Problem: Article: Body language is very important when it comes to conveying a certain attitude. Making yourself seem as tall and confident as possible will make you seem more intimidating, so be sure to practice good posture. You can even lean forward a bit when communicating with others. Whenever you are sitting, standing, or walking, try and take up as much space as possible. This suggests that you command the space you are in and that you are confident in yourself. When walking, move with your arms open (swinging, out at your sides, etc.) When sitting, lean back, and keep your arms and legs loose and open. When standing, keep your legs apart and arms out whenever possible. When you are standing in front of or next to others, rest your hands on your hips, and keep your arms open, away from your body. In many contexts, this stance conveys authority and can come across as intimidating. If you physically take up the space that others are trying to move through, they will either have to confront you or move to the side. Most people will want to avoid directly confronting you, and will either ask if you can let them by, or slip by without bothering you. Either way, you will appear intimidating. Try this technique by blocking hallways, staircases, doorways, etc. If you want to appear especially intimidating, if someone asks if you can please let them by, say something like "Oh, I didn't notice you there." When standing, walking, or sitting, cross your arms over your chest. In many contexts, this can appear intimidating or aggressive. Make sure to cross your arms high over your chest, and do so firmly. If you cross your arms over your lower body, or loosely, it might convey nervousness rather than authority. While a smile can convey friendliness and agreeableness, a scowl suggests aggressiveness, anger, or displeasure. This can make people slightly afraid to talk to you, which may be desirable when you want to appear intimidating. Using your fingers to point, especially at people, conveys authority and conviction. In some cases, it might even seem slightly rude or aggressive. However, when you want to seem intimidating, this might actually be a good thing. Research shows mixed conclusions, but many believe that a muscular body leads to more assertiveness, and is deemed more intimidating by others. If being muscular makes you feel more intimidating, then you just might come across this way. Try various body building techniques to increase your muscle mass. Tapping your hand or foot, shifting your weight from side to side, wringing your hands, and similar body movements convey a sense of nervousness. If you are trying to seem more intimidating, keep your body still and move deliberately. This type of body language signals assertiveness. Taking good care of your clothing and personal hygiene, and generally maintaining a good, clean appearance, helps convey a sense of assertiveness and confidence. Get in the habit of practicing a little personal grooming, and see if you come across as more intimidating. If you're a man, consider growing a beard. Many believe that beards convey masculinity and assertiveness. A suit, a nice dress or pants suit, or other formal wear can convey authority. If you are trying to look intimidating, you might dress a little better than everyone else. For example, if standard dress at your workplace is business casual, you might seem slightly intimidating if you wear a full suit instead. Many of our emotions are conveyed through facial expressionshappiness by smiling, disagreement by frowning, shock by gasping, etc. If you maintain a neutral expression, and limit the amount of emotion you show, then you will come across as more intimidating. Practice not smiling, laughing, frowning, etc. in situations that normally call for these expressions. You can even practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to perfect this technique. In many cultures, looking people in the eye is seen as intimidating. Practice looking at people directly in the eye when you talk to them. You may feel yourself coming across as more intimidating, and you may notice others reacting accordingly. In some cultures, making direct eye contact with people is a sign of disrespect. If there is a cultural taboo against looking people in the eye in your area or among the people you are working with, be very cautious about breaking it. You want to come across as intimidating, but you don't necessarily want to be rude or overly aggressive. Glaring at people, and rolling your eyes will also appear intimidating. Be careful, however, because this may also seem rude in many contexts.
Summary: Stand up straight. Fill the space. Place your hands on your hips. Stand in people's way. Cross your arms. Scowl. Point fingers. Build muscles. Don't fidget. Look well-groomed. Maintain a neutral facial expression. Make eye contact.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The rowing machine is perfect if you're looking for a full-body workout. Find the rowing machine at your gym and sit down on the platform. Place your shoes on the footrest and grip each handle. Push yourself back with your feet and pull the handles back. Keep them parallel to the floor and stop once your hands reach just under your chest. Slowly let yourself slide forward to complete 1 rep.This is a great warm up or cool down exercise since it isn't too rough on your muscles. Do 20-40 reps with every workout.

SUMMARY: Use the row machine to build your back, shoulders, and chest.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Medicare is a pretty complex program. When you're trying to understand how it impacts you, it can be useful to learn about the history of the program. Medicare was implemented in 1965, due to a concern that the elderly had no other way to receive affordable health care. As priorities and the economy shifts, benefits have been added and taken away. This is why it is a good idea to stay current on legislation that could affect the program. Many people of retirement age do not have much flexibility in their income. Unfortunately, this is also the time of life when more medical problems start to occur. Millions of Americans rely on Medicare to receive basic health care. Without the programs, a large percentage of Americans would be without any type of health insurance. Many political candidates argue that cutting Medicare is one way to help revive the economy. While this would save money, it would also prevent many Americans from receiving necessary medical treatments. If this is an issue that is important to you, take it into consideration when you vote for elected officials. Candidates should be happy to provide you with information regarding their views on Medicare and health care in general.
Summary:
Learn the history. Know why it is important. Practice civic responsibility.