As you're
enjoying your holiday shopping, remember the gift of fitness. Here are
some great ideas for the fitness inclined, or as a hint for anyone you'd
like to see become more active.
Now keep in mind, there
are plenty of gimmicky fitness items out there, but these gifts will
help anyone get the most out of their workouts.
Workout shoes
A properly fitted pair
of shoes that are specific to the task at hand are a must if you want to
excel at your particular activity.
If you're a runner, make
sure you buy running shoes specific to your gait and cushioning needs.
For strength training, a minimalist style shoe that lets your foot work
more naturally might be a better option.
Every activity or sport
has an ideal shoe type that goes along with it. If you have questions on
shoe styles, a gift certificate to a shoe store specializing in fitting
the right shoe type to a specific body and sport may be the way to go.
Mobility tools
Everyone wants to feel
good and avoid injury. Back tightness, knee pain, and overall stiffness
can often be lessened or alleviated with proper stretching and
activation of weak muscles.
A simple tool that we
use with our clients to improve mobility is a foam roller. Nothing more
than a dense cylinder 6" in diameter and 36" long, this tool gives you
an ideal surface to apply pressure against tight muscles, allowing the
muscle to relax back into proper muscle tension.
Once your body is moving properly, you can perform at your best -- both in and out of the gym.
Workout gloves.
No one wants torn and
calloused hands due to gripping dumbbells and barbells or hanging from a
pull up bar. Workout gloves protect your hands and may even aid in grip
strength.
Lightweight gloves with
moisture-wicking properties are the way to go. Think of it as a second
skin that cushions and protects the hands, so you can focus on more
important things.
Water bottle
A good water bottle will
help you drink more water during your workouts, and staying properly
hydrated could improve your health and performance.
Choose a bottle that works for you, but remember to go BPA-free and find one that is easy to clean.
In addition, a good
shaker bottle is always a staple item to keep in your gym bag. Just pack
it with a scoop of protein powder, and after your workout, add water
and shake for a simple post-workout snack that aids in recovery.
Tracking tools
Everyone loves to see
how hard they exercise -- it's not only a pat on the back, but sometimes
a necessary part of learning your limitations and monitoring your
progression.
Tools like heart rate
monitors, GPS maps, activity tracking devices, and fitness apps spell it
all out for you and give you a snapshot of your efforts.
This is great for keeping records or as a reference on how hard you must work to continue seeing results.
These gift ideas are great for anyone with a fitness mentality. Just remember to buy one for yourself as well!
For more exercise and nutrition tips, visit our blog at PushFitnessTraining.com, as well as links to our social media pages.
• Joshua Steckler is the
owner of Push Fitness, a personal training studio located in Schaumburg
specializing in weight loss, muscle toning, and nutrition. Contact him
at PushFitnessTraining.com.
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