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Introduction

Pilates Northern Beaches is an exercise system that was first developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, who wanted to create a fitness regimen that would increase flexibility, strength and balance. Although the concept may sound simple on paper, it can be quite challenging when you’re performing exercises in class or at home. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly happens during a Pilate’s class or if a reformer is right for your needs, here are some important questions you should ask yourself before deciding which type of Pilates class is best for you:

The reformer was invented by the founder of modern Pilates, Joseph Pilates, and is a staple in most Pilates studios.

The reformer was invented by Joseph Pilates, the founder of modern Pilates. The reformer is a piece of equipment that consists of two parallel bars with springs attached to each bar. The springs provide resistance for many exercises, including push-ups and pull-ups. It’s also used for leg lifts and other floor exercises as well as rolling therapy for back injuries and rehabilitation. Many people use this type of equipment in their homes or at studios because it helps improve flexibility and strength while increasing coordination and balance as well.

While many of the exercises you can do on a reformer are also done on a mat, there are exercises that are only available on the reformer.

The reformer is a more expensive piece of equipment than most mats, but the benefits are worth the investment. A reformer allows you to do exercises that would be difficult or impossible on a mat. While many of the exercises you can do on a reformer are also done on a mat, there are exercises that are only available on the reformer.

The main advantage of using these machines is their stability and ease of use. They hold your body in place while you work hard, so there is no risk of injury due to instability or slipping off your mat during an exercise like leg lifts. This makes it ideal for beginners or people with balance issues who want to start working out at home without worrying about falling over and injuring themselves!

Reformers are great for low impact workouts.

The reformer is great for people with injuries. It’s low-impact and can be used to build strength in muscles that are weak or injured.

• Ideal for pregnant women (and their partners) who want an intense workout, but need to be careful not to overdo it.
• Perfect for seniors who want a Pilates exercise program but have difficulty maintaining balance or moving around easily. The apparatus itself will help them stay steady and comfortable as they go through the motions of each movement.
• Also ideal for anyone who is overweight or obese because it makes it easier on their joints throughout the entire workout process by providing a stable surface on which they can work out comfortably without risking injury from falling off balance during exercises like push-ups or planks due to too much weight being placed on one side of the body during these movements

The reformer engages your core as you move through each exercise.

The reformer is a machine that can be used to strengthen your core. Core strength is essential for any activity, whether you’re running a marathon or just walking through the grocery store. The core is made up of a series of muscles that make up your abdominal wall and back, including the deep abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscle. These muscles are important for stability, posture and breathing capacity; they also help protect against injury.

The reformer engages these muscles as you move through each exercise. Since it’s not possible to cheat on this machine—you’ll have to use all the strength available to you—you’ll build more muscle mass than traditional Pilates routines do (although research has shown that both methods can result in similar gains in strength). What’s more: because this type of exercise targets these particular groups of muscles directly, using them often can help relieve lower-back pain caused by weak abs or poor posture over time!

You can use more props while doing Pilates on a reformer.

You can use more props while doing Pilates on a reformer. The reformer is one of the most popular pieces of equipment used in Pilates studios and often includes a variety of different tools that can be added to your routine, including balls, straps, belts, weights and more. These accessories help you achieve the correct form and position when performing exercises on the reformer. They also allow you to build strength and stamina without having to add extra resistance by using your own body weight alone.

Seeing the results isn’t hard to do, either.

Whether you are a beginner or have been practicing Pilates for years, reformer Pilates is a great way to see results. In fact, many people experience them in as little as three weeks of consistent practice.

It’s not hard to understand why this style of exercise is so effective when compared to other forms of exercise—it targets multiple areas with each session: the core, hips and back muscles; upper body strength; circulation; balance and coordination.

The best part? You can see results in the way your body looks and feels—and even more importantly—in how it moves as well!

It’s a good way to get started if you’re new to Pilates.

If you’re new to Pilates, the Reformer is a great way to start. It’s one of the most popular pieces of equipment used in Pilates studios around the world, and it allows users to get results quickly. The machine is especially good for beginners because it provides a deep stretch and burn on your muscles while also strengthening them through resistance training. You can expect to see improvements in range of motion, flexibility and balance over time as you work out on this machine.

Sign up for a Pilates class today!

Sign up for a Pilates class today! The best way to get started is to try a class at a local studio. Your instructor will be able to show you the ropes and help you avoid injury. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—they’re there to help, not discourage! If you’re looking for something low impact, reformers are great because they require less strength than some other machines.

Conclusion

Pilates is a great way to get yourself in shape and stay that way. The reformer is an excellent choice for those looking for an alternative to traditional Pilates, as well as those who want to do more than just sit on the floor. It’s ideal for people who struggle with mobility issues such as arthritis or back pain because it gives them access that they wouldn’t otherwise have without being able to go outside or travel far away from home.

Our private child care courses are designed for those who have limited or no experience of working in a child care setting or who have no formal qualifications in child care and education. High quality childcare can have a favorable impact on kids’s development and school preparedness by providing valuable academic and social experiences. High quality child care is defined as:

Having well-qualified, well-paid, secure personnel, low child-adult proportions, and effective administration.

Offering a program that covers all aspects of youngster advancement (physical, electric motor, psychological, social, language and cognitive development).

Research programs additionally that just top quality arrangement can provide health as well as suitable growth to young kids. As an increasing variety of moms are in the labor force and also most kids ages 3 and older now attend a childcare facility regularly, it has actually become essential that little ones from all histories must have accessibility to premium day care and very early education and learning.

What Is a Childcare Assistant?

Day care aides utilize games and also activities to teach children required life skills. They work carefully with at the very least one major childcare worker to take care of youngsters when their families are not available, like throughout the work days. A childcare aide’s key responsibility is to help keep an eye on kids and ensure their security in any way times. They also help feed and clean the children, as well as offer a regular schedule that might consist of plays and also rest times. They may aid older kids plan for school or do their research. Childcare assistants might assist the main worker monitor a kid’s development and also development and relay this details to the household as needed. The complying with chart offers you an overview regarding what you need to learn about entering this field.

What Training Do I Need to Become a Child Care Assistant?

Educational requirements for child care professionals differ by state. For example, some need you to complete some college courses or a level in very early childhood years advancement, while others just call for a secondary school diploma or GED equivalent.

You might take into consideration an associate’s degree program in early childhood education and learning to discover the different elements involved in a youngster’s development within a cultural setting. You can additionally learn the academic as well as sensible abilities necessary to work successfully with children.

Bachelor’s degree programs in very early childhood years advancement are also available as well as provide innovative researches in education and learning, child psychology and nutrition. Graduating from a child care assistant training program could give you the experience required to earn the Council for Expert Recognition’s Child Development Affiliate (CDA) designation or the National Day care Association’s Childcare Specialist (CCP) credential. Some childcare facilities could require or choose that you get accreditation to deal with preschool children, infants or toddlers.

What May My Task Entail?

You might assist preschool teachers or various other childcare employees enjoy children who are as well young for kindergarten. As a child care aide, you’re generally responsible for the well being of the children in the lack of their moms and dads. You might assist arrange activities that can prepare youngsters for formal education and develop their language and also social skills, physical capabilities as well as intellect. You can select to aid take care of infants and also young children or monitor older youngsters before or after institution. You may likewise communicate with your supervisors or parents, going over a youngster’s development as well as any developing issues.

What’s the Work Overview?

Child care aides operate in day care centers, day care centers and also Head Start programs. The variety of children that you could be responsible for depends on the age of the children. Operating in a child care facility can be extremely emotionally requiring as well as arduous. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Data (BLS) predicted that employment for childcare employees, including day care aides, would certainly expand about 2% in between 2018 as well as 2028 (www.bls.gov). The BLS additionally reported that the mean income for this placement was $23,240 in 2018.

What Are Some Related Alternative Occupations?

A similar placement that typically calls for some university education, however not always a degree is that of a teacher aide. Teacher aides assist impose policies and lessons that a primary educator shows in course. They may also help do numerous administrative jobs for the educator. Preschool teachers are likewise carefully related, yet call for at least an associate’s degree. These professionals show youngsters who are commonly under the age of 5 to aid prepare them for college. They show different subjects, yet at a simplified level for very early students.

Do you live in California and want to surf? Or maybe you are just visiting the golden state’s coast and want to give those renowned waves a ride. It always looks so exciting when you watch surfers on the shore or on TV. You always hear them say things like “that wave was amazing” or “WOW, that was incredible.” Southern California offers some of the best surfing in the U.S. and trying it out at least once is a must. It’s as simple as finding someone who is willing to teach you some preliminary techniques and show you the tips and tricks of surfing app.

What exactly is there to learn? Safety, surf etiquette, positioning yourself for the perfect ride, and getting acquainted with your surfboard. Then the techniques: how to paddle, getting into the lineup, how to get up on your board, how to ride a wave, duck-diving, plus so much more. It takes time to master the sport of surfing, but with the right instruction it can be easier than you think.

The Internet is also a great place to find tips and tricks no matter if you are a beginner or expert. Try searching for “How to Paddle Your Surfboard” or “How to Duck Dive.” You will be amazed at how much instruction, with text, images, and video, you can find online. Same goes for finding your gear; the Internet can save you money and also let you compare the different available equipment.

What do I need to have? Do I need to buy a surfboard?

Most surfing lessons and surfing instructors can provide you with training surfboards, but when you decide to get serious, definitely buy yourself a nice one. Also, wetsuits are often provided with your sessions, but you can always have your own. Things you will definitely need to bring are a bathing suit, sun block, a towel, and water (it is easy to get dehydrated in the sun).

Where Should I Go?

There are so many great places to surf in southern California. Laguna Beach Surfing has been known to have some of the most consistent waves in Orange County. San Diego surfing, around Encinitas and La Jolla is also incredible. Best of all, there are definitely places to find instructors and lessons at a great price.

What are the common terms used in Surfing?

One of the aspects of getting involved in a new sport or hobby is learning the lingo.

Take a look at some of the common terms used in surfing as found directly on the Wikipedia.org (Surfing) website:

* Regular/Natural foot – Right foot on back of board

* Goofy foot – Left foot on back of board

* Take off – the start of a ride

* Drop in – dropping into (engaging) the wave, most often as part of standing up

* Drop in on, cut off, or “burn” – taking off on a wave in front of someone closer to the peak (considered inappropriate)

* Duck dive – pushing the board underwater, nose first, and diving through an oncoming wave instead of riding it

* Snaking/Back-Paddling – paddling around someone to get into the best position for a wave (in essence, stealing it)

* Bottom turn – the first turn at the bottom of the wave

* Shoulder – the unbroken part of the wave

* Cutback – a turn cutting back toward the breaking part of the wave

* Fade – on take off, aiming toward the breaking part of the wave, before turning sharply and surfing in the direction the wave is breaking towards

* Over the falls – When a surfer falls and the wave carries him in a circular motion with the lip of the wave, also referred to as the “wash cycle”, being “pitched over” and being “sucked over” because the wave sucks you off of the bottom of the reef and sucks you “over the falls.”

* Pump – an up/down carving movement that generates speed along a wave

* Stall – slowing down from weight on the tail of the board or a hand in the water

* Floater – riding up on the top of the breaking part of the wave

* Hang-five/hang-ten – putting five or ten toes respectively over the nose of a longboard

* Hang Heels – Facing backwards and putting the surfers’ heels over the edge of a longboard.

* Re-entry – hitting the lip vertically and re-entering the wave in quick succession.

* Switch-foot – having equal ability to surf regular foot or goofy foot — like being ambidextrous

* Tube riding/Getting barreled – riding inside the curl of a wave

* Carve – turns (often accentuated)

* Pearl- A nose-dive.

* Off the Top – a turn on the top of a wave, either sharp or carving

* Snap – a quick, sharp turn off the top of a wave

* Fins-free snap (or “fins out”) – a sharp turn where the fins slide off the top of the wave

* Air/Aerial – riding the board briefly into the air above the wave, landing back upon the wave, and continuing to ride.

* Grom/Grommet-kid boarder (usually under 15)

For more information on Surfing in Southern California, please visit the Kijubi website at http://www.Kijubi.com. You can also check out the Kijubi.com Activities Blog.

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Ask any skier what their favourite annual holiday is and they’ll probably tell you it’s the one they spend skiing. It’s such a fun, exciting sport that has the added bonus of taking place in a beautiful mountain environment, especially if you’re lucky enough to live in or visit British Columbia, Canada. You can easily fall in love with Silver Star’s fairytale village because of their reasonable Canada ski packages.

However, without a little preparation you can easily spend more time on your backside than whizzing down the mountain. If you’re thinking of skiing for the first time, take these ten tips for skiing for beginners into consideration.

1. Do Some Research Before You Depart

If you’re reading this article, you’re already on the right track. Like most sports, there are a few safety rules and points of etiquette to bear in mind, but these largely include common sense and good manners. It’s also important to have suitable clothing and equipment.

For beginners, this does not need to be top of the range, but it should be functional. This article should provide a few ideas to get you off on the right foot and some basic, helpful knowledge to make your first experience an enjoyable one. If you’re already an advanced skier, we have plenty of other resources aimed at more experienced skiers and snowboarders.

2. Don’t Overextend Yourself

On the above note, many new skiers have a tendency to push themselves too hard, too fast. While there is no need to be overly cautious, you don’t want to overextend yourself. At best, this could lower your confidence and slow your overall progress, but it could also result in serious injury.

Going too quickly also prevents you from concentrating on proper technique, which is worth learning if you do want to go on and learn how to do things properly. It is wise to take it slow and easy the first few days, which will allow you to get a feel for your skills and how to operate in the mountain environment.

3. Ski Clothing Works Best When You Dress in Layers

As people frequently say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.” While this may not be entirely true, the logic behind it is. If you wear the right clothing, you’ll be able to stay safe and comfortable in almost any weather. As you plan for your first ski experience, make sure you pack the right clothing.

The three-layer strategy is typically the best. You start with a base layer that’s designed to keep you dry by wicking sweat away from your body. The mid layer is designed to keep you warm by regulating your body temperature (typically a fleece or wool jumper).

The outer layer should be a waterproof amd windproof jacket to break the wind and keep moisture off your second layer. This outer layer should also be breathable in order to allow moisture out. Gore-Tex is the best known waterproof and breathable clothing technology and performs well. However, it is often the most expensive and there are alternative options that perform well enough at a cheaper price.

4. Rent Your Equipment

If you’re excited to start a new sport, it can be tempting to buy the latest shiny equipment. Please resist this. No matter what anyone tells you, you should always rent equipment for your first ski holiday. It is very possible that you could end up buying inappropriate or poorly sized equipment.

The benefit of renting equipment is three-fold. First off, it gives you a chance to try skiing before committing to spending a lot of additional money. Second, you can gain a feel for what you do and don’t like about certain equipment – though that can take time.

Third, most rental shops have new equipment each season. This means that you won’t get stuck with outdated, obsolete skis. Also, as you improve, you can rent higher performance skis and boots. You don’t learn to drive in a Ferrari. Likewise, you shouldn’t learn to ski on super stiff, high performance skis.

5. Pack Fluids and Snacks

As I’ve previously mentioned, proper nutrition is key for all sports, including skiing and snowboarding. Choosing the right food and drink will help you recover faster, stay hydrated, and make sure you have plenty of energy throughout the day.

Your best option is to pack a few snacks such as fruit, nuts and chocolate so you can pull them out when you need them and remember to stop for a drink from time to time. Alcohol is best left alone while you are on the slopes, especially when you’re learning.

6. Get in Shape Before the Ski Season

While people at most levels of fitness can enjoy skiing at some level, the fitter you are, the faster you will learn and the more you can get out of it. If you arrive to the mountains in good shape, you give yourself the best possible chance.

Doing cardiovascular exercise regularly in the build up to your trip will benefit you tremendously. It’s also important to remember to stretch, and incorporating yoga into your exercise regime could be especially helpful. For comprehensive introduction to getting fit for your next trip, check out It’s More Fun When You’re Fit: How to Physically Prepare for Skiing and Snowboarding.

7. Protect Yourself from the Sun

It may seem counterintuitive, but you can actually get sunburned very quickly up in the mountains. As the amusing Canadian public service announcement says in the video above:

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you and your family don’t need sun protection.

You should wear plenty of sunscreen and will also need polarized goggles or sunglasses. Most people prefer goggles, apart from when it’s particularly warm and sunny. Some people’s skin and lips are susceptible to chapping and a chapstick or lip salve is worth bringing along.

8. Don’t Ski Alone

If you’re not with an instructor, make sure you are skiing with at least one other person. Even if you’re both skiing beginners, it helps to have someone else with you in case you fall, get hurt, or lose your way.

If you have a friend with a little more experience, then this is an obvious advantage.

9. Take Professional Lessons

At ALLTRACKS we’re big supporters of having proper ski training. We believe it’s the only way to reach your potential and really enjoy the best the mountains have to offer. Give yourself the chance possible by starting with a proper foundation and learning the correct techniques.

Ski instructors will not only teach you how to ski better, but also take you to the most appropriate slopes and ensure you have a really fun experience. The best ski and snowboard coaches enjoy teaching others as much as the sport itself, and we have found this to be especially true in Whistler.

10. Don’t Give Up

Whatever you do, don’t give up on skiing until you’ve given it a fair shot. Everyone falls while they are learning and there may well be times that you question whether all the effort is worth it.

Indeed, having to deal with everything can sometimes make seasoned skiers wish they were on a beach lying in the sun. Once you get through the learning curve though, you’ll be rewarded with exhilarating experiences for the rest of your life and will enjoy the best sport on earth.

The first time you take any new fitness class can be a little intimidating. But for some reason, Pilates classes have an extra air of “avoid this if you don’t know what you’re doing.” Maybe it’s the reformer, with its straps and springs. Maybe it’s the exercise names that you’ve never heard before. (What’s this “Pilates Hundred” thing?). Pilates teacher training Sydney is focused on developing creative and problem solving teachers, who have a strong base in functional anatomy, physiology, and innovative teaching skills.

If you’ve wanted to try Pilates classes but something has been holding you back, now’s your time to sign up for your first one. Pilates offers plenty of benefits to your body, no matter your fitness background. You’ll improve your posture, focus on bodily alignment, and get one heck of a core workout.

Whether you’re on the mat or machine, you can snag the same benefits. A 2016 study found that eight weeks of Pilates classes improved abdominal endurance, flexibility, and balance. Plus, Pilates has seen a resurgence in popularity, with franchises such as Club Pilates popping up around the country.

Want to know what the hype is all about? Here’s everything a Pilates newbie needs to know to enjoy her first class.

1. There are two different kinds of Pilates classes: mat classes and reformer classes.

You’ll be tackling a class that’s based on either a mat, which is a tad thicker than your standard yoga mat, to cushion pressure points, or a machine called a reformer, which is a sliding platform complete with stationary foot bar, springs, and pulleys that provide resistance to help tone the body. Know which one you’re getting into before you commit to your workout, which is typically 45 minutes to an hour long.

Both options focus on the concept of control rather than cranking out endless reps or muscle exhaustion. In Pilates, your muscles are working to lift against gravity and (in the case of the reformer) the resistance of the springs or bands, with the ultimate goal of strengthening and isolating the right muscles. Your goal should be to take your time with the exercises, focus on the task at hand, and connect to your breath.

“The reformer experience is maybe the most fun you’ll have in a Pilates class,” says Heather Andersen, founder of New York Pilates. “The machine gives you added resistance and a sliding surface that challenges your workout. It often feels like you’re flying or gliding.”

There are also many Pilates-inspired workouts, like SLT, Brooklyn Bodyburn, and Studio MDR, that aren’t considered “classic” Pilates but offer many of the same benefits. These studios use a next-level reformer called a Megaformer, which is larger than a traditional reformer.

Regardless of what class you choose, make sure to let your instructor know you’re a beginner. This way, she’ll be able to keep an eye on you throughout the class and offer modifications or form adjustments.

2. You’ll feel your muscles burn during class, and you’ll probably be sore the next day.

While you may not be crushing high-intensity exercises like squat jumps or lifting heavy dumbbells, the mostly bodyweight routines that Pilates classes offer can be pretty intense. Take the signature Pilates Hundred, for example. A core-focused move that involves less than two inches of constant movement, it will make your abs burn. A good instructor should give you modifications so that you can perform each movement with good form (another reason to introduce yourself as a beginner before class starts).

Dedicating your entire focus to even the smallest movements means that you’ll work the muscles that each exercise intends. And that means you can be dealing with muscle soreness after your workout. Don’t fret: While next-day soreness may be at a whole new level after your first week, your body will get more used to the movements with time. Being sore the next day doesn’t mean you’re out of shape; it just means you’re challenging your muscles in new ways or working muscle groups that don’t usually get much attention.

3. Wear formfitting clothes—and don’t forget your socks!

Even if you typically prefer loose-fitting workout wear, you’re going to want to wear body-hugging options for Pilates classes. “This way, the instructor can see your movements better and your clothes don’t get caught in springs or other equipment,” says Carrie Samper, national Pilates training manager at Equinox.

“And leave the shorts at home too,” Samper adds. “There are many exercises in Pilates where you are lying down and your legs are moving above you…so you don’t want the shorts to ride up.” Instead, wear capris or leggings with a tank top or fitted long-sleeved shirt.

As for footwear, you can either be barefoot or wear socks for your session. Most studios have their own suggested protocol. Find it on the studio’s website, or ask the front desk when you check in for your class.

If you’re going to go for socks, find yourself a pair with rubber detailing on the soles so you don’t slip on the mat or machine. A barefoot or socks-only approach will also help you navigate in and out of the straps on a standard reformer with ease.

4. Every studio has different lingo they use in class. Look to regulars for form help when you’re not up with the terms.

Every workout from barre to CrossFit has its own set of terminology, Pilates included. For Pilates, know that your “powerhouse” refers to the the center of your body, where all of your power comes from to execute movement. “Peel through your spine” means slow movement from vertebra to vertebra. Don’t fret: You’ll get used to it with time.

In the meantime, look to regulars who catch on to the instructions quickly. The best way to do this? Put yourself in the middle of the room. Whether it’s on a reformer or a mat, planting yourself in the center allows you an optimal view of all of the action. “In the middle, the instructor is easily visible,” says Samper. “The other participants can help visually guide you through transitions while the instructor migrates to offer adjustments.”

5. Pilates should be a part of a well-rounded fitness plan.

Even if a studio offers unlimited classes for the first week, don’t plan on hopping into a class every day. Take note your body needs a day or two to recover from fatiguing resistance exercise such as Pilates.

“Pilates stretches, strengthens, and aligns your body all at the same time,” says Samper. “With that said, it also complements every other fitness endeavor because it prepares your body to move better in every way. Adding it into your routine will help you lift heavier weights, run faster, swim with better form, or even achieve that elusive arm balance in yoga.”

If you bother to look at your phone bill at the end of the month, you’ll see exactly what costs what. You see all the charges, even the calls and texts if you feel like actually breaking it all down. But your power bill is a huge mystery. It’s just a number — a measure of the power you used and a price — and that’s it. So just why is it so darn high, and what on earth can you do about it? It’s true that energy prices are up 3% from last year and rising, but that’s not even the half of it. Here’s everything you need to know to curb your power bills right now. When you smell burning appliances immediately call an Emergency electrician Brisbane.

Take stock, seriously!

I’m going to assume you know that leaving gadgets on over long periods of time draws more power, but you might not realize just how many things in your home are actually plugged in. It’s easy to lose track of the big picture when you’re just sitting in your living room, but I challenge you to actually tally up the number of gadgets you have plugged in on a daily basis.

Three in the kitchen, a half dozen on the entertainment center, several more in the bedroom, and who knows what else — if it’s plugged in, it’s almost certainly drawing some amount of power whether you’re using it or not. You’re probably going to be shocked when you realize that you’re powering two dozen or more energy-sucking electronics when you’re not even home, and all of it is going to waste.

Standby sucks, really!

A few decades ago you had an on/off button on virtually everything that used electricity. Back then, “off” meant off, but it’s a lot more complicated these days. In order to keep your devices in a constantly ready-to-use state we have “standby” modes. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, up to 10% of your home’s power use comes from devices in standby mode, and it’s draining your hard earned cash.

These power vampires might be making some of your daily tasks a few seconds faster, but it’s costing you major cash along the way. How much? You can find that out yourself with a handy little gadget called the Kill A Watt ($19). All you do is plug it into your wall socket, then plug one of your many electronic devices into it. It measures exactly how much power your device is draining — even in standby mode — and displays the results as the dollar amount that it would cost to pay for it over a day, week, month, or year.

Identify things you don’t use

How often do you use your inkjet printer? Once a week? Once a month? Virtually never? And yet you keep it plugged in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and that little light on its top lets you know it’s sipping your pricey power every second of the day. Remember, if it’s plugged in, it’s using at least a small amount of electricity, and it’s costing you.

Things to unplug:

Kitchen appliances – That coffee grinder you leave on for the 23 hours of the day you’re not using it needs to be yanked.

Computer accessories – Printers that are rarely used, scanners, and especially speaker systems (even worse if they have powered subwoofers) are adding $$ to your bill.

Entertainment systems – There’s virtually no reason to keep a game console or Blu-ray player plugged in all the time unless you really can’t spare a few moments whenever it needs a software update. Axe these and count the savings.

Phone chargers – Can I blow your mind? Your phone charger is sucking power every second of the day, whether you have something plugged into it or not

Anything in the guest room – If you’re never in the room, why is there a clock radio, TV, cable box, and fan plugged in? Unplug, unplug, and unplug!

Your computer is the worst

Aside from the rarely-used PC accessories that are boosting your power consumption, your computer itself can be the biggest power vampire in your entire home. According to the International Energy Agency, as much as $80 billion in electricity is being wasted by your internet-connected devices.

The funny thing is, it’s not just the power to keep your gadgets up and running that is the problem — it’s the power to keep them connected to the internet that really kills you in the end. Up to 80% of the power being used goes directly to maintaining your connection to the internet.

If you absolutely refuse to shut your computer down when you’re not using it, the least you can do is to disable your internet connection while you’re away. Simply tapping on your network icon on your desktop menu bar (located at the top of your screen for Macs and the bottom for Windows PCs) and click your Wi-Fi connection off. Take note it’s a few clicks that could save you some serious cash for the course of the year, so why not give it a try?

Take it down a notch

My husband loves to keep the heat turned down to around 60-degrees in the winter. It’s evil really, and I regularly let him know how unhappy I am wearing mittens and wool socks to bed. But to his credit (don’t tell him I admitted it…) barely using any heat has saved us around $700 a year. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, for every one degree you lower the thermostat, you save about three percent on heating costs. Programmable thermostats are awesome for this, turning the heat down at night, while you’re at work, and even off when you’re away (if the pipes won’t freeze and plants won’t die).

Your water heater can be another big energy hog. By EnergyStar estimates, just dropping the temperature setting from 140 degrees to a still-steamy 120 degrees could save you more than $100 a year.