Time is running out to do your Christmas shopping!
Fortunately for you, we’ve found a great list of work-out accessories that make great for any fitness buff in your family.
10. Road ID – As safetyfirst commented, it may not be the sexiest gift, but it’s certainly a practical one. There are several different styles of bracelets and shoe tags that hold key emergency information just in case. Give this as a stocking stuffer and show the runner in your life that you care about their safety.
9. Gift card for clothes or classes – If you do yoga, or know someone who does, you know how $15 per class can add up. Many yoga studios around town are offering gift cards, or monthly passes. Some gyms also offer a monthly pass. Gift certificates for clothes are also a good idea. Unless you really know what size and fit your gift recipient is, gift cards for stores like City Sports allow them to pick their own warm jacket, running tights or new swim suit.
8. Socks, mittens, hats and other cold-weather items – Keeping warm is vital to enjoying winter sports. But technical socks, hats and gloves can be spendy, so many people don’t buy them for themselves. But a warm pair of socks, like the Injinji toe socks make great stocking stuffers.
7. Snowshoes! Fun for the whole family! I’ve actually never been snowshoe-ing, but I’d try it if someone bought some for me for Christmas! Similarly, flippers, or a tennis racket could be fun to find under the tree. The point is, you can buy someone equipment for a new or old sport.
6. Reflective gear or flashlights – Another safety item for those who still want to run and bike outdoors even with fewer hours of daylight.
5. Yoga mat – If you go to yoga more than once, you deserve your own mat. Who wants to share with strangers? Look for new, greener options, like yoga mats free of Latex and PVC or biodegradable mats (not recommended for those who practice outdoors).
4. A heart rate monitor – Even though I used my Polar when training for the half marathon this year, I was having a hard time coming up with a reason why one would make a good gift. So I asked my running buddy and her reasoning is that it helps a runner not train harder than they have to, which is a pretty good reason. For someone who is just starting out a fitness regimen, a HR monitor could keep them from working out to hard, yet also provides motivation — most show how many calories you’ve burned! And the simpler ones, which are great for beginners, cost under $100.
3. Personal GPS – Help a runner or biker up their game. You can more accurately track distance using GPS, plus keep track of your time and store all your data on your computer. Some popular options are Garmin and Timex Ironman, but don’t rule out buying accessories for a runner who uses the Nike+ GPS app with their iPhone.
2. Race registration, preferable to a dreamy destination race. (and if you’re really generous, you could kick in a plane ticket and hotel, too)
1. Zero-gravity treadmill – The website says “It’s like running in space.” Say no more.
[Image via AP Images.]