It's no secret that Aalliyah is an active girl. Whether she is skateboarding, playing football or simply running around like a maniac, she is never happier than when she is working up a sweat. So when we received an invitation from Virgin Active to trial a new fitness class aimed at kids, she very literally jumped at the chance. Virgin Active have worked alongside SAQ International to develop an exciting new fitness class aimed at children ranging from 8-15 years old. It's a fresh, new approach to children's fitness which is not like your normal mundane fitness classes. Instead it incorporates exciting challenges which proved to be a huge hit with all the kids involved.
The kids were really put through their paces right from the initial warm up. They took part in some great team challenges involving balls and sand bags, focusing on their throwing , catching and teamwork abilities. Then they moved onto individual challenges and some animal antics with Nathan Helberg from Zuu chimps. Aalliyah loved the animal movements like the gorilla and the frog and found these the most strenuous. Another thing she seemed to really enjoy were the reaction challenges using the fit lights. She was rather good at these actually and has some lightening fast reflexes. What was also great to witness is how the team members were so involved with the children and kept them motivated throughout the class. The kids were seriously sweating by the end of it but were enjoying themselves so much I am sure they could have easily carried on.
All in all our experience with the Virgin Active Crew was amazing. Not only did Aalliyah have a wonderful time getting active and socializing with other kids her age, but it was amazing to meet and speak to some of the people behind the Virgin Active Crew and to really hear first hand how beneficial these programmes could be. Not only do they improve core fitness and ability but they are proven to improve a child's academic performance and even improve a child's handwriting literally within weeks of starting a class. After seeing first hand how much Aalliyah enjoyed the class, It really is something I would be interested in following on with.
Do you or you children attend any fitness classes? How do you find them? Why not give Virgin Active Crew a go?
Disclosure: I am a member of the Netmums Blogging Network, a unique community of parent bloggers from around the UK who have been handpicked by the Netmums team to review products and brands on their behalf. I may have been paid expenses, and have been supplied with a product sample for this review, but retain all editorial control. All my Netmums Reviews will display the Netmums logo within the post.
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Having high blood pressure is just one of the many risk factors for developing heart disease and or circulatory problems and the worrying thing is that as many as 5 million people in the UK are walking around undiagnosed with high blood pressure. With high blood pressure increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke it is imperative that we take blood pressure seriously and take measures to ensure we stay at a healthy level.
The only way to know what your blood pressure is, is to get it measured. It is recommended that everyone over the age of 40 get there blood pressure monitored regularly to asses their risk of getting heart disease or suffering a stroke, but with the increasing amount of younger people being diagnosed with diabetes and obesity it seems that people who are suffering or at risk of high blood pressure are getting younger and younger. Having suffered with my weight in the past I suffered with high blood pressure and the fact that my mum is a diabetic If I had carried on the way I was going, I would have certainly ran into some serious health issues. Thankfully after shedding over 5 stone so far, my blood pressure has returned to normal and a previous diagnosis of inter cranial hypertension along with problem with my eyes has dramatically reduced.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to review a fantastic new blood pressure monitor from Braun. The ExactFit 5 . The monitor itself is really simple to use and features a large display screen making the readings really easy to understand. The soft inflation means that it is far more comfortable than other upper arm blood pressure monitors which can sometimes feels very painful and restricting when inflated.
I really wanted to give this monitor a thorough road testing so I gave it to my sister who is a District nurse. She visits countless patients everyday and has to cover a wide range of counties so having quality equipment is a must. I gave her the ExactFit 5 to see how her previous models would measure up. All she received was positive feedback on the monitor. The patients have expressed how comfortable it is when in use and being that it is so simple to input and extract data from it makes the whole process quick and easy. The monitor comes with an additional different sized cuff which is also a plus and comes with a smart little carry case which means she can always have it with her. It has certainly made that aspect of her job a lot more simple and continues to use the ExactFit 5 everyday now.
You can find the ExactFit 5 over at Boots right now and its currently on sale at only £69.99!
For further details visit www.braunbloodpressuremonitors.co.uk .Packed full of information and advice, Brauns new microsite includes tips on controlling your blood pressure as well as practical videos showing you how to fit your blood pressure monitor and understand your measurements.The Braun blood pressure monitors are available nationwide at selected Boots stores.Visit the microsite for more information.
*I was given a Braun ExactFit 5 blood pressure monitor for the purpose of my review. All opinions are 100% honest and my own.
