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Tom's Guide
06-08-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Forget the treadmill! I tried Nordic walking every day for a week — and it challenged me in ways I didn't expect
From the viral trends of color walking and silent walking to the popular 5-2-4 Fartlek walking method, we've tested just about every walking workout going here at Tom's Guide. But Nordic walking — a technique that uses poles to turn a simple walk into a full-body workout — might just be one of the most intriguing yet. Often described as cross-country skiing without the snow, Nordic walking has been popular in parts of Europe for decades, especially in Scandinavia, where it's credited with boosting cardio fitness, improving posture, and reducing joint strain. As someone who loves low-impact exercise but still wants to feel results, I decided to pick up a pair of poles and give Nordic walking a go myself. After a week of daily Nordic walking, I noticed three key benefits that set it apart from a regular walk. It was more physically demanding than I expected — but in the best way. Here's what stood out. Unlike the Japanese walking method, there's no interval training involved in Nordic walking. Originally developed in Finland as a way for cross-country skiers to stay fit in the off-season, Nordic walking involves walking with a pair of poles that help engage your upper body as you move. Rather than simply hiking with trekking poles, Nordic walking uses a specific motion: you plant the poles diagonally behind you and use them to help propel yourself forward with each step. It turns a regular walk into a full-body workout, activating the arms, shoulders, back and core, alongside your legs. In fact, research from the Cooper Institute suggests Nordic walking can burn between 20-46% more calories than normal walking at the same pace. It's also low-impact and joint-friendly, which makes it popular among people recovering from injury and older adults. That said, I don't fall into either of these categories, and I was still eager to give Nordic walking a go. I'm a pretty keen walker, and nothing quite helps me press the reset button — mentally as much as physically — like getting outside and moving my body. If Nordic walking is a way for me to scale up my daily walks so I can experience more of a cardio hit (and build strength to boot), then I'm all for it. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. After getting my hands on some poles (the OEX Ultralite Carbon Z Walking Poles from Go Outdoors, to be exact), I was only too eager to start the challenge. I live on the outskirts of a city, so while I'm close to public transport and pavement, I'm also lucky to have easy access to rural trails. But, once you get over the somewhat strange sensation of walking with poles, Nordic walking can be done pretty much anywhere — in parks, along sidewalks, or even in urban green spaces. Here are the three key benefits that stood out to me when trying Nordic walking. I'll be honest — I didn't expect to feel this much in my arms. Upper body strength training is a key focus for me at the gym, so I (naively) assumed that I wouldn't find Nordic walking to be too challenging. I was wrong. From day one, I could feel my triceps and shoulders working as I pushed back with the poles. Nordic walking isn't just about holding the poles — it's about using them to propel yourself forward, which means your arms, back, chest, and even your core get involved. It felt a bit awkward at first, but once I found the rhythm, I could feel the difference. On a couple of mornings, I noticed some muscle fatigue in my upper body after finishing my walk — the kind of gentle soreness that tells you you've worked, but without the strain. It was a nice reminder that walking doesn't always have to be lower-body dominant, and Nordic walking offers a way to engage your whole body without stepping into a gym. Once I got the hang of coordinating the poles with my stride, I started to notice how much better I was walking — not just during the workout, but throughout the day. Nordic walking forces you to stand tall, engage your core, and use a longer, more deliberate stride. I found myself naturally correcting my slouch and lifting through my chest to get the full benefit of the movement. As someone who swears by anti-desk exercises to keep my posture in check, I was pleasantly surprised. And because the poles help distribute your weight and provide support, I was also landing more evenly through my feet, rather than collapsing into my hips (something I tend to do when I'm tired). It was like getting a gentle reminder with every step to move with intention. I went into this challenge thinking Nordic walking would be purely physical — a brisker version of my usual walk with the added bonus of some arm work. But what surprised me most was how mentally engaging it was. Because you're coordinating your arm swings with each step, there's a rhythm to it that demands focus, especially at the start. Without realizing it, I was paying more attention to my body — how I was moving, how upright I felt, where I was planting my feet. I wasn't scrolling on my phone or half-listening to a podcast. Being this present meant that by the end of each walk, I felt significantly calmer (which is no easy feat for someone with diagnosed ADHD). I'm yet to try walking yoga, so I'm not able to draw a direct comparison — but I can say that Nordic walking is a surprisingly effective way to feel more grounded. Nordic walking was a lot more dynamic than I'd expected. It challenged my body in new ways, especially my upper body, and made me think more intentionally about how I move. I probably won't swap all my walks for pole-assisted ones, but I can definitely see the appeal — especially for people looking for low-impact, full-body cardio that's also friendly on the joints. If you've got access to walking poles (or want to invest in a pair), and you're looking for a way to shake up your current walking routine, what've you got to lose? Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Dunelm's 'most comfortable' £14 garden chair 'looks good' and 'great' for guests
People have said that the 'must-have chair' was so comfy they were falling asleep in it With people making the most of the outdoors this summer by hosting BBQs and garden parties, it can be hard to make sure everyone has a seat. So, having some handy 'emergency chairs' is always a good idea. These don't have to cost a small fortune, and Dunelm has a deal on some that are heavily discounted but very popular. The Elements Padded Camping Chair With Carry Bag originally cost £29, but it has been discounted twice just in time for summer—now selling for just £14.50 per chair. Coming in three bold colours of black, orange and aqua blue, these are far from basic. Shoppers have been praising the seat, which offers both comfort and style without breaking the bank. Dunelm wrote on its website: "Relax in style and comfort with this stylish Padded Butterfly Camping Chair. Its soft cushioned fabric offers ultimate comfort for any occasion, while its waterproof treatment helps protect it from the elements. "Plus, it comes with a handy mesh pocket so you can easily store your books or phone while lounging in style. For easy transport, the chair also comes with its own carry bag. Get ready to make the most of summer with this must-have chair!" There are similar seats online to buy such as this Hi Gear Vegas XL Camping Chair from Go Outdoors (£50 normally or ££29 with Go Outdoors membership) and this 'Forza Pro' Foldable Camping Chair by Regatta (£30.95 at Debenhams, down from £100). But, Dunelm shoppers have clearly shown their love for this affordable garden chair, which boasts nearly 500 online reviews - and most of those award it a flawless five stars. One said: "The most comfortable camping/garden/picnic chairs I have sat in. You could actually fall asleep in it!" Another added: "Very cosy. Bought one for myself and then had to get three more!" A third posted: "Perfect! It's a large-sized, super comfortable foldaway, brightly coloured garden chair, which you can use indoors as well when extra guests arrive!" Someone else said: "Raising the game on camping chairs. I spotted these at an outdoor cinema event, found online and couldn't wait. Ordered ours online before the film started and collected on the way home!" And, one more added: "We bought two chairs when they were £20 each, but we'd happily have paid more. Super comfy and easy to set up in just 2 steps. I regularly fall asleep in ours!" However, there were a few unhappy customers. A shopper claimed: "The chair itself though comfy is very big and difficult to get out of as very low." Someone else warned: "Standard of fabric wasn't very good, back of chair material split where you hooked it over." And, one more suggested: "Bought a few of these chairs. Been great for camping, but unfortunately the stitching on the pockets where the frame locates comes apart quite quickly, could do with reinforcing a bit more."
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Electric rechargeable pump that ‘blows up paddle boards in minutes' gets axed by £40
This portable electric pump is a game-changer for all of your summer activities, from inflating paddle boards to topping up your bike's tires - and right now, it's nearly half-price No matter what you and your family or friends are getting up to over the summer holidays, an electric pump is always an asset. Going camping? It can inflate your air mattress in no time. Fancy some water sports? Get your paddleboard blown up in minutes. Taking your bike for a ride? Ensure your tires are full and ready for an adventure. But if you're worried an electric pump might cost a fortune, you're in luck. Thanks to an Amazon offer, this 50PSI Electric Paddle Board Pump is currently available for a whopping £40 less, saving shoppers nearly half its full price. This electric pump features five pressure settings for paddle boards, airbeds, car tires, bicycle tires, and motorcycles. Its clear LED display ensures you can easily read the pump's real-time pressure with an accuracy of 0.1 PSI. Equipped with nine nozzle attachments to suit a wide range of jobs, such as inflating stand-up paddleboards, inflatable boats, surf kites, pickup tires, and motorcycle tires, this pump also comes with an included storage bag, which makes the gadget both convenient to carry and protective, so you can easily take it with you on your next summertime outting. The electric pump is armed with a current fuse inside the plug, so when it comes to filling up your tires on the go, you can simply connect the pump to the car cigarette lighter, select the appropriate air nozzle, start the car, press the pump switch button, and start inflating or deflating with ease. Normally retailing for a steep £89.99, this versatile device is now available for the majorly reduced price of £49.99 while this sale lasts. If you'd rather shop alternative models, check out this ITIWIT 12 V/15 A electric pump for inflatable SUPS and kayaks at Decathlon for £54.99. Meanwhile, Go Outdoors is offering this Freespirit12V Electric Pump for £70, and Flextail has this MAX PUMP 3—High Speed 2-in-1 Rechargeable Air Pump for £44. Shoppers who have taken the plunge with this Amazon electric pump can't stop singing its praises. One 5-star reviewer raves: This electric pump does exactly what it's supposed to do. It inflated my paddle board to 50 PSI in about 8 minutes without any issues. The auto shut-off feature works well and prevents over-inflation. What I like: Easy to use (just plug into car outlet and press start), not too loud (quieter than I expected), compact size fits in my trunk easily, and good value for money compared to manual pumps. I've used it 2 times so far, and it performs consistently. Very happy with this purchase for casual paddleboarding trips. Would recommend to friends." Another buyer beams: "Great pump. Done 2 paddle boards to 15psi in 20mins." A third joins in, sharing the same sentiments: " This paddle board pump is a game-changer! The dual-stage inflation is super fast—my SUP was fully inflated in just 7 minutes, and deflation took less than 3 minutes. No more manual pumping! I love that it works with other inflatables too. The auto-off feature is a lifesaver—no more worrying about over-inflation. Highly recommend!" While this customer writes: "I recently purchased this SUP pump, and I am beyond impressed with its performance! The sleek design and LED display make it not only functional but also stylish. The precision of 0.1 PSI ensures I can inflate my paddleboard to the exact pressure needed for optimal performance. What truly stands out is its power and speed—it effortlessly inflates my paddleboard from 0 to 12 PSI in just 7 minutes, which is a game-changer compared to manual pumps. Plus, the ability to reach up to 50 PSI means it's also perfect for inflating my pickup tires, making it a versatile tool for both water and road adventures." They go on to say: "The build quality is excellent, and the LED screen is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. It's clear that a lot of thought went into designing this electric pump for convenience and durability. If you're looking for a high-performance, reliable, and multifunctional paddle board pump, this is the one to get. Worth every penny—highly recommend!"
Daily Mirror
04-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Save £20 on double air bed that's ‘so comfortable' and ideal for camping
Avoid aching backs and bad nights sleep whilst camping out or visiting friends overnight with Silentnight's double air bed that's 'so comfortable' and 'inflates quickly' You never get a good night's sleep quite like you do in your own bed, but when you're away from home it can be much harder to get comfortable, especially if you're not staying in a hotel. Whether you've got a family camping trip planned, are heading off to a festival, or just want to visit your friends for the weekend who don't have a spare bed, an air bed is a quick and easy way to avoid the aching back and bad sleep that comes with sleeping on the floor. If you're looking to nab a bargain on one, the Silentnight Air Bed Double with Built in Pump is the perfect pick, and right now it's even more affordable than usual. Amazon has slashed the price of all three sizes, taking a single down from £59.99 to £44.99, a double is now £54.99 rather than £69.99, or you can save £20 on a kingsize, which is now £54.99 reduced from £74.99. Unlike other inflatable mattresses which can require your own lung power to blow it up, the Silentnight one comes with a built in electric pump which allows you to inflate it in minutes. When deflated, it fits comfortably inside its handy storage bag, making it easy to carry and taking up minimal space in your car or bag. Anyone who has slept on an air bed will know that they aren't always the most comfortable, but the Silentnight Air Bed has been carefully designed with a beam construction to support your whole body while you sleep. It also features a flocked top layer, which not makes it cosier to sleep on, but prevents your sleeping bag or sheets from slipping and sliding when you move. It comes with a free puncture kit included, and you'll also get Silentnight's one year guarantee to make sure it lasts and works just as you need it to. You can also pick up other air beds at Go Outdoors, with different size options to choose from, as well as high rise options to make sure you're well above the chilly ground when you sleep. Argos also has a great affordable option for those on a tight budget, with the Bestway Air bed Flocked Double Air mattress available for £20. However Amazon shoppers have been thrilled with the Silentnight Air Bed, with one saying: 'Guest was so comfortable on it.' Another agreed: 'I love this airbed I bought it to stay overnight at my neighbours as their flat is only one bedroom and I found it really easy and quick to inflate and deflate and so comfortable to sleep on. I've also got it in case I have visitors to stay overnight.' Whilst a third praised: 'Inflates quickly and pretty much stayed at the same level all night. Folds into bag for easy storage.' However one mentioned: 'On using this bed for the first time inside my daughter's flat as an extra bed. It kept going down throughout the night. It had a puncher at the side of the bed. Which I was very disappointed to find after only one use. The bed is very comfortable, and the built in pump is great, which was a good job as I had to keep pumping it up, but I was hoping it would be more durable and I would not have to use the puncher patches that came with the bed straight away.' Whilst others said: 'Inflates and deflates very quickly 2 mins approx. Hole where plug and cable are stowed could do with being a tad bigger as it's quite tight for putting away and tricky getting out. Very comfy with soft top. Quite large so needs fair amount of free space to fit comfortably.'
North Wales Live
24-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Rare deal stack drops 50% off Yeti tumbler making it £35 cheaper than Stanley rival
With the arrival of balmy, sun-soaked days and a bank holiday on the horizon, it's crucial to have a dependable insulated bottle to keep your beverages refreshingly cool all day. Yeti's Rambler Bottle is the perfect portable companion. Typically retailing at £30, as opposed to the viral Stanley Quencher cup, which can cost upwards of £50, shoppers can now bag a bargain with a £20 saving on the 532ml insulated bottle, complete with a straw. In a lesser-known deal stack, customers can slash the price of the Yeti tumbler to just £15 by combining it with TopCashback, a deals site that offers consumers a percentage of their money back when they shop via its links. New members of TopCashback will be treated to a £15 sign-up bonus, plus an additional cashback amount for shopping with Go Outdoors, reducing the total cost of the tumbler to a mere £13.25 after cashback. Existing TopCashback members can also enjoy a modest discount, paying £28.25 after cashback. New TopCashback members stand to save over £36 on the Yeti tumbler overall. Alternatively, the Thermos Thermocafe Tumbler from Argos, priced at £13 and featuring a lock lid to prevent accidental spills, is proving popular among shoppers. The Ninja's Sip Perfect Travel Mug, retailing for £34.99, has received glowing reviews. The Yeti Rambler is available in four vibrant colours: Firefly Yellow, Red, Big Sky Blue and Tropical Pink. While Stanley's quencher bottles have become a TikTok sensation due to their stylish hues and large capacities, YETI is renowned for its robust construction, superior insulation, and leak-proof lids. The 18oz Rambler is an ideal choice for those seeking a compact, hard-wearing bottle equipped with a straw cap, making it perfect for enjoying iced coffees, smoothies, or simply water whilst on the move. Moreover, with the prospect of summer heatwaves looming, possessing a reliable insulated bottle could spare you from shelling out on costly beverages when out and about. How to get a Yeti Rambler for under £15
