18 Fitness Gifts That Don't Suck (except maybe one)
Wondering what to get that hard to buy for person on your Christmas list? Well we've got you covered. Below are 18 Fitness Gifts That Don't Suck (except maybe one). And this one would only suck if that were the only fitness gift you got for someone. Read on to get some great gift ideas for the active person in your life.
1. rubber tubing & bands ($5-30) You have to love the versatility in terms of the number of exercises you can do, the portability of where you can train with them and the relatively low cost. Add to that they are appropriate for all levels from beginner up through top level powerlifters and you've a great addition to any gym bag.
2. fat gripz ($39) Grip strength is the weak link for many people. And a wider bar or handle requires more of the muscles necessary for holding on. Increase your grip strength and watch your other lifts follow suit.
3. bodybugg ($250) I'm a numbers guy and the bodybugg puts true numbers to all my workouts. This device tells you exactly how many calories you burn throughout the day so you know how much to eat in order to lose, maintain or gain weight. Be aware that there is subscription service (additional charge) required after the first six months of use.
4. sleeptracker ($200) Who doesn't love sleep? And who doesn't love waking up at the appropriate time every day feeling totally refreshed. I swear by mine.
5. shaker cup ($10) If you're serious about your fitness goals then you are serious about your nutrition. And this involves making sure you always have a pre/post workout shake at the ready. Shaker cups ensure you have to something to dump your blender drink into before hitting the gym.
6. training journal ($5) This doesn't have to be anything special. But everyone needs one and they're easy to find. Just make sure this isn't the only fitness gift you get someone. Because that would really suck. Don't be that guy/girl.
7. lacrosse ball ($5) After a while a tennis ball breaks down and just doesn't get the job done. And a foam roll just can't hit certain areas nor does it fit very well in a carry on bag when travelling.
8. foam roller ($40) If you're going to spring for a foam roller, do yourself a favour and get a foam roller plus. The inner core of the roller is a pvc tube and it has an outer sleeve that can be removed and washed. The other cheaper versions break down too early and don't last.
9. partner glute ham raise ($229 est) Who doesn't want firmer glutes for the holidays? Want to perform glute-ham exercises but don't have access to a glute-ham machine this is a cool option.
10. five fingers ($80) I love my five fingers. Might not be the best for wearing outdoors during the winter but they are definitely great for the gym or a tropical vacation. By allowing the toes to articulate free of the confines of a toe box as well as bringing the heel down to a neutral level does wonders for natural movement and joint health.
11. power wheel ($60) Core exercises for the upper and lower body. Small enough to travel with and store away when not in use. Provides a number of trunk anti-flexion exercises.
12. gc for a massage (varies) Have someone else with strong and qualified hands release all the tension of training. If you don't know of someone to pick one up from let me know and I can throw a few names of qualified, proferssional RMTs your way.
13. magic bullet ($40) If you pick up a shaker cup then this makes a great complement. But if you don't you're still ok because this smoothie sized blender comes with a number of cups to take your smoothie to go.
14. suspension trainer ($50-150) There are a number of versions you can go with including the JungleGym and gym-popular TRX. Great for all levels. Perfect for people on the go. As many exercise options as your creativity will allow.
15. kettlebell (varies) A great training tool. Can be used for rehab, strength or energy system training. The best, and most expensive, come from Dragon Door. A number of exercises can be performed with a single bell.
16. chin up bar ($20 and up) Want bigger arms and a nice v-taper down to a small waist? Add in more chins and pull ups. There are a number of versions. Personally I would go with a removeable one rather than bolting one into my wall.
17. Gym Boss ($20) Maybe you already wear a watch to the gym but does it have a count down timer? And if so, do you take your watch off when using kettlebells so the face doesn't get wrecked? A Gym Boss has a couple of interval timers you can set, is small and fits easily in your gym bag. Great when doing MET training and intervals.
18. vest ($50 and up) Need a way to increase the intensity of your workouts? Or have an arm injury that prevents you from holding a dumbbell or barbell? Throw on a vest and make all the exercises where you have to move your body a little harder. The people at Hyper Wear have come up with a really cool version.
Well there you have it 18 Fitness Gifts That Don't Suck (except maybe one). Hope this makes your Christmas shopping a little and brings a little joy, and sweat, to someone in your life.
If you like this list show me some love and tell what you'd like to get for Christmas. And of course if there's something really cool fitness-wise you'd like to get by all means make sure to tell me about it in the comments section below.
Merry Christmas,
Chris okanaganpeakperformance.com 'always moving forward'
1. rubber tubing & bands ($5-30) You have to love the versatility in terms of the number of exercises you can do, the portability of where you can train with them and the relatively low cost. Add to that they are appropriate for all levels from beginner up through top level powerlifters and you've a great addition to any gym bag.
2. fat gripz ($39) Grip strength is the weak link for many people. And a wider bar or handle requires more of the muscles necessary for holding on. Increase your grip strength and watch your other lifts follow suit.
3. bodybugg ($250) I'm a numbers guy and the bodybugg puts true numbers to all my workouts. This device tells you exactly how many calories you burn throughout the day so you know how much to eat in order to lose, maintain or gain weight. Be aware that there is subscription service (additional charge) required after the first six months of use.
4. sleeptracker ($200) Who doesn't love sleep? And who doesn't love waking up at the appropriate time every day feeling totally refreshed. I swear by mine.
5. shaker cup ($10) If you're serious about your fitness goals then you are serious about your nutrition. And this involves making sure you always have a pre/post workout shake at the ready. Shaker cups ensure you have to something to dump your blender drink into before hitting the gym.
6. training journal ($5) This doesn't have to be anything special. But everyone needs one and they're easy to find. Just make sure this isn't the only fitness gift you get someone. Because that would really suck. Don't be that guy/girl.
7. lacrosse ball ($5) After a while a tennis ball breaks down and just doesn't get the job done. And a foam roll just can't hit certain areas nor does it fit very well in a carry on bag when travelling.
8. foam roller ($40) If you're going to spring for a foam roller, do yourself a favour and get a foam roller plus. The inner core of the roller is a pvc tube and it has an outer sleeve that can be removed and washed. The other cheaper versions break down too early and don't last.
9. partner glute ham raise ($229 est) Who doesn't want firmer glutes for the holidays? Want to perform glute-ham exercises but don't have access to a glute-ham machine this is a cool option.
10. five fingers ($80) I love my five fingers. Might not be the best for wearing outdoors during the winter but they are definitely great for the gym or a tropical vacation. By allowing the toes to articulate free of the confines of a toe box as well as bringing the heel down to a neutral level does wonders for natural movement and joint health.
11. power wheel ($60) Core exercises for the upper and lower body. Small enough to travel with and store away when not in use. Provides a number of trunk anti-flexion exercises.
12. gc for a massage (varies) Have someone else with strong and qualified hands release all the tension of training. If you don't know of someone to pick one up from let me know and I can throw a few names of qualified, proferssional RMTs your way.
13. magic bullet ($40) If you pick up a shaker cup then this makes a great complement. But if you don't you're still ok because this smoothie sized blender comes with a number of cups to take your smoothie to go.
14. suspension trainer ($50-150) There are a number of versions you can go with including the JungleGym and gym-popular TRX. Great for all levels. Perfect for people on the go. As many exercise options as your creativity will allow.
15. kettlebell (varies) A great training tool. Can be used for rehab, strength or energy system training. The best, and most expensive, come from Dragon Door. A number of exercises can be performed with a single bell.
16. chin up bar ($20 and up) Want bigger arms and a nice v-taper down to a small waist? Add in more chins and pull ups. There are a number of versions. Personally I would go with a removeable one rather than bolting one into my wall.
17. Gym Boss ($20) Maybe you already wear a watch to the gym but does it have a count down timer? And if so, do you take your watch off when using kettlebells so the face doesn't get wrecked? A Gym Boss has a couple of interval timers you can set, is small and fits easily in your gym bag. Great when doing MET training and intervals.
18. vest ($50 and up) Need a way to increase the intensity of your workouts? Or have an arm injury that prevents you from holding a dumbbell or barbell? Throw on a vest and make all the exercises where you have to move your body a little harder. The people at Hyper Wear have come up with a really cool version.
Well there you have it 18 Fitness Gifts That Don't Suck (except maybe one). Hope this makes your Christmas shopping a little and brings a little joy, and sweat, to someone in your life.
If you like this list show me some love and tell what you'd like to get for Christmas. And of course if there's something really cool fitness-wise you'd like to get by all means make sure to tell me about it in the comments section below.
Merry Christmas,
Chris okanaganpeakperformance.com 'always moving forward'
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Comments 12
Guest - Charlie
on Tuesday, 14 December 2010 11:59
Hi Chris,
Interesting list.
I thought I would mention regarding buying kettlebells that there is a company out of Calgary who sells and ships Competition style kettlebells for a much more reasonable shipping rate than to have them shipped from Dragon door or even Agatsu out of Montreal. The competition or pro-grade style of kettlebell means that they are the same dimensions regardless of the weight which is different from the cast iron ones sold by Dragon door and other companies. The competition bells are designed for the most ergonomic and biomechanical efficiency for kettlebell lifting, especially for the kb snatch, jerk and long cycle clean and jerk(or press/push press).
I hope you don't mind me mentioning but the company is: bellsofsteel.com
I do not eat sleep and live kettlebells...who am I kidding
Charlie
Guest - Chris
on Tuesday, 14 December 2010 12:33
Charlie: Thanks for the comments. You are right regarding the advantages of using competitions style kettlebells. Especially for people who may learn specific lifts and exercises on a lighter non-competition style and then progress to a heavier bell. They will find that they must adapt their technique to account for the increased size in the heavier kettlebell. Not a problem with mentioning where to find savings on kettlebells. I appreciate the tip.
All the best,
Chris
okanaganpeakperformance.com 'always moving forward'
Guest - George Barr
on Tuesday, 14 December 2010 12:20
Definitely the chin up bar is the coolest what is the sleep tracker all about? I don't understand how it works
Guest - Chris
on Tuesday, 14 December 2010 12:38
Hi George: You're a wise man! Chin up bars are very useful and challenging. The Sleeptracker is a watch you wear which monitors the stages of sleep you are in during the night. Our sleep cycles includes phases of being more awake to more asleep. You set a range of upto to 90 minutes of when you want to wake up and the Sleeptracker wakes you at your most awake moment during that range. You wake up more refreshed when you make up during a 'more awake' phase of sleep compared to waking up during a 'more asleep' phase of sleep. Let me know if you have more questions. I am a distributor for Canada if you're interested.
Chris
okanaganpeakperformance.com 'always moving forward'
Guest - dave Risso
on Tuesday, 14 December 2010 12:24
Thanks Chris...RE: rubber tubing & bands ....suggestions where to buy or who to order from.
What about a list of suggested general/specific fitness and nutrition reading or magazine gift ideas.
Guest - Chris
on Tuesday, 14 December 2010 12:49
Hi Dave: Thanks for the feedback. Here's a place that is about as competively priced as they come:
http://www.360conditioning.com/aff-JHIXBLNADH
For reading there are tons of options depending on what somone likes.
* For the healthiest back possible anything by Stuart McGill.
* For MMA style training methods Training for Warriors: The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Workout by Martin Rooney
* New Rules of Lifting by Shuler and Cosgrove (a number of editions for men & women)
* Never Let Go: A Philosophy of Lifting, Living and Learning by Dan John, Pavel Tsatsouline, and Dave Draper (Jun 2009)
* The 4th Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris
* The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz
Happy reading,
Chris
okanaganpeakperformance.com 'always moving forward'
Guest - Andrew
on Tuesday, 14 December 2010 12:47
Gym Boss works great, especially for those like me who work out solo. I'm interested in the Body Bugg and Charlie's kettlebell tip. I have installed a chin up bar I made from plumbing supplies, so the Fat Grips would also be something I should look into. Off to do some Xmas shopping!
Guest - Chris
on Tuesday, 14 December 2010 12:54
Hi Andrew: True about the Gym Boss and training alone. Allows you to just focus on the task at hand. Let me know if you want a bodybugg and I can help you out there. Fat Gripz would a great addition too.
All the best.
Chris
okanaganpeakperformance.com 'always moving forward'
Guest - Dean Palibroda
on Tuesday, 14 December 2010 15:17
If you haven't already, buy this book:
http://www.fourhourbody.com
Cheers,
Dean
Guest - Chris
on Tuesday, 14 December 2010 15:19
Hi Dean: I do like Tim Ferris. Good pick.
Chris
okanaganpeakperformance.com 'always moving forward'
Guest - Alexandra
on Wednesday, 15 December 2010 12:52
One of my favorite articles! Great fitness gift ideas - Body Bugg is definitely on my list
Guest - 32kg kettlebell one arm jerks | Sandbag and Kettlebell Training
(website) on Thursday, 23 December 2010 08:04
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