GET THE GOOD GEAR
Great gift ideas for fitness fans who love a good sweat
Finding the right gift for your favourite fitness fanatic isn’t easy. After all, exercise enthusiasts are well known for being picky about their stuff. The good news is that they also love stuff, so you can’t go wrong feeding their passion for working out with a gift — or two.
For anyone who enjoys a good sweat, here are some last-minute gift ideas that will fit under any tree.
ROTIBOX WIRELESS BLUETOOTH BEANIE
If there’s one thing that’ll soften winter’s bite, it’s this cool beanie that pumps out tunes on your run, walk or crosscountry ski. Equipped with Bluetooth technology, it allows outdoor exercisers to put their phones in their pockets, pull on their beanie and head out the door for hands-free music enjoyment. The speakers and built in microphone — yup, you can answer the phone with your beanie — have about six hours of playing time before needing a charge, and the hat itself comes in several styles, including a headband. $45.99; amazon.ca
CAMELBAK PODIUM CHILL WATER BOTTLE, RACE EDITION
There’s nothing worse than tepid water on a hot summer day, especially when you’re on a long bike ride. Thanks to the gang at CamelBak, who know a thing or two about portable hydration systems, the Podium Chill Water Bottle keeps your water cool even on the hottest of days. It has a wide mouth, which makes it easy to add an ice cube or two, and a squeezable body that delivers water with ease while on the go. While it’s designed to fit into the water holder on your bike, it’s just as useful on a team bench or at the gym. $17; amazon.ca
DOWN FOR A RUN JACKET II
I got the older version of this jacket for Christmas several years ago, and it’s still my favourite piece of winter running gear. Lightweight but warm. Breathable but not drafty. Stylish but practical. It ticks all the boxes and then some. I also wear it cross-country skiing. Mine is black, but wish I had a lighter colour, so it would be easier to see me during early morning and evening runs. Reflective detailing on the sleeves and back of the jacket helps make you more visible, but there’s something to be said for a piece of outerwear that stands out from the crowd. $198; lululemon.com
RACEDOTS
Perfect for runners and cyclists on the race circuit, these small magnets hold a race number in place, forgoing the need for safety pins. Even better than their ability to withstand wind and rain, they come in different colours and a variety of designs, which adds a bit of pizzazz and personality to race day. A great stocking stuffer, it’s the perfect gift for the runner or cyclist who has everything else.
T.H.E. SHORT
A gym favourite, these shorts come with a seven, nine or 11inch inseam and with or without a liner, which makes it easy to find a style that appeals to active men of all ages. They’ll love the four-way stretch, roominess in the butt and thighs and the reflective fabric that makes the shorts perfect to wear over a pair of winter-weight tights for evening or early morning outdoor workouts. $64-$84; lululemon.com
CTR TEMPEST MULTITASKER
This lightweight balaclava is everything you want in a winter layer. It wicks away sweat while keeping your head and face warm and folds up small enough to store in your pocket, making it easy to pull it on or off as needed. A must for cold days on the ski hill or any other outdoor activity, it fits perfectly under a hat or helmet or can be worn on its own. $29.99; sportsexperts.ca
ASSERT BACKPACK
This bag is perfect for cycle commuters, gym rats and anyone who needs to carry their gym gear with their work gear together — but apart. There are pockets galore, big enough for shoes, a bike helmet, a just-in-case rain jacket and a laptop. Smaller side pockets are designed to fit your water bottle and phone. Waterproof with some reflective detailing, this bag is sold in the men’s department, but is a great gift for women as well. $148; lululemon.com CamelBak Podium Chill Water Bottle Race Edition: $17; amazon.ca CAMELBAK