By Tia Norris, November 2019 Issue.
'Tis the season for getting together with loved ones, eating delicious holiday dishes, and of course for giving gifts, too! I’m here as your resident fitness expert to make the gift giving process easy, at least for the athletic types in your life! Included below are some popular fitness pursuits, and gift ideas for each type ranging from stocking stuffers to splurges.
Athlete: Runner
Stocking
stuffers:
- Quality running
socks. Don’t underestimate the beating a runner’s feet take during long
training sessions. Take into consideration the level of cushioning your
recipient prefers (minimal to maximal), the height of sock on the foot/calf
(no-show to full compression), and the ability to wick moisture and keep feet
dry. A runner’s feet are their most important asset.
- Visors and hats.
Hats keep runners shaded, cool, and free from sweat dripping in their eyes and
face … they’re essential.
Solid bets:
- Hydration
backpacks, bottles, or belts. Hydration is a must, and investing in a
well-made, durable hydration system is critical for serious runners. I
personally prefer a hydration backpack for most runs, but also frequently use a
running belt with bottles for shorter or cooler runs. Still, some runners
prefer handheld bottles that slide over the hand for effortless carrying.
- New clothes
specially designed for temperature control. Plain ol’ cotton tees just don’t
cut it when it comes to serious running. There are specially designed clothes
for all conditions, and the more extreme the temperature swings, the more
important it is to have the right gear.
Splurges:
- New running
shoes. Shoes are the most important part of all running equipment. This may
require some dialogue between you and your special person to figure out their
unique needs, but shoes can be a difference maker for any runner! Prices range
from $100-$300 for the best pairs on the market.
- Entry into a
destination race. Buy your person’s race entry and surprise them with a trip
and a reason to keep training.
Athlete: Gym Rat
Stocking
stuffers:
- Liquid
weightlifting chalk. Every weightlifter needs a grip of steel, but many gyms do
not allow traditional weightlifting chalk because of the mess it makes. Search
for liquid weightlifting chalk on Amazon, and your Gym Rat will no doubt thank
you on those tough, heavy sets!
- Protein shakes or supplements of choice. Supplements are critical for
many athletes, and they certainly aren’t cheap. Find out what your special
weightlifter likes and stock them up!
Solid bets:
- New gym shoes.
Who doesn’t need a little more flash and/or function for their gym routines?
Check out Nike, NoBull, Converse, and other popular brands to help your
weightlifter to look sharp and lift hard.
- A gym bag. We all
need a well-designed gym bag with plenty of pockets to hold all of our tools,
supplements, clothes, and toiletries. This is a gift they’ll use frequently and
for a long time.
Splurges:
- A personal
training package. Many gym goers can benefit from working with a coach, but
simply can’t afford the premium. This is a gift that will pay dividends for
years and decades to come.
- A massage package
or a TheraGun. Everyone needs massages, but so few actually make the time or
the investment to follow through on them. Treat your athlete with a little bit
of self-care and recovery.
Athlete: Triathlete
Stocking
stuffers:
- Supplements of choice. Similar to the Gym Rats above, every triathlete
has their magic concoction of powders, pills, bars, gels, and chews that help
them perform at their best. Find out what they like and refill their supply!
- Swim accessories
like swimming paddles, flip flops, and sunscreen.
- Bike accessories
like new bottles, tubes, and cartridges.
Solid bet:
- Bluetooth
wireless headphones or AirPods. Wireless headphones are a must for those long,
grueling training sessions. There are plenty of options on the market and your
triathlete will use these on every bike and run for years to come.
- A good bike cleaning
or tune-up. Triathletes are notorious for dirty, dirty bikes … treat your
person of choice with a visit to the local bike shop for a cleaning, tune-up,
and equipment upgrade.
Splurge:
- New Garmin or
sport watch. Triathletes live and die by their watches — we’re constantly
watching cadence, watts, splits, and heart rate. If your loved one is due for
an upgrade, this is a gift that will certainly help them go the distance and
perform at their very best.
- New triathlon
kit. Kits are expensive but necessary — check out which brands and styles your
special person likes and hook them up with a new look.
Athlete: Yogi
Stocking
stuffers:
- Yoga mat and/or
shoulder strap. This is one of the only pieces of equipment a yogi needs, so
you can be sure that they’ll be using it constantly.
- Membership to a meditation/mindfulness
app. Sometimes, a guided meditation can provide the perfect reset during a
stressful time. There are plenty of highly reviewed, highly effective
meditation apps out there — this would be the perfect gift for your yogi-type
athlete.
Solid bets:
- Membership to a
new studio or membership package. Every instructor is different, and every
style of yoga offers unique benefits … how about surprising your yogi with a
new experience at a new location?
- Décor around the house that
matches the yogi style. Think: Bonsai plants, Buddha
figures, wall decorations, tapestries, and more.
Splurges: a destination retreat. This one speaks for itself. There are a
myriad of these types of extended retreats, especially around Phoenix/Sedona.
A thoughtful and useful gift can last for years and can also be a heartfelt reminder to the recipient of you, with each use. And remember, you have to give gifts without expecting anything in return. Happy Holidays and enjoy your shopping.
