Christmas Gift Ideas for Fitness Fanatics

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

13 Dec 2008 07:08 PM

Struggling to find the perfect gift for the fitness guru on your holiday shopping list? Then, you've come to the right place. While many people shy away from getting exercise-related gifts for loved ones because of the high price or lack of knowledge, shopping for fitness gadgets is really not that difficult.

Take a look at the following items that can help refresh your loved one's workouts without breaking the bank:

Nike + iPod Sport Kit

This inexpensive yet effective gift retails for just $29. If your fitness fanatic friend uses his existing iPod Nano or iPod Touch while running or walking, then this is the ideal gift. When synched with a sensor in a person's shoe, the iPod's screen displays time, pace and calories burned. Another cool feature: A voice interrupts the music when you've reached a goal or have a few minutes left in a timed workout.

Meanwhile, Nike has designed its running shoes to accommodate the sensor. Nike running shoes have a hole in the sole to stash the sensor. If you are not a Nike fan, you can attach the sensor to your shoe via a sensor pouch, tape or those Velcro dots. Once you are done with your workout you can log onto the free Nike+ Web site and view details of your workout. You can also build a personalized training program for an upcoming race or chat online with other runners.

Ibike iSport

This high-tech gadget is for serious cyclists that you don't mind spending a bit more for. The iSport retails for $199 and looks like a bike computer. It mounts on the handlebars and measures steepness of hills and strength of headwinds (among other things) to come up suggestions on how you can get the most out of your ride. The device crunches the numbers for you and gives you details regarding heat rate, calories burned, and progress over time.

Related Articles:

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Staying Ahead of Your New Year's Fitness Resolutions

Fitness Food for Thought

Don't Let the Cold Weather Derail Your Fitness Routine

How to Make Workouts a Priority During the Holiday Season

Don't Let the Holidays Ruin Your Fitness Routine

Looking for a Treadmill this Christmas?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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