The Best Waterproof Jackets for Spring

Last week marked the first day of spring and although that means lighter morning and nights it also means that there is a higher chance of rainfall, commonly known as April showers. SportsDirect.com take a look at what styles to look out for in raincoats to help keep dry and protected this season.
Waterproof jackets are a staple for a spring wardrobe and over the years have been designed and tailored to suit individual needs and tastes.

Sporty
For sportsmen and women having a jacket that is suitable for when the showers come is essential so that they can keep on training. However, as they are often unpredictable it is important that the jacket of choice is super lightweight, easy to stuff into a small bag, or tie round the waist, and is breathable to ensure comfort, like the Karrimor XLite running jacket. Having elasticated cuffs and toggles is also a desired quality as they will prevent the rain and wind from seeping through.
Explorer
When looking for a waterproof coat that is suitable for walking or hiking in, it’s important that it is both waterproof and breathable, but has a lining and has a thinker shell that that of a sporting raincoat. Three in one jackets, like the Regatta Calter 3 in 1 jacket, are a great option as walkers can store the waterproof in their backpack, and just wear the fleece when it is dry, then slip on the jacket when the rain starts to pour.
Fashionista
In recent years raincoats have been seen up and down the catwalks and have become increasingly stylish. A coat with taped seams, a bold colour and chunky detailing, whether it be pockets, buttons or toggles spruces the practical waterproof and makes it fun and fashionable, like the Regatta Bayeux jacket. For festival fashionistas then a lightweight rain jacket with a funky pattern such as spots and raindrops is essential for showing off a bit of style whilst staying dry, Golddigga have a selection of patterned raincoats that are ideal.
Visit www.sportsdirect.com for their full selection of waterproof jackets to suit all activities and tastes.

Run Further With Karrimor

The lighter nights and brighter days of spring often mean that runners will begin to look at going on longer runs, especially if in training for a marathon or charity run. A steady increase of distance and gradient is perhaps the best way to achieve results from training, however, having the right running gear can also help to improve performance.

Having a pair of responsive and supportive running shoes, coupled with clothing that helps to wick away sweat, plays a big role in increasing running time and distance. If a runner is uncomfortable they will not run for as long or push themselves as much as a runner who is.

Running brand Karrimor, available at SportsDirect.com, have incorporated the latest technologies in both their running shoes and clothing lines to ensure that runners and athletes get the most out of training.
Karrimor’s range of running shoes include the Duma and D30 models which all aim to provide the athlete with a flexible and comfortable running experience. The Duma running shoes start from £39.99 and feature a flexible, waffle print sole, coupled with mesh detailing for breathability and a moisture wicking insole, to avoid bad odours and discomfort.

The D30s start from £60.00,and benefit from shock absorption and gel technology to lessen the impact on hard surfaces. They also feature underfoot support torsion control, a lightweight construction and a clutch counter to the heel for improved stability and control which is advantageous when runners are picking up speed and changing direction often.

Within the Karrimor clothing range is their line of XLite running tights and tops that aim to make running easier and more enjoyable, in  a bid to help the runner run for longer. The XLite technology works to produce a lightweight item, without sacrificing the durability or breathability which are both major qualities in running clothing. The XLite running t-shirts and shorts start from £5.00, with some also incorporating reflective detailing for higher visibility.

Discover the full Karrimor range online at SportsDirect.com. Join in the conversation at www.Facebook.com/SportsDirectUK and www.Twitter.com/SportsDirectUK

An Introduction to the MMA Essentials

MMA combines a range of different martial arts, as the name suggests, including Muay Thai, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate. A lot of skill and technique is involved in MMA and for this reason, beginners need to be well equipped to avoid injury and progress.

Due to the amount of disciplines that are involved in MMA

it can be hard to distinguish what is needed when taking up the sport. As MMA is a full body combat sport it is essential that the appropriate clothing is worn. The nature of the sport means there is a lot of close body contact which is why rash guards are a must as they offer muscle support, incorporate moisture management technology and won’t restrict movement. Long sleeve rash guards are advised, predominantly because less skin is exposed and therefore reduces the chance of contracting skin to skin conditions, as fighters get extremely close to their opponents.

Next on the list is protection. MMA is considered to be a dangerous sport, some people think it is more dangerous than boxing, others don’t, but there is one thing for certain  - that protection is always needed. Punching, kicking and grappling are all ways to knock out the opponent so the whole the body needs armour.

For wrist support and protection against damaging delicate bones in the hands, handwraps are a necessity, but they do need to be properly secured.  When grappling, shin guards and knee pads  need to be worn to be worn, especially when practicing takedowns. Special grappling shin pads are available and are designed to allow flexibility and stay on for longer. Mouth guards and gum shields are also required during striking practice and should be moulded to the individual for the perfect fit.

There are a range of different gloves that are suitable for MMA, including grappling, striking and kickboxing gloves, but the main specification to look out for is that they are at least 14/16oz otherwise, if they are too light,  it could cause harm to the opposition.

All of the essentials from top MMA brands such as Tapout, Lonsdale and MMA Elite can all be found SportsDirect.com. Visit http://www.sportsdirect.com/mma-and-martial-arts for their full range. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

SportsDirect.com’s Save Spend and Splurge for Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day taking place on Sunday 30th March, SportsDirect.com are hosting a blogging competition whereby the winner will win £75.00 worth of vouchers for their mum to spend at their online store.

The Mother’s Day challenge will set bloggers the task of finding three products from SportsDirect.com that they think their mum would love to receive on Mothering Sunday. The twist is that they will need to source one product for under £10.00, for the savers, and one for under £30.00, for the spenders, with the final item having no budget, for the splurges.

Each blogger will be required to outline which three items they chose for each budget and why they think their mum would love it, on their blog. There will be both a winner and a runner-up who will receive SporstDirect.com vouchers for their mum. The winner will receive £75.00, and the runner-up will receive £25.00 for their mum to spend online.

Entrants will have up until Sunday 23rd March, a week before Mother’s Day, to research and write their blog posts, with the title ‘Save, Spend and Splurge for Mother’s Day’. All blog posts should be e-mailed to social@SportsDirect.com by this date and the winner will be contacted and announced on the SportsDirect.com blog.

Terms and Conditions:
Only one entry per person
Three items must be picked with one being under £10, one under £30 and one with no limit.
The blog must mention SportsDirect.com as the source of the products
There is no cash or prize alternative
The judge’s decision is final
Winner must hold a valid UK address
Entries must be sent to Social@SportsDirect.com by Sunday 23rd March at 3pm
The winner will be contacted via email, so must provide a valid email address.

To take part in the blogging challenge visit SportsDirect.com and start searching  for the perfect Mother’s Day gift!