Holiday Fitness Ideas

It’s the day after Thanksgiving and all through the house…oh wait…I’m getting ahead of myself in my holidaze. 

So how did you do with your Thanksgiving meals?  Did you avoid overeating?  I hope so.  I did better than normal but probably could have skipped that second helping of pumpkin trifle.  I did work it all off though with Wii Just Dance.  I had never done it before so it was quite the experience.  And it’s definitely a workout!  WOW!  Unfortunately, it didn’t do much for my sore back.  I’m still paying for that. 

In the spirit of Black Friday or the upcoming Cyber Monday, I decided to spend this blog talking about great fitness/wellness gifts for those on your list at various levels of their fitness.  Or maybe even you will find one or two items that you just have to have for yourself.  My recommendations here are based simply on my experience.  I receive no compensation from the companies involved (though that would be nice if I did). 

v  Stability ball ($10-$20) – you’ve seen one stability ball, you’ve seen them all.  That’s why I didn’t include a manufacturer.  Sure you can spend extra money for a “brand name” ball but really, it’s not worth it.  They all function the same.  The nice thing about stability balls is that anyone at any fitness level can benefit from using it.  Most stability balls also come with an exercise sheet as well so you don’t have to come up with your own exercises, though you certainly can if you are so inclined.  I will warn you, though, that it does take some time to inflate them if you are using a hand pump.  But that’s just a good arm workout for you.

 

v  Hand weights ($5-$50 depending on weight)– as with the stability ball, hand weights are really a dime a dozen so there is no need to spend a lot of money on name brand weights.  You can get them in sets or you can get them individually.  It’s really a matter of preference.  If you are buying them for someone who is just starting out, I recommend buying 3lb, 5lb and 8lb weights.  That allows the person to start of easy but also have something to work toward. 

v  Garmin 405 GPS Watch ($250-$300) – When I was looking for a GPS watch for running a few years ago, I asked several other runners what type of watch they prefer.  There were a few folks who are partial to Nike but the majority of folks recommended Garmin.  My best running friend had just purchased the 405 and couldn’t stop raving about it.  I’m right there with her.  I absolutely love my Garmin.  Periodically, I will run without it just to run but most runs I have it.  It’s nice because not only does it tell your pace and your mileage, it also comes with a heart monitor so you can check your heart rate.  It also has this great feature called “Virtual Buddy.”  You can set that buddy to a certain pace and it will tell you how far behind or ahead of that buddy you are.  It’s a great way to keep you motivated if you are feeling sluggish.  It uploads easily to the Garmin website where you can track your progress, name your runs, etc.  It also syncs with websites like “Daily Mile” with just a click of the mouse.  There are numerous Garmin watches but I’m only familiar with the 405 and I highly recommend it if you are a runner or a walker at any level.  You will not regret it. 

v  Kettle bells ($5-$50) – Kettle bells are quickly becoming the new “thing” in fitness.  They are great because you can do a variety of moves easier than with hand weights.  There are even kettle bell classes or workouts you can find on-line or at your local gym.  They come in a variety of weights just like hand weights but typically start at 5 pounds.  What’s nice about the kettle bell is they are easier to hold which allows for more movements/exercises.  Don’t think you are not getting a workout though because you really are. 

 

 

v  Exercise Bands ($15-$40) – I found a set of these on ebay for like $15 and they came with a storage bag.  Exercise bands are nice because they come in a variety of resistance so you can start off easy and build up to the black band which is pretty difficult.  They are often easier for beginners than hand weights but you are still working the same muscles/getting the same results.  As with the stability ball, they typically come with an exercise guide but there are also numerous videos to watch. 

v  Foam Roller ($10-$50) – Whoever decided to create the foam roller was a bloody genius!  He or she was definitely a runner, I know that much.  But even if you are not a runner, I highly recommend the foam roller for post-workout.  Those of us who use foam rollers like to say they “hurt so good.”  And I must warn you that the first few times you use it, it will hurt like the bloody dickens.  But after a few times of regular use, it will just feel like heaven.  I remember last year when Mom came to visit.  I had gone for a run and came back and started using my foam roller.  She looked at me like I was crazy and I told her it was like giving myself a massage.  That’s the best way to describe them.  It’s good on the quads, hamstrings, calves, abs, glutes and, most importantly, your IT band.  No.  Not Information Technology band.  Your iliotibial band.  That’s the connective tissue that runs from the outside of your hip to the inside of your knee.  It rarely gets stretched enough but is used during most forms of exercise.  Your IT band and your foam roller will become instant besties. 

v  Subscription to Self, Fitness, Runner’s World, Bicycling or any other fitness-related magazine  ($25-50/year) – Not sure what type of equipment to buy the fitness person in your life?  A subscription to a magazine is a great gift!  I have received Runner’s World for the past three years as a gift from my Dad and it’s the gift that keeps on giving.  I also subscribe to Self and Fitness and between those three magazines, I get some great tips for new workouts/exercises, nutritional ideas and some heartwarming stories.

v  Asics Shoes ($55-$190) – Those of you who know me, know that I am an Asics girl through and through.  I refuse to run or workout in anything but Asics.  I will admit that this started when one of my best friends started working for Asics thus giving me an unbelievable good deal on the shoes.  However, I will admit that I grew to love them for running.  I tried running in other shoes and they just aren’t for me.  Asics come in a variety of styles depending on your feet needs (over-pronation, under-pronation, etc) and awesome colors, of course!!  If you have the money to spend on really good running shoes, I highly recommend the Kinsei or Kinetic style.  They are definitely more expensive but worth every penny.  They provide more cushioning without being bulky and heavy.  If you are just looking for good shoes to workout in, I recommend any of the GT series. 

v  Lululemon Clothing (various prices depending on item) – I know you all have heard the news about the Lululemon CEO and his big mouth that got him in trouble over their yoga pants.  While I do agree that maybe he should have quit while he was ahead, it certainly hasn’t influenced my decision to shop there.  Reason??  High quality, comfortable clothing that lasts.  I have yet to have a problem with their pants being sheer or see-through or anything but amazingly comfortable.  Their tops are also great for running, yoga, weights or most any other form of exercise. 

v  Endorphin Warrior.com ($15-$50) – www.endorphinwarrior.com This is a great website I discovered by accident.  They make warrior bracelets, rings, necklaces, t-shirts and other items with single words or phrases to inspire you.  I first bought the “persevere” bracelet to remind myself what I’ve been through with my hip surgeries.  Anytime I am running or doing a difficult workout, I look at that bracelet and it reminds me to push through.  I also have the “courage” bracelet to remind me that I have the courage to do anything I set my mind to.  This company is such an uplifting group and their customer service is awesome.  I had my “courage” bracelet only about two weeks before the lettering started to fade.  I sent them an email about it and they sent me a new bracelet no questions asked.  Great company!

Whatever you decide for your fitness friends (or even yourself), make sure it’s appropriate for your fitness level and won’t be something that just sits on the shelf.  Building up your equipment supply also doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  I’ve found a lot of my equipment on ebay for very reasonable prices and often with free shipping.   Remember…it’s the thought that counts not how much you spent. 

BE BOLD! BE YOU!