If you’re still at a loss for what to get the fitness lover in your life, you can breathe easy. We have lots of ideas, including a sweet running-themed iPhone case, padded socks, and even workout-friendly sunglasses. Here are 11 of our finds, with more than half of them less than $30.
These days, if you’re not tracking your caloric intake, heart rate, sleep cycle, and running mileage, you’re way behind the game. From a quarter-size wireless activity tracker to the highly touted FitBit One that records your every single move 24/7, these new gadgets will keep any fitness buff on track this holiday season.
The fitness lover in your life will thank you for getting a jumpstart on his or her at-home gym with this space-saving equipment.
The holidays call for delicious desserts, hearty meals, festive drinks . . . and weight gain. But for that relative or friend who can’t get enough of working out—while still enjoying a holiday cookie or two—equipment for an at-home gym is the perfect present. From a space-saving kettlebell set to Nike’s new personal training video game for Xbox 360, these gifts will keep the fitness lover in your life happily sweating indoors.
Gifts for the Fitness Buff |
Unique Gifts for Cyclists |
The Complete Washingtonian Gift Guide |
Whether you're off to the beach for Memorial Day weekend or just in the mood to learn something new, the following books are sure to be a captivating read. Need some new recipes to add to your cooking repertoire? Want the answers to all of your burning fitness questions? These expert-recommended books have got you covered.
Fitness
Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights?: Fitness Myths, Training Truths, and Other Surprising Discoveries From the Science of Exercise, by Alex Hutchinson
"I like this book because it's almost a verbatim list of the questions I receive regarding how to use either cardio or weight for gains," says Mint personal trainer Will Noel. Another perk: The book may be filled with study-based answers, but even a fitness novice "could dive into this book and come away feeling well-informed as a result."
Slideshow: 12 Water-Friendly Gifts for Swimmers
Slideshow: 12 Gifts for the Tennis Lover
Know someone who yearns to be the next Serena Williams or Roger Federer? With the help of local tennis coaches Jack Schore and Craig Hardenbergh, we picked gadgets, apparel, and more that’ll make the tennis lover in your life feel like a champ.
For more holiday gear guides, click here.
Various area spas have great holiday discounts on various treatments. Photograph courtesy of the Four Seasons
The holidays can be a stressful time. Between airport delays, crushing mall crowds, and untangling all those damn Christmas lights, the winter vacation can leave you needing, well, a vacation. Help that stressed-out parent or on-the-go friend of yours unwind by giving him or her a day at the spa. We rounded up local companies’ holiday discounts on manis and pedis, massages, facials, and more that will help your loved ones start the new year off fresh.
Slideshow: 12 Perfect Gifts for Skiers
The powder is fresh, and the ski resorts are ready for business. All that’s left is for you to score those sweet skis and perfect pair of snow boots you’ve been eyeing.
But shopping for ski gear can be tricky, say Linda Kahane and Rick Ray, the clothing and gear experts at the Ski Center. When shopping, remember that size really does matter—the last thing you want is to get injured while on the slopes because your shoes didn’t fit right.
Slideshow: 8 Great Gifts for Golfers
It may not be golf season, but it’s never too early to start working on your swing. We asked golf enthusiasts, including one of the top coaches in the nation, Steve Bosdosh, what made their wish list this year.
Bosdosh recommends giving golf lovers a chance to use their new gear come spring by signing them up for a series of lessons. Click here for more information on local courses and instructors.
The Milk-and-Towel Workout
Trainer: Elie Cossa, City Fitness in Cleveland Park.
Household items: One-gallon milk jug (full of milk or water, of course), ottoman, towel.
Muscle areas: Quads, gluts, hamstrings, core, triceps, and back.
Reps: Three sets of 12 to 15 reps for each move.
Exercise 1
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your back straight as you squat down until your rear touches the ottoman and your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. If you want to feel a better burn in your quads, hold the milk jug for extra weight.
Exercise 2
For both leg and core stability, this is one of Cossa’s favorites: Put a small towel on the floor and hold onto the front edge of your kitchen sink. (This works only on a non-carpeted floor.) Put one foot on the towel and slide it back into a lunge. Slide back up to standing and then switch legs and repeat.
Exercise 3
Any workout should include an exercise that involves some form of rowing, Cossa says. Hold the milk jug in one hand, and with your free hand hold the back of a sturdy chair. Bend over, keeping your spine long, so that your torso is parallel to the floor. Holding the jug, pull your elbow up past your body. Extend your arm back down and repeat.
