GIVE THE GIFT OF FITNESS
Help your loved ones get buff with new gadgets and gear this holiday season
Shopping for the fitness fiend in your life? Getting ready to get in shape in the coming year? Here are a few items getting some buzz that might just fill the fitness gift- giving bill this holiday season. We’re not officially endorsing any of these items and recommend you do some checking around before you buy. Most items have a flexible return policy, but be sure to check with retailers, as those can change— especially during the holiday season. 1 ThermoFlask ( 40- ounce insulated stainless steel water bottle, $ 35 on amazon. com): Sleek and highly practical. Takaya has fashioned this one from food- grade 18/ 8 stainless steel. It’s PBA- free and touted to keep cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot liquids hot for up to 12 hours. A double- wall vacuum insulation prevents outside temps from affecting the temps inside the bottle and also helps prevent exterior condensation, which occurs on many metal bottles. The wide lid allows easy access for ice cubes. Also boasts a patented leak- proof spout lid. ( No more spills in an overcrowded gym bag!) The 40- ounce size provides ample hydration ( or a very welcome coffee fix!). 2 FlipBelt, zipper edition ($ 29.98, amazon. com): Kiss your bulky running armbands/ pouches goodbye with this sleek, lightweight, stretchy, tubular alternative, now featuring a low- profile zipper compartment in addition to original pockets. The flat- design “pouch” ( two inches wider than the original) lets you store a phone, ID card, cash and even keys. Moisture- wicking fabric prevents sweat from damaging your belongings— and it’s machine washable! 3 Excy portable training system( prices vary, excy. com): Short for “exercise cycle,” the small cross- trainer ( upper body/ recumbent cycle) weighs a mere 10 pounds. The technology combines cardio and strength training ( it comes with 30 pounds of resistance capability), and its portability ( it folds for easy storage and transport) means you can take it with you anywhere in the house ( or on the road). An optional stability bar is also available. Quite pricey ( the units start at around $ 600). Lifehacker. com sums it up: “The sweet spot for Excy is probably a person who wants to do cycling workouts and who has the budget to consider a full- sized exercise bike but not the space for one.” ( Always check with your doctor before investing in any type of home exercise equipment.) 4 UA On The Run Tote, ($ 55, amazon. com): Self Magazine also selected this gorgeous and utilitarian tote for its list of 2016 fitness gifts. It wears as good as it looks ( zips shut, repels water). It also boasts a padded laptop sleeve, removable shoulder strap, comfy handles and reflective pulls. Comes in an assortment of colors. 5 The Fitbit Blaze ($ 200, amazon. com): It’s among the latest models from the most famous line of trackers. The smart watch’s color screen provides the usual conveniences: call and text alerts, as well as GPS tracking, improved heart- rate monitoring and on- screen FitStar workouts. Choose your sport, get your onscreen workout summary when you’re done. You can also listen to music, of course. 6 Gaiam ultimate foot massage roller ($ 7, amazon. com): An ideal ( and cute) stocking stuffer, it works nearly all the pressure points in your feet, making it perfect for after- workout or after work. Also can be used for arms, hands and legs. The tiny ball weighs just under 4 ounces, so it can easily fit in a gym bag or purse. ( Check with your doctor before using any type of rolling massagers).