What to buy your favorite fitness enthusiast
The holidays are sneaking up on us, and you've still got a lot of shopping to do. Are there fitness buffs or wannabes on your list? We've got some ideas, from big-ticket items to inexpensive stocking stuffers.
Our go-to gift this season: The Banjee wrist wallet by Sprigs with its zippered pocket to hold keys, money, an ID and other necessities. More comfortable for running than something you wear around the waist - and it's just $14.95 and available in a wide selection of reversible solids and prints.
Find it at REI stories or rei.com; Alpine Accessories, 9219 South State Route 31 in Lake in the Hills; or online at sprigsville.com; solutions.com and improvementscatalog.com.
Here are some other holiday gifts that will keep on giving all year:
For something just a little different
Talking pedometer
No, it doesn't nag "Get off the couch!" But this $25 stocking stuffer from Brookstone will tell her how many steps she's taken, the distance she's covered and the calories burned. And there's a button she can push to make it shut up.
Brookstone, brookstone.com
Make-Your-Own-Yoga-Practice Fan
This nifty, mix-and-match guide ($18) allows the yoga lover in your life to create a customized practice sequence from 10 to 90 minutes long. It features more than 50 postures and illustrated, step-by-step instructions.
Online personal trainer
Going to a personal trainer is great, but for that person in your life who needs the extra push to make time for fitness at odd hours, this unique idea is just right. Sign him up at MyFitnessExpert.com, and he can pick out a trainer who will construct a workout program tailored to his goals, fitness level and the equipment he likes to use. The training sessions continue by e-mail, from $9.95 a month.
For the person who'd rather work out at home
Horizon Performance Series T1200 Treadmill
At $1,199, it's a pricey gift. But if your loved one is all about the home workout, nothing beats having her own machine. This one has premium speakers and an iPod docking station (with iPod controls right on the console.)
Dick's Sporting Goods stores,
AB Lounge Ultra
It looks like a camp chair, but it's for sit-ups, not sitting. The AB Lounge Ultra offers a full range of motion for working the upper and lower abdominals as well as the obliques. The ergonomic design helps support the head, neck and back. It's $169.99, and it folds up easily so exercise scofflaws don't have to stare at it guiltily all the time.
Dick's Sporting Goods and Sports Authority stores, amazon.com, walmart.com
Gaiam Toning Ball Workout Kit
This set comes with a 35-minute workout video and a 4-pound medicine ball that can help build strength, flexibility and improve balance - all without a gym membership. At $30, it's a bargain.
Gaiam.com
Mini Exercise Bike
Brookstone's bitty bike ($99) promises an intense workout for abs or legs - or he can work the pedals with his hands for an upper-body workout. It tracks calories burned and stows under the bed or in the closet.
Brookstone stores, brookstone.com
Kettlebell
The Kettlebell has been around for a while, but it's still gaining in popularity. The Kettlebell works on strength, agility, endurance and balance and is great for working more than one muscle at a time. There are various exercises and routines that can be used with the Kettlebell. Prices range from $25 to $300, depending on size and weight.
Fitness stores, performbetter.com
For someone on the go
Night life Hat
Show your loved one how much you care about his safety with Brooks Sports NightLife running cap ($24). It comes in high-visibility yellow, has 360 degrees of 3M scotchlite reflectivity - and as if that's not enough - a rear-flashing LED light so cars can see him coming and going.
AquaBells Travel Weights
No, she can't travel with her dumbbells, especially now that airlines are charging for overweight luggage. But AquaBells are completely collapsible and lightweight, to be refilled with water once she gets to the hotel. A dumbbell set is $59.95.
Securehold Head Wrap
These head wraps have rubber treads woven throughout to keep her bangs and layers in place while she's working out. But what's really cool is the reflective weave that boosts her visibility when she's running at night. And they're just $8 for a pack of four in assorted colors.
Post-workout Revival Kit
From Title Nine, this $39 set includes vitamin foam wash, sore muscle rub, vitamin lotion, lip balm, and vitamin and verbena soaps.
• Jennifer Rundell contributed to this article.