AWARD LEISURE NEWS
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13 SepContinus Reading »Teaching your kids to swim is an important skill they need to learn as early as possible. Learn when you should start their swim training to keep them safe.
Benefits of Early Swim Sessions
Swimming sessions with your infant or toddler are a great way to get your child to enjoy being in the water and can teach them some valuable drowning prevention skills from an early age.
If you have your own pool or Swim Spa, you can teach your children the basics from the comfort of your own home, being great quality family time while teaching your kids valuable life skills.
What Can you Teach Them in a Swim Spa?
There are loads of fun and easy games you can play with your kids to get them used to the water, including getting them to blow bubbles under water (acclimatising them to having their head under water), through to using a front float to get them used to the horizontal position they will take when swimming.
This article from Today’s Parent gives 5 great games you can play with your child to prepare them for swimming – and enjoying it!
No Substitute for Safety
Even if your child has swimming lessons, they are not a substitute for supervision.
If you opt for a Swim Spa over a swimming pool, it may be easier to reduce the risk of accidentally falling in if your Swim Spa is not sunken.
If you have a social gathering around the pool or swim spa, take turns in watching the kids. Ensure that you have a barrier or gate around the water to avoid them accidentally wandering in and getting themselves into trouble without you knowing.
Teaching your kids to swim early means they are more confident in the water, and you can all enjoy quality time as a family in your swimming pool or Swim Spa!
If you’re looking at investing in a Swim Spa, we have a range of 15 different models, ranging between 13 and 21ft long. With fully customisable features, you can create the perfect model for your home. View the whole range online or Download a free brochure!
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06 SepContinus Reading »Think Saunas are just for the Winter? Think again! There are benefits to using your sauna throughout the year, even in Summer!
Acclimatise to Summer Heat
The heatwave that hit the UK in July saw temperatures of almost 40 degrees – many people (myself included) just couldn’t function in the heat! Ice cream sold out everywhere and desk fans became a sought-after commodity.
Using a sauna regularly can help your body acclimatise to the Summer heat. There must be something to it when sports teams have been known to train in saunas to prepare them for overseas competitions in hotter climates!
Year-Round Benefits
The benefits we’ve outlined previously on sauna use don’t go away just because it’s Summer – you will still burn calories, lose weight, improve cardiovascular & respiratory function in the Summer! Regular sauna sessions will also relax tension in your muscles and contribute to stress relief all year round.
Are There Any Differences Between Summer & Winter Use?
Obviously, as the weather outside is hotter in the Summer, you’re more likely to dehydrate faster. Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during and after a sauna session to keep yourself hydrated.
You should also take a cooling shower or dive into a plunge pool to bring your body temperature down after a sauna session – which is incredibly refreshing in Summer!
Don’t close the doors on your sauna just because the weather is warming up – in fact, do the opposite! Saunas are a great addition to your wellness routine all year-round. See our huge range of indoor and outdoor saunas available online now!
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Continus Reading »3 FREE FEATURE UPGRADES
GAZEBOS FROM £399
AMAZING PACKAGE DEALS
HOT TUB AND GARDEN BUILDING PACKAGES
(*)Please note that all offers stated are not in conjunction with any other offers
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Continus Reading »If you’ve ever been to an Award Leisure showroom, you’ve probably experienced the authentic tasty goodness that is our freshly cooked pizzas, straight from the oven.
What you may not realise is the choice in taste and texture you can get just from switching out the wood – opening up a whole world of opportunity for experimenting with creating beautifully smoky flavours!
Learn about the types of wood to try and what to avoid when cooking in your wood fired pizza oven.
Hard Wood or Soft Wood?
Generally, hard woods come from deciduous trees (that lose their leaves annually). They tend to be slower growing, hence having a denser wood. Soft woods come from evergreen trees such as conifers and have a softer wood that is less dense.
When it comes to burning wood in a wood fired oven, hardwood is generally better as it burns slower. The density of softwood is around half that of hardwood, resulting in burning twice as fast – needing twice as much!
Best Types of Wood
When selecting the type of wood you want to use, you want to look for something that has a good heat output, and doesn’t billow out smoke.
We’ve categorised these wood types by the best, worst, and types to try that may take a little extra seasoning or can only be used occasionally.
Type of Wood
How it Burns
Apple
Burns slow and steady when dry, small flame size, does not produce sparking or spitting.
Cooking effects: gives a tangy, sweet flavour to food. It goes with almost everything, but its great with pork and poultry dishes.
Ash
Produces a steady flame and good heat output. It can be burnt when green but burns best when dry.
Hawthorne
Good traditional firewood that has a slow burn with good heat output.
Hazel
Good but fast burning wood and produces best results when allowed to season.
Hornbeam
A good burning wood that produces a good heat output in a slow burn.
Lilac
Burns well with a good flame. The smaller branches are also good to use as kindling.
Maple
Good burning wood that produces a good flame and heat output.
Cooking effects: light and smoky aroma.
Plum
A good burning wood that produces a good heat output.
Rowan
A good burning wood that has a slow burn and good heat output.
Thorn
One of the best woods for burning. It produces a steady flame and very good heat output, while producing very little smoke.
Yew
A good burning wood that has a slow burn and very good heat output.
Worst Types of Wood
Type of Wood
How it Burns
Alder
Poor heat output does not last long.
Chestnut
Poor burning wood, produces a small flame and poor heat output.
Firs
A poor burning wood that produces a small flame with poor heat output. The sap also causes deposits in the flue over time.
Laburnum
A smoky wood with poor burn.
Poplar
A very smoky wood with a poor burn.
Spruce
Poor heat output and does not last very well.
Willow
Does not burn well, even when seasoned.
Other Woods to Try
Type of Wood
How it Burns
Beech
Produces a steady flame and good heat output. Does not burn well when green.
Cooking effects: Gives off an herbal aroma similar to chamomile tea. Works well with oily fish and lighter meats.
Birch
Produces good heat output but burns quickly. Can be burned unseasoned, but the sap causes deposits in the flue over time.
Cooking effects: mineral, zesty flavour that is great with aged beef, game, venison or vegetables like asparagus and courgette.
Cedar
Good burning wood that produces a consistent and long heat output. It burns with a small flame but does tend to crackle and spit. The sap causes deposits in the flue over time.
Cooking effects: Seafood is commonly paired with cedar, although poultry and vegetables are an option.
Cherry
Slow burning wood with a good heat output. Must be seasoned well.
Cooking effects: similarly to other fruit woods, cherry gives food a bold and earthy flavour.
Elm
Unpredictable burn patterns due to high moisture content. Should be dried for 2 years for best results. Slow to get going and it may be necessary to use a better burning wood to start it off. Splitting logs should be done early.
Eucalyptus
Fast burning wood. The sap causes deposits in the flue over time.
Holly
Fast burning wood that produces a good flame but poor heat output. Holly will burn green but is best dried for a minimum of a year.
Horse Chestnut
Good for burning in stoves, it produces a good flame and heat output. Not a good wood for open fires due to spitting.
Larch
Reasonable heat output but must be well seasoned. The sap causes deposits in the flue over time.
Laurel
Burns with a good flame but only reasonable heat output. Must be well seasoned.
Cooking effects: Exotic aromas that are characteristic of smoked duck.
Oak
Produces a small flame and a slow burn due to density. Best when seasoned for a minimum of two years.
Cooking effects: gives a mild, woodsy flavour with a hint of vanilla and citrus. Goes with all meats and many types of seafood.
Pear
Burns well with a good heat output but needs to be seasoned well.
Cooking effects: Slightly lighter smoke than apple, giving food a mellow, nutty dimension to food.
Pine
Burns with a good flame, but the resin sap causes deposits in the flue over time.
Robinia (Acacia)
A good burning wood with a slow burn and good heat output. Not good for open fires due to producing an acrid and dense smoke – not a problem in stoves.
Sycamore
Produces a good flame, but only moderate heat output. Should only be burned once well-seasoned.
Sweet Chestnut
Burns okay when well-seasoned but does tend to spit a lot – not suitable for open fires.
When you begin to experiment with the types of wood you’re cooking with, you open your food up to creating an endless combination of flavours and smokiness.
Want to get into cooking with a Wood Fired Oven? View our full range available to buy online now along with all the accessories you need to become a pro wood fired oven chef!
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Continus Reading »EXTENDED AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY DEALS
CALL NOW FOR THE BEST DEALS
(*)Only Valid on Orders Placed Between 14th and 31th August, Only Valid on Regency and Coast Spas Hot Tubs
(**)Not in Conjunction with Any Other Offers -
23 AugContinus Reading »Chromatherapy has been around for centuries – stained glass windows were invented for churches as they were believed to heal the sick! Harness this age-old therapy in your Hot Tub to upgrade your wellness experience.
How Does Chromatherapy Work?
Colours radiate light energy through vibrations, with different colours having different vibrations. Chromatherapy works on the belief that these vibrations can influence our emotions, moods and overall well-being.
Chromatherapy is getting more popular for many bathing activities, with adjustable LED lights being added to bathtubs, shower heads and of course, Hot Tubs!
What Do the Different Colours Mean?
Each colour vibrates a different way and has a different effect on our disposition. Learn when you should use each colour below:
Colour
Effect
Red
Stimulates, rejuvenates, and excites. Best used in the morning when you’re getting ready for a big event!
Green
Associated with growth and balance. Calms the mind so you can have a little me-time to regroup and set goals.
Aquamarine
Offers balance and relief from discomfort caused by inflammation.
Purple
Promotes a sense of tranquillity, reduces anxiety and is great for winding down in the evening before bed.
Blue
A calming colour that reduces stress.
Orange
Similar to red, orange is a warm and optimistic colour. It increases energy and rejuvenates the body.
White
Refreshing, clean colour that has a cleansing effect, leaving you feeling fresh and new. Brings purity and peace, as well as bringing great relief for headaches.
Coast Spas Chromazone Technology
Coast Spas have developed Chromazone Technology for their Hot Tubs, which gives the same light benefits alongside the many advantages to regular hydrotherapy massage.
Hot Tubs have been proven to have phenomenal health and wellness benefits and Chromatherapy helps to take this to the next level. Customise your session to your desired mood and leave your Hot Tub feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day, or get a great nights sleep!
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Continus Reading »AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY DEALS
AWARD SUITE PACKAGE DEAL
FREE OUTDOOR COOLER
FREE PIZZA EVENT
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16 AugContinus Reading »We all know we should be exercising a few times a week, but truthfully, how many of us can say we consistently make time for it? With a Swim Spa, you can easily fit a workout in around your schedule, meaning you can get back to your other commitments faster!
Reason #1: Swim Spas Take up Less Time
Forget commuting to the gym, finding a parking spot, and fighting for a locker; just walk out to your garden, switch on the jets and get to working out. There’s no waiting for a swimming lane to become free either; there’s one lane and it’s always reserved for you. By taking up less time, you’re more likely to stick to your fitness goals and maintain your health and wellness!
Reason #2: You’re in control
Ever turned up to the fitness centre to find the pool is closed for maintenance, or the group swimming times have unexpectedly changed? Have you ever gone on to find another fitness centre for your workout or did you just turn round and go back home?
Swim Spas will still require maintenance from time to time, but you’re in control of when that is. Plan for maintenance to occur on a rest day, so you never miss a workout.
Reason #3: Everything You Need is in One Place
It is recommended that adults undertake moderate intensity aerobic exercise weekly, but that you should also be strength training alongside that. Swim Spas allow you to do both!
Get your aerobic exercise in with a swimming session, and then use the resistance of the water to build you strength with compatible equipment such as row bars, resistance bands or even dumbbells.
Once you’ve done with your workout, you can cool down in the dedicated hydrotherapy section of your swim spa. These are also great for your recovery days, as the hydrotherapy massage jets sooth repairing muscles and give you a great endorphin boost.
Reason #4: They’re accessible to anyone
Forget needing a 2-acre estate to fit a swim spa in, there are a lot of compact swim spa models to choose from that you can fit into most gardens!
If you have an unforgiving schedule but still want to make time for your health and well-being, Swim Spas are the perfect investment. We have a range of 15 different Swim Spa models starting from £13,795 in varying sizes so you can be sure we have the perfect model for you. Check out the full range online or Download your Free Brochure!
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13 AugContinus Reading »Hot Tub WAS NOW More Information Coast Spas Manhattan N/A £6,000 Sold as seen (pre-owned) Coast Spas Elite Omega 56 £11,820 £8,495 Ex-display Coast Spas Luxury Mirage 82 £23,300 £15,995 Ex-display Award Suite 2500L £8,610 £5,890 NEW - As featured on ITV This Morning Award Suite 2500S £8,610 £5,890 NEW - As featured on ITV This Morning Coast Spas Journey Curve N/A £6,000 Sold as seen (pre-owned) Coast Spas Elite Apex 56 £14,490 £12,495 Sold as seen (display) Award Evolution SC8 £11,890 £7,495 One left in stock Coast Spas Elite Cascade 47 £16,170 £14,495 Limited availability (ex-display) We also have ex-display deals available on Saunas and Gazebos!
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09 AugContinus Reading »While I’m sitting in standstill traffic in rush hour on a Monday morning, usually the only thing I can think of is how great it would be to work from home. When your commute will be from your house to the garden, the longest delay you’ll experience is waiting for the kettle to boil for your morning coffee! Sounds like a dream doesn’t it? We’ve put together the key benefits for working from home and how we can help bring that dream to life!
Benefit #1: Shorter Commute Times
In the UK, the average commute time is just shy of an hour – that’s two hours per day, just spent stuck travelling to work. By working from home, you can cut your commute time right down, leaving you more time working on tasks that will bring in money, or spend more time with your family.
Benefit #2: Cut Costs
While investing in an office cabin is a cost to consider, it will more than pay for itself in saved costs. By commuting less, you will spend less in car fuel and costly maintenance repairs – or if you use public transport, you’ll save on ticket costs!
By not having to rent an office space, you can save on costly overheads of running a business by working out of your Log Cabin office.
Benefit #3: Reduce Home Costs
If you’re running a business primarily from your home, you can deduct a percentage of your home expenses against your business income, reducing the costs of running your home!
Benefit #4: Achieve Work/Life Balance
While it may seem like nothing more than a pipe dream for many people, working from home gives you all the power.
Get your tasks done for the day and then go attend the Sports Day or Doctors appointment without feeling guilty or upsetting your boss!
Benefit #5: Make It Your Own
By keeping your office space separate to your home, you can create a personal space that you feel comfortable and relaxed enough to be productive.
Cabins come in all shapes and sizes, so you can tailor your office to suit you. Choose the number of windows, doors, roof lights – pretty much any feature you can think of is customisable!
We have a huge range of Valkea cabins available that are perfect as home offices! Check out the full range available online or get in touch with us to discuss your garden, landscaping and cabin requirements with our expert team.
