FESTIVE FITNESS
Working out gift ideas
Adrenalin junkies can be particular when it comes to what they want under the tree. So while there’s no shortage of exercise gear to choose from, it’s easy to work up a sweat trying to find just the right gift. To save you the trouble, I did the heavy lifting and put together a list that will put a smile on the face of gym rats, runners, hikers, cyclists, and anyone who loves the great outdoors. Some of the gifts will fit in a stocking and some deserve a prime location under the tree, but all are worthy of anyone who likes getting sweaty.
CLASSPASS GIFT CARD
Classpass is a subscription service that sells access to fitness classes all over the world. In exchange for a monthly fee, members can choose from a variety of classes in select fitness studios, versus sticking to the same classes and instructors at the local gym. Users download the free app, pick a monthly plan and choose from any of the many participating studios, gyms and workouts; filtering by location, time and type of activity. Put an e-gift card in the e-stocking of your favourite fitness fanatic and let them explore their options. gift cards worth $50 or $100 are available at classpass.com/gifts.
SURGE WARM LONG SLEEVE (MEN)
Lightweight and breathable, this is the perfect base layer for winter runners, skiers and cyclists. Best of all, it feels like your favourite worn-in T-shirt, scoring high in comfort but also in durability. It will stand up to being stuffed in a duffel bag, washed repeatedly and pulled out from the bottom of the clothes hamper for one more workout. Bonus marks for the zipped pocket to store small essentials. Cost is $108 at Lululemon.
WASTOU RECHARGEABLE BIKE LIGHTS
Bike commuter or competitive cyclist, it’s cool (and safer) to be seen. These bike lights (front and back) come with clamps for a quick install and easy release. Lightweight and waterproof, they are rechargeable by way of a USB hub — which means never having to worry about batteries. Turn the lights on for day trips and night commutes and let them shine bright. The cost is $32.96 at Amazon.ca.
KETTLEBELLS, SKIPPING ROPE, TRXHOME SUSPENSION TRAINER
This simple trio of fitness essentials is everything you need for a quick at-home workout. Versatile, easy to store and surprisingly effective, they don’t take up a lot of floor space, which makes them perfect for condo dwellers. If there’s room in the budget, get an extra kettlebell — one lighter and one heavier, which opens the door for a greater variety of exercises. The cost is about $200 and up at various retailers, including Fitness Depot, Sports Experts, Walmart and Canadian Tire.
GSI PERSONAL JAVAPRESS
Adrenalin junkies are often java junkies, which is why this practical, take-anywhere coffee maker is a great gift. The press is made from shatterproof polypropylene wrapped in a neoprene sleeve and the plunger never lets coffee grounds escape into the brew. It’s lightweight enough for easy transport in a backpack and includes a matching mug, also wrapped in an insulating neoprene sleeve, which can be stored inside the press — making it a popular duo to take camping, travelling or to work. The cost is $43.95 at Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC).
FAST AND FREE HIGHRISE TIGHTS
A new pair of workout tights is a guaranteed hit — especially if it’s a pair of Fast and Free Highrise Tights from Lululemon. The high waistband, lightweight feel and handy phone-size side pocket are just a few of the features that make these tights perfect for runners, hikers and yoga lovers. The cost is $138 at Lululemon.
H2O AUDIO INTERVAL WATERPROOF EARPHONES
These waterproof earphones are the perfect gift for the swimmer who has everything. Designed to pair with an Apple Watch, swimmers can listen to their favourite playlist, podcast or audio book without missing a stroke. The Apple Watch slips into a specially designed audio case, complete with ear buds, that clips onto the back of any pair of swim goggles. Adjust the volume and playback without getting out of the water. US$109. h2oaudio.com
PATAGONIA BLACK HOLE BACKPACK
Perfect for the fitness fanatic on the go, this sturdy daypack fits sweaty gear, a laptop and a change of clothes, making travel from the gym to the office easy-peasy. There’s a zippered top pocket for keys and a phone and another interior pocket for a wallet, which means no digging around at the bottom of the bag for the essentials. Stuff a water bottle in the side pocket and use any of the many lash points to attach extra gear. The cost is $159.95 at Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC).
NOMADIX FULL-SIZE TOWEL
This towel goes from the pool to the beach to the yoga studio, repelling sand, staying put on a mat and drying off after a swim. It folds to the size of a tablet, making it easy to fit in a gym bag, backpack or carry-on. And unlike most microfibre towels that feel thin, this towel feels like it’s from a luxury hotel. Best of all, it’s made of recycled plastic, which makes it good for the planet. The cost is from $39.95 at Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC).