Backlife from JD Harris

I received Backlife free of charge from JD Harris, in return for an honest review. All opinions are based upon my own experience.

Ever since the birth of my first daughter some 20 years ago, I have suffered with lower back pain. I have tried many creams, tablets, freeze and heat treatments, but none bring any lasting relief. Housework, carrying shopping and many daily activities put stress on the lower back so when I was offered the chance of trying Backlife, I couldn't wait.

Backlife uses something called Continuous Passive Motion which means it creates a gentle, repetitive circular motion of the pelvis. Sounds complicated but the idea is really simple. As you relax, it slowly releases the pressure on your vertebrae thus giving more movement in your lower spine and with continued use, also helps realign the spine.

In the box ......

Backlife

Instruction Booklet

Mains Adapter 

You are recommended to lie on a thin mat (not included), and rest your head on a pillow for extra comfort - after all, the idea is to relax!

There is a height adjustment ring just below the leg support which simply twists to either heighten or lower.

Height Adjustment Ring

The ideal position is to have your pelvis slightly raised and your legs at right angles with the floor. Once you're in position, and have plugged in the adaptor, simply reach your hand down and press the 'power' button to begin .....

The Backlife moves in a gentle circular motion and you can feel a slight pull of the muscles in the lower back as they are being teased apart. The more you relax, the better the results, but it does take a little bit of getting used to. There is a slight whirring noise whilst the Backlife is in operation, but nothing too loud. There is an automatic switch off after 12 minutes as this is the recommended time for usage, although you can use it for longer if you so wish by simply re-pressing the power button, and may get faster results.
For my first use, I stuck with the 12 minutes and once it clicked off I just remained still for a couple of minutes. I very gently lowered my legs, then rolled onto my side before getting up. I could definitely feel a little more movement in my lower back although there were a few niggles too which is perfectly normal for some people when you first begin use.
I found that using Backlife twice a day for two weeks has made a significant improvement which has surprised me no end! I do still get niggles when I do anything strenuous, but there isn't as much tension and the pain is short-lived. Even if I have no pain, I still find it relaxing spending 12 minutes just lying still.

Backlife is suitable for all ages and can definitely help alleviate lower back pain giving more freedom of movement with less pain. Due to the height adjuster, it is also suitable whether you're short or tall - I'm only 5'3" and a bit (very important that 'bit') and it was just as effective for me as it was for my partner who is 5'9".

Backlife is available to purchase from JD Harris and is currently on offer for £199.00 which is a saving of £36.00 off the normal price. All prices correct at time of post.

Power Foam Roller available from Amazon.co.uk

Box (front)

Box (back)

I received the Power Foam Roller by PurePower free of charge, in return for an honest review. All opinions are based upon my own experience.

I regularly suffer severe knots in my shoulders and upper back, so thought that this may help alleviate the pain as well as being useful as a pre-workout warm-up.
A short time after I placed my order, I received an email explaining how to claim my free e-book. I followed the instructions and was able to download my e-book quickly and easily to my pc. Before I had even received the Power Foam Roller, I was able to read up on it and get myself familiar with the recommended uses. This came in very handy when my package arrived a few days later as I already had an idea of how to use it to its best advantage. The e-book not only describes in detail how to use it, but also comes with handy pictures so you can be sure you're using it correctly.

The roller itself has a sturdy bright green, plastic, hollow internal tube which is covered in a durable foam ....

Hollow inner tube

Sturdy foam covering

The foam itself isn't exactly soft, but you can push it in with your finger and it has 'bumpy' areas for maximum impact ....

'Bumpy' parts

More 'bumpy' parts

It's alot more lightweight than I expected so can be moved around with ease.

You are warned to expect some discomfort, tenderness and possibly bruising so I was prepared for the worst, especially as I only have a small, bony frame and it advises to 'roll on soft tissue and avoid direct contact over bone or joints'. As my shoulders and upper back are where I suffer most, this is where I began. I placed the Power Roller under my shoulder blades and positioned my body accordingly. I then, gently, began to roll my body up and down the roller. I could definitely feel it, although it wasn't exactly painful, just slightly uncomfortable as it worked its way over the knots. I repeated this exercise 10 times before moving onto the next one and was surprised at how much more at ease my muscles felt, despite now beginning to feel slight pain whilst rolling. I did notice a few slight creaks and groans coming from the Power Roller, but at no point did I feel that it wouldn't be able to take the strain, after all, it does come with a lifetime guarantee which shows just how confident they are that this will last!
I've been using this daily for around a week now and find that it still works wonders for me and with practice, it becomes much easier to use.
I was also really impressed when I received another email making sure that all was well with my new purchase, and offering assistance/advice if at all needed. This gave me so much reassurance. All in all a great product with proven benefits and fantastic customer service and aftercare team.

You can purchase the Power Roller from Amazon.co.uk at a cost of £26.99 (rrp £49.99) with free delivery.  Prices correct at time of post.