Are you sick of Christmas shopping yet? By this time, I am always about all shopped out and ready to be done. Most of my friends are so into fitness, yet I never think about getting them something fitness related, which may seem really strange. This year I’m taking a different approach! Here are some different fitness-related gift ideas for you to give to your friends or family members.
Obviously the amount of these different gift cards will vary based on your own situation. Some of the gifts will be totally dependent on your budget, so we will include some lower end items and some higher end items as well. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box as it relates to fitness related gifts either. Even if it is not a direct fitness type gift, it could be something that would lead them to be more active or help them out to be more active!
Top 10 Gift Ideas:
1. Two Month Gym Membership
What better way to kick off the New Year than with two free months of gym access? Most people will be setting their New Year’s resolutions and most of them include fitness related stuff. A great idea here is to ask probing questions as it relates to their fitness plans (so you don’t BOTH buy gym memberships for that person). This will provide them with a great first step towards reaching their fitness goal!
2. Whole Foods Gift Card
After reading all of MuscleDog’s nutrition articles I am sure you know the importance of healthy eating. Whole Foods is one of the most popular stores for healthy food choices. Giving them a gift start will really jump-start their new healthy nutrition plans. Plus, food always tastes better when it’s free, doesn’t it?
3. Two Kettlebells
By now I am sure you have been exposed to the benefits of kettlebell training. I would recommend getting them two kettlebells as opposed to one. The reason is because some exercises may require a lighter kettlebell, and for others a heavier kettlebell is necessary. It is not an absolute necessity, though. If your budget can only allow you to get one that is completely fine! The workouts that can be done with kettlebells are absolutely limitless. I will share one killer workout that can be done with kettlebells at the end of this article!
4. Nintendo Wii
Wii fit! If I only had a dime for every time I have heard people are “working out” and doing Wii fit. It is like Insanity or P90X. I am 100% for it! As long as people are up and moving, I am never going to talk the product down. This can be a great gift for your kids, or something that can be done together as a couple. If YOU really want a Wii, you can just buy one and play it off like you got it for your partner! This way you both get the benefits from it.
5. 60-Minute Massage
So much of what we read about is related to working hard and training as hard as possible. Push, push, push - that is the American way. Work longer hours than any other country, but rest less. How does that work? It doesn’t! This is what drives us to consume more fast food and look for the easiest and fastest things (and thus, exercise is neglected). Buy your partner (or a friend) a 60-minute massage and get them to relax for a day! Better yet, go ahead and buy a package deal for the both of you. You deserve to treat yourself and your partner after this busy holiday season is all over with.
6. Running Shoes
If you’re not comfortable with what he/she would like in terms of style, just go ahead and buy them a Foot Locker or Finish Line gift card. This will allow them to pick for themselves, yet still have the shoes idea in mind.
7. Multivitamins or 5 lb. Jug of Protein
This is one of the best ideas for staying healthy. If they take multivitamins or protein, they most likely have taken it for a long period of time. Thus, you should know exactly what brand and flavor they use. Just go ahead and purchase it online and restock it for them! I know I still get excited every time I receive my supplements. Maybe think outside the box and buy them healthy protein bars for convenience sake too!
8. One Week Pass to a Local CrossFit Gym
Being a Level 1 Certified CrossFit Coach, I had to throw this idea in there. I am still shocked at the number of people who stumble upon CrossFit and absolutely fall in love. Almost every single time it is because of a referral, or because someone buys them a day pass to try out. Once they get that feeling of it being a group class, social, and hard work, they fall in love!
9. Workout Clothes
A main reason people want to work out is because they want to look better. Well, about 99% of you out there DO care how you look when you work out. Stock up on some new in-style workout gear. You should be able to get a theme on what type of workout clothes they like to wear if you are around them when they workout. Maybe even think about getting them a muscle shirt or tank top. I know those are very popular workout clothes as of late (and always have been).
10. Gym Towel, Water Bottle & Stopwatch
I recommend this one for those of you that exercise at home a lot. Instead of having your cell phone by you throughout the workout you can now just time your workout with a stopwatch (and monitor your rest period between sets). Not only will you be de-stressed, but you will also get done faster without checking your phone all the time! The gym towel is just so you don’t make your home gym a complete mess.
And to help you stay on track through those hectic holiday times, I have included a great kettlebell workout that can be done anywhere. Use those kettlebells you got them as a gift to show how to get it done!
Cross Training Kettlebell Workout
Warm-Up
5 Minute Jog (nice and easy)
Kettlebell Circuit – 1-Arm Swings, Clean & Jerks, Snatches, Presses (20 reps each, or, 5 minutes total)
Actual Workout: All done with the same kettlebell
KB Swings – 2 minutes straight
KB Snatches – 2 minutes
KB Clean & Jerks – 2 minutes
KB High Pull – 2 minutes
KB Swings – 2 minutes
Explanation
Complete this circuit three times total! You can take about 2-3 minutes rest between sets. This will allow you to be able to go much harder during the 10-minute circuit with those rest periods (as opposed to just doing it for a half hour straight). It is a little bit of interval training, but combined with longer bouts as well (normal cardio training). This, along with the resistance training that the kettlebell requires really provides all aspects in ONE single workout. I can tell you that your legs, glutes, and back will be on fire like they never have been before. If you are inexperienced with kettlebells, you may consider starting out each one with one minute and working your way up as you become better conditioned. The weight of the kettlebell will be dependent upon your current level of fitness. For the KB High Pull you are going to pull the kettebell as if you were doing a high row. Don’t try to pull it past your head as it may cause jarring on the low back once the weight isn’t “floating” in mid-air. Obviously you won’t ever let go of the kettlebell, but it just is easier on the back if it is a more controlled motion.
Hopefully you can use some of the ideas in this article to give the gift of health this holiday season. Have some of your own? Be sure to share your healthy gift ideas in the discussion section. Happy Holidays!
Jessica Gereau – Jessica has a BS in Kinesiology from San Francisco St. University. Before becoming a certified personal trainer she achieved a personal weight loss of 60+ lbs, and this has motivated her to help others obtain similar goals. She founded Gym Class Fitness Studio in the Bay Area as a place where people can learn what she learned along the way - that cookies are a part of life, and the hard way is the only way. Jessica currently carries certifications for ACSM and NASM.