Aqua Leisure Product Review and Giveaway

Monday, October 11, 2010

This contest is now closed and a winner has been selected.

Important update! Due to a shortage in supply, there has been a change in prize offerings. More information can be found here: Aqua Leisure - Prize Change

Everyone knows how important it is to maintain an active lifestyle. The physical benefits are undeniable and I truly believe it has a positive effect on your overall well-being. This is why it is crucial to instill a love of physical activity in our kids while they are young in hopes that they will continue to be regularly active well into their adulthood. And if you can find a way to make it fun, bonus! That's why I am thankful for First Fitness Toys by Aqua-Leisure.

Aqua-Leisure Industries is a small family-based company based near Boston, Massachusetts and was first founded in 1970. (Yes, before I was born!) During this time, they have grown to be America’s leading producer of high-quality, value-priced swim gear and aquatic leisure products. Additional products include Swimschool®, their three-level progressive learn-to-swim system, Sunsmart™, their line of functional shade products as well as their most recent offerings such as Uncle Bob’s™ premium inflatable products, Spray Zone™ backyard water activities, and the First Fitness™ collection of juvenile fitness products, including the First Fitness 18" Hop Ball.

For this review, I was sent a Hop Ball and immediately opened it from the box thinking I would find some sort of pump in it. Instead, all I found was a folded up ball and two valves. I cleaned the area in and around the air hole and blew it up like a balloon. Then I took a valve to plug the hole, which is recessed for safety. Easy enough! Within a few minutes, the ball was ready to go. It is quite clear that the Hop Ball can help to increase leg strength and balance. It also provides a great cardio workout while kids have fun bouncing up and down (instead of bouncing off the walls). The Hop Ball has a handle that is large enough to ensure a secure grip and it is also great for both indoor and outdoor play. As with the other First Fitness products, the colours are bright and appealing to kids. After I had my chance to play with it, I let my 5 year old try it. It sure is a great way to tire her out! Even my 2-year-old son enjoyed it, too! He's a huge fan of bouncing. Prior to testing out the Hop Ball, I had thought that the valve could pop out, hence the reason for the extra one. But after all the bouncing fun we've had, it has still remained in its place. All in all, the Hop Ball is durable and has been a fun part of my children's daily activity. So this product gets two thumbs up from me. And two raised eyebrows from my son...

Aqua Leisure has offered to give away a Quick-Click Pop-Up Cabana to one of my readers. It is great at home or at the beach to provide instant protection from the sun and a place for kids to just plain chill. It is lightweight and portable, and comes with a convenient carry bag. The recommended age is 3 years and older.

You can order the First Fitness Hop Ball from Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart, Toy R Us and Wal-Mart, just to name a few. You can also order direct from ourtoyshop.com for only $13.95 US.

For a chance to win the Quick Click Pop-Up Cabana, browse through the Aqua Leisure online catalogue and find another product you think would help promote healthy habits in childhood. Then come back here and leave a comment on this post along with a way to contact you if you win.

For additional entries, you may choose to do any or all of the following:

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Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom using Google Friend Connect.
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Subscribe to this blog by email or in a reader.
Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Tweet daily for additional entries. Feel free to use the following tweet: (updated to reflect prize change - 10/26)

Win a Snow Tube and Exercise Ball by Aqua Leisure @TeacherMomOfTwo http://ht.ly/2S0dt

Contest ends October 29 at 10pm EST. Open to US and Canadian residents. Winner will be selected using Random.org and must reply to the notification email within 3 days or a new winner will be drawn.

Disclosure: I received a Hop Ball for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated in any other way. The thoughts and views expressed in this review are strictly my own honest opinions.