Family Fitness and Fun

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

It's always interesting to me to meet other families and find out what's working for them as far as healthy living, and where their challenges are. It is easy to get used to the way things are in my own family and not realize where others struggle.

My children are very active in their play, running around outside, swimming, gardening, chasing each other, playing sword games, running with the dog, etc. but I have been realizing lately that many families do not get outside or enjoy active play so much. Oftentimes children are so used to indoor activities that they are not inspired to get outside and do something else.

I'm so excited about the new category of products at the store! Family Fitness and Fun is where we will be bringing you some of our favorite active games, toys, and fitness products; items that I hope will bring lots of fun, active play, and family enjoyment to your home!

The first two products we're sharing are very exciting:

I've got 6 guys from ages 7 to 40 around here, and every one of them got super excited when they saw the Mashoonga Sabers in action. (frankly, my daughter and I could see good reason to get Mashoongas for ourselves!)

More than just your average sword play, Mashoonga!® is a new competitive and high energy contact game played with Mashoonga! Sabers™. Using speed, coordination, tactical skills, and more, your whole family will get a kick out of this fast and fun game!

The foam tube of the Mashoonga! Saber™ is soft, flame resistant polyethylene, with an additive for strength, durability and UV protection. The foam is covered with washable nylon sleeves to protect and prolong the life of the foam. The strong polycarbonate core tube is light weight and flexible. The soft yet durable hand grip is made of durable silicone compounds.

Each set includes complete game instruction and rules, plus two 35-inch Mashoonga! Sabers, one blue and one red. Click here to buy.





Slacklines are a fun new form of exercise and sport that is great for kids of all ages! My entire family was inspired by the videos showing all of the tricks and fun things you can do on a slackline, and it really appealed to me as a fun core workout.

The Funline Slackline is fast and easy to set up and take down, so it is very transportable. Can you imagine how fun it will be to take your Funline with you to a friend's house or on a road trip to set up for some active fun for the kids at a rest area picnic area?

A great way to get the whole family outside and improving balance, focus, coordination, and to strengthen all of your core muscles!

The Funline is the ideal slackline for children and beginners, thanks to less flexibility in the line and a rubberized grip surface that makes staying on the line easier. A super fun activity for a birthday party, too!

Bouncing (even gently) is a very healthy activity, activating the lymphatic system, which in turn activates the immune system. Wonderful for brain development, too!

Slacklines are also the hottest new accessory for skaters and snowboarders because the you can use it as a portable rail! Click here to buy.



Both Mashoonga Sabers and Funlines should be in stock and ready to ship by June 26. You can pre-order now. (credit cards will not be charged until your order is ready to ship)

Safe Sunscreen

Sunday, June 13, 2010

The Environmental Working Group evaluated 500 sunscreen products in 2010, and ours was one of only 39 that were evaluated to be safe and effective.

Check out the Hall of Shame to learn some of what's wrong with the sunscreen industry. It is dismaying to see how many products are labeled specifically for babies and young children that are extremely dangerous.

My own sister was diagnosed with skin cancer (melanoma) several years ago (thankfully she is ok today), so sun protection is very important in our family. I'm always looking for safe products that truly protect from the sun's rays as well as being free of carcinogenic ingredients.