The fitness fanatic gift guide

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By Kyle Walker

Fitness fanatics can be some of the hardest people to shop for during the holiday season. This is especially true if the shopper is not a fitness fanatic as well. So whether your health nut is a cardio junkie, gym rat, or some thing in between, here is a list of gift ideas to help you out regardless of your price range.

If $75 is your limit, you can’t go wrong with some of their favorite CDs, a new pair of workout clothes, or a massage. If the person you are buying for is also a technology buff, spring for an MP3 player action jacket or an iPod Shuffle.

Your runner friend might enjoy a resistance band or a speed chute to help increase their speed. Nike’s new line, Sparq, offers both, but there are some cheaper options available. Bikers might appreciate a snazzy new helmet or a battery powered, light up reflector.

Other relatively cheap cardio related gifts include jump ropes, a set of exercise DVDs (jazzercise is my personal favorite), or a new sports bag

Trying to impress a weight lifter? Kettle balls, medicine balls, and Swiss balls are all cheap options. For a nice combo you could couple a pull-up bar with a dip belt. Portable gymnastic rings are a must have if the person you are buying for is a CrossFit freak.

If you have a little more cash to spare, say $150, then you are obviously going to have more options available for you. I would go with a speed sled or a bike seat if you plan on buying for a running or a biker, respectively. Other good choices include heart-monitoring watches, a new pair of formfitting shoes, punching bags or a good quality tennis racket.

You can find some good deals on bumper plates if you know someone that is into any sort of Olympic lifting. Also, check into some of the weightlifting basics like an Olympic barbell, adjustable bench, or squat stands. These things usually vary greatly in price but there should be some that fall within your budget.

Feel like going all out this year? Here are some things you could get for over $150. The obvious choice is an iPod or some other MP3 player. However, if you want to be more specific to someone’s taste, try a treadmill or some other piece of cardio equipment.

You can treat yourself at the same time buy splurging on a set of mountain bikes for you and your honey so that you can enjoy exercise together.

Weightlifters might enjoy an entire Olympic barbell set so that they can workout at home. If the barbell set is covered, check into a power cages and flat benches to help complete a home gym.

Also SelectTech and PowerBlock dumbbells are good alternatives to the standard set of dumbbells since they offer a wide range of weights in a small, compact stand.

Just remember to be thoughtful with your gift choice and find something that suits your recipient’s interests. Also, keep in mind that I would really like a tractor tire.

Originally Published: Issue 713 - November 19, 2008

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