One of the best ways to show you care this holiday season is to give someone the gift of good health. No one understands that better than the fitness fanatic. Unfortunately, fitness buffs can also be the most challenging people to shop for.
What do they want?
What do they need?
Where do you start?
Although they may have plenty of water bottles, running shoes, and free weights on hand, people who love sports and fitness are always on the lookout for smart gear, new equipment, cutting edge products, and fitness supplies that will enhance their active and healthy lifestyle.
Fitness Supplies: A fitness fanatic can tear through equipment and supplies pretty rapidly, often replacing items they use on a regular basis. Rubber, yoga, or spongy floor mats, depending on the activity it’s utilized for, make great gifts because of the frequent wear and tear they’re regularly subjected to. Rubber mats that are placed under weight benches or used to create a soft surface for cardio workouts are inexpensive and come in compact and easily transportable sets.
Spongy floor mats are a little more expensive, starting around $150, but they provide a wide range of useful enhancements for any activity from Pilates and martial arts to gymnastics and dance. Stretch cords and weighted fit, or balance balls, are another great gift that can not only replace or enhance a set they may already have, but depending on the type you buy, serve as backup when traveling. In keeping with the on-the-go theme, a new fitness bag packed with towels, stretch cords, a compact mat, sport sunglasses, and DVDs is an ideal gift for someone who doesn’t like to leave their workout behind.
New Fit Equipment: Anything that can supplement a workout regime makes a great gift for fitness fanatics. Investing a little ingenuity into what might enhance their workouts would not only broaden their athletic horizons, but really show that you put some thought in meeting their needs. Help your recipient try something new without pushing them too far. For instance, yoga is a great way to encourage someone to slowly begin a fitness routine. Perhaps a mat, block, strap, DVD, and maybe a class coupon would be a great gift basket that anyone at any age could appreciate.
Also keep in mind that fitness fanatics never stop training no matter the season. Rubber grips for running shoes that allow for traction in ice and snow, a set of roller blades for off season hockey training, and weight sets or kettle bells for resistance training during inclement weather are fantastic gift ideas that encourage year-round fitness.
Smart Flex Gear: Every fitness fanatic loves trying out all the new and innovative products hitting the shelves. For someone who loves all kinds of sports, consider buying a gift that can easily transfer from one activity to another. Athletic apparel that is both comfortable and hi-tech is a must have for fitness fanatics and with all the new performance clothing on the market there is something for every sport. Sometimes smart means easy access and space conscious. Try a kickboxing bag or adjustable dumbbells from Reebok and Pro-Form, which not only save money but a ton of space.
Cutting Edge Products: New products hit the market every year around the holidays designed with the fitness fanatic in mind. If you want to up their game, you can invest in a fitness monitor or apple watch to inspire them to meet their new year goals. How about something for work? A “Stayball” from Reebok utilizes sand for stability in creating a safer workout as well as an ideal health enhancing chair when fitness fanatics are forced to sit at a desk. There are also treadmill desks for those who refuse to sit down.
Something To Share: If you really want to impress, consider a sports and fitness travel package you can both indulge in. Perhaps purchasing a few hours with a personal trainer to help both of you reevaluate your current regimen from a professional perspective. Maybe a spa day as a reward for an especially good workout month or completion of high-level goals. With so many choices to consider, consult with a fitness trainer or associate at one of their retail stores to find the perfect gift for the fitness fanatic on your holiday list.
Kim Monaghan, PCC, RYT, CPBS is the owner of KBM Coaching & Consulting LLC, a boutique Human Resources Consulting and Career Coaching Firm serving a national clientele.