Health

How to Get Physically Fit without Leaving the House

December 7, 2021 by Erica Hughes Leave a Comment

If you want to improve your level of fitness, then you should know that this is easier said than done. After all, you will need to make time to go to the gym and you will also need to make sure that you eat healthily as well. If you lead a busy life then you may not feel as though you have time for any of this, but that being said, there are things that you can do to try and make things easier on yourself, without having to leave the house. Take a look below to find out more.

Source: Pexels (CC0 License)

Clean Up

Believe it or not, cleaning is the best activity that you can do at home. The great thing about cleaning is that it will help you to get your home looking great and it will also get you moving. Activities such as scrubbing down your bathtub or even vacuuming your living room will help you to work out your arms and you may even find that it helps you to burn calories too. Dusting your home keeps you on the move too, so keep that in mind if you want to get fit at home.

Cook

Another way that you can burn calories around the home would be for you to try and cook. When you whip yourself up into a frenzy in the kitchen, you will soon find that you are able to be way more active and this can work in your favour. To make things even more fun, why don’t you try and listen to some music so you are more likely to get moving around?

Dance and Have Fun

Dancing will give you a good endorphin boost and it will also make you feel happier and healthier. Make sure that you crank up the volume and that you unleash your inner dancing queen. If you are not a dancer, then you can easily experiment a little and do what makes you feel good.

Play Sport

If you have a big yard or a garden, then why not put up a basketball hoop and see how many baskets you can get. It is very easy for you to get a custom outdoor basketball court installed at your property if you want to take things to that next level. This activity is ideal if you have kids because you can easily encourage them to take part. Of course, if you aren’t a very sporty person then this is understandable, so why not try your hand at hula-hooping or even yoga? There are even DVDs out there that you can play to try and get yourself moving around.

Try Resistance Training

Resistance training can help you to pack a punch and you don’t need a lot of equipment either. The only thing that you truly need is a resistance band. This will help you to move the muscles in your body and it will also help you to put a focus on your arms, your body or even your legs.

AirPop Pocket Face Mask Review #Ad

June 14, 2021 by Erica Hughes 1 Comment

Now that we are well into the pandemic, I think we have all tried a number of different face masks. I’ve tried to avoid using disposable ones, as I prefer a reusable mask as that seems less wasteful. Of course, I have had to use disposable masks when visiting hospitals, etc. though. I’ve tried a number of reusuable fabric ones too, but so far all have had a few downsides. There’s also a concern about how effective they are as most of the ones I’ve tried are only two layers thick. So when AirPop got in touch about their Pocket mask, I was keen to try it out.

Company history and credentials

AirPop is the world’s first air wearables company and was founded in 2015. The brand combines material science with the latest technology to build ultra-high-performance products providing an unrivalled breathing experience for millions of users around the world. Founder Chris Hosmer and his team conducted lengthy research to ensure AirPop products delivered on three key elements to make them effective: fit, filtration and breathability.

Wearing the AirPop pocket mask

The Pocket mask is a hybrid semi-reusable mask designed for 40 hours of wear time (this can be cumulative). Airpop says it can be worn for 40 hours and up to 10 washes before you need to retire it. It’s made from three layers of spun-bound, non-woven polyester and nylon, which makes it similar to disposable masks. There’s a foam nose bridge which really helps with making them comfortable and creating a good fit. This was the first mask I’ve tried with the foam nose bridge and it certainly makes a difference to being able to wear it for longer. Also the ear straps were gentle on the ears, but still maintained a snug fit.

Filtration results are impressive: 99.9% before washing, and 94% after five washes. It will cost more than a fully reusable mask, but that might be a price worth paying if you are encountering higher risk situations; are vulnerable; or want to protect about a more infectious virus.

Carrying the mask

You can fold the mask up and put it away in a small carrying case. The on pack instructions weren’t very clear to me, but I was easily able to follow the online instructions. The vent on the top of the case allows any moisture to evaporate naturally between wears. This helps keep the mask dry and fresh for when you need it.

Summing up

The Pocket mask has impressed independent experts too, as it scored an impressive 94% in Which’s latest face mask round up. Not only did Which’s testing reinforce how effective the Pocket mask is, the masks were also awarded a BSI Kitemark late last year.

Overall I found the AirPop pocket mask a reassuring and comfortable mask to wear. The mask is quite thick, so it’s not so comfortable when it’s hot, but that goes for just about any mask worth wearing to be honest. It holds its shape well and folds up nicely. Wearing the mask for a long time is fairly easy though. I’d see myself using these for high risk activities in the future. That’s because I have been impressed by the effectiveness and ease of wear.

Disclosure: I was sent masks to try for the purposes of this review.

New Ninja Swimming Goggles from Phelps Giveaway #Ad

February 8, 2021 by Erica Hughes 34 Comments

Ninja Swimming Goggles

A few years ago I got back into swimming. In my childhood I’d gone to lessons for years; represented my schools in competitions and my swimming club too. Then for many years I just swam for fun with friends or family. Pregnancy saw me back in the water for a while, as it was just so easy to move in the pool, but after my son was born I transferred my efforts into teaching him to swim well. Eventually though I felt the need to get back into the water and swim on a more serious basis for fitness, health and enjoyment. Now I swim three or four times a week and clock up 50 lengths a time in a 30+ metre pool. A key part of my swimming routine is wearing good quality goggles – it makes such a difference. When you swim with your face down in the water most of the time, you do need to protect your eyes. But, finding the right pair of goggles can take some trial and error. It’s so annoying to be always adjusting your goggles because water gets in or to find that your vision is impeded because the lenses keep misting up. Getting the goggles right though makes such a difference to your swimming, making swimming a much more pleasurable experience.

These Ninja Swimming Goggles from Phelps are very luxurious with their gold titanium mirrored lens. They are a streamlined racing goggle designed for ‘serious competition’ swimmers but obviously any swimmer may like to get their hands on it! I certainly would.

They are made in Italy using Aqua Sphere technology and were developed by Michael Phelps and his coach Bob Bowman. To get a perfect fit there’s a Race Fit Strap System for one-time low-profile strap adjustment. Simply fit it and forget it.

Curved lens technology for 180 degree panoramic view, so you can spot swimmers to the side without altering your head position and messing up your stroke. An ultra soft Softeril gasket provides watertight comfort and the four interchangeable nose bridges help ensure your perfect fit. Various lens options are available, including clear, smoke and mirrored. This gold titanium coated mirrored option offers ultimate glare protection for max visibility in bright conditions and also reflective glare conditions. Super for outdoor sun/cloud and indoor artificial light. FINA approved for racing.

I have a pair of these fabulous goggles to give away to one lucky reader. Wouldn’t you like to win a pair for yourself? If so, enter via the gleam widget below.

Competition Terms and Conditions

1. No bulk, third-party or automated entries allowed.

2. Entrants must be aged 18 years or older and resident in the UK.

3. The winner or winners will be chosen by a random draw using the competition widget.

4. Promoter is responsible for fulfilling the prize and full contact details of the winner will be passed onto the promoter to enable prize fulfillment.

5. The winner’s name may be published on this site.

6. Competition closes at the end of Sunday 28th February 2021.

Ninja Swimming Goggles