From yogis to barre lovers, 10 gift ideas for gym rats
Because golf balls and yoga mats are so predictable. From spinners to Crossfitters and all the barre lovers in between, here’s a look at 10 gift ideas to keep every sweaty body in your life moving and motivated.
Stocking stuffers
Exo protein bars: The latest ‘it’ bars will hit every picky dieter on your list. Exo bars are gluten-, soy- and dairy-free, offering 10 grams of protein per bar from cricket flour. Yep, as in insects. The company says crickets are full of zinc, iron and calcium to help power you through a spin class. They’re sweetened with natural sugars like dates and come in flavors like peanut butter and jelly and banana bread. $3 per bar or $36 for 12-pack
Tava DVD: Celebrity to the stars Tracy Anderson’s newest DVD feels more like a dance party than a workout. Expect some serious booty shaking since the cardio routine was inspired by her sessions training Jennifer Lopez. $19.99
Yoga and barre lovers
Online barre class: Former New York City Ballet dancer Mary Helen Bowers trained Natalie Portman for Oscar-winning role in “Black Swan.” Now the founder of the Ballet Beautiful workout streams classes online for those who can’t work out alongside her. Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss are all regulars. Try the Ultimate Supermodel Workout. $12.99
Warm-up hoodie: Spiritual Gangster’s hip athleisure line offers a new kind of street cred. This cozy “love is the answer” hoodie will keep your warm post savasana. Sizes tend to run a bit small. $78
Cross trainers/runners
Jabra Elite Sport: Whether they’re into boxing, jump-roping or one-armed handstands, every gym rat is looking for one thing. Wireless headphones that will stay put despite serious sweat and movement. Two microphones in each bud help filter out background noise for up to three hours. Works with Android or Apple Ios. $249.99
Nike LunarEpic Flyknit Shield: Ice, snow and mud are no problem for Nike’s most popular running shoe which now features a water-repellent bootie to keep feet warm and dry. The cool kicks are also safety conscious with reflective details on the heel and laces as well as multi-surface traction. $200
Workout recovery
“Taller, Slimmer, Younger: 21 days to a Foam Roller Physique” and travel foam roller: Learn to improve posture ailed by too much time slumped over the computer. Lauren Roxburgh’s method is a great balance to high-intensity workouts that focuses on alignment. The mini foam roller’s raised circular bumps aid in lymphatic drainage and decreasing inflammation. Book $13.95. Travel roller $14.95
Power Dust: Gwyneth Paltrow says she puts Moon Juice dusts in her daily protein shakes. The power dust includes Chinese herbs like rhodiola, astragalus and eleuthero that the company says helps sore muscles recover and reduce inflammation. Use it to heal from a heavy lifting session or find stamina for the next one. $30
Workout newbies
Fitmo: The app connects users with real personal trainers. Choose your coach from a list of profiles and let them create a personalized diet and workout schedule. Trainers give feedback and daily motivations through messaging and video chats. $10 a month or $60 a month depending on which coach you choose and the amount of interaction you want to have with them.
Pressed Juicery: Don’t let poor meal planning spoil your hard-fought boot camp class. The juices come delivered to your door with enough flavor options to satisfy sweet-tooth skeptics and hardened greenies. $130 for a three-day cleanse of 18 juices delivered.—AP