Sport – Page 2 – The Review Studio

SJCam C200 Pro Action Camera

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Sport, Summer, Tech

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

What’s better than taking up a new action hobby or sport in 2024? Making a movie of it! Father’s Day has cranked up a notch this year with the high definition SJCam C200 Pro Action Camera.

This camera is absolutely tiny! At less than 7 centimetres tall, it fits inside your pocket, let alone in your hand luggage to go on holiday, or even to take on days out. The 20 MP quality can record in 4K at 30 fps and has an impressive average of 120 minutes battery time. The field of vision is 135 degrees and records in jpeg with features such as time lapse, slow-mo and can even be used as a webcam.

Less of the technical details though and more about what fun you can have with the camera! The small size makes it easy to adapt to different environments and because it’s waterproof and has a touch screen, you can use it for all sorts of activities. On holiday, it can be used at the beach or by the pool, or you can attach it to one of the enclosed mounts and put on a bike or take on a hike with you. Inside the box is a waterproof case, back clip, frame mount, base mount, curved and flat mount and other accessories including a cleaning cloth, adhesive stickers and USB cable. Everything you need. In case you were worries about how much room this takes up as a box, everything packs into a box which is smaller than the size of a brick!

The SJCam C200 Pro has a built-in stabiliser, giving you anti-shake video thanks to gyro technology and it has automatic face recognition so that you can focus on the action, and not just randomly filmed footage. This makes sense when you realise this is a camera that you don’t look through the view finder, it’s very much a ‘stick it up and go’ type camera where you rely on the settings and view the content later. The controls are all from the 1.3” touch screen which is easy to use, but it’s not obvious by looking at the camera that it’s also waterproof to 30 metres (98 foot). It’s excellent for all adventures, but imagine taking it on a high-speed boat ride? Or even surfing or sailing?

You can share all the footage via Wifi too, so anyone with a phone or device can see a copy of what you’ve captured. I prefer to remove the SD card from the device though and put the card in a computer to transfer the data faster. I wish I could say I was an expert at editing film, but with the right software, you can have some expert level editing going on with really high quality movies from the SJCam C200 Pro.

There are more features to the SJCam C200 Pro but they’re all a bit high tech for a beginner like me. What I will say though, is that taking this camera out and playing with it has really encouraged me to try out some different sports that I wouldn’t normally, just to see how good it can look on camera. It’s also made me explore my video editing software on my Mac so that I can start to use the video I do have and learn how to use the more advanced features of SJCam S200 Pro. So if you’re looking for a project this summer, or want motivation to get into a new sport and keep your hand in photography, this is an excellent way of discovering a world I hadn’t even thought of.

Even better, if you want to get your teenager off their phone and outside more, you could do worse than buy them an SJCam C200 Pro and tell them to go out and explore, just to get the camera working for them. For less than £130, you never know what Kelly Slater or Bode Miller it might inspire.

Available from £129 at: https://shop.sjcam.com/product/cameras/action-cameras/c200-pro

SJCAM C300 Action Camera

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Mother's Day, Sport, Tech, Valentine's Day Gifts

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!

RRP £129.99

Puma and Modibodi Period and Leak-Proof Underwear

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, REUSABLE, Sport, Sustainable, Women

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.

Usual price £21, on sale now at £18.90: https://www.modibodi.co.uk/products/puma-x-modibodi-seamfree-active-bikini-moderate-heavy-onyx-grey

Delph and LotilHigh Protection Sun Lotion

beauty, camping, Children, Family Life, health, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Get ready for summer! Yes, I know it’s raining today but spring is the time of year when you either have your holiday booked, or are booking in and getting essentials together for the big trip away. Judging by the rain out there today, I think most of us are planning on some sun overseas this year so Delph Sun Lotions are definitely going to be needed.

The range we were sent included two sun lotions, one at SPF30 and one at SPF50+ and an after sun lotion, all in handy 150ml tubes. Delph pride themselves on being of the highest quality, so much so that their products are available on prescription on the NHS for those with sensitive skin and other skin issues thanks to their 4-star rating from Diffy & Robson. Delph is also used by the Ministry of Defence, so you can imagine the types of scenarios Delph sun lotion comes in handy! Additionally, each of the sun lotions (SPF30 and SPF50) are “very water resistant” so you can swim in both the sea and swimming pools whilst still getting a high level of protection.

Each of the SPF30 and SPF50 sun lotions can be applied directly to the face, in generous amounts (approximately ½ a teaspoon amount just for the face alone) and then a teaspoon to each arm, more for each leg and 2 teaspoons amount to the back and chest. The lotion must dry before going into water and be reapplied every 1-2 hours especially after swimming or towelling. Remember, using the recommended dosage gives the highest possible protection from the sun.

The Delph After Sun is designed to provide deep moisturisation and contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E for their anti-inflammatory properties. The Vitamin E helps prevent peeling and prolongs the life of your tan too.

We were also sent the Lotil Lip Care stick with SPF30. This is a great addition to the range to protect your lips along with your face. It also moisturises your face whilst you’re out in the sun, keeping them soft especially against beach weather.

Each of the Delph Sun Lotions are Dermatologically Tested, and have a very light fragrance to them. There are elements of the scent that remind me of ‘holiday’, presumably because of the sun protection ingredients and there is a very light citrus smell too. The lotions blended into my skin very easily though, so it’s easy to apply to wriggling children who don’t want to have to wait before they get into the pool or the sea! The After Sun is also almost fragrance free and very light, making it easy to absorb.

I can’t wait for the summer and the holidays to begin so that I can finally test the Delph range on some proper sun!

Delph Sun Lotion SPF50+ 150ml from £4.69:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/delph-sun-lotion-spf50-150ml

Delph Sun Lotion SPF30 150ml from £5.09:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/delph-sun-lotion-spf30-150ml

Delph After Sun Lotion 150ml from £1.49:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/delph-after-sun-lotion-150ml

Lotil Original Lip Care Balm from £1.49:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/lotil-original-lip-care-balm-4g

Puma Golf Double Canopy Umbrella

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Fashion, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Winter

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!

Available from £44.99 at:

Puma Golf Double Canopy Umbrella

Buff Knitted Neckwarmer

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, secret santa, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

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.

RRP £28.95

PUMA x Modibodi Active Period Underwear

Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, health, Home, REUSABLE, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Sustainable, Women

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

Creative Outlier Free Pro Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Sport, Tech

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.

RRP £119.99

Weleda Arnica

beauty, cruelty-free, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Sport, Vegan

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

Panda Optics Conquer Cycling Glasses

Birthday Gifts, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Sport, Uncategorized, Women

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

Creative Outlier Free Pro Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Sport, Tech

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

Darn Tough Socks

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Sport, Stocking Fillers

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?

Available in the UK at: https://www.cdalimited.com/darn-tough/

Hydro Flask 32oz Wide Mouth Flask

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Days Out, eco friendly, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Sport, Summer

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.

Available for £41.40 on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BG6HYFJG?maas=maas_adg_9FBBDF957F63467F00CA4C4BB590066C_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

Birthday Gifts, camping, Days Out, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Treat yourself this summer to a new Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack, made with waterproof material and a laptop compartment, is it for urban, or rural?

Available in various colours including dark blue, black and the green which we were sent to try, the Stockholm Backpack holds 28 litres and has a front pocket for valuables, closing with a zip. The back pocket is padded for a laptop whilst the straps, no matter what you’re using the backpack for, are more comfortable for long wears because they’re padded.

The top of the Stockholm Backpack is a roll top and buckle – no zip here, so you can stuff it full of clothes or gadgets and the roll top is waterproof, like the rest of the polyester material which makes up the whole bag. The straps also have a cross-strap to hold them in place and distribute the weight across your shoulders, and the whole bag is wider than a normal backpack to add more volume and to even the load. The length of the bag is bigger than usual too so if you’re taking a lot with you camping, or travelling with more than usual this is for you. Anyone who is that big taller might find this a useful bag too as the dimensions mean it holds a lot more but is also more comfortable for wider shoulders and frame.

The base of the bag is re-enforced with a waterproof material which looks and feels like leather (but isn’t) to make it more hard wearing especially if it’s put down on the ground or used for travelling. Empty, it flattens down to almost nothing thanks to its square design, and the material is incredibly durable so is bound to last a long time. It’s easy to clean as well as there aren’t many components and it’s made of only a few materials which can all be machine washed.

Although pricy at £65, it is Helly Hansen so you know it’s well made, will last and is designed and made for the outdoor life. It works just as well for commuting though as it’s the size of a laptop (or bigger) and hold a computer safely with the added compartment. It’s a great bag for cyclists who are going into work with laptop, change of clothes and lunch all thrown in, and the slightly bigger size makes it easier to carry more. Thankfully the waterproof material and buckle roll top will save your work clothes for the British weather too!

RRP £65.00: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/stockholm-backpack-67187

TOG24 Glasson Womens Waterproof Jacket

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Sport, Summer, Women

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.

RRP £130 but currently on sale at £80

Anita Air Control Padded Sports Bra

Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, health, Sport, Summer, Women

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.

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!

Available from £50 (currently in the sale but otherwise priced at £67) at: https://boobydoo.co.uk/anita-air-control-padded-sports-bra/

My Little Sudocrem 22g Travel Pot

Baby, beauty, camping, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Cycling weather is upon us and if you need to take provisions, any cyclist knows there’s not much that can be carried on a bike when you go out and about. There’s also not much you can buy in shops or rely on the local amenities so something like the My Little Sudocrem for minor ailments is ideal. Sudocrem is also excellent for chaffing especially on really long rides!

The My Little Sudocrem tubs are petite circular screw top pods which weight only 22grams. Durable and able to be kept in pockets or tucked into the smallest of rucksacks or handbags, they pack a punch with the full benefits of Sudocrem, just delivered in smaller vessels so that you can transport them anywhere. Cyclists will love My Little Sudocrem because of the size, and because it’s so handy to prevent, or relieve chaffing. If you’ve never had little children around or ever used Sudocrem, then I can tell you it’s a dream for so many purposes. As a rich, scentless cream it can be used on almost anything on the skin, from grazes to allergies or even just to keep you skin soft. I use it as a body moisturiser for the summer months when my legs are dry and I’m wearing skirts and dresses, and on my face for outdoor sports when my visage is chapped, such as out cycling or on the water.

The My Little Sudocrem is also brilliant for taking on holiday, or keeping in your car for when out with the children or after outdoor sports. There’s something very soothing and medicinal about a cold cream on your face after a day out in the wind, rain or sun and Sudocrem has the soothing effect like an aftersun cream, only with a thicker, richer moisturising effect. Also great for the playground when the children have grazes on the swings, there’s a whole host of uses for My Little Sudocrem this summer.

Three available for £8.99 at Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Sudocrem-Barrier-Multipurpose-Family/dp/B088RJF58C/ref=asc_df_B088RJF58C/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=435764429196&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6858848114809714868&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045873&hvtargid=pla-931863630238&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=101204935637&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=435764429196&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6858848114809714868&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045873&hvtargid=pla-931863630238

Enertor Socks and Insoles

Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Him, health, Sport

Disclaimer: we received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Walking is such a good form of exercise, not only is it free but it is also good for wellbeing too. May is National Walking Month so we’ve been going for a walk every day and it’s been a great opportunity to try out some new gear.

Decent socks are crucial if you want to keep your feet comfortable and blister free when out walking, they provide a buffer between your foot and shoe, preventing rubbing and chafing. It’s worth buying a pair of dedicated walking or running socks rather than just grabbing a pair out of the drawer as they have been specially designed to increase ventilation, wick moisture and offer support to your feet in all the right places.

The Energy Run socks from Enertor contain advanced Nilit® Innergy energy return fibre, EnergyKnit™ band and NanoGLIDE® anti-blister technology. The socks are made in Italy and are really comfortable to wear. They fit nice and snugly and the double layer of fabric around the ankle helps to prevent rubbing and blisters. I have worn them for a 10 mile walk and they were comfortable and not too hot in my shoes.

The socks cost £13.99 and are available in small, medium, large and extra large (size 2.5 to 15) so you will easily find a pair to fit your feet.

Enetor also sent me a pair of their Shock Absorbing Insoles which I have tried in both my walking shoes and fell running shoes. The insoles have shock absorbing PX1® technology which Enetor claim has up to 89% more shock absorption than their competitors. This helps to spread the load on your feet helping to reduce the impact on your feet, knees and hips.

I hadn’t tried an insole before but now I have been using them for a couple of weeks I am finding them very comfortable. I soon got used to them after starting with shorter walks and runs and I find them especially good for fell running where my foot gets thrown about on the uneven ground. They really do help cushion the feet and whilst I am only a casual fell runner, my times have started to improve which I have put down to the insoles – they are used and recommended by Usain Bolt so watch out for me sprinting on the fells!!!

£39.99 available in sizes 3-14

Both products are available from the Enertor website here

CCS Footcare Products

beauty, health, Sport

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

You may recall that I set myself a challenge for National Walking Month and planned to do a walk every day. We’re almost 2 weeks in now and I’ve managed to fit in a walk every day, they haven’t all been long walks, but it has been great to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful countryside on our doorstep. Walking is fantastic for both physical and mental health but it can take a toll on our feet so it is very important to care for them so that you can enjoy many miles of pain free walking.

I’m certainly guilty of not looking after my feet as well as I should and since my feet have been wrapped up in socks and boots all winter, they have become quite dry with hard skin on the heels and soles of my feet. A parcel of footcare products from CCS and National Walking Month was just the motivation I needed to give my feet some much needed TLC.

The Foot Care Cream is a rich cream that simply melts into my feet and doesn’t leave them feeling greasy or sticky. It feels lovely and hydrating and leaves my feet feeling soft and refreshed. It is great as an overnight treatment too – apply before bed, put a pair of cotton socks and you will wake to beautifully soft feet. I have been using this twice a day for the last 2 weeks and I am so impressed with the results, the dry skin has gone and my feet are lovely and soft again.

RRP £7.99

The Warming Foot Cream is an interesting product, it’s not as rich as the Foot Care Cream and easily melts into my skin. It has a lovely citrus fragrance and once you have rubbed it in you feel your feet begin to warm up. It doesn’t feel unpleasant or tingly, just a gradual warmth spreading over your feet. It’s lovely to use after a long walk and I think it will be brilliant in winter when I always suffer from cold feet. It’s a lovely product and is a real treat for my feet.

RRP £11.99

The Cracked Heel Repair foot balm is specially formulated for very dry feet with cracked heels and hard skin. It contains Cabamide (25%) and Lactic Acid which exfoliates, softens, moisturises and strengthens the skin barrier. I have been using it twice a day and I started to see an improvement in the hard skin on my heels in about 3 days

RRP £8

Now that my feet have been well and truly pampered they will be good for many more miles this month – Happy hiking!!

The products are available from Boots, Amazon and Superdrug

1000 Mile Fusion Walk Sock

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, health, Mental Health Awareness, Mother's Day, Sport, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge 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 the countryside. I have set myself a challenge to do a walk every day in May as walking is not only a good form of exercise it is a great way to destress after a busy day at work. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the country with plenty of good walks on our doorstep, so I am hoping that it won’t be too difficult a challenge!

When you are going hiking it’s amazing the difference a good pair of walking socks makes and this pair of Fusion Walk socks from 1000 Miles are going to be doing plenty of miles this month.

The socks are a double layered 3 /4 season sock with extra padding on the heel, toe and Achilles tendon areas. Combined with the high volume Merino wool, the socks offers warmth and volume, making the socks ideal for wearing from Autumn right through to Spring.

As soon as I put the socks on my feet I noticed how comfortable they are, and that’s before I even started walking! The Merino wool and Tactel mix gives a comfortable, breathable sock that wicks moisture away from the foot and elastane ensures a close fit that doesn’t slip or bunch in your boots The ribbed cuff is a comfortable fit and not too tight around my leg and the socks are a mid-calf length and they fit nicely in both my walking boots and trail shoes meaning I can wear them for both hiking and fell running.

I was especially pleased when I saw the sizing of the women’s socks, the medium size is for UK sizes 6 to 8.5 and it’s nice to find a company who recognises that women do have feet bigger than a size 7!

The socks come with 1000 Miles’s blister free guarantee and they will give you your money back or a replacement pair of socks if you experience either blisters or the socks wear out within 1,000 miles – provided that the socks have been cared for following their guidance and are returned with the receipt.

The socks are mid length and easily cover the bottom of my walking trousers, the heel padding comes up the back of the heel and finishes slightly higher than the back of my walking shoe, meaning the backs of my ankles are protected and comfortable. Available in Ladies (3 to 8.5) they cost £18.00 but don’t be put off by the price, given the excellent warranty they really are a worthwhile purchase

Edifier MP100 Plus Bluetooth Speaker

Birthday Gifts, camping, Days Out, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Sport, Summer, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Edifier are known for their high quality speakers, I already own a couple of their products and like them so was pleased to be asked to try the MP100 bluetooth speaker which Edifier suggests is a “great outdoor companion”.

With a rugged waterproof construction the MP100 is ideal for use outside. It is covered in a dust proof fabric and has an IPX7 rating which means the speaker can be 1 metre underwater for 30 minutes without getting damaged – so there isn’t the same urgency to put it somewhere dry when it starts raining – as often happens in this country!

It is available in a choice of three colours, Forest Green, Lake Green and Black and has a single button to control calls. There is a large loop which can be used to hang the speaker up and I found it to be quite easy to hold whilst wearing gloves. It isn’t a small device, it has a 95mm diameter and is 50mm thick, and with a weight of 185g it weighs around the same as a mobile phone. On the bottom of the speaker is a circular rubber base which helps keep the speaker from sliding around on whatever surface it is put on. The USB-C charging port, which is covered with a small rubber flap, is on the bottom half of the speaker along with the control buttons.

Setting up the speaker is easy, turn it on by pressing the power button for a few seconds, until the blue light comes on, then search for Edifier MP100 Plus in the Bluetooth settings of your device. The speaker makes an audible sound when connected and then you can use it to listen to music/audio from your device.

Built around a 5W 43mm full-range speaker the sound is great and with a claimed battery life of 9 hours is good for a whole day in the great outdoors. Now, I have to say that I’m no fan of people who play music whilst out hiking – I much prefer the peace and quiet – but for other outdoor activities, like camping or a day at the beach, it would be great. I spend a lot of time in the garden and enjoy listening to music or podcasts whilst I’m working and in the past have worried about damaging my speaker – with the Edifier MP100 Plus I no longer need to worry, I just hang it up, relax and enjoy!

Should you wish to use it for calls it has a built-in microphone and I found the sound was very clear, with noise suppression to remove unwanted background noise.

So whether you are camping, caravanning, relaxing in the garden or hitting the beach this summer make sure you have the Edifier MP100 Plus in your bag.

FootActive Orthotic Insoles

Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Sport

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Since our last review of the FootActive Plantar Fasciitis and Orthotic Insoles last month, we’ve had notification that lots of you are reading what we had to say so the lovely people at FootActive have sent us another version for us to try, the Orthotic Insole.

Built for sports enthusiasts, the Orthotic Insole is super supportive for all sorts of sports like running, walking and team games. If you read our previous review, you’ll know that I lift weights and I also have very flat feet. This makes lifting quite difficult because my knees turn inwards and my feet roll, making it painful on my feet and knees and the balance of the overhead weights is off centre. Over time, it can make my feet in particular really painful.

The FootActive Orthotic Insoles are specially for sports, so this was my chance to prove how they work! The insoles are different to the Plantar Fasciitis variety because they are slightly more pliable, with more of a grip to the surface, perfectly suited to high impact sports. The insole shape is still there though with the moulding around the heel and arch of the foot but I did notice that the arch support isn’t as high with these sports ones.

The top layer is also moisture-wicking, meaning that when your feet get hot and sweaty during sports, the material makes it easier for your feet to breath. The heel also has extra cushioning with shock-absorbing gel on the heels, and on the front of the foot too. Overall, there are several designs built in which make them more sport-friendly. However, there’s no reason why you couldn’t wear them all day if you need to.

When it comes to sports, I used them to walk to the gym (about 7 minute walk) then for the weight lifting. It wasn’t that difficult to get used to the shape, I actually found them easier to walk and lift in than the Plantar Fasciitis insoles and that was probably to do with the gel which cushioned my feet more. The insoles also instantly correct your posture which was noticeable, although my knees and shoes weren’t used to the new positioning so they put up a bit of a fight, but I’m assured by my trainer that this is only temporary! Hopefully in time it will improve my overall posture and not just with lifting weights.

I think I actually prefer these Orthotic Insoles because they’re more mailable and fit more snugly as well and fitting into my every day Converse shoes or Sketchers trainers. They could potentially make any shoe more comfortable though, we’ll just have to see how my flat feet cope!

Available from £25: https://footactive.co.uk/footactive-sports

Wahl Mini Massage Gun

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Sport, Tech

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Aches and pains are an everyday part of life, but don’t have to last long when you have a masseuse at the touch of a button. The Wahl Cordless Mini Massage Gun has been on my list of items to try, so when the team offered to send me one to review, I was eager to see if it stood up to my expectations!

The gun itself is only about 15cm long (hence it’s a mini massager) and approximately 10cm high. Charged with a type C USB cable, there are no batteries involved and the cable is a standard computer lead which comes with the kit but can also be found with other appliances. It can be charged from a USB port on a computer, or on a wall charger.

The gun and attachments come in a handy zip-up case which fits neatly into a gym bag or a drawer at home and contains all 4 attachments as well as the USB lead. Starting with the gun, it only has one on/off button to operate, which is triggered by holding down the button for just a second. The digital display on the front tells you the intensity of the movement (1 being lowest, 6 the highest) and the amount of battery left. I found that it took up to 4 hours to charge the battery in full but it can take longer. The instructions suggest you charge the gun every 3 months if it hasn’t been used.

The gun is already fitted with the Flat Head attachment, whilst the Round Head, Bullet Head and Spinal Head are contained in the case. Each attachment pops in and out, there’s no threading to worry about but they are fitted quite snugly so you have to use some effort to change them sometimes.

The instructions don’t give an indication of which attachment to use on any particular part of the body, just techniques for the shoulders, neck, back etc. I found that it was best to start the massage gun on the lowest level and use the round attachment first on the hands, thighs and upper arms until you get used to the sensation. It’s quite powerful, even at a low level which is exactly what you’re looking for in a massage gun but does take a while to get used to! I found that the Round Head was good for working the back of my neck. The gun isn’t very heavy so you can hold it in one place for a long period of time. The attachment is really quite effective though, with the headache I had at the time easing. If you had a person massaging with the same intensity for any length of time, there wouldn’t be as much power, and they would probably get tired very quickly. The fact that you can change the intensity of the motion too means that you can tailor the massage to your needs.

The other attachments were great for other areas too. The Bullet Head works well on certain reflexology points on the feet, giving a precise massage to pressure points. The Flat Head also helps with digestion when you massage the abdomen in circular motions. It’s very difficult to try the Spinal Head on yourself, but the wishbone shape works on the muscles either side of the spine (never use directly on the spine) to relax the back muscles. With some ingenuity, you can find the right attachment and the right intensity for any part of the body which needs restoring, which is part of the fun of a massage gun!

The Wahl Mini Massage Gun runs for approximately 20 minutes on a timer or 200 minutes in all on a single charge. If you need more help, or indeed inspiration, Wahl have a tutorial on their website to give you more ideas.

The Wahl Mini Massage Gun is available from £71.99 at: https://www.wahl.co.uk/product/cordless-mini-massager-gun/

Liforme Yoga Mat

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home & Garden, Plastic free, Sport, Sustainable, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

By a certain age, or maybe it’s a certain level of fitness, yoga becomes less of a puzzle and more of a necessity. The company Liforme pride themselves on doing things differently to support and encourage the practice of yoga, and do so with their conscientious products. Their ethos to ‘Live for More’ by positively engaging communities is evident on their website, along with some delicious products any yoga fan will adore!

Amongst the products available was this Liforme Grateful Rainbow Yoga Mat which was sent to us to try out. It’s bright pink, printed with an eco-friendly, non-toxic design of a rainbow mandala and alignment markings which can be described as guides for your feet and hands. This mat is a serious bit of kit for serious yoga people and you can tell just by looking at it. There’s much more science, and thought, behind it than you realise though, as I discovered.

The Liforme Yoga Mat is made with a real natural rubber base (so that it doesn’t slide all over the place) and the top layer is made of eco-polyurethane. In all, the mat is 4.2mm thick but it feels thinner than that. It’s not chunky or clunky at all. The top eco-polyurethane layer is designed to be more grippy than other mats, so that you can practice without worrying about sliding all over the place, and the design is printed with durable yet eco-friendly ink. The same goes for all the designs of the yoga mats available on the Liforme website. The mat weighs in at a hefty 2.5kg though so if you’re used to your yoga mat being light-as-air, this is going to be quite a shock! The weight comes from the quality of the material though.

The dimensions of the mat come in at 185cm long and 68cm wide. That’s 73 inches long and 27 inches wide in old money.

As for the usability, the mat comes with a free carry case, which is needed when you have a rolled-up mat of this size and weight and need to transport it to several lessons a week. The real test is in a yoga class, which is where any yoga equipment needs to prove itself. The bright pink façade is very pleasing especially as you know in a dimly lit room and when you might need to wander around a bit, you can never lose it! The surface is nicely grippy. Grippy enough for a Downward Dog and to not face plant yourself. Liforme call this GripForMe technology and it allows you to use your full body weight in poses and not move an inch. Not even a millimetre for that matter, as I discovered when I was able to more pressure into some of the poses than I usually would. So in some ways, you could say that the Liforme Yoga Mat made me better at yoga as a result!

Liforme as a company have recently been awarded B Corp status. The B Corp status proves that Liforme has high standards of social and environmental impact as their core belief as a company and a quick look at their website proves that their high quality and non-toxic materials are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to responsibility. The mats bio-degrade in 1-5 years (depending on conditions) and believe that they have the world’s most planet-friendly yoga mat.

Truly a treat, the Liforme Yoga Mats aren’t cheap but they are suited to the serious yoga practitioner or fitness expert and look simply gorgeous. The unique design and alignment cues make this yoga mat stand out from all the rest, and a perfect gift too.

Available for £140 (but currently on sale for £105) at:

Liforme Grateful Rainbow Yoga Mat – Grateful Pink/Rainbow

Sennheiser Momentum Ear Buds

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Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review but all words and opinions are our own.

The first time I had headphones I was a teenager in the 80’s and back then headphones were firmly attached to your Walkman. Thankfully technology has evolved and improved a lot since then and I was really pleased to be given the opportunity to try out the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 earbuds

The stylish grey fabric charging case is nice and solid and closes with a satisfying click. It holds the earbuds securely and once placed in the case the earphones start charging automatically. The USB-C connection makes the case easy to charge and there is also the option to use Qi wireless charging too. A single charge provides 7 hours of playback with the case providing an additional 21 hours of charge, so in total you can enjoy 28 hours of playback before you need to charge. When it does run out of charge, 10 minutes of ‘fast charging’ offers an hour’s playback and a full charge takes just 90 minutes.

Included in the box are four pairs of silicone ear tips, three pairs of ear fins, and a charging cable. The earpieces are IPX4 rated for water resistance, and each earbud has three microphones for voice and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) functionality.

When I first received the earbuds, I found that they had 40% charge, so I was able to use them straight away – all I needed to do was fit the ear fins and then pair them to my phone.

Pairing the earbuds was simple – just touch and hold both earbuds and then select them on your Bluetooth device and they pair to your device easily. The earbuds power off when placed in the case and the lid closed and power on and connect automatically to your device the moment you open the case.

Once paired, I downloaded the Sennheiser Smart Control app. The app not only allows you to control settings on the earbuds but there is also an option to go through a ‘Sound check’ where you select your preferred sound from a choice of 3. There is also the option to set “Sound Zones” where you customise locations you frequent, like your home, gym or workplace and save preferred Active Noise Cancellation and Equaliser settings. Once you enter the radius—set by you on the location map—your settings automatically change to the saved setting when you are in that Sound Zone.

The earbuds feel light, well made, and with IPX4 sweat resistance they are perfect for the gym or when I am out walking.

So I’ve talked about the fit, pairing and app so what is the sound quality like?

Well, it’s excellent, the sound is crisp and clear with no distortion, every song I played sounded amazing, whether it was rock, pop or classical music.

You can also use the earbuds to make and receive telephone calls – if you are playing music it stops whilst you are on the call. I found that the call quality (for both people) was very clear and background noise was minimal.

Answering calls, skipping tracks and turning on/off different modes can all be executed by tapping the earbuds. Once you get the hang of tapping they are very simple to use, the sensitivity is very good and works well all the time.

Overall, I was very impressed with the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True wireless 3 earbuds – superior sound, excellent Bluetooth connectivity and a secure and comfortable fit. They are definitely a premium pair of wireless earbuds and anyone receiving them this Christmas won’t be disappointed.

RRP £219.99 available from the Sennheiser website here