where people to go worship a god, was built to honor Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting.
  4. Statue of Zeus in Greece was built in the fifth century B.C. This was a 40-foot (12 meter) statue of the father of the Greek gods.
  5. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey was built in the fourth century B.C. This complicated and beautiful tomb contained the remains of King Mausolus.
  6. Colossus of Rhodes was constructed in Rhodes which is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Erected around the fourth century B.C., it was a 110-foot (33.5 meter) statue of the Greek sun god, Helios.
  7. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, constructed around 280 B.C., was a tower built on the island of Pharos, Alexandria. It was a light house guiding sailors towards the harbor at night.
Hanging Gardens Illustration

Learn more about the seven wonders by following these links:

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Hanging Gardens is ranked as the second ancient world wonder. It was actually a large collection of plants that were hung from the gigantic balconies and rooftops of a palace at the east bank of the Euphrates River, located in the South of Baghdad in Iraq. Some stories described the Hanging Gardens as towering hundreds of feet into the air; but archaeological findings showed that this height was an exaggeration, and the Hanging Gardens really were not that high.

The reason behind the Hanging Gardens sounds like a fairy tale. King Nebuchadnezzar II, heir to the throne of King Hammurabi, built the garden around 600 B.C. to make his his Queen Amytis less homesick. Queen Amytis missed her mountainous home in Medea, so the King decided to bring the mountains to his palace. He had his men build a giant fake hill planted with trees and beautiful flowering plants hanging from the balcony and rooftop of this palace . In the 1st century BC, a horrible earthquake struck Baghdad, destroying a large part of the city, including these gardens.

Today, there those who argue that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were not real. Some people consider the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as a fantasy because Babylonian records never talked about these amazing Gardens. But the writings of the Greek geographer, Strabo, and Greek historian, Philo gave vivid descriptions of even the tiniest little detail about the Gardens. No concrete evidence supported the real existence of the Gardens but recently, some findings showed that some incredible gardens really existed in the town of Nineveh. In the end, historical experts want real proof before they say that the Hanging Gardens were real.

Whether the Hanging Gardens were real or not does not change that they were chosen as the second wonder of the ancient world and the beautiful story that King Nebuchadnezzar II brought the mountain to his palace because of how much he loved his queen.

Hanging Gardens Babylon Painting

For people spending a considerable amount of time outdoors, a fire is essential for their survival. It provides warmth, light, the ability to cook, dry wet clothing and even security from wild animals. On an entirely different level, fire can also offer comfort and help to reduce feelings of anxiety or panic, and it can be used as an emergency signal. Whether someone is camping outdoors or inadvertently lost in the wilderness, a well-built fire can make a world of difference to their survival. Depending on a person’s physical condition, it can be difficult to make it through even one night in extreme cold settings. If the core body temperature falls below the normal range, hypothermia can set in, and can lead to symptoms such as frostbite, mental confusion, the inability to move and even death in severe cases.

When travelling in the wilderness, it is best to go prepared, even if the planned outing consists of a short amount of time. There are plenty of accounts of hikers who set out for only a few hours but got lost and ended up stranded outdoors for several days. Some of the basic tools that are needed to start a fire are waterproof matches or a lighter (it is usually best to bring both!), a newspaper and a pocketknife. In the worst-case scenario, if the weather is wet, it can take a long time to start a fire with wet materials. This is where the newspaper comes in. Sheets can be torn and rolled into balls and will easily burn, helping the surrounding wood to alight as well. The pocketknife can be used to strip twigs and bark from trees for additional kindling. If you are planning to stay outdoors for a considerable period of time, consider bringing a container of fuel or charcoal briquettes, as well a supply of firewood. It is very important to keep the firewood in a dry place, since the weather could change for the worse at any time. If there is no dry place available, cover the stack of firewood with a tarpaulin. More advanced campers can also bring along a flint striker, which is usually available at camping and outdoor activity stores. A small axe is also a very handy tool for chopping firewood, especially if logs are not brought in advance.

Swedish Steel FirePeople who are caught out in the wilderness, completely unprepared, can still create a survival advantage for themselves by building a fire in other ways. Try to collect as much natural kindling as possible, in the form of dry leaves, pine needles, abandoned birds’ nests, and grass. Areas directly under large trees are usually most likely to be drier than the surrounded area during cold or wet weather. If there are pine trees nearby, look for trails of sap running down the tree and scrape it off to use as a fire starter. In other emergency instances, a car battery or car cigarette lighter can also be used to start a fire.

Family Around Campfire

To find out more about how to build a good campfire from different materials and under varying circumstances, have a look at the resources below. Winter Campfire

  • A Campfire Tutorial – Follow a series of simple instructions on how to build a campfire under ideal conditions.
  • The Basics of Campfires – Review the essential tools and techniques necessary to create a fire outdoors.
  • Tinder and Other Fire Tips – Cat-o-nine tails, sap-infused wood and even pocket lint are great emergency sources of tinder.
  • Fire in Emergency Situations – Just about any type of flammable materials can help build a fire if used wisely.
  • Fire Tutorials and Safety Issues – Browse through simple instructions to learn how to build the main types of campfires and review some of the key rules of safety and maintenance.
  • Types of Campfires – The main types of campfires include the teepee fire, pyramid fire, parallel fire, the star fire and reflector fire.
  • Fire Video Tutorial – Watch an instructional video detailing a fool-proof method for creating a campfire.
  • Campfire Location and Prep Tips – Choosing the right location for a campfire is crucial. Try to avoid areas that are directly under trees or where there is a lot of wind.
  • Fire Essentials – Use these lists of fire-building materials to help create your own emergency outdoors fire kit.
  • A Cellphone Fire – In a true emergency situation, it is possible to build a fire with a cellphone!
  • Methods of Starting Fire – Creating that first spark is often the most difficult part of starting a fire in emergency situations but it can be made easier with a flint striker.
  • Tips and Tricks for Creating a Fire – Find out how to create an emergency fire and how to keep it burning overnight.
  • Sources of Tinder – View an illustrated guide on how to create tinder and kindling from materials found in the woods or other outdoor areas.
  • Campfire Principles – Learn about appropriate preparations before building a fire, which practices to avoid, and what to do when the ground is covered in snow.
  • How to Build a Winter Fire – Building an outdoors fire in wintry conditions requires some different techniques and knowledge, such as where to find dry wood and how to successfully use wet wood too.
  • Winter Fuel Preparation – When building a fire on snowy ground, remember to gather triple the usual amount of wood and break down the fuel.
  • Lighting Different Types of Fires – Peat and even animal droppings are great fuel sources when other types are not readily available.