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There are more than 600 muscles in the human body, divided among three different classifications. However, it's only the cardiac and skeletal muscles that are our primary focus in physical conditioning. The cardiac muscle can only be found in the heart, and skeletal muscles are connected to the bones of our skeleton. In addition to our overall health and fitness, the health of the cardiac and skeletal muscles themselves are also directly affected by exercise and other physical activities.
The shoulder press is a fundamental exercise in bodybuilding and power lifting. It's widely used because it's highly effective for building muscle mass and increasing strength. The shoulder press involves two phases: concentric, or muscle shortening, and eccentric, or muscle lengthening. Learning which muscles are involved during each phase is crucial for maximizing your mind-muscle connection and performing the lifts as efficiently as possible. Focusing your mind on the correct muscles also helps to recruit more muscle fibers and increase the amount of weight you can lift.
The rotator cuff consists of a series of muscles and joints that are right around the shoulder. Stretch a rotator cuff with help from a certified yoga teacher and healer in this free video clip.
Eccentric and concentric motions in shoulder motions are also called upward movements and lowering movements, respectively. Learn about eccentric and concentric motions in a shoulder press with help from a creative, knowledgeable and service-minded fitness professional in this free video clip.
Lifting weights is a really great way to strengthen the upper back and rotator cuff if executed properly. Learn about lifting weights to strengthen the upper back and rotator cuff with help from a certified holistic nutrition consultant and fitness mentor in this free video clip.
Step-ups are a really effective way to give a few key joints and muscles a good workout. Find out about the joints and muscles used in step-ups with help from an experienced fitness professional in this free video clip.
Cable crossovers are a great exercise to use to benefit your rotator cuff. Learn about using cable crossovers for the rotator cuff with help from an experienced fitness professional in this free video clip.
The elbow to knee oblique crunch needs to be performed in a very specific way for maximum effectiveness. Do the elbow to knee oblique crunch with help from an experienced fitness professional in this free video clip.
The CR-V has always stood apart as a prime example of that weird twilight zone between minivan and SUV. It's a minivan in that it's essentially a very tall unibody sedan -- the Civic, in this case. But its ride height and its four-wheel-drive system mark it as an SUV. Though, technically, the system this whatever-it-is uses defaults power to the front wheels and engages the rears when there's a loss in front traction, which really makes it a car-style AWD system like Mitsubishi's. But whatever you want to call it, the CR-V has upper and lower ball joints, and,…
The range of motion in the hip versus that of the shoulder are very different in a few interesting ways. Learn about the differences between range of motion in the hip and the shoulder with help from a certified weight management coach in this free video clip.
Thousands of years of breeding have resulted in a diverse array of dog breeds, each designed to meet a specific human need or desire. But selective breeding frequently has unintended consequences, and this includes the creation of dogs that are genetically susceptible to certain illnesses. Boxers, like other dogs, are more prone to some illnesses than others, and if you're breeding boxers, you should consider genetic testing when possible. Illnesses to watch for include mobility difficulties, eye problems, heart problems and obesity. However, it's important for owners to know that environment strongly affects health and behavior, and proper veterinary care…
The anterior cruciate ligament is a band that connects the back of the femur to the front of the tibia and stabilizes the knee joint in the dog’s leg. Large, active breeds are particularly prone to tears of the ACL. A dog with an ACL tear may exhibit limping, swelling and pain in the leg that's affected. Surgery is common for canine ACL injuries, though nonsurgical treatments are also available. Your veterinarian can inform you of advantages and disadvantages of surgery vs.nonsurgical treatment.
Strut suspensions are, by design, fairly simple. Like other types of steering and wheel suspension systems, the MacPherson strut starts as a steering knuckle that pivots horizontally. The bottom of the steering knuckle connects to a lower control arm via a ball joint, while the top of the knuckle connects to the bottom of the strut assembly. The lower ball joint is one of the most crucial, yet delicate, parts of the system.
Your 1993 Honda Civic has an upper and lower ball joint that is pressed into the top and bottom of the front steering knuckles. To replace either ball joint you will have to remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle, and because of the complexity of this process you should plan on replacing both the upper and lower ball joints. Once the process is complete, you will have to take your Civic to a local repair shop and have a front end alignment done to prevent premature wear of the new ball joints or improper wear on your tires.
When a lower ball joint on a 1997 Ford Escort is excessively worn, it will cause a knocking noise when traveling over bumps or a rough surface. It can also be felt in the steering wheel by an occasional shaking and will cause unusual tire wear. The lower ball joint on a 1997 Escort is secured to the lower control arm with the use of two bolts and nuts. It makes it easy to replace.
The steering joints are one of the most important parts of your entire car and need to be treated as such. Replace steering joints with help from an expert in the automotive industry in this free video clip.
Direct venting is a popular method of venting wood, gas, pellet and other types of stoves. It offers a high level of efficiency, is simple to install and eliminates the need for a chimney. Direct vent stoves use a special stove pipe to vent through the wall, either with a simple horizontal termination or some amount of rise. Elbow joints may be used for this venting option, particularly if the flue collar is on top of the appliance, but you should never use more than two 90-degree elbows in any venting system.
The faucet atop your sink conceals a host of internal parts, including a hollow ball that controls the flow and temperature of water emerging from the faucet spout. Dripping at the spout occurs as a result of damage to the ball, or from deteriorated valve seats or springs. Taking apart your faucet properly to access and service the ball avoids accidentally damaging any of the hardware vital to your sink's operation.
Ford launched its own attack on import pickups in 1983, with the release of the Ford-built Ranger as the replacement for the Mazda-built Courier. The 1998 model, as with all Rangers since fall of 1982, came in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. When replacing a lower ball joint on the standard two-wheel-drive 1998 Ranger, you must replace the entire lower control arm, because Ford permanently fixed the ball joints to the lower control arm.
In the 1992 model year, Hyundai offered the Elantra, a compact sedan, to the U.S. marketplace for the first time. The initial Elantra came fitted with a 1.6-liter engine that produced a respectable 113 horsepower. By 1999, the Elantra got a huge boost, as it came with a 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Underneath the 1999 Elantra was an independent suspension with MacPherson struts. A set of lower ball joints allows the suspension to move up and down, while keeping the tire flat against the road. When replacing a failed ball joint, it is best to replace the control arm as…
It's common to use drywall for the walls of a house, but its composition can make for easy tearing. If you're starting to notice some damage to the walls, it's smart to assess where it is coming from. By doing so, you can avoid further issues after you make repairs.
The 2001 Chevrolet Suburban is built on the GMT 800 platform, a truck platform shared with the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC K1500. The drive shaft in the Suburban transfers power output from the transmission to the rear axle. The drive shaft is fitted with U-joints at the front and rear that allow the drive shaft to pivot up and down in response to suspension travel. U-joints are usually long-lived but eventually require replacement.
Calcium deposits on your bronze hardware or sink fixtures leave ugly, white flakes and film over the surface. Unless your hard water problems are dealt with at the source, calcium deposits will continue to show up, but you don't have to live with hard water stains just because you have hard water. You can get rid of calcium deposits and other mineral stains from your bronze hardware with common household supplies that effectively remove the deposits without harming the bronze.
The drain of every sink empties into an elbow-shaped pipe called a P-trap, which is required by the plumbing code as a hygienic safeguard. It holds a pool of standing water at its lowest point that seals sewer gases and vermin in the pipes and prevents them from coming out of the drain. A leaking trap usually just needs to be tightened, provided it hasn't corroded or the threads in its locking nuts aren't stripped.
The p-trap assembly under a sink is an ingenious assembly. Water runs down the drain and into the bent pipe in the assembly. Water sits in the bottom of the trap to prevent sewer gasses from rising through the sink drain. This water is then pushed from the trap as new water washes down the drain. Replacement of the trap may be necessary when it becomes too clogged to properly function. To install a new trap you may need to cut new joints.
In 1997, Ford took two gigantic steps that could have ruined the automaker’s popular SUV and pickup truck lineups; it completely redesigned its best-selling line of pickups and eliminated its popular Bronco in favor of the Expedition. Fortunately for Ford, both gambles paid off, as buyer embraced both models. Ford integrated he 1997 Expedition’s upper ball joints with the upper control arm, so when the ball joint fails, you must replace the entire upper control arm.
Marble floors are a lovely addition to many homes and office buildings. These floors are generally easy to care for, but occasionally unsightly calcium deposits are visible on the floor surface. While calcium deposits are generally harmless, they are not attractive and can be difficult to remove.
Sophisticated computer programs bring industrial design into the digital age. Software platforms such as SolidWorks offer designers the opportunity to design and simulate products in three dimensions. One advantage of SolidWorks Motion, an add-on to the standard software package, is its simulation of real-life physical conditions, including the impact of joint forces on a design prototype.
Hard water is not harmful to your health, but hard water mineral deposits can become a homeowner's nightmare. It leaves hair dull and lifeless. Household soaps and detergents lose their cleaning effectiveness. A more serious side effect is the build up a common hard-water deposit, calcium carbonate, in pipes. Over time, calcium-clogged pipes must be replaced. Calcium deposits in the hot water heater affect its efficiency. A water softener installed in your home prevents calcium deposits through an ion-exchange process. While a softener can't remedy existing deposits, it does prevent future hard water deposits.
A hot tub is a luxury item that can help relax your tired muscles at the end of a long day. Part of owning and maintaining a hot tub is keeping it clean. You may notice white, flaky deposits collecting on your hot tub over time. These flakes are calcium deposits, which are also referred to as "lime scale" or "hard water scale." Calcium and other minerals in your water leave behind this residue. Remove calcium deposits from your hot tub with inexpensive household items.
Equisetum hyemale, commonly known as horsetail rush or scouring rush, is used for landscaping in wet areas or around decorative ponds. This easily maintained native plant, one of the earliest cultivated by humans, is considered a weed in some parts of the country. While close to carefree, the rush requires regular thinning of its stands.
Calcium deposits are left in a toilet from water with a high mineral content, known as hard water. Keeping hard-water stains under control through regular cleaning and maintenance is the most efficient way of minimizing calcium buildup in your toilet bowl. If calcium builds to the point where you have dark stains your toilet, you can take measures to clean and remove the stains.
In 1985, Chrysler replaced the simple, yet economical Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries with the sportier and more feature-packed Plymouth Sundance and Dodge Shadow. The Dodge Shadow enjoyed a relatively long production life, given the fact it was a money-loser for Chrysler, as it remained through 1994. The 1991 Dodge Shadow has just one set of ball joints on its front suspension, and they are located in the lower control arms. To remove them, you must have access to an arbor press.
Sweatpants are known for being comfortable, flexible pants for a workout , a day of chores around the house or sometimes even doubling as pajama pants. In fact, sweatpants are similar to pajama pants; they just have different fabrics and uses. Some pairs of sweatpants can be expensive, but using a few simple materials and some breathable cotton fabric, you can make yourself a customized pair of comfortable pants for whatever your day holds.
Many models of cars and trucks have a suspension design that allows the upper ball joint to be re-positioned, or "flipped" on the other side of the control arm. This causes no real damage or alignment problems, and is used primarily to lower the vehicle without having to shorten or purchase new springs or modify the struts. You can flip your ball joint, provided you do so with assistance and in a safe manner. As a precaution, it is advised that the vehicle be taken to an alignment shop and checked or adjusted after the flip procedure for any slight…
Feting a sweater involves washing it in hot water with soap and agitating it until the fibers condense and mat together. The result is a thicker fabric that does not unravel when you cut it -- just like the felt you buy in the store. This process only works with animal fibers like wool and alpaca. In fact, you have probably felted a sweater by accident. And you couldn't wear it again because it was too small after that. If you are felting a sweater on purpose you probably want to cut it up and reuse the felt for another…
Installing concrete expansion joints during a pour is one of the most effective ways to prevent a slab from developing unsightly cracks. Pressure-treated wood joints can rot over time, which leaves the joints and foundation beneath vulnerable to water damage. Do-it-yourselfers should replace damaged joints immediately to prevent the problem from spreading. This is a straightforward task you can do in a few hours with basic materials.
Mustard oil is created by grinding up mustard seeds to produce an oil that can be applied in a variety of ways. The oil is often used to alleviate pain in different parts of the body, but is also known for its ability to condition hair, leaving it shiny and smooth. The oil can be derived in your own home by pressing the seeds for the oil and can be used for several different projects.
The M-Audio Trigger Finger is a comprehensive MIDI controller interface intended primarily for MIDI drums production. Because the Trigger Finger is class-compliant -- meaning it's designed to function without the need to install drivers or other software on your computer -- the controller acts as a "plug-and-play" device when connected to your computer via its USB cable. To get the most out of the Trigger Finger, however, you'll want to take some additional steps to set up its MIDI functionality.
Calcium deposits are only a problem if you live in an area with hard water, which is water laced with high amounts of minerals like magnesium and the aforementioned calcium. They may appear as white, powdery spots, known as lime scale, on your dishes if you leave them soaking in tap water for too long. These deposits can be tough to get out, especially on your utensils like forks and spoons. However, with just little effort you can remove lime scale from your utensils without resorting to potentially harmful chemicals.
Preparedness is important if you ever plan to spend any extended time outdoors, such as in the forest or on a mountain. Accidents happen and you may not always be prepared for them. If someone in your group severely sprains or breaks an ankle, you should know how to improvise so you can make an ankle brace out of wood sticks. A brace such as this, often called a “splint,” makes it much easier to transport an injured person out of the woods without further damaging his ankle.
If you have hard water in your home, cleaning your windows with plain water can leave behind troublesome stains when that water evaporates. If you notice white deposits on the glass and wood surfaces of your windows, you can use a homemade cleaning solution to get rid of those stains and keep your home looking like new.
Compression garments provide comfort and support after surgery for all areas of body. If you have had leg surgery or are using compression garments to recover from a running or other sports-related injury, you will want to make sure that your socks or hose are the right size for you. Compression garments that are too tight can damage your circulatory system, while baggy garments will fail to keep the area safe and comfortable.
Calcium, or limescale, deposits build up gradually on your dishwasher's heating element as you use your dishwasher. If you have particularly hard water in your area, meaning the water is mineral-rich, you are more likely to get limescale. You cannot scrub this scale away but a common household acid can remove the deposits for you.
Lime deposits are a persistent problem in areas with hard water and are especially noticeable on chrome or stainless steel fixtures. Composed primarily of calcium and magnesium, hard water deposits are resistant to many commonly used cleaning products, although they are responsive to acidic solutions. Hard water deposits should be removed with an acidic cleaner as soon as they appear to prevent permanent staining. White vinegar is typically sold as a 5 percent solution of acetic acid, and works well for dissolving and removing hard water deposits from a variety of surfaces.
The lower ball joint on a 1998 Ford Taurus with a 3.0-liter engine is pressed into the spindle. The location of the ball joint makes it necessary to remove the spindle and place it in a vise in order to press it out. This is a moderately difficult job using air tools, more difficult without. A few special tools are needed for the removal of the spindle and the lower ball joint.
Calcium deposits from hard water tend to accumulate on surfaces throughout the bathroom. When water gets on your bathroom sink, it leaves those calcium deposits behind as it evaporates. That means you need to keep an eye on those deposits and clean them off on a regular basis. While you could buy an expensive calcium deposit remover at a local home improvement store, it is much more cost-effective to simply make your own cleaning solution.
Calcium deposits and other sediments, depending on the hardness of the water supply and other factors, precipitate out of hot water and collect at the bottom of a water heater or on electric heating elements. These sediments can cause a heater's bottom electric element to burn out, waste energy in gas heaters by acting as an insulator between the burner and the tank and can overheat and shorten the effective life of steel tanks. Calcium deposits can generally be removed from a tank by draining and flushing the tank.
Calcium and lime deposits around the sink are a common problem in homes with hard water. When tap water contains a high amount of minerals, these minerals will begin to build up on surfaces subjected to the tap water. The calcium and lime deposits will begin to turn the sink into a dull and dingy eyesore with a layer of white residue. Normal bathroom cleaners do little if anything to cut through the calcium and lime. Instead, use common items found in many kitchens.
A double cardan joint is two universal joints connected back to back. This specific kind of joint is used on automobile driveshafts. If you are driving and you feel shaking or rumbling coming from your car, you probably need to replace the double cardan joint. Although this is a telltale sign of a bad double cardan joint, there may be other causes for the shaking, so have a mechanic inspect your car.
