Christmas means a lot of things to different people. However, one common acceptance across the globe is that it is a giving time.
For gym lovers and fitness enthusiasts, Christmas is a chance to get new and shiny accessories.
The festive period presents the window for refreshing wardrobes, from the latest technology to the freshest attire to the shiniest trainers.
There are so many gift ideas in the market you can get for that special someone who loves to use the gym frequently.
It can get tedious finding the perfect gift and even where to begin.
We put together this comprehensive article with idea gifts for gym lovers. The gifts below suit all types of budgets as they have different price ranges on the market.
Speakers or headphones
There is a strong relationship between working out and music. Most exercises require keeping up with the pace in the gym.
Whether using the treadmill, lifting weights, or partaking in aerobic activities, there is a need to have some rhythm.
With music, there is rhythm. Music adds meaning to your workout as it helps you maintain your pace. According to research, music helps synchronize your workout movements.
If you’ve ever attempted to learn how to play an instrument, you would have encountered a metronome that sets the tone for you to keep your rhythm.
That’s the same role music plays when exercising as it keeps you going.
Further research also shows that music uplifts your mood and makes you more energetic.
This helps you last longer during your workout. In addition, research points to that your endurance levels increase by 15% whenever you listen to music during a workout.
There’s a reason most aerobic exercises are accompanied by music. Music keeps you moving because it excites the part of your brain that makes you move.
So yes, even if whoever you plan on getting the gift for is not a big fan of music, you can still buy them a headphone or speakers.
According to research, music enhances the workout experience, so getting them equipment that will make access to music easier will be of great help.
There are different types of speakers and headphones. They are available in different brands and sizes, and you can go with whichever option is more affordable.
You might want to consider the favourite colour of the person you’re buying for so you could get them speakers or headphones in that colour.
Roller
Foam rolling is fast becoming a trend in workouts at the gym. They are usually included in pre-workout routines to warm up or in post-workout routines as a way to warm down.
Once you work out consistently, your body becomes more susceptible to pain. In addition, high-intensity exercises could leave your muscles feeling sore with a bit of inflammation.
Using a roller is an immediate remedy that helps ease the pain.
A study in 2015 showed that physically active men who used the roller for at least 20 minutes right after each workout experienced less soreness in their muscles than those who didn’t.
Another benefit of rollers is that they increase your motion range after consistent usage.
Studies prove that combining static stretching with the roller boosts your range of motion which is good for performance and flexibility.
Generally, many people find foam rolling to be a relaxing activity. It helps ease the tensions and tightness in your muscles after a workout.
A roller is a gift that every fitness enthusiast will much appreciate. It’ll help them rejuvenate and strengthen their muscles after physical activity.
There are different types of rollers on the market:
· Smooth rollers – They are dense and smooth with no knobs. This is usually the best option for people who aren’t used to rolling. Also less expensive than the others.
· Textured rollers – They are rough with knobs around them. Often, these type of rollers is used for deep tissue massages. They help eradicate muscle tightness as a result.
Rollers come in different sizes, so you’ll have to consider a range of factors when choosing one for a loved one this Christmas.
Smartwatch
The world evolved, and fitness wasn’t left behind.
There have been various technological advancements in fitness over the years to make workouts more impactful and effective.
One of which is smartwatches. They help you track your progress in the gym and will make a good gift for this festive period.
Smartwatches have numerous features that can enhance your workout experience
· Keep track of calories burnt
· Keep track of calories intake
· Keep track of daily steps
· Keep track of distance covered
What makes smartwatches appealing is the ease of accessibility, simplicity, and efficiency.
With a smartwatch, you don’t necessarily need to be by your phone whilst working out.
You can send a text or make a call with your voice or even change the song you’re listening to.
There are a number of smartwatches, and you have to choose which type you think will be the right taste and consider the compatibility.
Gym bag
Usually overlooked but an essential accessory for trips to the gym. Most people have makeshift or utility bags when visiting the gym.
However, it is important to get the appropriate bag that can carry all the necessary gear for a session at the gym.
Gym bags tend to wear out early, so the chances are that the gym lover you want to get a gift for might need a new one.
Remember to choose a bag with the right style and enough space to fit all the gym gear.
Yoga mat
Don’t worry if the person you want to get the gift for isn’t interested in yoga.
Buying a yoga mat could be the starting point for them.
The truth is everyone needs yoga.
Research shows that yoga helps reduce stress drastically while enhancing muscle strength and flexibility.
Yoga improves your overall well-being and promotes cardiovascular and respiratory functions.
The benefits of yoga are endless, so choosing a yoga mat as a gift is a blessing in disguise.
The impressive thing about a yoga mat is how versatile it can be. The same mat used for yoga can be used for stomach exercises, pushups, and other core workouts.
Yoga mats come in different colours, and you might want to go with the favourite colour of the person you’re buying the gift for.
Other Accessories
There’s an endless list of products you can get as gifts for gym lovers. However, if you aren’t satisfied with the options above, here are some other accessories you can still consider.
- Resistance bands – This could be perfect for the female in your life who just started strength and endurance training. They come in different packs and could be an option for women who want to also work on their shape.
- Trainers – Due to the intensity of training at the gym, you’re advised to put on trainers whenever you workout. Trainers are very important apparel in the gym and could be a good gift once you know the size you’re dealing with. It doesn’t matter if the person already has a pair because an extra one will only make them happier.
- Slides – Although trainers are necessary for the gym, you’re not going to wear them all the time, especially before and after your workout. You want to give your toes space to breathe, and that’s why slides could be a good gift to consider. They are designed in a way to give your feet comfort and relief.
- Clothing wear – You can also decide to go for gym wear: a shirt or shorts, armband, headband, hair ties, socks, running glasses, etc.
- Supplements – Fitness enthusiasts know how important protein is in their fitness journey. Protein helps the muscle grow and develop. Buying protein supplements, protein bars, or vitamins from a store could be the perfect gift for someone who wants to build muscle.
This list of gifts provided could be a starting point for you searching for the best gifts you can get gym lovers for Christmas. So enjoy your Christmas gift hunting!
References
Pearcey, Gregory E P et al. “Foam rolling for delayed-onset muscle soreness and recovery of dynamic performance measures.” Journal of athletic training vol. 50,1 (2015): 5-13. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-50.1.01
≈†karabot, Jakob et al. “Comparing the effects of self-myofascial release with static stretching on ankle range-of-motion in adolescent athletes.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 10,2 (2015): 203-12.
Kim, Kanghoon et al. “Effect of Self-myofascial Release on Reduction of Physical Stress: A Pilot Study.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 26,11 (2014): 1779-81. doi:10.1589/jpts.26.1779
Sch√§fer, Thomas et al. “The psychological functions of music listening.” Frontiers in psychology vol. 4 511. 13 Aug. 2013, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00511
Karageorghis, Costas I et al. “Psychophysical and ergogenic effects of synchronous music during treadmill walking.” Journal of sport & exercise psychology vol. 31,1 (2009): 18-36. doi:10.1123/jsep.31.1.18
Stupacher, Jan et al. “Musical groove modulates motor cortex excitability: a TMS investigation.” Brain and cognition vol. 82,2 (2013): 127-36. doi:10.1016/j.bandc.2013.03.003
Woodyard, Catherine. “Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life.” International journal of yoga vol. 4,2 (2011): 49-54. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.85485