Home deals of the day
Best Smart Home Deals: Discounts on Lighting, Speakers and More
Smart technology has seen some major advancements in recent years, and that's provided quite a bit of convenience via devices that are much, well, smarter than their predecessors. These days, we can control many aspects of our lives and homes with these new smart devices by way of an app, input or even just our voices. And while this offers a lot in the way of efficiency, it often comes with a significant price tag attached -- which is why it's important to look for deals.
If you're wanting to add some smart features to your home but can't afford a complete overhaul, don't worry. There are plenty of smart home devices on the market at a variety of prices, whether you're looking for a single smart plug or need to outfit an entire room.
Just because you're looking to upgrade doesn't mean you have to scour every website on your own for discounts. We can help find the best offers currently available to help you build the smart home of your dreams for less.
Best Smart Plug Deals
Smart plugs can be used for a number of tasks, including automating lights, small appliances and more.
TP-Link
Kasa Smart Plug (three-pack): $20
Save $5
Kasa is a trusted brand in the smart home space that makes some of the best smart plugs on the market. These small plugs can be stacked in the same receptacle or used elsewhere around your house. Using the free Kasa app, you can automate the plugs by setting a schedule or control them from anywhere with ease.
These plugs can be easily controlled using Google Assistant, Alexa and IFTTT routines with no additional hub being required. Right now the 3-pack is the same price as a two-pack.
$20 at Amazon
You're receiving price alerts for Kasa Smart Plug (three-pack): $20
Amazon
Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug: $20
Save $5
You can't just use any smart plug outside -- you need to buy one that's specifically meant to be used outdoors. This smart plug from Kasa is IP64 rated for weather resistance and has two plugs that can be controlled individually. It has a built-in cord to make it easier to plug into outdoor receptacles and works with Alexa, IFTTT and Google Assistant.
$20 at Amazon
You're receiving price alerts for Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug: $20
iHome
iHome Flow Smart Power Strip: $39
Save $11
If you have a lot of devices, you likely need a surge protector or power strip. Why not pay a little extra for one that has some smarts built right into it? This one features six outlets that can all be controlled individually or together. It offers up to 1,200 joules of surge protection.
$39 at Walmart
You're receiving price alerts for iHome Flow Smart Power Strip: $39
Best Smart Light Deals
Smart bulbs offer a unique way to bring some new color to your spaces without having to repaint. You can get white and color versions, and they come in different sizes for your lamps and light fixtures.
TP-Link
Kasa (2-pack): $17
Save $8
Smart bulbs are a great way to change the look of a room by adding a splash of color. You decide when the lights come on and off, and how bright they get. You don't need to add a hub to use these, but they work with both Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.
$17 at Amazon
You're receiving price alerts for Kasa (2-pack): $17
Singled
Sengled Color Starter Kit (hub, switch and 3-pack): $69
Save $11
The kit comes with a smart hub that supports 2.4G Wi-Fi routers so that you can connect up to 64 smart bulbs to your system's network. Sengled smart bulbs come packed with features, too. You can easily use the Sengled Home app to customize your schedules, routines and scenes. And the bulbs include Wake Up and Sleep modes, which slowly transition you from darkness to light, or vice versa, simulating a sunrise or sunset to help you wake up and fall asleep more naturally. You can even adjust your lights with voice commands. The three A19 light bulbs included in the kit offer color-changing and dimmable features, and you can always add on more bulbs to your setup as you expand your smart hub system.
You're receiving price alerts for Sengled Color Starter Kit (hub, switch and 3-pack): $69
Chris Monroe/CNET
Philips Hue A19 bulb (three-pack): $100
Save $35
Save on a Philips Hue color bulb multipack. You can choose from 16 million different color options within the app to instantly change the look and feel of your spaces. The bulb can be controlled using the app or your voice, depending on your preference. Philips Hue bulbs do require the use of a separate hub.
$100 at Philips Hue
Best Smart Appliance Deals
You may not believe it, but there are so many smart appliances these days. You can use your voice to preheat the oven, adjust your home's temperature, control your garage door and more.
Sharp
Sharp Smart Countertop Microwave: $187
Save $13
It seems as though companies are adding Alexa and Google Assistant support to just about anything, including countertop microwaves. This model offers support for Amazon's Alexa to reheat your food, add cooking time and more, but it does not support Google Assistant. You'll still need to use your hands to load it with food, though maybe one day we will have a smart robot that can do that for us, as well.
$187 at Wayfair
Meross
Meross Smart Garage Remote: $45
Save $5
This Meross smart garage remote allows you to open or close your garage from anywhere using the companion app on your phone or tablet. It's also compatible with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant so you can control it using the sound of your voice through other smart devices. Or, you can set a schedule so that it closes at a preset time, or after being open for an extended period. Just be sure to clip the on-page coupon to get the full discount.
You can check if your garage opener is compatible with this smart attachment here.
$45 at Amazon
You're receiving price alerts for Meross Smart Garage Remote: $45
Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat (WiFi): $210
Save $39
With the Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat you can control the temperature from anywhere using the Nest app on your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Within a week of setup, the thermostat starts programming itself to the temperatures you like. And Away mode automatically switches to an energy-efficient temperature when you're not home.
Read our Nest Learning Thermostat Third Generation review.
$210 at Amazon
You're receiving price alerts for Nest Learning Thermostat Third Generation (Stainless Steel)
Best Smart Speaker Deals
Adding smarts to your speakers is a great way to bring hands-free music to every room in your home. They look stylish, sound great and offer great functionality that everyone can enjoy.
Best Buy has a two-pack of the second-generation Nest Mini marked down to $50 in either chalk or charcoal. This voice-controlled smart speaker can stream music and audiobooks from apps like Spotify and YouTube, plus you can ask the built-in Google Assistant about weather updates and the latest news, set reminders and more.
Other smart device deals for the home
Ultraloq
Ultraloq Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro With Adapter: $169
Save $80
Adding a smart lock to your entry will save time and effort when getting in or out the door. It locks as you leave your house and unlocks as you arrive at your door when you have your smartphone in your pocket or bag, and it responds to voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use the fingerprint ID or a code to get in, as well as several other options. You can also make temporary codes for guests and keep track of who is entering your home via the app. It is also IP65-rated dust- and weatherproof, so you won't have to worry about extreme weather. Plus, it's easy to install and doesn't require drilling or wiring. Be sure to clip the on-page coupon for the full discount.
$169 at Amazon
You're receiving price alerts for Ultraloq Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro With Adapter: $169
Eufy
Eufy by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim): $200
Save $29
Smart vacuums are often more expensive than other smart home devices such as cameras and lighting, but the convenience of maintaining effortlessly clean floors can be well worth the cost -- especially when the robot vacuums are on sale.
There are a number of robot vacuums on sale for the Prime Early Access event, but the Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim) stands out as a particularly good deal. The super thin smart vacuum is currently available for just $200. And if you're a Prime member, you can get a savings of $109 off the standard price, bringing the price to just $120
$200 at Amazon
You're receiving price alerts for Eufy RoboVac 11S
More smart home deals:
- Google Nest Wi-Fi mesh router (2 pack): $139 (save $160)
- Lenovo Smart Clock (2nd-gen): $45 (save $45)
Prime Day Home Deals 2022
Type keyword(s) to searchToday's Top Stories
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.
From pillows to soundbars, here's what's worth your money.
By Maverick Li and Jaimie Potters
Courtesy
We don't know what's ahead of us, man. Has inflation peaked yet? Is COVID actually over? Will we have to panic-buy toilet paper all over again if it's not? Should we stockpile on cool, essential home stuff on sale before they revert back to original prices—or worse, get price-gouged yet again by greedy CEOs? The answers are "IDK," "IDK," "You're disinvited to my imaginary wedding though I'm single," and "Hell yes."
Agree? Agreed! Now we just need to find the right place to score these home deals, and for that it's no secret you can head to Amazon. What is new and noteworthy is that for the first time, the e-tailer is holding a second 48-hour shopping event within a single year. Prime Early Access Deals (as Amazon's second Prime Day is officially being called) kicked off yesterday and runs until 11:59PM EST tonight.
Steeping with deals akin to those observed during Prime Days of yesteryear and most recently in July, the new oddly named sale is Olympics-like in its offering of discounted home essentials and design upgrades. Ahead, we've rounded up a list of the most enticing deals we recommend snagging now rather than later. From editor-endorsed cookware and bedding to furniture, appliances, and more, here are the Prime Day 2.0 home finds to add to cart.
Keurig
K-Mini Coffee Maker
Now 36% off
$64 AT AMAZON
AMADA HOMEFURNISHING
Floating Shelves with Removable Towel Bar Set
Now 20% off
$18 AT AMAZON
Mellanni
Organic Cotton Sheet Set
$57 AT AMAZON
Blueair
Pure Fan Auto
Now 10% off
$270 AT AMAZON
Tineco
Pure ONE S11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Now 13% off
$350 AT AMAZON
WallBeyond
Asymmetrical Wall Mirror
$75 AT AMAZON
ASHOMELI
All Season Down Alternative Cooling Comforter
Now 26% off
$40 AT AMAZON
SAMSUNG
Samsung 55-Inch Class Frame Series 4K Smart TV
$1,198 AT AMAZON
Amazon
Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device
Now 46% off
$27 AT AMAZON
Programmable Smart Thermostat
Now 24% off
$190 AT AMAZON
Joseph Joseph
Edge Dish Brush with Integrated Sink Rest
$10 AT AMAZON
Le Creuset
Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven
Now 13% off
$338 AT AMAZON
Tempur-Pedic
TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow
$189 AT AMAZON
HYPREST
100% Pure French Linen Duvet Cover Set
$129 AT AMAZON
Casper
Casper Sleep Original Hybrid Mattress
Now 15% off
$1,445 AT AMAZON
Calphalon
10-Piece Nonstick Pots and Pans Set
Now 17% off
$200 AT AMAZON
Belife
Belife Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Now 13% off
$140 AT AMAZON
AeroGarden
Harvest Hydroponic Indoor Garden
Now 18% off
$135 AT AMAZON
Sauder
Bar and Serving Cart
$80 AT AMAZON
Zinus
Suzanne Metal and Wood Platform Bed Frame
Now 35% off
$167 AT AMAZON
Walker Edison
Freya Urban Industrial Ladder Desk
Now 36% off
$167 AT AMAZON
Bose
Smart Soundbar 900 Dolby Atmos
Now 22% off
$699 AT AMAZON
You think just because we've got almost nine decades of superb, award-winning storytelling, we must know everything, huh? That's right! We do. Sort of. Because we like to stay on the radar, and it didn't take long for us to spot Amazon's official press release announcing that this year's Prime Day will take place on Tuesday, October 11, and Wednesday, October 12.
This is one of the few exclusive Amazon shopping events, open to only Prime member who pays $14.99 per month to stay in the club and enjoy benefits like streaming, fast shipping, and free delivery. If you're not yet a Prime member, do time yourself wisely in signing up, because you'll get a 30-day free trial once you join the club. And on those two days, you'll see something like "Save (an additional) 25% with Prime" on eligible products—even the ones already on sale.
The press release only teased a few of the brands where shoppers can expect to find steep discounts on select products. These brands include Samsung, KitchenAid, iRobot, and Ashley Furniture. We expect there to be way more deals though based on what we're already seeing on sale.
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Schoolchild's daily routine.
Making the right routineThe whole truth about how to choose a backpack for a first grader.
- Articles
- Schoolchildren's daily routine. Making the right routine
Properly composed daily routine is a guarantee of excellent well-being of the student, academic performance in the classroom, good mood. If the child gets enough sleep, eats on time, does not get tired of studying, gets enough time to rest, we can say that the schedule is well drawn up. It is especially important to organize the correct schedule after the holidays, when the children are relaxed and not immediately ready for a clear hourly schedule. It can also be difficult to accustom first-graders who are accustomed to a relaxed pastime in the kindergarten. nine0003
How to accustom to the regimen?
Before compiling a regimen, you need to observe the pace that the child has chosen for himself: how quickly he wakes up, how long it takes him to wash, how long it takes for breakfast and the way to school, when it is easier to do homework. Based on these comments, allocate time in such a way that the baby has time for everything. Remember: what suits the neighbor's peers will not always suit your son or daughter - all children have a different body, some need more time to rest, others recover faster. Take into account the wishes of the child himself, explain why it is important to make a regimen. Stick to the established rules with him - the example of the parents works better than explanations. nine0003
The student will quickly get used to and get involved in the educational process if his time is scheduled by the minute, but with breaks for the rest that he prefers (walking, sports, favorite hobby). It is important to take into account the age characteristics and hobbies of children, leave the possibility of free choice - do not overdo it with rules and restrictions. The most intense performance is observed from 11:00 to 13:00, and also from 16:00 to 18:00. Depending on age and psychological characteristics, these indicators may differ. nine0003
What must be on the agenda
To set a successful rhythm for the day, be sure to provide all the most important elements of the regime:
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Regular meals - breakfasts, lunches, dinners.
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Full sleep, based on the age and needs of the body.
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Studying at school and doing homework. nine0003
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Active recreation with walks in the fresh air, as well as exercise or sports.
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Time for hobbies and games.
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Strong help around the house.
Morning: getting ready for school and charging
Morning begins with washing, exercises, breakfast. It is recommended to prepare the form and collect the backpack in the evening, so as not to forget anything in the morning rush. It is better to take a shower in the morning - it is easier to get rid of drowsiness and prepare for the upcoming mental stress. If the shower is scheduled for the evening, remember to wash your face in the morning and brush your teeth. Gymnastics is best done immediately after waking up in the open air or in a ventilated room. The main thing is to include in the list of exercises that are useful for posture, muscles of the neck, arms, shoulders and legs. In addition, consult a physical education teacher, a doctor about this. Charging has a beneficial effect on metabolism, the nervous system, and general well-being. It is worth allocating half an hour for gymnastics and washing. nine0003
Eat varied, healthy meals. Breakfast should include hot and hearty food, take place measuredly, without haste, talking, watching TV. You should walk to school without rushing. If you take the children by car, stop before reaching it anyway - leave 10-15 minutes for a walk.
So plan your morning like this:
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07:00 - awakening.
nine0005 -
07:30 - 07:50 - breakfast.
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07:50 - 08:20 - road to school.
07:00 - 07:30 - exercises and washing.
School, lunch and afternoon nap
During the break between classes, do not neglect the hot school breakfast, even if the student does not like it too much - this is an opportunity to relax, spend time with peers in the dining room. School time for students looks like this: nine0003
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08:30 - start of classes.
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11:00 - hot breakfast.
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12:30 / 13:30 / 14:30 - end of lessons (depending on the class), drive home.
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13:00 - 13:30 / 14:00-14:30 / 15:00-15:30 - lunch (depending on when the lessons ended).
nine0005
13:30 - 14:30 - afternoon nap for juniors.
After school: rest, walks, afternoon tea
After school, students of all ages need to take a break from books, computers, TV. It is not necessary to force a student to sleep, if his natural regimen does not provide for daytime sleep, it is quite enough just to lie down a bit. After that, it is worth taking a walk in the fresh air, playing outdoor games. For physical development, it is active rest that is important - when one activity is replaced by another. It is better that the student himself chooses an activity to his liking - in summer it can be ball games, roller skates, in winter - sledding, skiing, skating. You can send your child to a sports school if he seriously gravitates towards a particular sport. nine0003
During the day, junior students should spend 3-3.5 hours outdoors, including the way to school and back, high school students - at least 2-2.5 hours. After active games in the fresh air, it is important to set aside 15 minutes for a light snack, afternoon snack. The order can be set up like this:
Homework
After an active rest and an afternoon snack, it is worth taking the time to prepare your homework. The correct alternation of mental and physical labor is the key to the health of the student. With mental stress, clean air is needed, which improves brain function. Therefore, when doing homework, you should take 10-minute breaks after every 30-40 minutes of work, ventilate the room. If weather permits, leave a window or vent open. nine0003
Make sure the work area is well lit, with light from a window and a lamp on the student's left. Remove tall flowers from the window, move the curtains apart - this will also affect performance. For more information on how to organize a workspace for a child, read our article “How to equip a workspace for a student”.
Encourage your child to do lessons in difficult subjects on the same day that they were assigned. It is better to start not from the most difficult, but from the most beloved subject. Nothing should distract from classes - turn off the TV, put your pets away. nine0003
How successfully the student will cope with homework depends on other factors of the regime - whether he managed to completely relax, whether he ate well. The framework for doing homework is calculated individually - everyone copes with tasks, reads, and performs creative tasks at different times. In addition, it all depends on the amount of homework. Junior students will need 1.5-2 hours, middle school students - 2-3 hours, high school students - 3-4 hours. It is better to start after 16:00. If the student completed the tasks faster, free time can be spent on a favorite hobby or another walk in the fresh air, which is especially important for the younger ones. The mode will look like this: nine0003
Always help your child with assignments, as this stimulates interest in learning and strengthens relationships within the family. Previously, we have already considered the topic “How to do homework with a child”, in which we set out in detail the conditions for successful preparation of lessons.
Dinner, hobbies and help around the house
Schoolchildren should be taught to do housework from an early age. The younger ones can be instructed to water the flowerpots or wash the dishes, the older ones can vacuum or go shopping. This is useful for educational purposes - so that children understand the importance and complexity of homework, learn to clean up after themselves. It's also another way to move around a bit after sitting at a desk. Household duties teach responsibility, so you should not neglect them, even if you think that your student is still too small for such work. nine0003
Optimal dinner at 19:00. Make sure that the food is high in calories, contains vitamins, proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Dinner should be at the same time every day. Getting used to such a routine, a person feels an appetite closer to a certain hour, which means that his gastrointestinal tract is prepared in advance.
In the daily routine, there should be room for your favorite creative activity. It can be drawing, reading, music or any other activity of his own taste. For the younger ones, it is enough to allocate 1-1. 5 hours, for the older ones - 1.5-2 hours. There is no need to force anything - if your child prefers sports rather than creativity, arrange his regime in such a way as to allocate more energy for active pastime. You can plan dinner, housework, rest like this: nine0003
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19:00 - 19:30 / 20:00 - 20:30 - dinner for juniors / seniors.
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19:30 - 20:30 / 20:30 - 22:00 - helping parents with housework, creativity for younger / older.
Preparation for the next day of school and sleep
After your student has rested, doing what he loves, remind him to prepare for the next school day - fold his backpack, prepare clothes, as well as brush his teeth, wash his face. Evening toilet should take no more than 30 minutes. nine0003
You should go to bed according to the regime, at the same time every day. 7-year-olds should allocate up to 12 hours a day for sleep, which is why it is so important to sleep in the afternoon. For children 8-11 years old, it is enough to sleep 10 hours, 12-15 years old - 9 hours, for the oldest - 8-9 hours. Before going to bed, the room should be ventilated. The most favorable temperature for sleep is 18 ° C. The schedule for the evening is as follows:
The schedule may change depending on the time of year, and on weekends and holidays, the plan of the day should be drawn up differently. The main thing is to put the interests of the student first and take into account his wishes when drawing up the daily routine. nine0003
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Workout of the day: real muscle building at home
August 6, 2020 Sports and fitness
Complex from a bodybuilder in love with science.
Iya Zorina
Lifehacker author, athlete, CCM
This is the home workout of Jeff Nippard, a Canadian bodybuilder with a degree in biochemistry, who advocates gaining muscle without drugs and consults studies before giving advice. . nine0003
The workout can be repeated 3-4 times a week with a rest day between sessions. If you give all your best (and eat right), it will help increase muscle volume and build a beautiful muscular body.
How to perform a workout
The complex consists of four blocks:
- Leg exercises.
- Presses (for triceps and chest).
- Pull-ups (for biceps and back).
- Isolated movements (biceps, triceps, abs, calves). nine0006
First, do a warm-up - five minutes of any light cardio. Jump rope, run up the stairs, or do a series of Jumping Jacks, running in place, and burpees.
Then go to the main part. Choose 1-2 exercises from each block and do them for 3-4 sets close to muscle failure. That is, when you feel physically unable to do more than one rep. Rest 2-3 minutes between sets.
You can do them in a circuit format: do one set of the selected exercises, and then start again. In this case, you will need less rest between sets and you will be able to finish the workout faster. nine0003
What to do
Some exercises require equipment. You can start without it, but over time it is advisable to purchase a horizontal bar, an expander with a door mount and dumbbells.
Leg Exercises
Bulgarian Split Squat
Place one leg on a raised platform and squat until the muscles burn. Do not straighten the supporting leg completely so that the tension is constant.
Elevated pelvis lift
Rest your back on a sofa near your shoulder blades and do one-leg pelvis raise and lower. Constantly hold the tension of the buttocks, even when you are at the bottom point.
If possible, add resistance by placing a weight in the form of a dumbbell or water canister on your hips.
Nordic Hamstring Extension
Get on your knees, put your feet under the sofa. Slowly tilt your torso and pelvis forward as long as you can keep them in line. Then squeeze your buttocks hard and fall with your arms outstretched. Push off the floor, bring the body into an inclined position and, tensing the muscles on the back of the thigh, return to the starting position. nine0207
Pistols
If you can't do the classic variation yet, start with pistols while leaning on something, like a chair.
When you feel more confident, move on to a full range of motion. You can do it while holding on to the countertop or perform the exercise without support.
Presses
Floor Dips
You can choose classic push-ups or raise your feet. To further complicate the movement, put your hands on stacks of books - due to the increased range, the muscles will receive more work. nine0003
Handstand Push-up
Turn your back to the wall, take a few steps away from it and stand on your hands. Start with push-ups with a slight incline - this will be easier. As you get used to it, get closer and closer to the wall - the more vertical your body is, the more difficult it is to perform the exercise.
Arm Raise
If you have dumbbells, you can use them. If not, try an isometric contraction in the doorway. Stand in the doorway, press the backs of your hands to the jambs and strain your arms with all your might, as if trying to push the doorway apart. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds. nine0003
Then take a step forward, raise your arms to shoulder level and tense your shoulders as hard as you can, as if trying to move an invisible obstacle.
Rows
Pullups
If you have a bar, do classic pullups on it. If not, try incline pull-ups on a table. Grasp the edge of the tabletop with your hands and pull yourself up until your chest touches. To increase the difficulty, put your feet on a raised platform.
Resistance band
For this exercise, you will need a resistance band with a door attachment. Hook it, step back a little, stretching the elastic bands, and kneel on the floor.
First, try to turn around facing the door and pull the handles to your shoulders, pulling your elbows back - this movement will load the trapezius muscle well.
It is also possible to pull straight from top to bottom, as in the upper pulley. This movement engages the latissimus dorsi more. If you want to work on your rotator cuff and rear delts, turn to face the door and spread your elbows out to the sides, keeping your forearms vertical. nine0003
Isolated Exercises
Biceps Curls
You can perform this movement with dumbbells, resistance bands, sand bottles, or no equipment at all. In the latter case, tighten the triceps and bend the arm, overcoming its resistance.
Triceps Extension
For this exercise you will need dumbbells, a resistance band or sand bottles. You can straighten your arms at the elbows, lying on your back or standing behind your head with one hand. Also try the option with an expander. Hook him to the door and unbend your lowered arms, as on a block simulator. nine0003
Bicycle
Twist the body, pull the opposite knee and elbow towards each other, do not lower the legs to the floor until the end of the exercise.