Alright! The term athlete is a loose one, but according to Shelly Campbell, a local triathlete and coach, you qualify as an athlete when you start to "do it." So....if you or a person on your holiday gift list have begun a fitness regimen you now qualify as an athlete. This might mean regular trips to the gym or logging mileage one way or another out of doors (and I don't mean in your car!). Congratulations for making that important commitment to exercise regularly and eat more sensibly. Keep it up! And if you are one of those who waits until New Year's Day to make a fitness resolution, why not now? Those resolutions place a lot of pressure on you and, truth be told, they rarely succeed. So why don't you get started now, or at least on Christmas Day?
If you are making a list and checking it twice, here are some giving ideas for the athlete on your list:
Heart Rate Monitor - This is one of the most useful tools you can have for getting the best out of your workout, whether it's on a treadmill, an exercise bike, elliptical trainer or, better yet biking, running or swimming. With a bit of planning you can learn what your heart rate is telling you about how hard or light your workout is. Data from the heart rate monitor can tell you to step it up, hold current pace, or slow down, depending on your fitness goals. Most monitors come as a watch, which in turn can be a full function chronograph, a fancy name for a stop watch. Though they might be a bit intrusive for some, I think the systems which take their data from a strapped-on sensor around your chest work the best. Read the linked reviews for more information. $50-$150, depending on the features.
Nike+iPod Sport Kit - This is a gift for the runner who likes to listen to an iPod while running. A sensor seats into specially designed Nike running shoes, a receiver plugs into the iPod, and the two communicate distance and pace. There are plenty of user configurations which can make this a pretty sophisticated tool, plus the data which is generated during a run can then be uploaded to Nike's Nike+ website for storage and analysis. Bottom line: these are a lot of fun. $29
Nike+ SportBand - If you don't run with an iPod, the Nike SportBand works pretty much like the Nike+iPod except the sensor in the shoe sends its data to a receiver on your wrist. $59
Garmin Forerunner - GPS is not just for automobiles. For the serious runner, biker or hiker, the Garmin series of Forerunner products are excellent training and informational tools. Using the same technology which powers automotive GPS units, the Forerunner measures distance and speed while also tracking the elapsed time of your workout. This is the most accurate method for measuring distance and, depending on the features which are included, the Forerunner products can also record your route and analyze your heart rate. There are myriad models of Forerunner at many different price levels. If you can afford it, the more fully featured units are the way to go. $112-$352
RoadID - This little company has some great items for runners and cyclists, including their popular wrist or ankle ID straps. I never go for a run without strapping my ID around my ankle. These just might help save your life in the event of an accident. Here's how they describe one of their products:
The Wrist ID Sport is the perfect piece of gear for every athlete. Like all our IDs, it can be laser engraved with your emergency contact information. It comes standard with two 3M reflective stripes to enhance your visibility when training in the dark. The Wrist ID Sport is available in six colors and both Original and Interactive versions. $20
Amphipod Reflective Xinglet - Amphipod makes a whole line of products for runners and cyclists, including various reflective articles for the out late runner or walker. I'll admit, these look a bit like the wide suspenders your grandpa used to wear, but for me they are more comfortable than wearing a full reflective vest. Don't run again at dusk or after dark without wearing either a vest or this innovative product from Amphipod. $25-$30
Workout clothing - It you're like me, you hate for someone else to buy shoes or clothing for you. This is especially true for athletes. You will probably do better to give your athlete a gift card and send them out to a quality sporting goods store. For runners, get them a gift card from a store which caters to runners. For cyclists, a store which serves cyclists. I swear by this and believe you will too once you've gotten the attention and knowledgeable advise which comes from the experts. My other advise regarding clothing is to buy items which use the latest "technical" materials. No one should run in cotton any more, nor in cheap synthetic fiber. The top manufacturers are the ones to go with: Nike, Brooks, Saucony, etc. Again, go to a specialty store for the best selection and highest quality. $5-$100s
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