Holiday Gift Guide – Advanced Edition

There may be someone on your holiday gift list who is not only a regular exerciser, but who – let’s be honest – everyone thinks is just a little bit crazy. They sign up for races and actually GO even though it’s freezing cold and pouring rain the morning of the race. They get up early on Sunday morning to do a 90 minute Bikram yoga class in 105 degree heat. They get as giddy about a new pair of running shoes as some women do about a new pair of stilettos.

Full-disclosure: that’s me.

But I bet you have a hardcore jock or two on your Christmas list and I know just the things that they’re gonna love!

1. The Jawbone UP helps you understand how you sleep, move and eat so you can make smarter choices. Super motivating!
   My Jawbone UP24 is red, of course!
2. A TRX trainer will give your lucky gift recipient nearly endless options for strength training. It’s also very portable, so it’s great for someone who travels a lot.

A video posted by Eat Like It Matters (@eatlikeitmatters) on Dec 12, 2014 at 11:07am PST

1. A BOSU (which stands for BOth Sides Up) is another extremely versatile piece of equipment, but something your favorite athlete may not already have. They’re great for adding a balance element onto strength training, or even as part of a cardio workout. BOSU burpees anyone?!
2. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that my Garmin made me a better runner, but it made running so much more exciting! Track pace, distance, time and many other features while running with this GPS-enabled watch.
3. Think DVDs aren’t a good exercise option? Think again. My two favorites are P90X and Insanity.
4. When you’re making pre- and post-workout drinks every day you’re gonna want a powerful blender. The Vitamix blender is pricey, but will outlast many cheaper models.
5. Gift cards for exercise classes are a great way to buy someone something you know they already like or you think they might like to try. Two of my favorites are Pure Barre or yoga. I do Bikram hot yoga but all yoga is good yoga.
6. How much would they love you if you got them a one-year gym membership? I’m a big fan of the YMCA but find out what gym your superstar goes to and pay their dues for a year.
7. The cyclist on your list will be forever grateful for an indoor bike trainer. These allow you to mount your bike on a stand so that you can continue to train indoors throughout the months when outdoor riding is difficult due to weather conditions.
8. The ultimate workout is a one-on-one personal training session with a professional trainer. Personal recommendation or referral from a friend is a good place to start to identify a qualified trainer. Most offer a complimentary assessment prior to laying out cash, but it’s probably best to let your gift recipient select a trainer that they feel comfortable with. A trainer ends up being part cheerleader, part doctor, part therapist, part girlfriend (or guy friend) so it’s very important to have a good rapport. A few sessions will be their favorite gift this year! My personal trainer, the delightful and lovely (albeit slightly sadistic) Taryn

There are so many ways to show you care during the holidays by giving gifts that encourage healthy habits. Whether you’ve got a loved one who’s a committed jock or someone who is just discovering fitness and healthy eating, let them know that you want them around for a long time to come.

Losing weight is hard, but picking out gifts that encourage healthy living makes it a whole lot easier. And they’re so worth it!

Let’s go get it!