Disclaimer: We received these books for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
May is National Walking Month and is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and explore our beautiful countryside. If you’re new to walking or just on holiday, then a guide book is a great way to discover the best routes in the area. The AA have recently launched a new series of walking books covering some of the most beautiful areas of England, each featuring 50 walks to suit all abilities. The walks are numbered and it is easy to see their locations on the handy map at the start of the book. As well as being numbered they are also colour coded according to the difficulty of the walk – easy (green), intermediate(orange) and hard (red).
Each walk has information about the distance, time, gradient, type of surface and accessibility, landscape, dog friendliness, parking, and public toilets as well as the OS map that covers the area. They also give useful information about the area, a little of the history of the area and things to look out for. There is a map of each walk with the route clearly highlighted making it easy to follow the written instructions. As the guide is meant to be taken out on a walk with you it fits perfectly in a map pocket or rucksack, making it easily accessible when walking.
There are two books covering Yorkshire and there is a great selection of walks in them, some we already know like Malham, Pen-y-Ghent and Grassington and lots for us to discover over the coming months.
Whether you want to explore country lanes, the coast or the fells these handy guides offer plenty of walks for novices and experienced walkers alike.
The new 50 Walks In guides are £13.99 and feature Devon, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire.
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
In this digital age it seems everyone is documenting their lives on social media and for those who enjoy the great outdoors then an action camera is an essential for recording all those adventurous activities. Designed to be mounted, whether that’s on the handlebars of a mountain bike, a helmet when climbing, skiing or canoeing or on a chest mount for hiking and trail running, they are great for capturing the action in places where you need to have your wits about you and your hands free. They also tend to be more robust and waterproof meaning they will survive your adventures and capture the action no matter what the conditions!
We’ve been trying out the SJCAM C300 Action Camera over the last couple of weeks and have been really impressed with it. The key features are
Waterproof up to 30m with waterproof case
4K resolution and 20MP lens
Remote control bracelet to easily control recordings and taking photos
Immersive first-person view with the clip to position on your chest
Adopts extra-large aperture to increase light intake by 40% to for low light shooting
1.3” Dual touch colour screen and 154° wide-angle lens to take pictures from the best angle
App control
Included with the camera are two batteries and a selection of mounts including one that claims to be waterproof to a 30m depth! I’m not a fan of water so I won’t be putting this to the test but I’m sure lots of people will find this a great feature. There is also a USB cable, instructions and a cleaning cloth.
The camera can be paired with either of the batteries, the smaller 1000mAh battery gives a compact size that will fit into the waterproof mount but only has a single display. The larger battery at 2800mAh gives much longer recording times and a second display on the rear of the camera but does not fit into the waterproof mount. Instead, it does offer a standard ¼” tripod mount which allows me to use some of my other camera mounts.
Controlling the camera is easy, there is just a single button on the body which doubles as the power control and the shutter button, other settings are accessed using the 1.3” touch screens. They worked well but I certainly wouldn’t want to use anything smaller! Swipe from the top gives options such as playback or switching display whilst video settings are changed by tapping an icon at the bottom of the screen. A swipe from the left switches quickly from video to photo, a feature that I use quite a lot – it allows me to grab a quick picture without swapping cameras.
Another option for controlling the camera is to connect your phone to its WiFi and use the SJCAM app. This allows quick access to all the image and camera settings plus you can take control from a distance. The app also allows images and videos to be transferred to your phone although I prefer to connect to my PC with a USB cable and transfer files that way.
I don’t tend to carry video cameras in my hand, preferring a tripod or other mount but I did take some handheld video and was very impressed with how easy it was to frame the shot using the dual screens and also how steady the video was using the gyroscopic stabilisation. It definitely worked well and smoothed out the jerkiness you get when holding a video camera.
A much more realistic test came when I mounted the camera in its waterproof case to my bike (I purchased a go-pro mount for my Garmin GPS mount). I’m not a fan of wearing a camera on a helmet but video shot from my bike in the past has always been very unstable. After a two hour ride, I was very pleased with the results, the video was crisp with good colour and most importantly smooth. My only gripe is that the default video clip length is just 3 minutes which makes transferring and editing the video a bit of a pain. This is a setting that can be changed to a more reasonable 10 minutes.
This weekend I’ve been working in the garden so thought I’d try out one of the other modes, timelapse video. I setup the camera using one of the mounts strapped to a fence post and then got to work. Over the day I moved the camera a few times and looking back at the footage I’m really happy with the results, I’m much more likely to use a timelapse that condenses hours into a few minutes than try editing a day long video down into something more interesting.
When you are not using the camera for adventurous activities it can also be used as a dash cam to record when you are driving, this will be great for all those scenic routes but is also invaluable in the unfortunate event of an accident.
There are also a couple of other modes that I haven’t had chance to try yet such as slow motion video, starry night and even a fishing mode!
I’m very happy with the camera and its performance and I’m looking forward to taking it on lots of adventures this summer!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Combine a watch, sports monitor and health monitor with the TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch for a stylish wear this summer.
Smart watches have come a long way with most of us using them on daily basis and replacing the mechanical watches that only tell the time and the date at best. The TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch contains multiple functions and the latest technology and at less than £50 it costs roughly the same as a cheap watch but with all the benefits. We were sent one to try this week and to see how well it worked and I tracked it during my Park Run and gym sessions to see how well it worked and whether it gave me what I wanted.
The first aspect of the TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch is the screen. It’s 1.83 inches, square and has the touch functionality that makes it distinguishable from the old-fashioned watch. The coloured screen shows information it gathers from throughout the day including date, time, bpm, steps, calories and your sleep information. Touch and hold the screen to see other displays that are available such as a conventional clock face (if you prefer to see analogue time rather than digital) and a sports display showing your number of steps, distance and calories. The other displays give a variation on the health data and time but in different configurations, depending on how you like to see your summary display.
The TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch also has a microphone and Bluetooth to connect to your phone (it works with both iPhone and Android) and allows you to call from it. Connecting to Bluetooth was easy – once the Smart Phone was charged, a QR code comes up and allows you to download the app. The app then takes you through the Bluetooth pairing easily. This makes workouts and running easy as you have free hands and can accept or make calls from the touch of the screen. The Smart Watch also notifies you of new messages and allows you to view older messages that come into your phone. If you swipe the face of the smart phone, you can view all sorts of information if you are link your phone via Bluetooth including the weather, stress levels and activity.
The health monitoring is up there with the best of the smart watches as just by wearing it, your heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen saturation level and activity tracking are stored. Particularly interesting to me was the blood oxygen saturation level so that I can compare it at rest, night and when exercising as I’ve never had this facility before. The distance and steps is not new to me, but it was refreshing having it on a different display and being alerted whenever I got to 3 kilometres. On the app though, you can change any of your goals, so I was able to change it to 5 kilometres once I had used the watch for a while.
The watch arrived with no charge at all so I was able to see how long it took. The cable is included in the pack and works as a magnetic point at one end to attach to the watch and the other end is a USB so you can plug into any socket or any laptop to charge. It took about 1 ½ hours to charge fully and you can see the percentage charge amount on the display screen. The first full charge lasted about 6 days which is longer than my FitBit and longer than my iPhone, but with different variations of use, the battery will last longer.
The app gives more detailed information on all your stats and includes data such as menstrual health, blood oxygenation and standing amount. One of the areas I was most interested in was the ability to record a specific exercise and see individual information. You can set the watch so that when you press the side button, it comes up with your favourite sport (in this case it was Outdoor Running) and it will calculate your time, steps, bpm and other information relating to your exercise. The more detailed information is on the app which you can look at later.
The TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch has all you need of a watch, the information that you see on your phone and a detailed health monitor, all in one small device. It’s easy to use, and when you get into the settings and how it works it’s really easy to set up and to make it work for you the way you want it to. For my Park Run, it gave me all the information of my FitBit plus Blood Oxygen Saturation which is new to me, and very interesting.
I would highly recommend the TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch as an alternative to the more high end watches which cost a lot, lot more and do the same job just as well. It looks stylish too with the black face and black strap, and dare I say it, looks like it’s a lot more expensive than it is!
Available on Amazon at a discount at the moment but usually £49.99:
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Things have changed a lot with period underwear recently. Have you seen the huge range of products at Modibodi and especially their range with Puma sportwear?
The new Puma X Modibodi Seam-free range is designed to eliminate the need for tampons and sanitary towels. The extra-absorbent lining is the equivalent to 3 tampons in this size (the one featured is moderate-heavy absorbency)
The Puma Active Seam-free collection is now VAT-free in the UK. With the combination of not having to pay for tampons and sanitary towels and the ability to wash the Puma X Modibodi underwear, the collection saves you a lot of money every month. It might seem like a novel idea to have the whole garment as leak-proof but it’s more practical than you think. These period pants are made of a recycled fabric with re-enforced areas that are super absorbent and don’t require a sanitary towel, or if you prefer, you can use a tampon and be completely sure that there will be no leakage. To help the environment, all the material used is recycled too!
I was sent a black pair to try, which is ideal for in the gym or running. The Puma X Modibodi collection was created out of a need to not have bulky underwear for doing sport, going to the gym or for athletics so it makes sense that they are designed with heavy use in mind. This pair of Active Bikini Briefs are a size Large (roughly size 14-16) and made of very stretchy material so you can wear them for sports easily. They’re also seam-free, which makes them so inconspicuous under Lycra or shorts! The seams are re-enforced as well so that there is a lot of movement.
I particularly like that in this seam-free edition, the absorbent material at the front comes up really high so that you can be sure there is no leakage and the material is really soft too. There’s actually loads of movement in the stretchiness of the material so you can move about easily, or as I lift weights, this is great for not riding up, or down when you’re bending. They create a nice shape under sportswear too.
I don’t know why this idea hasn’t been used a lot in the past because it’s really handy having this underwear spare in your gym bag, or being able to wear them at the gym and not have to worry about leaking. It takes a bit of getting used to not having a towel or tampon there but it’s really just the same as any other underwear, and you can wear it as a non-VPL pair of knickers at any time, not just on your period!
The Puma Active Seam-free collection is available in bright pink or light pink too, so you can match them to whatever outfit you’re wearing whether that’s at work or in the gym.
Spring is in the air and with the Easter holidays fast approaching it’s the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and explore the countryside. There are many forms of outdoor exercise that you can do but my favourite is hiking, a great all-round exercise that is suitable for everyone and best of all doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment.
If you are planning on starting walking then my advice is to invest in some decent socks, it really is amazing the difference a good pair of walking socks makes, having cushioning in the right places and wicking materials to draw moisture away from your feet is really important, helping to keep feet nice and comfortable and also prevent blisters – every walkers nightmare! I’ve been trying out a couple of pairs of HJ Hall socks over the last month and I’m really impressed, they’ve kept my feet incredibly warm and comfortable (and blister free) and I’m looking forward to covering many miles in them this year.
The Mountain Climb socks are a heavyweight sock with extra padding on the heel, toe and Achilles tendon areas. Made with an ultra durable, moisture wicking, scientific wool blend, the socks offer warmth and long lasting comfort and are the perfect choice for colder days. The socks are lovely and thick and keep your feet nice and toasty when the temperature drops. They are comfortable to wear, the arch support and ankle bracing keep the socks from moving about on your feet and they are a good length, coming up higher than the back of my walking boots. The socks are also long enough to tuck into trousers if you wish. This sock is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a heavy duty hiking sock, especially if you walk a lot in cold weather as they will keep your feet warm in sub zero temperatures.
The Adventure Trek are a middleweight sock, they are thinner than the Mountain Climb socks and are suitable for both boots or shoes. The breathability is excellent thanks to the mesh zones that run across the top of the sock and along with the cushioning underfoot they are very comfortable to wear in both warm and cold weather. The socks hug my feet nicely and I have worn them on both long and short hikes with no discomfort. Whether I’ve been on the fells, the park or a recent trip to London, when we walked an average of 12 miles a day, they’ve never slipped, sagged, or bunched up and my feet have been comfortable all day long.
I would highly recommend the HJ Hall socks for anyone who enjoys walking and hiking, they are good value for money and your feet will certainly thank you for putting them in socks as warm and comfortable as these are. So whether you’re exploring the local fells, conquering mountains or walking the dog make sure you have a pair of HJ Hall socks on your feet. Happy hiking!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Daily life nowadays means you are running errands, looking after children and/or parents and probably juggling that with a full-time job and adding in a social life of your own. Oh, and don’t forget you need to get exercise too, and lots of it! We look for gadgets and life hacks nowadays to make life easier but to also improve the quality of life.
Carrying water around is essential nowadays, and especially for children. Brita have a range of water bottles for everyday use but they also contain filters to make the water extra clean. The Brita Water Filter Active Bottle is a clever 0.6 litre bottle which includes a filter in the top so you can filter tap water when you’re out and about and not have to worry about the nasties.
The bottle is made of 100% BPA free material with a sports cap (so you can use it when exercising or to prevent it falling over and spilling) and has flexible sides so that you can squeeze it to direct through the sports cap. The filter is made of natural carbon and originates from coconut shell material so it’s more sustainable too. The Brita filter cartridge used in the Brita Water Filter Active removes chemicals found in tap water such as chlorine and some herbicides, pesticides and hormones but leaves the useful elements like Magnesium and calcium. So if you’re out of the house without your Brita filter, any tap in a café or restaurant, or even at the gym will fill the Brita Active Bottle and the water will be cleaner than just taking out of the tap.
The bottle is also multipurpose because it’s adapted for sport. Not just squeezy sides but there’s a sports loop to attach it to your belt as you’re working out or to pick it up and hold it, and it comes with a cup that fixes to the base snugly so that you don’t lose it. The same cup works as a lid to protect the spout. Taking this out with a pram where you can attach it to the handle bars with the loop or put it in the cup holder, it can also help a toddler drink from a cup as you dispense it into the attached beaker. If you’re going to the gym and don’t want the attached cup, it’s easy to leave behind and 0.6 litre capacity is probably enough for an hour’s session.
The Brita Water Filter Active Bottle comes with a cartridge already but when you need to replace it, it only takes taking off the top screw cap and placing the filter in the neck of the bottle. No fuss, and easy to carry around with you if you’re on holiday for instance. The whole bottle with filter and full of water is light to carry too, so it fits into hand luggage. If you can’t take a bottle of water onto a plane, you can take a Brita Water Filter Bottle when it’s empty, then fill it up when you’re airside or on the plane and you’ll know you have filtered water for the journey. Think how great this would be for camping too!
The more you use this Brita Water Filter, the more uses you have for it and realise how versatile it is for everyday life. It’s a great gift item too for new mums, sports lovers or commuters alike. Have fun this summer with Brita Water Filter Active Bottle!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Indulge yourself in 2024 with the Mindful Extracts Deep Relief CBD Massage Oil with the sweet aromas of juniper berry, Capalba and Full-Spectrum CBD.
CBD is relatively new to the market and lots of people are using it for a whole host of reasons. It has relaxing properties, which are helped absorbed into the deeper dermal layers of your skin to bring your body back into balance. Users often report that their sleep is improved after using CBD oils and muscle conditions are relaxed with the use of CBD massage oil. Other ingredients include Copaiba Balsam, a resin found in trees in the Amazon and are believed to contain anti-inflammatory properties. Organic Black Cumin Seed Oil is thought to also contain anti-inflammatory properties for both the skin and joints whilst ginger is great for the recovery of stiff muscles and joints. Lastly, juniper berry also contains anti-inflammatory products and has been used by ancient civilisations for millennia.
The Mindful Extracts Massage Oil has an aroma of CBD oil so if you’re not familiar with the smell, it might take a while to get used to. The oil base is sweet almond, apricot kernel and avocado oils along with the medicinal compounds. It only takes a small amount of the massage oil to rub into your hands then apply to the area that needs treating. Within a few minutes of working the oil into your skin and muscles, the ingredients are absorbed and get to work.
The CBD oil smell takes a while to get used to but when you do, you hardly notice it. The oil absorbs in remarkably quickly and the scent from the seed and flower extracts are released and you get a completely different fragrance. It doesn’t leave a residue on your skin either, but does leave it softer and hydrated!
The effects of the Mindful Extracts Massage Oil take a few minutes to work but I found they lasted much longer. Before bed, it creates a relaxation that puts muscles to rest before sleep and during the day it dulled the inflammation in my back as I moved around and was walking. As the day went on, the fragrance of the oil stayed with me and seemed to change again, presumably as the different extracts were released and at work. It may be a small bottle (50ml) and quite expensive, but it goes a long way as you only need a tiny amount at a time. It’s a fabulous alternative to taking a pain relief tablet or having to buy the over-the-counter creams!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Ideal Christmas gifts rarely exist but Puma’s double canopy golf umbrella is very close! Not only is it a staple for any golfer, beginner or advanced, but golf umbrellas are excellent for everyday use, or just keeping handy in the car. Families love them too for days out when more than just one person needs covering or as a brilliant sunshield in the summer.
The Puma double canopy golf umbrella is heavy duty for even the toughest of weather out on the course, and the double canopy not only acts to keep you dry but adds extra structure so that it doesn’t turn inside out. If you’re using this for sports, it also makes the umbrella more durable with extra layers so it won’t fall apart after a few winters. The handle has a foam moulded hand grip to make it easier to hold for long periods and it’s also sturdier compared to everyday umbrellas. It’s opened by a push button at the handle too – much easier when it’s starting to rain!
The Puma double canopy golf umbrella has minimal branding and is available in black with bright white features and made of 100% polyester. Its suitable for golf players or any outdoor sport or spectating and even comes with a chic cover for storage. I’m keeping this one in the car for when I’m caught in a downpour and don’t want to leave!
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
It’s incredibly cold at the moment, but that doesn’t stop us getting out on the fells and going for a brisk walk, we just need to wrap up warmer and my Buff Evo Dahlia neck warmer has been invaluable this weekend. I always think a Buff is an essential piece of outdoor gear as they are so versatile, I not only use mine as a neck warmer, but it can be a hat and balaclava too and is just what you need to keep you warm on a chilly day.
The cotton knitted neck warmer is so comfortable to wear, it’s a good length, so there’s plenty of fabric to bunch around your neck or pull over your face to protect you from the elements and it’s lovely and warm too. It was bitterly cold up on the top of the fells and I have been very glad of it this weekend, the wind was icy and with my hood up and my mouth covered, I could enjoy the walk despite the cold weather .
The neck warmer is 28cm long with enough material to bunch up on my neck, or it can be pulled up over my ears to keep them warm. It is easy to pull over my head and is made in a single tube so there are no seams to irritate. Once you warm up you can just slip it in a pocket.
It’s the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys walking, cycling or even walking the dog and is available in 8 different colours.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Christmas is a time to ask for that gift you would never buy for yourself, or to surprise someone with a present that they weren’t expecting but similarly love! For me, the Donnerberg Back Massager falls into both categories as I’d seen them around but not ever thought of buying one. Likewise, it is something which I wouldn’t think of giving as a gift.
Read on to see why the Donnesberg Back Massager is perfect for both categories…
The Donnesberg Back Massager sits on the back of a chair so that the user sits with the massager behind them. It’s mains powers so there’s no need to charge it or change batteries and there are four settings; Shiatsu Massage, Massage Intensity (3 levels), Infrared head (2 levels) and Tapping/Percussion. That might sound like a lot of functions but playing with the different functions is part of the fun!
I started by plugging in the massager, which is easy with the UK plug that’s included. That’s all you need to do to get it working! Starting with the Shiatsu Massage, the plates on the machine work extremely hard, giving a deep massage into the different areas of your lower back. There are 10 massage heads in all which work in different directions and patterns to give you a deeper, firmer massage in certain places as well as the infrared heat which helps you relax, but also aids healing. The intensity can be increased with the function buttons, and the infrared heat can be increased too.
The second setting to try out is the Tapping/Percussion. This is a lighter, rainfall-like rhythm which helps relieve tension in the back muscles but with a different pattern. The Tapping/Percussion setting can be used with the infrared heat too, to give a deeper healing. Try using a combination of the tapping/percussion and Shiatsu massage settings to help with your specific ailments and eventually, you’ll work out a session that’s most beneficial to you! There’s a timer on each of the settings too so you don’t spend too long in one place.
The first time I tried out the Donnerberg Percussion Massager I did all the settings and all the intensities going on for more than 20 minutes. This turned out to be a mistake because the next day my muscles were sore and I had bruises! Instead, it’s better to find a medium intensity for your back and work up to the higher intensities over time. You don’t notice how strong the massager is at the time of working it, and it’s usual to find that it’s a bit of a weird sensation at first, until you get used to how deep it can be.
Over a week, the massage became more relaxing as your muscles get used to the sensation and start to relax over time. I haven’t needed to increase the intensity to the maximum level yet but as times goes on there is that option. Interestingly, there are other areas you can use the Donnerberg Massager on. Whilst watching TV, I put it on the floor and rested my feet on it. It’s a very weird feeling at first but once your feet start to relax, and your calf muscles start to melt away, it’s very nice having the vibrations trace through your feet and legs! After a run, this was especially useful as it distracted from the pain but then as the day went on, all the blood rushed to my calves and feet to bring the oxygen.
The Donnerberg Massager can be used on other areas of the body too. Placing your thighs or calves directly onto the massager face and putting it on a low intensity also helps with relaxing muscles and getting rid of aches and pains. The massager has a low noise output too, so you can still watch TV with it running in the background.
The only downside I can see is from having the cable to the mains adaptor. The lead is a few metres long so you can move it around whichever room you’re in but it means you can’t use it outside in the summer easily, and might not be able to use it in every room in the house. Still, it’s great to use whilst sitting up and you can probably use it whilst lying in bed too.
The Donnerberg Percussion Massager is a fabulous toy for anyone who has everything, or if your loved one needs to relax! It’s perfect however for anyone who runs, works out with weights or has a busy life where they need muscle relaxation but probably don’t have the time for a massage. Sit with the Donnerberg massager whilst watching TV and soon the aches and pains will melt away, no matter how active you’ve been!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
The revolution in period products started a few years ago when we saw more and more period items in the shops that gave women and girls more flexible options. One of the newer inventions are the period pants – the ability to wear underwear without having to worry about sanitary pads to protect clothes. Modibodi came up with period pants designed specifically for sport, and along with PUMA, they’ve brought out a new range of Active Period Underwear.
The PUMA x Modibodi Period and Leak-Proof Underwear we were sent (called Active Cheeky Briefs!) are already graded 2/4 for absorbency which is around 10ml or the equivalent of 2 tampons. That’s quite a lot for just a pair of pants! They’re made of recyclable material and are machine washable and I especially like that shape because they’re not big and bulky but have a slimmer fit to them, which is exactly what I want from a brief. The material used is stretchy and silky too, so you won’t get a VPL. The waist is elasticated and there were no problems overall with the fit.
When using them, I didn’t find any leakage. All the new reusable sanitary pads and knickers seem to be extra absorbent compared to the disposable towels and tampons of old. When at the gym, I forgot that I was wearing these and even out for a run there was no problem with movement or stretching and no chafing either! They’re very versatile, so it got me thinking that these PUMA x Modibodi pants would be great for travelling on long journeys where you weren’t sure about facilities and didn’t want to be uncomfortable. I can imagine wearing them on planes and trains to feel more secure.
These are a brilliant idea and I feel like they’re a lifestyle change, away from the need to carry so much with you for each period but are so discreet you don’t need to worry about them. If you’re hesitant, wear them with a sanitary pad first to prevent leaks, and eventually you’ll see how much more absorbent they are, especially with all the different designs Modibodi are coming up with!
Available online from £15 (in the sale) at Modibodi
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Christmas is fast approaching and I’ve been having a think what to buy my husband. He’s quite active and enjoys cycling, swimming and walking so the Outlier Free Pro headphones from Creative are perfect for him.
The bone conduction headphones with Bluetooth 5.3 are also waterproof, meaning they are great in the rain and can also be used when swimming. Being able to listen to one of his playlists or podcasts is bound to make his morning swim a lot more interesting. With an IP rating of IPX8, you just need to make sure the microphone is sealed with the included plug and you can swim in freshwater up to a depth of 1.5m for up to 40 minutes. They’re not suitable for salt water so don’t pack them if you’re off to the beach! Obviously, you don’t take your phone swimming, so the headphones have 8GB storage for you to store MP3 files to listen to whilst in the pool. Understandably the sound quality isn’t as good when you are in the water but it’s pretty good and much better than having no music at all!
The headphones are also great for cycling, it’s quite scary the number of cyclists you see wearing headphones or earbuds, they simply can’t hear approaching cars and it’s an accident waiting to happen. The advantage of these headphones is they sit on the bone at the front of your ear and as the noise is transferred through the bone into your inner ear you are able to listen to music but also hear what’s going on around you.
The headphones have the following features
– Bluetooth 5.3
– IPX8 Waterproof
– 8GB Memory Storage
– Up to 10 hours playtime
– Multipoint Connectivity
Weighing in at just 32g they sit comfortably on my head, I’ve used them for several hours at a time and find them much more comfortable than standard headphones or earbuds.
Allow 2 hours for a full charge via a USB-A Magnetic Clip-on Charging Cable which should give 10 hours of playback. The sound quality is really good, it’s not quite the same as a traditional pair of headphones but fantastic for being able to listen to my playlists and podcasts whilst staying aware of my surroundings. I know my husband is going to enjoy being able to listen to music and answer calls whilst on his cycle commute and I’ll be happy knowing he is still aware and able to hear the traffic around him.
These headphones are perfect for those with active lifestyles, offering a whole new way to tune into your favourite music whilst exercising on land or in the water.
Disclaimer: We received these boots free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
I am a keen walker so a decent pair of walking boots is an absolute must for me, my boots have covered many miles and are starting to look a little tired, so I was really pleased to be given the opportunity to try a pair of Helly HansenMontragon HELLY TECH® Waterproof Hiking Boots which are the perfect choice for my autumn adventures.
I have a few Helly Hansen items, and I have always found them to be very comfortable and hardwearing so couldn’t wait to try the new boots which have been specifically designed for backpacking and longer hikes. Autumn isn’t my season of choice for backpacking, but with plenty of hikes planned over a mix of terrains I am looking forward to putting the boots to the test.
So a little bit about the boots – they are part of the Verglas collection which uses technical materials that are thoughtfully combined with versatile and durable design solutions to create quality outdoor pieces that can be enjoyed for years of adventures. Featuring a combination of HH® Arch-Brace TPU plates – one located between the outsole and midsole and the other positioned just underneath the arch of the foot – the Montragon HT is lightweight yet still offers lots of protection to your foot. The hybrid of TPU plates creates just the right amount of stiffness, enabling you to carry heavier packs and step over ledges or rocks without impacting the performance of the boot. The boot’s taller construction provides added ankle protection and stability, while the specifically engineered eyestay offers additional support. I’m very conscious of our impact on the environment so I was pleased to discover that more than 70% off the upper is made from recycled materials.
To keep your feet dry they have HH Quick Dry and HH Seam-Shield technologies which will keep your feet comfortable no matter what the weather and ground conditions are.
When you get a new pair of boots it is important to wear them in a little first, otherwise if you go on a long walk straight away you will invariable end up with blisters and sore feet. The best way to wear them in is to wear them in the house for a couple of days and do a few short walks in them before attempting a proper hike, doing this means I know they are comfortable, and won’t end up with blisters and sore feet on my first hike in them.
So the all important question is what are the boots like to wear? As soon as I put them on they felt very comfortable, the padded collar around the ankle offers plenty of ankle support and the HH Max-Comfort Insole is firm, even after walking all day my feet felt nice and comfortable on the last few miles. The boots have really good grip on the sole and my feet felt secure when scrambling down wet hillsides and I didn’t slip once, even when it was very wet. One of our favourite walks follows a stone path which turns into a mini stream when the weather is bad and as we’ve had more wet walks that dry ones I’ve really been able to see just how well the HellyTech® WATERPROOF performs in bad weather – I’m pleased to say that despite the dreadful weather my feet have stayed bone dry – probably the only bit of me that has!
I am really impressed with the boots, they are comfortable, supportive and look good too. Whether you are a keen walker or someone who just needs a sturdy pair of boots to walk the dog these boots are perfect for both rugged terrain and country walks.
If you want to treat your feet this Christmas then I can highly recommend these boots they are so comfortable to wear and your feet will certainly thank you for wearing them!
RRP £200 available in sizes 3.5 to 8 – available here
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own
Now the schools are back I’m suddenly inundated by birthday party invitations, fabulous for my children but a headache for me as I have to come up with inexpensive gifts for the birthday boy/girl.
When Tomy sent me their Active Snap game my problem was solved, costing a very reasonable £5.99, this fantastic card game is a twist on the classic and much-loved game of Snap and is suitable for both boys and girls.
Like the traditional version, players take turns playing the cards and when they match, the person who puts their hand on the cards and shouts “SNAP” first wins all the cards. Active Snap is even more exciting as when you win a round, everyone else must do the activity that is illustrated on the card. With star jumps, touching your toes, sit-ups and dancing as well as many more lively activities the game is great fun to play (and watch).
Active Snap gets everyone moving and with Christmas coming up will be great game to play at family parties – everyone can play from toddlers to Granny and it might even help burn off a few calories after Christmas lunch too!!
RRP: £5.99
Suitable for ages: 4+ years
Available from Independent toy shops, Amazon, WH Smith, Hamley’s, Tesco
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
We get through a lot of cereal bars in our house, I often pop them in a rucksack or pocket as a snack to refuel when out hiking or cycling and my teenage sons, who seem to have hollow legs, snack on them at any time – day or night! We do usually stick to stick to the same old brand, so it was nice to have a change and try the new Chocolate Chip Cashew bars from KIND. The bars are packed full of cashews, almonds and peanuts and topped with chocolate chips and I knew my family would enjoy them.
Founded in 2004, KIND believe you shouldn’t have to choose between delicious & nutritious and have created a range of tasty bars that are the perfect choice for those looking for a balanced snack option on the go. The Chocolate Chip Cashew bars are made with over 80% nuts and contain a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fibre that have helped keep us sustained on our recent hikes and bike rides. The bars easily fit in the pocket of my cycling jersey and really hit the spot when we stop for a quick refuel, the chunks of nuts and chocolate are really tasty and give my energy levels a much needed boost.
Whether you are climbing a mountain, undertaking a gruelling cycle ride or simply want a quick snack then a Chocolate Chip Cashew bar will definitely hit the spot. Made with natural ingredients the bars are high in fibre and are gluten free too.
RRP £1.39 available from Sainsburys, Boots, WHSmith and Tesco
Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
I have been fan of natural beauty brand Weleda for years and their Skin Food is one of my favourite beauty products as it has a multitude of uses. Weleda harness the vitality of nature and all their products work in harmony with your body’s own restorative abilities, so it’s no surprise to discover that they have a range containing Arnica – a herbal remedy for bruises, aches and pains which is prized for its ability to ease muscle tension and aid recovery from over-exertion.
With a number of long walks and bike rides planned over the summer, it was the perfect opportunity to try them for myself and once I started using them I was left wondering how I have managed to overlook the Arnica range, when I have been purchasing Weleda products for years?
There are few things in life more relaxing than a long hot bath, especially after a long bike ride or walk when my legs are aching. The Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak (£16.25) was a welcome addition to my post exercise bath and the wonderful blend of arnica, flowers, birch leaves and rosemary and lavender essential oils helped not only my muscles to relax but my mind too. I came out of the bath feeling relaxed and using it before bed definitely helps me sleep better.
As a keen cyclist I couldn’t wait to use the massage oil (£18.95) on my aching legs after a gruelling 50 mile ride. After a hot bath it was just the thing to soothe all my aches and pains away. The pump dispenser made it easy to dispense just the right amount of oil and I found I only needed a small amount to massage my weary legs. It glides onto skin nicely and as soon as I applied it, I could feel the warming and soothing ingredients getting to work. My skin felt nourished and it helped my tired muscles relax. The lavender fragrance isn’t overpowering, just nice and calming.
The Weleda Sport Arnica Energising Shower Gel (£8.25) is perfect to pop in your gym bag for a refreshing post exercise shower. With an invigorating organic rosemary and lavender scent it revitalises both body and mind, whilst the arnica gets to work on tired muscles. It’s also one of the very few sports shower gels available that is also 100% certified natural.
When I’m cycling, I always end up with bruises on my legs where the pedals have caught them so the Arnica Cooling Gel (£8.95) has come in very handy. The tube is small enough to fit in my bike bag giving instant relief to my legs.
It’s important to relax and unwind after any sporting activity and these are just the products you need to aid recovery. Available from Weleda here
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
If the Tour de France has inspired you to take up cycling, then a pair of decent cycling glasses are a must. Whilst you might only think they shield your eyes from the sun, the best cycling glasses and sunglasses will do much more than that, protecting your eyes from not only the elements but insects and grit too.
Like all cycling equipment, glasses need to be durable and comfortable to wear all day and let’s face it I want them to look cool too! I recently spent 10 days cycling in Somerset and Panda Optics Conquer Pink cycling glasses certainly ticked all these boxes for me.
Unisex and versatile, the glasses are a trendy wraparound style which offer maximum protection from sun and wind, whilst maintaining a more fashionable look than traditional wraparound sunglasses. With a semi-rimless frame and cylindrical lenses, the style is based on Panda’s bestselling “Cobalt” ski goggles.
The glasses arrived packaged in a sturdy purple box with three different lenses – Mirrored blue category 3, Amber category 2 and Clear category 0, along with a microfibre cleaning cloth and microfibre pouch.
When I put them on, they fitted nicely and the arms didn’t dig into my head or ears. The rubber nose grip is comfortable and they didn’t slide down my nose, even when I was sweating a lot on the hill climbs.
I did initially struggle to get the lenses out as I didn’t want to use too much pressure. The YouTube video on their website was really helpful and showed me where to hold them to get the lenses out. Just make sure you carry the microfibre cloth with you, as you do need to hold the lenses to remove them which results in lots of fingerprints!!
Whilst my husband wasn’t a fan of the pink frame, they did fit him nicely too and if like him you’re not a fan of pink the glasses are also available with blue, grey and green frames.
At £79 they’re excellent value for money and a great addition to my cycling gear. They are available from the Panda Optics website here. with free delivery with orders over £50
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
If you’re looking for a healthier drink this summer, or something that’s just that bit different compared to what you normally summer on, then have a look at the Lo Bros Kombucha Cola and drinks. Kombucha is fermented tea (green tea and black tea fermented with sugar) to produce a drink with live cultures. Lo Bros have taken this a step further and produced a canned drink with a cola taste and just as much fizz and bubble as you would assume. Oh, and they’ve produced two other versions that they’ve sent us to try too! Meet Ginger & Lemon and Passion Fruit too!
Each of the drinks are made with natural ingredients and are naturally low in sugar. The 250ml cans replace plastic bottles too, so you’re doing your bit for the environment as well as using the most efficient way of keeping the fizz in with the carbonated drinks. It’s low in calories too – just 6 calories per can.
What do they taste like though? I was surprised that the Lo Bros Kombucha Cola tasted like cola. It has that slightly sweet taste but isn’t too effervescent nor overly sticky in taste. The can was just the right amount for a glass to have with lunch and certainly doesn’t feel like a ‘health drink’ because it’s not heavy nor is it really synthetic.
The Ginger & Lemon was very refreshing! It’s like a fizzy cordial without the sugary taste, just the energising citrus and spicy ginger taste. It works well with ice and is probably best when straight out of the fridge. I also liked the Passion Fruit flavour, which like the other flavours is low in sugar, natural and has live cultures. It’s more of a fruity taste, with a slight sweetness to it. I think it would appeal to children more than the other drinks and can be drunk either cold from the fridge or slightly warmer and in a lunchbox.
Over time, the effects of the kombucha are more beneficial than the sugary shop-bought cans we are used to seeing advertised everywhere so I hope that these Lo Bros Kombucha drinks become more popular and appeal to a wide variety of people who prefer these flavours and reach for the kombucha rather than the brands!
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
I’m a great fan of the noise cancellation technology that you get with earbuds and headphones but there is one massive, and potentially dangerous, problem – you can’t hear what is going on around you. Whilst it isn’t a problem if you’re sitting in your living room or on public transport listening to music, wearing them out and about can be a problem.
I am a cyclist and a real issue on cycle paths is riding up behind pedestrians who are listening to music and completely unaware of your arrival, not even hearing your bell. Even worse is the cyclist who wears noise cancelling headphones – they’re just asking for trouble!
Bone conduction headphones are one option – they’re not new but this is the first time I have had the opportunity to try a pair and I was keen to see what they are like, especially when I discovered the Outlier Free Pro headphones from Creative Labs are waterproof and had the potential to make my twice weekly morning swim just that little bit more interesting.
The headphones have the following features
– Bluetooth 5.3
– IPX8 Waterproof
– 8GB Memory Storage
– Up to 10 hours playtime
– Multipoint Connectivity
Rather than sitting in or over your ear, these headphones sit on the bone at the front of your ear and the noise is transferred through the bone into your inner ear, leaving you able to hear other sounds at the same time.
Weighing in at just 32g and with adjustable transducers they sit comfortably on my head, I have worn them for several hours at a time and not had a problem with discomfort. A full charge takes 2 hours using a USB-A Magnetic Clip-on Charging Cable and should give 10 hours of playback. I haven’t managed to get quite that long, but I do tend to have the volume turned up which will affect battery performance. Sound quality is really good, not quite the same as a traditional pair of headphones but certainly good enough for my ears! When out and about I tend to listen to podcasts and the radio rather than music and for this they are perfect. It’s great to be able to listen to the radio whilst on my cycle commute and still hear the traffic!
These headphones are waterproof, and with an IP rating of IPX8, are suitable for swimming (as long as the microphone is sealed with the included plug) in freshwater up to a depth of 1.5m for up to 40 minutes. Unfortunately they’re not suitable for salt water, so no swimming in the sea when wearing them. Now you probably don’t want to take your phone with you whilst swimming, so they have 8GB storage for you to store MP3 files to listen to whilst in the pool. It seemed really odd keeping my headphones on when I got in the pool but after a couple of minutes I got used to them and it made my 30 minute swim a lot more stimulating as I kept pace with the music. It is worth noting that the headphones should only be used for 40 minutes at a time which is fine for me but perhaps not for more serious swimmers. The sound isn’t high quality when you are in the water but it’s certainly a lot better than not having any music to listen to.
Another advantage of them being waterproof is I can wear them when I’m out on my bike knowing it won’t damage the headphones.
I’m really impressed with these headphones, they have exceeded my expectations and whilst I’ll keep my standard headphones for music listening these open up a whole new way to listen whilst out and about.
RRP £159.99 but currently on offer at £89.99 on the Creative website here
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
If, like me, you are trying to stick to a low carbohydrate, high protein diet but still love the sweet stuff and crave chocolate, then you’ll know that there are lots of products on the market but most of them are unpalatable! They’re often made of substitute products which are bland and tasteless which ultimately puts me off them.
Warrior have been making high protein bars as part of their range of protein products for a long time now, so the new Peanut Butter and Jelly flavour is a nice treat in a long line of bars. Each bar is 64 grams with 20 grams of protein and 2.3 grams of sugar with 22 grams of carbohydrates in all. Eaten at any time of day as a snack or pick-me-up, they add some variety to the usual keto diet which many of us find difficult to keep up when we’re out and about, so these bars make life much easier!
The flavour is not something you usually find in shops either. We’re not used to peanut butter and jelly (PBJ) in this country but if you’ve ever tried it in a sandwich, then you’ll know that this set up is going to be delicious, not least because of the chocolate involved! The bars are filled with the peanut butter filling and coated with jelly (it tastes like raspberry jelly to me) then have a final coating of thick chocolate. The sweetness of the jelly really comes through to give you a ‘sweetness hit’ but you really can’t tell the different between this and a confectionary bar you buy off the shelf. There’s no hint of it being a fitness bar and frankly, it’s much bigger than the kiosk sized chocolate bars you buy these days, so it’s a double winner!
I had this after lunch as a ‘dessert’ but you can eat it at any time. It works well within a low carb diet, and the nutritional values are on each bar packaging so that you can fit them into your diet and regime. You could actually only eat half at a time and still feel the benefit, but if you’re like me, you enjoy a proper bar of chocolate but don’t want to hit the top of the dial with the high carbohydrate options, the Peanut Butter and Jelly Warrior bar does the trick!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Walkers, hikers, runners, athletes and casual sock fans are discovering Darn Tough socks… but if you’re any of the above you probably know something about the Vermont, USA based company already.
Darn Tough socks are made from merino wool to be, well, darn tough. Their main selling point apart from being so hard wearing is that they are seam free so don’t rub and wear away over time, and if you’re a walker, that’s a big problem. They have additional features which make them so durable too. The shin areas typically have extra cushioning for wearing under boots (if they’re longer socks) thanks to the way the socks are woven. There’s added measures to prevent boot bite too. The extended toe box allows for wear and tear inside boots and shoes with a flex zone over the front of the foot so that you can rest assured that there isn’t the wear there from laced up shoes.
The heels are particularly well engineered to allow for lots of walking. Some of the snow socks (of which there are lot more new styles) have added weight to them for extra durability. There’s some new running socks this coming season which are shorter but allow for the same durability, but with the added bonus of being so pretty as well! If you look at the catalogue online, you’ll see that there’s a massive range of socks for men, women and children, but also a complete kaleidoscope of patterns. This hiking/trekking pair of women’s socks have a bear design on them! There’s plenty of other socks to choose from, not only for different activities but in different colours and even landscape designs on them. It makes them much easier to pair up after washing too!
The bonus of all Darn Tough socks is that no matter how they wear out, there is a lifetime guarantee on each pair that means they will replace your socks, no questions asked, whenever a hole appears or they wear down. What better promise of quality is that?
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Everyone has a water bottle nowadays and knows to stay away from plastic which typically isn’t easy to recycle, nor is it very good for your health, especially if left to heat up. Hydro Flask produce a whole range of flasks and food storage items which keep your drinks and food cold, or hot, for longer.
Using stainless steel and their TempShield double wall technology, flasks such as this 32oz (946ml) water flask can keep your drinks cooler, or hotter for longer. The inner workings of the flask include a vacuum insulation between the layers of the stainless steel, ensuring the drink doesn’t transfer heat to the outside of the bottle. Hydro Flask 32oz keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours.
Think of all the ways that this is practical – not just for camping or days out where there is no hot water, but keeping water at least warm to heat up a baby’s feed, or cold drinks when you’re on the go for long distance exercise. For taking in your daily water allowance, this flask only needs to be filled up once a day on average with nearly 1 litre capacity. It also looks good with the powder coating colour and black and steel lid.
The wide mouth of this flask allows you to drink as you walk or run, but Hydro Flask also have alternative lids which suit all sorts of needs. There’s the Flex Chug Cap – ideal for when running or walking because it narrows the mouth of the 32oz flask so that you don’t spill it as easily (no guarantees that you won’t though, especially if you’re running!) and comes with the same flex strap for easy carry. The Flex Chug Cap is also BPA and toxin free and can be put in the dishwasher like all the other flasks.
The second attachment for the Hydro Flask 32oz is the Wide Mouth Flex Straw Cap. It fits all Wide Mouth Hydro Flask bottles and comes with two straws which can be cut down to size. It’s also insulated and like all the flasks and their lids, it’s leakproof when closed. It’s not for hot liquids though, but I’m not sure there is any hot drink you use a straw for nowadays anyway? The Wide Mouth Flex Straw Cap is also BPA free.
The Hydro Flask 32oz comes in a range of colours, including this green, called Dew, but other colours include white, black, Gojo (red) and Lupine (lilac). There’s a 100% customer satisfaction warrantee on each flask meaning there’s a limited lifetime warrantee against manufacturer defects.
Hydro Flask are quite possibly the future in insulated flasks, especially in the wake of anti-plastic.
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own
National Walking Month is coming to a close now and we have certainly covered some miles. We normally go out walking a couple of times a week but at the start of the month we challenged ourselves to go out for a walk every day in May and the miles have been quickly totting up. I have really enjoyed exploring our local area and walking along the public footpaths that cross the fields as well as doing a few higher level walks on the fells. We have seen plenty of wildlife too, my favourite was seeing a beautiful barn owl fly around the fields one evening and we have also spotted deer and hares.
Living in the North West we are used to wet weather and a walk in the rain is certainly a lot better with the right gear so I was pleased to receive the TOG24 Glasson Women’s Waterproof jacket – especially as my current waterproof coat has seen better days and tends to leak. It’s bad enough walking in the rain but it it’s a million times worse if the rain gets through your coat leaving you wet and cold.
Available in either navy or faded pink in sizes 8-18, the coat is made from a 100% waterproof, breathable fabric with a DWR coating to repel water. The coat is also windproof so will keep me warm and dry no matter what the weather throws at me.
I normally wear size 14 clothes, but I do like to go up a size for waterproof coats as I like to be able to move about easily and on colder days have room for a fleece or jumper. The size 16 coat fitted me perfectly – the elasticated waist toggles meant I could easily adjust the fit, pulling in the waist for a smooth fit when wearing thinner layers and loosening them when I am wearing more layers.
Designed with two-way zips and magnetic fasteners (which are a dream to fasten) the coat has two roomy angled pockets that fasten with the same magnetic fasteners. This is the first time I have come across a coat with this type of fastener, and I really love it, they are so easy to open, especially if you have cold and wet hands and they fasten easily with a satisfying snap. It also has a zipped internal pocket which is perfect for keeping my phone safe.
The coat is a very flattering shape and I love the longer length with the fishtail hem. I was really pleased with the length of the arms, I am 6’ tall with long arms and find sleeve lengths in women’s waterproofs do tend to be too short. I was therefore pleasantly surprised when I put the jacket on and found the sleeves were just the right length. Another feature of waterproof coats that I look at are the hood, it needs to fit nicely on my head and stay up when the weather is bad. The hood on the Glasson coat was an excellent fit and with the zip fully up stayed in place nicely. The peak helped prevent the hood from flopping in my face and is deep enough to keep rain off my face and glasses. There is also enough room to wear a woolly hat when it gets colder and still be able to put the hood up.
The lovely, longer-length Glasson coat performed brilliantly when we tested it with the hosepipe (it’s not rained here recently so we had to create our own weather conditions!) This was way more intense than any rain shower I’ve ever been in and although the coat was absolutely soaked, I stayed nice and dry. I am really pleased with this coat, it is comfortable to wear and looks great too. It’s also smart enough for work so whilst the coat is on sale I’m thinking of buying the faded pink version to keep me warm and dry on my daily commute.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
May is National Walking Month and a brilliant time to start walking as a new hobby with the spring flowers out and summer just about to begin. What clothing do you need though? Apart from the obvious walking gear, it’s prudent to have a good quality sports bra and the Anita Air Control Padded Sports Bra is just that.
This is the first padded sports bra Anita have ever launched. It’s padded but not wired so it’s an easier fit but I particularly like how modest it is with not showing much cleavage, and there is minimum movement. It’s a very, very firm hold so your shape doesn’t change much no matter the exercise. The design is very appealing too with three colours available. The design sent to me was the snakeskin pattern, and along with the modesty and hold, it works perfectly as a sports bra either under a top or if you are in the gym, you could wear this alone especially in the summer.
Speaking of bras in summer, the Anita Air Control Padded Sports Bra has exclusively designed air-permeable Delta Pad foam cups which acts as coolants to the chest and allow your skin to breathe and keep a constant, cooler temperature. The sealed seams in the straps mean they don’t chaff as you move, especially with more vigorous sports and they help create a perfect fit. The bras are sold in individual sizes too (as opposed to small/medium/large) to give a better overall fit which makes them more effective at minimising movement too.
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I tried the bra for a weight lifting session, which also happened to be my first ever Anita bra! If you’re not familiar with weight lifting, then there is a lot of jumping with heavy weights so there’s a potential for a lot of movement. Thankfully, the super control of the Anita Air Control Padded Sports Bra meant that there was very limited movement! The bra fits very firmly, although I did find that stretching the straps to the back for the first few times was difficult. However, it is fastened with 4 rows of hook and eye fasteners so there’s extra support there. The wide back strap also makes it more comfortable and the breathable material meant I had no problem with sweat! The straps are adjustable too, so if you need that extra bit of comfort, or are walking all day and start to feel tired, it’s easy to change the fitting to suit your needs, especially if you’re carrying something heavy on your back.
The designs are lovely and very versatile, I’m glad I had the chance to try a whole new brand of sports bra, and I’m so happy with the way they work for me!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
I have dabbled in yoga for around 20 years and more recently got back into regular sessions. With age comes the knowledge that you aren’t flexible forever and any yoga session from this point on shows that to me time and time again. What I wasn’t ready for was the need to know how and why I wasn’t flexible any longer, and the thirst for knowledge of yoga, not just from the physical aspect but the spiritual aspect too.
We were sent 2 new yoga books to review, both of which go into a lot more detail than you can glean from a weekly session with an expert tutor. The Anatomy of Yoga by Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones and Yoga Anatomy Made Simple by Stu Girling both go into a lot of depth about the anatomy of yoga with excellent illustrations and diagrams of the human body.
Yoga Anatomy Made Simple (by Stu Girling) starts with Part 1 looking at the Key Concepts of Yoga including Posture, Movement Basics, Muscles and Fascia and Breath. The final chapter in the first part is Other Considerations, which includes Environment and Psychology which go into depth about considerations around what impacts us now and in each yoga practice and how as a yoga teacher or expert, the holistic approach is always necessary.
Part 2 looks at Body Bits, which is literally going into parts of the body (Foot and Ankle, Knee, Hip etc) and giving the science behind each of the bones, muscles and workings of the body plus how they relate in yoga practices. The final part of the book is the Postures, complete with illustrations and helpful hints. There’s an Appendix too, which details more about terminology and Stu’s (the author) notes. It’s an interesting book ordinarily but if you’re into yoga, it becomes captivating as you recognise poses, and then yourself trying to fit into the pose and see where you’re going wrong!
The Anatomy of Yoga by Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones is called a ‘Colouring Book’ but it is really another detailed book about yoga just with line drawings. Looking first at the body with the muscles and fascia plus each of the bones, Jo Ann goes into minute detail about how everything works and how it related to yoga. Again, it’s a trap to think you can just read one part of a chapter, you end up getting completely involved and reading more and more. There are not just line drawings in this book but illustrations and the science behind the physics of the body too. There are tons of drawings to relate to, and I can’t help but think this looks like a text book, or could be used as a text book to further your understanding as well as teach about yoga as a separate subject.
Both books are fascinating and the fact that they come from a yoga background means they work together really well to flesh out the rudimentary knowledge you gain in studio classes. If you’re interested in studying yoga further or going into teaching, these are both excellent books which have slightly different ways of teaching the same anatomical information. The different diagrams and illustrations work in tandem between the two books and you might find one style of writing is better to learn from than the other, but both are excellent resources for yoga enthusiasts, or teachers alike.
The Review Studio 