10 cool gifts for fitness buffs (like you!)
By December 8



There are plenty of ways to get motivated, and buying yourself a present can be one of them—especially if your present helps you get fit.

Here are some inexpensive gifts that will get you moving:

• Pedometer: Ever wonder how many steps you take a day? You might be surprised by the number, but you’ll never know until you use a pedometer… Unless you’d rather manually count your steps all day.
• Jump rope: You can get them anywhere, and the simple ones are only a few dollars. Or opt for a jump rope with cool features, like weighted handles or an invisible rope (For real. It’s a ropeless jump rope!)
• FitDeck exercise cards, $14.95 at FitDeck.com: Each card in this deck of 56 has a different exercise that you can do at different levels, so they work for everyone.
• Resistance band: Resistance bands come in a range of strengths so you can start out easy and work your way up. You’ll find them at most sporting good stores and lots of them are under 10 bucks. WomenFitness.net has some easy exercises you can do with resistance bands.
• Exercise ball: There are tons of ways to use an exercise ball. They usually don’t cost more than 20 dollars and are great for improving posture and strengthening your core.
• Workout DVD: Get fit on the cheap with a workout DVD. Look for one that challenges you without totally kicking your butt (otherwise, you’ll lose your motivation and possibly end up using the DVD as a coaster). We like teen yoga, hip hop belly dancing, and pilates for beginners.

If you have the extra dough (or a family member who likes to splurge on holiday gifts), here are some pricier things that can get your blood pumping:

• Wii Fit Plus, $89.99 on Amazon: Everything is more fun when you turn it into a game, especially working out. Don’t believe us? Try Wii Fit Plus. You can create a custom workout that combines a bunch of fun ways to move, like skateboarding and Kung Fu. You can even use the game to get fit with a virtual Segway, no mall-cop badge or helmet required.
• Trampoline: Trampolines are so fun you won’t even realize you’re exercising. The bigger ones are more expensive, but smaller sized trampolines can provide a workout that’s just as effective.
• Gym membership: When it comes to working out, a little guidance can be a good thing. At a gym, you’ll learn the proper ways to use machines and you can even work with a personal trainer. Almost all gyms have an age limit to sign up, but some will let you join with a parent’s supervision or permission.
• Custom designed yoga mat, $85 at Yogamatic.com: If you’re a yogi, a personalized yoga mat could be great motivation. We think pretty scenery like beaches and gardens might be nice, or a life-size photo of your crush staring up at you while you’re in downward facing dog (Is that creepy?)

For more fitness gifts under $40, check out this article on ThatsFit.com.

Do you have any fitness gear on your holiday wish list?

Photo by: Alexandra Rowley