With the holiday just around the corner many of you may be looking for a few fitness gift ideas for your family, friends or maybe something you would like to put on your own gift wish list. Check out my list and feel free to add a few of your own ideas in the comment area below. The majority of the items are less than $50 which makes them the ideal gift for that someone special in your life.
Garmin Forerunner 110 Price range $199.99-$249.99
If you are looking for a GPS unit without all the bells and whistles that many of the other GPS devices on the market offer, then the Garmin Forerunner 110 may be just what you are looking for. It allows runners and walkers to track distance, pace and calories expended. The more expensive unit has a heart rate monitor component which allows for target heart zone training. What I like most about this simplified version of the Gamin Forerunner is the easy set-up and functionality and you can still upload your data via Garmin Connect.
The Stick
Price $55 and under
Many of us are familiar with foam rollers for myofascial release, but one tool I have found to be a lifesaver in helping release muscle adhesions, soreness and stiffness is a handy-dandy device known as 'The Stick'. This device is made of plastic with individual spindles which helps relieve muscle stiffness and soreness. This is a great gift not just for runners but for all fitness enthusiasts.
Road ID
Price $19 and up
This made my list of favorites two years ago, but carrying an ID when doing any activity is imperative, so I decided to add this item back on my list for 2010. Carrying ID when running, walking or cycling is essential especially if you are injured and require medical intervention. You can choose from a wrist, shoe, necklace or ankle version.
Mizuno Breath Thermo Gloves
Price range $19.99 and up
These gloves are amazing as I found out when I ran the Las Vegas Half-Marathon this past weekend. They contain a special material when exposed to moisture, whether perspiration or environmental, that heats up so that it keeps your hands warm and cozy, especially when waiting for your race to start. They are light-weight enough to stick in your waistband or pocket once your body temp begins to rise. Mizuno Breath can also be found in hats, arm warmers, tights and jackets.
Sportline Walking Advantage Reflective Vest
Price range $12 and up
With the winter season and shorter daylight hours upon us, many are having to do our walks, runs and cycling in the dark. The rule is, "To be safe, one must be seen." Donning a reflective vest can be the difference between being seen and not being seen. This lightweight vest fits nicely over your running attire and has a small pouch to carry money or your ID.
Toe Sox
Price $15
ToeSox are a great addition to any Pilates or Yoga enthusiast attire. They offer protection for your feet while still allowing you the freedom of moving moves your toes. A Pilates enthusiast friend of mine told me about this product when I informed her 2011 will bring me back to the Pilates studio.
Dense Foam Brick
Price $10
When visiting Cincinnati in September 2009 I had the honor of taking a private yoga class with SparkPeople's expert yoga instructor, Stepfanie Romine. One of the things I discovered during my lesson was how tight my hamstrings were due to all the running I had been doing. Because of this, I did not have the ability to touch my toes. This is where using a brick helped me have some stability when reaching over to the point where I could safely reach. The Dense Foam Brick is lightweight and comes in three different heights for all the various postures.
Timeless Running Wisdom
Price $16.95
In his book Timeless Running Wisdom, author Richard Benyo highlights the training and methods of running used by some of the sport's greatest contributors to running. It is truly an inspiring read and will allow you to develop your own appreciation to the sport.
GymBoss
Price $19.95
This small device is great for anyone looking at doing interval training whether utilizing a run/walk program or integrating high intensity interval training via other modalities. It allows you to set the time for repeating your intervals via a beep or vibrating mode.
Finish Line Charms and Gifts
Price varies
What a great way to celebrate a fitness goal of the past year by giving your family member or friend a charm to commemorate her accomplishment. I have done this for my friends and it truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
Which one of these gifts would you like on your list? Which one is your favorite?
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