Gift ideas for the fitness crowd!

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.

Click Here For More Articles