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Give Fit this Holiday Season
Even Santa would agree, these gifts are the greatest
What better gift can you give your loved ones than something that will inspire them to work out more or take better care of themselves? After all, that “bowlful of jelly” look really only works for Santa. Here are 10 of our top picks to put under their trees – and many are so new, the North Pole doesn’t even have them yet.
Reebok Speed Pac Adjustable Weights
What it does: Choose from 2.5-, 5-, 7.5-, 10- and 12.5-pound weights with the flick of a switch, and eliminate the need for multiple dumbbell sets.
Why we like it: This set makes it easy to move from one exercise to another, helping you keep your heart rate up during your workout. The all-in-one feature is great for the organizationally challenged, and its compact size makes for easy home storage.
Where to find it: GNC stores, www.reebokfitness.com, $59.99
Gaiam Balance Ball Resistance Kit
What it does: Variable resistance bands that attach to an exercise ball, increasing exercise options for upper arms, bottom, hips and more.
Why we like it: This kit marries two great workout techniques and gives you more reasons to use that exercise ball you likely received several holidays back. We liked the core workout we got with the ball, plus the chance to do bicep curls and chest presses with very little adjustment. Comes with a DVD.
Where to find it: Target, www.GAIAM.com, $20 (does not include ball, approximately $10-$20 at various retailers)
HydraCoach Intelligent Water Bottle by Sportline
What it does: Calculates your water needs, tracks how much you drink and motivates you to meet your hydration goals.
Why we like it: You’ll never have to worry about being dehydrated again. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking 17 fluid ounces two hours before exercise for proper hydration and best exercise results. It’s helpful to have HydraCoach remind you to drink up, and a portion of sales goes to organ donor research.
Where to find it: Target, $29.99
Omron Pedometer HJ-720ITC
What it does: This smart pedometer calculates the steps you take, and also distinguishes between strolling and aerobic walking, so you know just how many calories you burn with each workout.
Why we like it: The visual learner on your gift list will love the function allowing them to hook the Omron up to a computer to chart their progress. And it works as well in a purse or pocket as it does clipped to a belt. Resets each night so it’s always ready to go, and the large display makes it a snap to read.
Where to find it: Walgreens, Meijer, Rite- Aid, CVS, www.Amazon.com, $32.95
Aqua Jogger Women’s Fitness System
What it does: Provides everything you need to hit the pool – indoor or outdoor – for a low-impact, cardio-intense workout.
Why we like it: Water aerobics is a jointfriendly way to achieve full-body fitness, and Aqua Jogger makes it fun and challenging. The belt keeps you upright in deep water, triangle dumbbells and ankle cuffs offer great resistance, plus a DVD and workout guide help you get the most from water fitness. Pool is not included.
Where to find it: www.Aquaticnet.com, $89.95; www.Amazon.com, $79.38
BOSU Ballast Ball
What it does: Lets you perform resistance ball exercises in a new way – core, upper and lower body – thanks to the weighted granules in the bottom of the ball.
Why we like it: Ever have a resistance ball roll away from you in mid-set? No more. The granules keep the ball stable and the included DVD teaches you how to use varying motions during upper-body exercises to make different sounds with the ball. Now you can shake and rattle, without the roll. It’s great for seniors, but advanced users will get a workout, too. We tried it and were sore for days. What a Ballast!
Where to find it: www.BOSU.com, $59.99
Horizon Fitness Treadmill T500
What it does: A great mid-level (that means affordable!) treadmill that folds easily, thanks to a hydraulic lift mechanism.
Why we like it: It has preset workouts, pulse meter, calorie counter, all-important magazine rack (for your latest issue of Vital), and a dock for your MP3 player. The motor is quiet, making the whole package a good value for your exercise dollar.
Where to find it: Dick’s Sporting Goods, $699.99
Gaiam Resistance Cord Workout Kit
What it does: Three different cords that can be used to vary strength, intensity and energy levels during a resistance workout.
Why we like it: Sculpts arms, legs and core easily and efficiently, with a DVD to get you started. Packs easily for travel to the in-laws’ over the holidays – you can sneak away and burn off that pumpkin pie!
Where to find it: Target, Borders, Dick’s Sporting Goods, MC Sports, www.GAIAM.com, $30
Expresso Stationary Bike
What it does: The Expresso has a 17-inch color screen that displays more than 30 interactive virtual courses you can steer through, complete with scenery, hills and a pacesetter in a yellow jersey.
Why we like it: Finally, a workout that engages the body as well as the mind! Chart your course on an individualized Web site and see how you compare to bikers across the country. Or, go at your own pace and listen to music or watch TV on the screen instead. It never gets boring because the whole thing is connected to the Internet for continual course and music updates.
Where to find it: www.ExpressoFitness.com. At $5,145, it’s really a dream item worthy of some serious sticker shock. Another option: Look into a membership to Franklin Athletic Club (www.FranklinClub.com) in Southfield – its fitness center has two Expresso Stationary Bikes.
AirDrives Interactive Earphones
What it does: AirDrives are small and light like popular in-ear models, but sit on the outside of your ear so you can hear what is happening in the world. Compatible with MP3 players and iPods, plus DVD players and computers.
Why we like it: Perfect for outdoor running, walking or biking, or for chatting with the person on the next treadmill. Helps provide great music – a wonderful incentive to get up and moving and exercise longer and harder once you’re out there. There’s also a version for kids, so they can’t blame their music for blocking out your requests to clean their rooms.
Where to find it: www.AirDrives.com, $99.99 (adults), $69.99 (kids)