| How to Use a Hot Tub or Spa Safely Posted: 13 Aug 2019 01:00 AM PDT Spending time in a hot tub or spa is very fun and can also release stress and relax your muscles. However, it is important to follow safety procedures in order to prevent the spread of germs and diseases, maintain appropriate body temperature, and prevent injury. If you own your own hot tub, you'll need to take the right precautions to keep you and your guests safe and happy. If you're using a public hot tub, follow basic safety procedures so that you can relax and have fun with your friends. [Edit]Maintaining Your Own Hot Tub for Safety - Maintain a pH between 7.2 and 7.8 with pH increaser or decreaser. When you own a hot tub, it's important to maintain proper levels of pH in order to reduce eye and skin irritants caused by the disinfectants in the water. pH is a scale that tells you how alkaline or acidic a substance is. Pure water has a pH of 7, and a spa or hot tub should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If your water's pH is too high or too low, purchase pH increaser or decreaser at your local home improvement store to change the levels accordingly.[1]
- You can use hot tub test strips to test the pH of the water. To use a strip, submerge it in the water for about 15 seconds. The strip will change color according to your water's pH, and you can match that color to the label to identify it.
- Test your calcium levels to protect the water from impurities. If your calcium levels are too high, you'll notice cloudy water and scaling on the sides of the tub. On the other hand, if the calcium levels are too low, the water can cause erosion and damage to the tub. You can use water hardness test strips to check the calcium levels, then take action to make the necessary adjustments.[2]
- It is recommended that calcium levels remain between 175 and 275 ppm (parts per million). But keep in mind that the ideal calcium hardness depends on the type of hot tub you own. Make sure to check with your hot tub's manufacturer for this information.
- Add calcium booster if calcium levels are low. If calcium levels are too high, drain water from the hot tub and add low calcium water to balance it out.
- Add chlorine or bromine to sanitize the water and prevent the spread of germs. You can choose either bromine or chlorine to keep your hot tub clean. Both of these chemicals come in either powder or tablet form. Bromine levels should stay between 3-5ppm, depending on whether you use tablets or powder. Chlorine levels should always stay between 2 and 5 ppm. Check the levels of these chemicals using test strips, and then make adjustments accordingly.[3]
- Bromine and chlorine in tablets are added to a dispenser that floats around the pool and gradually dissolves in the water. These chemicals in powder form are measured and poured directly into the water.
- Whether you use chlorine or bromine is up to you. Some people prefer bromine because it doesn't have that chlorine bleach smell. However, it will break down from sun exposure, so it should only be used in spas that are not in direct sunlight. Some advantages to chlorine are that it is cost effective, easy to manage in the water, and it's very aggressive when killing bacteria.
- Clean your hot tub on a monthly basis. It is important to keep your hot tub clean in order to remove any impurities and buildup. To give it a proper cleaning, you'll first need to completely drain the hot tub. Then, using the manufacturer's recommended hot tub cleaner, wipe down the entire surface. Make sure to clean the filters thoroughly by spraying them with water and soaking them in an oil-cutting solution.[4]
- Clean your hot tub cover when you clean the rest of the hot tub because it is constantly exposed to dirt and other germs.
- Keep surfaces around the hot tub clean. When you have a group of people using a hot tub, users will be constantly getting in and out and walking around. Make sure the areas around your hot tub are clear of debris. If there is a lot of dirt and grime near the hot tub, someone may step in it and get it into the dub, dirtying up the water.[5]
- Keep a broom nearby to sweep any dirt, leaves, or other loose items from around your hot tub.
- Maintain an appropriate temperature during use. The maximum temperature in a hot tub depends on a few different factors. The ideal hot tub temperature for adults is . For children at least 10 years of age, the temperature should not be above . As a general rule, a hot tub should never be hotter than . Most hot tubs have thermostats that read the water temperature, but they may be inaccurate by as much as 4 degrees. It's better to check the water temperature using a thermometer.[6]
- Pregnant woman should not be in a hot tub over , and should only stay in for 10 minutes at a time.
- Check the hot tub water and equipment regularly. Regular hot tub maintenance is important for both safety and to keep in good working condition. You should have your spa checked by a professional on a quarterly basis. They have access to advanced testing equipment and can perform tune-ups to evaluate any hardware or wiring issues.[7]
- Keep in mind that if you're about to enter a hot tub, you should be able to listen and hear the pumps and filtration systems running. This is a good sign that the hot tub is working effectively.
- Always keep the hot tub locked and covered when you're not using it. Keeping the cover on will save energy and prevent animals and young children from falling in. Plus, it will keep dirt and debris out. Consider using a locking cover to prevent children and unwanted guests from using it when you are not around.[8]
[Edit]Following Basic Hot Tub Safety Procedures - Shower or bathe with soap before entering the hot tub. Having a good wash before getting in a hot tub will get rid of perspiration and common skin bacteria. When you wash, make sure to remove lotion, deodorants, and creams that can reduce the effectiveness of the hot tub disinfectant and filter efficiency.[9]
- Limit the time you spend in the hot tub. Sitting in a hot tub for too long can make users nauseous, lightheaded, faint, or dizzy. To prevent these symptoms, you should spend no more than 15-20 minutes in a hot tub at a time. If you'd like more time in the water, get out after 15 minutes, and then return after cooling down for a few minutes. You can also lower the temperature to normal body temperature () to stay in for a little while longer.[10]
- Pregnant women should spend no more than 10 minutes in a hot tub at a time. If you're pregnant and you feel uncomfortable at all during your soak, you should get out immediately. It is also important to sit with your arms and chest above the water at all times in order to keep yourself from getting too warm.
- Children should also limit their time in a hot tub to no more than 10 minutes.
- Avoid drug and alcohol use in the hot tub. Drinking alcohol increases your body temperature, which can lead to overheating when combined with the warm water from the hot tub. Drinking alcohol can cause drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, and like drug use, can impair your judgment and increase the risk of downing due to loss of consciousness.[11]
- Accompany children in the hot tub and prohibit use under 10 years old. Children under the age of 10 should be nowhere near a hot tub. The hot water is dangerous because their small bodies have trouble with temperature regulation. Children age 10 and older should be watched carefully by an adult, especially near suction vents. If available, use raised seats to make sure their heads stay above the water at all times.[12]
- When children are in the hot tub, keep the temperature under .
- Keep your head above the water. Hot tubs are equipped with powerful suctions that keep the water warm and bubbly. If your head goes under the water near these vents, your hair can get caught and become tangled. If your hair is long, put it up in a ponytail or bun to avoid getting it caught in the filter or drain.[13]
- Avoid using electrical devices in or near the hot tub. This includes phones, radios, TV, or any other corded device. If you have to use an electrical device, use one that's battery-powered, and keep it on a table far away from the water. You should also make sure there aren't any electrical outlets near the hot tub, since corded devices and outlets are an electrocution hazard if they get wet.[14]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Become a Tattoo Model Posted: 12 Aug 2019 05:00 PM PDT Models with tattoos are becoming popular in the industry, so you're in luck if you aspire to become a tattoo model. Tattoo models have inked bodies, but there's no minimum number of tattoos to get started. If you want to become a tattoo model, start by creating your modeling persona. Then, assemble a portfolio of your best photos. When you're ready, start looking for modeling jobs. [Edit]Creating Your Persona - Get tattoos that show when you're photographed. To be a tattoo model, you'll need at least 1 noticeable tattoo. You'll likely be more successful if you have several tattoos, but don't alter your body just to get into modeling. Being true to who you are is what's most important, so only get tattoos that you want.[1]
- For instance, you might start with arm tattoos because they're very noticeable. Leg, chest, neck, and upper back tattoos are also very visible.
- Choose designs that you think look attractive or that have meaning for you. For instance, you might get religious symbols, your favorite flower, or lines from a poem you wrote.
- Determine what type of modeling you want to do. You have several options when it comes to modeling, especially if you're a tattoo model. Focus on the type of modeling that appeals to you most. For instance, a tattoo model might do the following types of modeling:[2]
- Fine art modeling
- Fashion modeling
- Commercial modeling, such as print ads or commercials
- Live modeling, like at trade shows or on the runway
- Stock photo modeling
- Practice posing for photographs or live modeling. Look at photos of models you aspire to be like and mimic the pose or expression they're portraying. Additionally, watch videos that show you how to do various poses. Try these poses in front of a mirror or film yourself doing them. Keep working on posing until you feel comfortable in front of a camera or on a runway.[3]
- When you're practicing facial expressions, you might take selfies to help you practice. Similarly, ask a friend to photograph you as part of a mock photography session so you can practice your full-body poses.
- Assemble a variety of outfits that show off your best looks. When you're first getting started, you'll need to create your own looks. This will help you get attention from people who may hire you. Additionally, you'll be able to use these looks to help build your portfolio. Choose clothing, shoes, and accessories that help you feel and look your best.[4]
- Pick the types of clothing you hope to model in the future.
- Once you start getting hired for jobs, you may be asked to wear certain clothes. However, it's helpful to have a few go-to outfits that you can wear when you need to supply your own clothing.
- Decide what you're comfortable doing during a modeling shoot. Once you're on set, it's easy to get caught up in the moment and feel like you have to do something that pushes you too far outside your comfort zone. It's best to establish your boundaries ahead of time. Then, communicate them when you apply for modeling jobs and when you arrive at a photo shoot.[5]
- For instance, decide if you're willing to pose in your underwear or nude before you start working with photographers. Similarly, decide if you're okay with posing intimately with other models.
- Pick a name to use as your modeling name, if you like. Using a different name for modeling is more common with tattoo models than with traditional models. However, it's not a requirement. Consider if you'd like to have a separate modeling persona, then come up with a name that fits.[6]
- Do an Internet search on the name you choose to make sure it's not already taken.
- For example, you might use a name like "Roxy Fire" or "Jax Up."
[Edit]Building Your Portfolio - Get friends or family to photograph you for a low budget option. When you're first getting started, don't feel like you need to invest a lot of money in your portfolio. Initially, get your friends and family to take photos of you, then choose the best ones to represent your work. Do several shoots with different outfits so you have a lot of photos to choose from.[7]
- Try to get different people to photograph you so you have different perspectives. This will also help you ensure that at least a few of the photos are good.
- Volunteer as a model for photographers who are building their portfolio. Photographers also need a portfolio of their work, and they need models. Reach out to local photographers who are just getting started in the business, as well as those whose work you admire. Send them a few of your photos and let them know you're interested in volunteering as a model in exchange for free photos that you can use to promote yourself.[8]
- Look for ads requesting models on your local classifieds or modeling networking pages. However, be careful when meeting people you don't know. You may even want to bring someone with you just to be safe.
- Hire a photographer for a modeling session for the best results. A professional photographer will likely provide you with the best images. They'll be able to give you direction, adjust the lighting to make you look good, and edit the photos when you're finished. Plus, they can help you get an idea about what it will really be like to be a professional model on set. Look for a photographer online or ask other models for recommendations.[9]
- Let the photographer know that you're planning to use the photos to promote yourself for a modelling career.
- The photographer will probably post your photos to their own website and social media page, which is a great way to get your photo seen by people you don't know.
- Assemble a portfolio of your best poses. Print your photos to create a hardcopy portfolio, such as a flipbook. Either order the prints yourself or get your photographer to do it. As another option, upload your photos to a site that helps create portfolios, then order a book from them. For a simpler option, create a digital portfolio by posting your photos to a website.[10]
- Take a look at other portfolios of models you admire to see how they put theirs together.
- Ask your photographer for their advice about which poses to include.
- A digital portfolio is cheaper and easier to make than a hard copy version. Plus, it's accessible to more people. However, you might prefer a hard copy portfolio if you plan to apply for modeling jobs in person.
- Get a composite (comp) card to use as your business card. A comp card is usually a by card that features your headshot on 1 side and 3-4 of your best poses on the other side. These photos should show you at different angles. Then, you'll include your personal details on the back of your card in small type.[11]
- The back of your card should state your name, height, weight, measurements/size, eye color, and hair color. Put this information at the bottom of the card below your photos.
- Your photographer may be able to help you make your comp card. Otherwise, you can find several websites that will help you do it yourself.
- If you get signed with an agency, they'll make your comp cards for you.
[Edit]Getting Modeling Jobs - Post photos of yourself on social media using tattoo modeling hashtags. Make a habit of posting daily, using both candid and posed photos. Each time you post, include a variety of tattoo modeling hashtags. Additionally, consider tagging popular tattoo parlors, especially where you got your tattoos. This can get you noticed and shared by people in the business.[12]
- For instance, you might use hashtags like #tattoo, #tattoomodel, #inkedmodel, #tattoogirl, or #tattooartist.
- Look at the hashtags your favorite tattoo models are using to find the best ones to use.
- To make things easier, you might copy and paste your hashtags every time you post so you don't forget one.
- Create a website to advertise your services. Your website can get you noticed for jobs and allows you to easily promote yourself. When you apply for gigs, send the photographer or brand a link to your website so they can view your work. Use a platform like Wordpress or Squarespace to build your site using a template. Include the following on your website:[13]
- Your age, height, measurements, size, eye color, hair color, and distinguishing features, like your tattoos.
- A digital portfolio of your best photographs.
- An "About Me" page to introduce yourself.
- Join a modeling networking site. Modeling networking sites let you talk to other models to get advice and share opportunities. Additionally, photographers and brands may post about jobs on these sites. Choose a site that has an active group of tattoo models.[14]
- For example, Model Mayhem is a popular model networking site.
- Visit these sites at least once a week to keep up with what's going on in the tattoo modeling world.
- Go to events and festivals to network with photographers, models, and artists. Meeting people is a great way to get hired for jobs. When you go to events or festivals, always dress to portray the look you're selling. Then, talk to people and handout your comp card. After the event or festival, connect with the people you met on social media to stay in touch.[15]
- For example, go to concerts, art openings, music festivals, and tattoo conventions.
- Look on sites like Meetup and Facebook to find photography and modeling groups that meet in your area, as well.
- Contact local photographers and tattoo artists to tell them about your services. Send them a copy of your resume, your comp card, and a link to your website or social media pages. Tell them the type of work you're interested in doing, as well as why you'd like to work for them. This could help you land a gig.[16]
- Review the photographer's or artist's work beforehand so you can tell them what you like about it.
- Apply for representation from an agency that features tattoo models. Research your options to help you decide which agency is the best fit for you. Then, find their rules for submitting photos. Some agencies allow you to contact them on your own by filling out a short application and attaching photos.[17] If the agency is interested, a representative will contact you.[18]
- Don't pay an agency up front to work with you. Unfortunately, some companies may take advantage of you by selling you unnecessary services. You should only be charged when your agency books paid work for you.[19]
- Agencies you might look into include Tattoo Models, H2Ocean Models, and Model Management.
- When you first get started, you may be asked to work for free. This is a great way to build up your portfolio and resume, so consider taking some free jobs in the beginning.
- Update your portfolio regularly, especially if you change your look.
- If you get signed by a modeling agency, you'll likely need to maintain the look that got you signed. Talk to your agent before making any changes, like getting a haircut, losing weight, or getting a new tattoo.
[Edit]Warnings - If you feel uncomfortable at any time during a shoot, excuse yourself and leave. No one should be making you feel uncomfortable.
[Edit]References |
| How to Do a Gymnastics Handstand Posted: 12 Aug 2019 09:00 AM PDT The handstand is a fundamental skill in the sport of gymnastics. Not only is it an important technique in itself, but it's also a stepping stone towards unlocking other, more advanced maneuvers, such as walkovers and handsprings. There are many different ways to get into a handstand, but gymnasts almost always enter the position with a kick-up. Take a short step forward and swing your back leg up behind you to shift your weight from your feet to your hands. Once there, bring both legs tight together and use small movements of your fingers and the heels of your hands to maintain your balance. [Edit]Kicking up into a Handstand - Start in a standing position with one foot in front of the other. Stagger your stance as though you were mid-step, only with both feet touching the floor. Stay poised on the balls of your feet to prepare yourself to kick up and shift your weight to your hands.[1]
- Set your feet a comfortable distance apart. Having them too narrow or too wide may make your kick-up feel difficult and unnatural.
- It doesn't matter which leg is up front and which one is in the back. However, many gymnasts prefer to keep their stronger leg up front to provide more power and stability on their way up.
- Raise your arms straight up over your head. Point your fingers towards the ceiling so that your biceps are right beside your ears. Straighten your arms as much as possible without locking your elbows and shrug slightly to engage the muscles in your shoulders and upper chest.[2]
- If your arms are bent too much when you get into an inverted position, it will make it much harder to hold yourself up.
- Reach down towards the floor with both hands while lifting your back leg. Keeping your arms and back straight and firm, bend at the waist and place your palms flat on the floor. At the same time, shift your weight forward onto your front leg and pick up your back leg. Make sure your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to the toes of your back leg.[3]
- Spread your fingers wide to create a more stable base.[4]
- This is only the first stage of the kick-up, which you'll perform in a single fluid motion when you're ready to actually attempt a handstand.
- Kick up forcefully onto your hands and bring both legs together above you. Swing your back leg straight up behind you like you're trying to kick the ceiling, letting your front leg follow naturally behind. After your front foot leaves the floor, bring it up to meet your kicking leg and hold both legs tight together to complete the handstand.[5]
- Do your best to keep your legs touching the whole time you're in your handstand. That way, you can avoid separation or windmilling, which can throw off your balance.
- It may take some time to fine-tune your kick-up and learn to gauge how much force you need to get inverted without falling forward or backward. Be patient—this is one of the most difficult parts of the gymnastics handstand.
- Keep your body as straight and rigid as possible. Once you've found your balance point, tighten up and hold yourself steady. The idea is to keep everything "stacked" so that your wrists, elbows, shoulders, core, hips, knees, and ankles are all hovering over a single point. Olympic-level gymnasts look like statues when they go into handstands.[6]
- Be sure to straighten out any bent or slack points. If a single part of your body comes out of alignment, you'll lose your handstand or have to struggle to regain control.
- When you're first learning how to hold a handstand, you may be tempted to look down at your hands, which is okay. In a proper handstand, however, your head should be in line with the rest of your body, with your gaze fixed somewhere in front of you.[7]
- Don't forget to point your toes if you're a competitive gymnast. Judges will deduct points for floppy feet!
[Edit]Perfecting Your Technique - Make micro-adjustments with your hands to maintain your balance. If you feel yourself tipping forward, press your fingers into the floor to gently shift your weight back. If you start to fall backward, push down with the heels of your hands to your body in the opposite direction. Keep using these small movements to return your "sweet spot" and stay upright.[8]
- It's a little easier to counter-balance with your fingers than with the heels of your hands. If a standard palm-push doesn't work, bend your elbows slightly to put your body in a more forward-leaning position and save your handstand.
- As long as you keep your legs together, you shouldn't have to worry too much about falling to either side.
- Bring your legs down one at a time when you're ready to exit your handstand. Coming down is exactly like going up, only in reverse. Extend one leg and carefully lower it down in front of your body as you shift your weight into your palms. Touch down with the ball of your foot, then lower your other leg. Once you've got both feet firmly on the floor, pick up your hands, stand up straight, and salute the judges. Perfect 10![9]
- In a pinch, you can also bring both legs down at the same time and sink your weight into the balls of both feet to absorb the impact.
- If you want to drill getting in and out of your handstands, practice kicking up and holding the handstand briefly before stepping down into your lunge and repeating the process.
- Focus on holding your handstands for longer and longer periods. Make an effort to remain inverted for at least 3-5 seconds on your first few attempts. As you get stronger and become more comfortable maintaining your balance, try to increase your time steadily. It's not uncommon for an elite gymnast to be able to hold a handstand for up to a full minute![10]
- Write down your best time and see if you can beat it the next time you practice.
- Don't get discouraged if you have one or two really good handstands followed by a lousy one. This is completely normal. Your attempts will start to get more consistent as you continue to dial-in your technique.
[Edit]Practicing Handstands Safely - Pick out a safe spot to practice your handstands. For your first few attempts, it's a good idea to start on a soft, forgiving surface, such as a fold-out mat or flat patch of grass. A carpeted section of the floor in your home could also work, as long as you have plenty of room and there's nothing nearby that you could hurt yourself on.[11]
- If possible, find an area that offers you an amount of space equal to the full length of your body with your arms stretched over your head, plus an extra .
- Make sure that there are no objects in your immediate vicinity that you could hit when you kick up or if you happen to fall.
- Stretch before every session to reduce your risk of injury. Following a brief warm-up, loosen up the muscles in your wrists and shoulders by windmilling your arms, rolling your shoulders forward and backward, and flexing your wrists in both directions for 20-30 seconds at a time. It can also help to do some simple stretches for your lower legs, thighs, core, and upper chest, such as splits, lunges, backbends, and toe-touches.[12]
- Basic yoga poses like child's pose, plank, downward dog, boat pose, and standing split can also be useful for getting your muscles ready for a workout.[13]
- Not only will stretching make you less likely to hurt yourself, it will also maximize your range of motion, making it easier to enter and hold a handstand.
- Practice against a wall until your strength and confidence improve. Find a nice sturdy wall in front of a soft, open section of the floor and get down on your hands and knees with your back to the wall. Slowly begin "walking" your feet up the wall while inching your hands towards the base until you're vertical. Hold your wall-assisted handstand for as long as you can, then reverse the motion and lower back down to the floor carefully.[14]
- Try walking up and down the wall 3-5 times before you rest. The more "reps" you do, the faster you'll increase your strength and stability.
- Once you get the hang of walking up the wall, start kicking up into your handstand with your back to the wall to simulate the technique of a freestanding handstand.[15]
- Ask a friend for a spot when you're ready to move away from the wall. If it's your first time going into a handstand unassisted, have someone stand just in front of you to hold your legs once you get inverted. That way, you'll be free to concentrate on your form and get used to the feeling of supporting your weight using only your hands without throwing balance into the mix just yet.[16]
- Having a spotter on standby can also ease your nerves if you're worried about over-kicking.
- If under-kicking is the issue, your spotter can place one hand on your midsection to give you a little extra lift as you kick up.[17]
- The basic handstand is a crucial prerequisite for more advanced skills like the front walkover and front handspring, as well as press handstands and other high-level handstand variations.
- Get in the habit of practicing your handstands for at least 5 minutes a day, every day. If you stick with it, you'll see a world of improvement in no time.
[Edit]Warnings - Learning various gymnastics techniques can be a fun way to challenge yourself and add to your skillset, but it's not without risk. Don't attempt to perform a freestanding handstand unless you have the physical strength and coordination required to do it safely and with good form.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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