My holiday wish list.
First of all, I would just like to start by saying how much I absolutely love the Thanksgiving holiday. I have been so incredibly blessed in my life That I am honored to take the time to pause and reflect on these many blessings. I hope you do the same. I hope that You are able this week to surround yourselves with family, friends, and loved ones as you express gratitude towards those things for which you are thankful.
That being said, this week also marks the biggest shopping day of the year! Today I wanted to share with you the ultimate holiday gift list for any fitness junkie in your life! Take it from me – that person is going to be completely stoked to receive any one of these things!
A absolute must-have for any fitness enthusiast! Garmin has been the name in fitness monitors for a long time now – their watches are unparalleled! Track distance, pace, and calories (basic models) all the way up through heart rate, cadence and touch screen navigation (higher models). (Starting at $109 – Amazon)
My wife and I love our Fitbits. Such a simple, low-profile design and it monitors everything from steps and activity to sleep patterns. Syncs wirelessly to your phone or computer for tons of data analysis and compatible with My Fitness Pal app for comprehensive diet and activity tracking! ($95 – Walmart)
Easily my personal favorite Christmas gift I’ve ever received! I’ve got this exact set in my basement and use it at least 3 times/week. My compliance increased because it was so convenient to head downstairs and lift! I also love that it’s a ton of weight that doesn’t take up a ton of room! I would recommend these bad boys to anyone! ($196 – Amazon)
Part two of last-year’s Christmas gift – my wife COMPLETELY spoiled me!! Love this bench as it easily adjusts from flat to incline to decline. Everything from abs and arms to back, chest, and legs with this bad boy! ($126 – Amazon)
Think you need a lot or equipment for a home gym? Think again! This resistance band set includes 5 bands (6-22 pounds resistance), easily-adjustable handles, a door anchor, and a bag to carry it all in! ($18 – Walmart)
One of the most versatile pieces of home equipment! Squats, abs, push-ups, and planks can all be intensified by using a little balance training! This particular one comes as a kit with a pump and a couple of DVD’s to get you started. ($161 – Walmart)
I’ve got a fever – and I need more kettle bell! Another one of my favorite at-home pieces. These kettle bells by CAP barbells are the most-bought, best-price, highest reviews you’ll find on Amazon… not to mention the least expensive! ($18 for 10 pounds up to $108 for 80 pounds – Amazon)
Intervals with a stopwatch can get tricky. Once you’ve worked out with an interval timer you will never go back! Programmable work/rest periods, more rounds than you can ever do (up to 99!), audible/vibrate option, and easily worn on your arm – this bad boy has it all! ($20 – Amazon)
Ab day and leg day and arm day – oh my! Whoever came up with a really huge ball for a piece of fitness equipment was brilliant! So versatile and the balance component takes muscle activation to another level. (From $11 – Amazon)
A must-have for anyone taking any type of liquid nutrition (pre or post-workout). This shake bottle comes with a “BlenderBall” that does the mixing while you shake! Say goodbye to chunky supplement drinks forever! ($7 – Walmart)
I’m a fan of this one from Six Star Nutrition. You get a lot of it (2 lbs), it’s a ton of protein (26g) per serving, and not a lot of calories (150) or fat (1.5g). I prefer the vanilla flavor as it blends a little better with my fruit smoothies. All that at a great price! ($20 – Walmart)
I love mine because that sucker is big! I’ve had H2O bottles in the past where I had to fill them up 3-4 times per day. At 32 ounces you drink it twice and you’ve got your 64 ounces for the day! Suitable for hot and cold drinks and a huge opening to make adding ice easy. (From $8 – Amazon)
My wife’s got a lighter pair for her barbell/free weight days; I’ve got a pair with some wrist straps on there for weeks when I’m going heavy. Save your hands with some weight lifting gloves! (From $8 – Walmart)
Keep your back supported during lifts like squats and deadlifts with a weight belt! I love that this one cinches up with velcro instead of buckles. Completely customizable to fit you perfectly! ($23 – Amazon)
Comes with multi-sized gel tips ensuring the perfect size and comfort for your ears. The single-button mic and remote makes managing music and taking phone calls super easy! ($19 – Walmart)
Because you can never have enough workout shirts! Lots of options available from Under Armour – sizes, short sleeve, long sleeve, colors, compression, etc. (From $11 – Amazon)
Anyone else jog in the early morning hours? After years of putting up with annoying headlamps that I could never get to stay in place I came across these little babies! You wear them on you hands/across your knuckles to light the way in front of you! They’re easily one of my favorite pieces of running equipment! Sold as a two-pack. ($40 – Amazon)
Perfect for those long runs on hot days. Adjustable 29 – 46 inches, two 6-ounce water bottles, and a pocket for your keys, cell phone, MP3 player, wallet, etc. ($25 – Amazon)
The thing about running shoes – they’re not all created equally and you can’t just buy them for whomever. Out of 10 runners you talk to they could very easily recommend 10 different shoes. I’m partial to Asics, but snoop around in his/her closet to see what he/she is wearing to hit the road! (From $45 – Amazon)
Because who can’t find something they don’t love in iTunes??
I love this case from Insten. Super comfortable and easily accessible as it fits on your arm, but this one in particular came with a privacy screen protector for those of you who wish to keep your playlist and whatever else may come up on your phone to yourself! ($7 – Walmart)
As a physical therapist and fitness junkie, my foam roller is one thing I couldn’t live without! Ail all those aches, pains, tight muscles, and knots with one convenient piece of foam. I prefer the big daddy; this one is 30 inches – perfect to run up and down the length of your spine. ($24 – Walmart)
I don’t hike or trail run anywhere without mine! Huge water bottle capacity as well as storage space perfect for treats, keys, cell phone, etc. I love the hands-free capacity this offers, especially on tough trails or more vertical hikes. ($75 – Amazon)
My favorite weight-lifting shoes! The Nano is the official shoe of Crossfit. These shoes are designed to take a beating – lifting, jumping, running, climbing, etc – and keep coming back strong and comfortable. Also with completely customizable color schemes! ($119 – Reebok)
Fantastic taste (as far as nutrition bars go!), gluten-free, and no added sugars! 160 calories and 20g protein/bar – great for on the go fitness and for curbing those late-afternoon munchies. (12-pack for $25 – Bodybuilding.com)
There you have it!! I hope you found this useful in helping you to decide what to get that man or woman of fitness in your life! If I left anything off leave me a comment below! Help me grow this list and give ideas to everyone!
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Looking for more great health and fitness gift ideas? Here are a couple more of my favorites!
Make it happen,
Jared
By Jared Beckstrand