Christmastime is here, and healthy stocking stuffers are a great way to help loved ones start out the New Year right. Whether your gift recipient is a fitness rookie or gym veteran, there are some great accessories the fitness world offers to help them stay motivated and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Take a look at some of my personal favorites and fun gym essentials for the fitness enthusiast!
1. Quest protein bars
Quest is the best-tasting brand of protein bars—by a landslide, in my opinion. It has a variety of flavors, including S’mores, Cookies and Cream, and Cookie Dough. The Cookie Dough flavor can actually be baked into cookies for a special, protein-filled treat! If you’re interested in the granola bar route, opt for Cliff or Kind bars. They come in numerous flavors and are some of the most naturally filling and nutrient-rich bars you’ll find.
2. Fitness magazine
Muscle & Fitness and Muscle & Fitness Hers are good options for this one. They include challenging workouts, nutritional advice, and unique fitness tips from professionals around the globe. If the person on your list has a fitness hobby, such as running or CrossFit, go for a sport-specific magazine, such as Runner’s World. You can even go the extra mile and sign your loved one up for a subscription to give them motivation the whole year through.
3. Foam roller
Foam rollers are a fitness staple, and I cannot stress enough how helpful they are, especially after a hard workout. Foam rolling, or myofascial release, increases your blood flow, relieves muscle tension, and decreases recovery time between workouts. Foam rolling is great for working through knots and returning muscles to their initial length. They are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
4. Icy Hot
No matter how well you take care of your body, everyone experiences aches and pains at some point. Give the gift of relief and treat your friend or loved one to Icy Hot. It’s a helpful cream that helps sooth tender muscles. With a “fire and ice” blend, it gives you the best of cooling and heating, and is handy to stash in gym bags for quick relief. Icy Hot also comes in heating pads and roll-on creams for easy application.
5. BlenderBottle
No matter what you drink, the BlenderBottle is another staple for the exercise-enthused. It’s a convenient, on-the-go bottle that blends your protein and other powdered drinks perfectly; hence, the name. The Cyclone Cup Shaker Bottle is a similar item, containing an additional bottom compartment for supplements, so you can stir things up when you’re ready. It’s also known for its odor-resistant claim, which is a lifesaver when you’re cleaning out bottles with shake and protein residue.
6. Supplements
Supplements aren’t just for bodybuilders! It’s important for everyone to receive the full amount of daily macronutrients, and whey protein is an excellent source of protein that absorbs quickly into the body. Pre-workout and amino acids help you get the most out of your workout with an extra kick of energy and blood flow. Supplement packets can contain up to sixty servings, which is more than worth the cost. If you’re unsure about which supplement is right for your loved one, nutrition shops often give free sample packets. Grab a handful and give the gift without spending extra cash!
7. Vitamins and fish oil
Supply your friend with some multivitamins and fish oil capsules. Blood pressure regulation, decreased inflammation, heart health, and increased energy are just a few of the many benefits. Fish oil is especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has monumental health benefits. It helps prevents heart disease by lowering triglycerides and is also used for eye health, diabetes, asthma, and more.
Emergen-C, a powdered drink mix, contains vitamin C, which helps give an immunity boost to fight off colds. It’s important to keep up your immune system during flu season, especially if you are a regular at the gym. Emergen-C comes in single-serving packets, so you can take them on the go with your BlenderBottle.
8. Dri-FIT socks
Although there is the running joke that socks are the worst present a person can receive, workout socks are a great stocking stuffer for your healthy friend or loved one. Cotton socks trap heat and moisture during a workout, so polyester socks are the way to go. They are thinner, draw the sweat away from your skin, and help prevent blistering. Nike’s Dri-FIT socks are heaven on your feet, but brands such as Peds at Walmart and Target are comparable.
9. Fruit and nuts
It wouldn’t be a real stocking without a tangerine or an orange thrown into the mix. Carry on with tradition while providing an excellent source of vitamin C. Dried fruit is also a good option—just be wary of high amounts of sugar. Another healthy snack is nuts. Almonds, pistachios, pecans, and walnuts are all excellent choices that contain healthy fats. Make some homemade trail mix and throw in a handful of dark chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries.
10. Headphones
You can never have too many pairs of headphones, and in this day and age, the designs are catered to meet the needs of even the pickiest consumers. From moldable ear buds to bluetooth headphones, the options are endless. For affordability, go for Skullcandy's Chops, or Yurbuds. If cost isn’t a concern, I like Bose In-Ear headphones.
Additional stocking stuffers may include: athletic arch supports, sport sunglasses for running, sweat-proof deodorant, a jump rope for on-the-go cardio, or athletic undergarments.
Well, there you have it—your fitness lover’s stocking stuffer guide. Be sure to have a safe and healthy Christmas with your loved ones.
Happy Holidays!
Kayleigh Jardine
iFit Trainer
WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.
