Fitness gifts aren't for everyone, of course, but if there's an exerciser in your life, chances are there's something he or she wants to make workouts more efficient and more fun. I did some research to find out some of the top-selling items this holiday season. If you need gift ideas for the fitness enthusiast in your life, below are some thoughts on what exercisers really want this year.
1. Heart Rate Monitor
A heart rate monitor is an excellent tool for any exerciser who wants to get the most out of his or her workout. There are a variety of options out there, but you'll definitely want one that has a heart rate strap so your exerciser can see a continuous heart rate at a glance. If he's a techy, he might want a fancy GPS model which can track pace, location, speed etc. If she's into fitness and counting calories, she might enjoy a lighter version which can do all the counting for you while you exercise.
2. Armband Heart Rate Monitors
Heart rate monitors are great, but there are plenty of people completely opposed to wearing a chest strap, especially if you are a runner. It certainly can be a pain to wear and use, which is where this armband comes in. It offers all the bells and whistles of a regular HRM - heart rate, time in target heart rate zone, calories burned, etc., but without the annoying chest strap. Just strap it to your arm and you're ready to go.
3. TRX Suspension System
If you have friends or family who love to try new and challenging workouts, the TRX Suspension System offers just that. This network of straps connects to a door or ceiling (with an anchor) and allows the exerciser to leverage his own body weight for a variety of strength, endurance and power exercises. What's great about the TRX is that it's different, it allows you to work your body with very little equipment and you can take it anywhere. It's a bit pricey (the basic package is $189.95), but the package comes with everything you need - the strap system, a wall/ceiling anchor and a variety of videos. There's also a package with the door anchor included ($199.95), which is more travel friendly.
4. Hydryx Workout Towel
OK, so giving someone a workout towel seems a little lame. But this towel is actually pretty cool...literally. Once you take it out of the included tube, it instantly cools to help keep your workouts more comfortable. It's great for the gym, which can get steamy with all that body heat, or for summertime workouts as well. What a great idea and a perfect choice for the exerciser who has everything.
5. Workout Socks
We probably all have that one person (hello, grandma) who gives us socks every year for birthdays or other holidays. In fact, many of us let our socks fall apart, waiting for the holidays when we know we'll get to stock up. If you're the sock recipient, ask for a pair of these workout socks. I normally don't spend much time raving about socks, but these are excellent for any activity. They have padding at all the right places - the heel and the ball of the foot, while the rest of the sock is thinner, yet supportive. They breathe well, stay in place and offer padding without the bulk.
6. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are the latest trend in fitness and a good choice if your exerciser loves a challenge. There are a variety of kettlebell options out there, from medicine-ball like bells to basic iron models. Kettlebell training isn’t easy, so he or she should have some instruction before diving into a workout. You might consider getting them an instructional video if you're not sure of their fitness level.
7. Personal Training Sessions
Keep in mind that not everyone would be thrilled to get personal training sessions. So you shouldn't get someone sessions just because you want them to exercise or be healthy. However, this can be a great gift if your loved one has expressed interest in training but is reluctant to spend the money or intimidated to try it. You might want to give one or two sessions and let them decide if they want more, or offer to train with them in group sessions.
8. Gym Memberships
Like other fitness gifts, a gym membership isn't for everyone. Giving someone a gym membership because you want them to workout may cause some instant relationship problems. However, if they've been talking about joining a gym, you're in the clear. Another option is to get them a coupon for free tours of gyms and let them browse before you buy.
HAPPY SHOPPING!
