FitSugar

Frantic Fitness Shopping Made Easy

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:54:29 PST

Christmas is less than a week away, and we still have shopping to do. If this sounds familiar, we've got two words for you: gift card. A gift card may seem impersonal, but it's a quick way to get a few gifts crossed off your list and can be delivered to your recipient via email. We buy gift cards for distant relatives, our trainer, or babysitter - people who won't take offense that we didn't spend a lot of time shopping for them.

If you know someone who works out, loves fitness, does yoga, or can be found skiing, camping, or snowboarding, gift cards from the following stores are your safest best. We picked these three stores because they offer something for everyone or they're an "It" brand that everyone seems to love:

REI: A gift card from this adventure store is especially great for the outdoor enthusiast or anyone into sports like cycling, rock climbing, camping, or skiing. Awesome collection of gadgets, accessories, gear, and clothing.
Lululemon: Yoga lover or not, she'll love a gift card from the coveted Canadian brand. Many people who want Lululemon don't always buy it because items can be a little pricey. A gift card will help them rock this great line of activewear without breaking the bank.
Nike: For everyone else - the runner, basketball player, or gym rat - there is bound to be something at the Nike shop for them. High-quality, cutting-edge gear.

If a gift card isn't your thing, many online retailers are still able to ships gifts by Christmas if you order by Wednesday. You can also send the gift of fresh fruits and veggies via The Fruit Guys if you order by noon today. Another gift that you can order easily from home is a gift certificate to a spa or fitness center. Just check for a business in your recipient's area and call in your order. Many businesses will mail a gift certificate to your giftee.

FitSugar's DIY Holiday Gifts

FitSugar — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:50:54 PST

Everyone loves getting gifts, especially when they're homemade. A flair of DIY shows the recipient that you put a little extra thought and care into their gift - not to mention a little elbow grease. Ready to get crafty? We've rounded up handful of healthy gifts for the holidays.

Flickr User thepinkpeppercorn

Fun and Fitness-y White Elephant Gifts

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 04:30:35 PST

'Tis the season of giving, and if you've got a white elephant gift exchange coming up, we've got you covered. And, even if you don't, we still have the perfect prank or you've-been-naughty-this-year gift. Trust us, these gifts definitely trump a lump a coal!

Source: Thinkstock

FitSugar's Faves For Her, Him, and More!

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:00:00 PST

'Tis the season for holiday fun, but I hope finding the right gifts for all on your list is not throwing you into a tizzy. I've rounded up my favorite gifts for your gal pals, your fit beau, stocking stuffers, and a fun DIY gift you can whip up in a less than an afternoon.

Edgy, Cool, and All-Around Awesome Fitness Gifts

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 04:30:07 PST

People have different fitness styles: some like to keep things old-school and no frills, while others appreciate the bells and whistles that new technology can provide. If you know someone who prefers the latest materials, technology, or gadgets when it comes to working out, then we've got a gift for them.

DIY Holiday Gift: Scented Eye Pillows

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 03:47:05 PST

I love an eye pillow during savasana. The added prop makes the end of yoga class even more relaxing. You can give the gift of relaxation and make your friends and loved ones eye pillows for the holidays. DIY gifts add a more personal touch to the giving season, and you'll save yourself some dough. Since you don't need a large amounts of fabric for this project, you can probably use old scraps, making your gift eco friendly too.

Here's what you'll need:

fabric, something soft and luxurious - flannel is great
flax seed
dried herbs of your choice: roses, chamomile, peppermint, lavender
sewing machine or thread and needle
straight pins
bowl
measuring cup and tablespoon

Learn how to whip up an eye pillow.

Fill Holiday Stockings With Fit Gifts

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 04:30:28 PST

Come Christmas morning, the first thing we open at my house is our stockings. I love to fill them with fitness goodies. Here are my top ten healthy stocking stuffers.

Clockwise starting from the top left:

Grease Monkey Wipes (6 for $5.99) - Wipe that grease from your bicycle chain off your calf in a jiffy with these all natural, heavy duty cleaning wipes.
Running Mittens ($28) - Asics makes more than just great sneakers, the running giant makes great mittens to keep your hands toasty on a run. But not too toasty; the top folds back so sweaty hands can breathe if necessary.
Hydra-Vision goggles by BlueSeventy ($22) - Lightweight, comfy goggles will make any swimmer or triathlete jump for joy this holiday season.
Word Lock - For your forgetful friend, a lock that uses words rather than numbers to open is a great tool for the gym going set.
Teko Boarding Socks - Help the snow boarders in your life pad their shins and keep their toes warm with Teko's merino wool socks designed to help all riders.
Lip Balm with SPF - Winter sun, especially on the slopes, can dry and burn your lips. Keep a kisser happy with SPF 30 lip balm from Hawaiian Island Creations that moisturizes while it protects.
Road ID - In case of an emergency, the Road ID can speak for your runner, hiker, or cyclist in case they can't.
Hammer Gel - Perfectly sized for stuffing into your endurance athlete's stocking, Hammer Gels come in a wide variety of flavors, taste good, and seem a bit more natural than other gels out there.
Ibex Indie Arm Warmers - Running in transitional weather is much easier with a pair of wicking merino wool arm warmers. We especially like the thumbholes!
Luna Bars - Skip the candy canes and replace them with festively flavored energy bars. The chocolate peppermint flavor of Luna Bar just screams holiday season.

Gifting For the Home Gym

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:00:37 PST

Giving the gift of fitness is definitely a gift that keeps on giving. If someone on your holiday gift list works out at home, here are some pieces of equipment to help them burn it up in the comfort of their own home.

Clockwise from top left: Perfect for challenging both the core and the sense of balance, the BOSU ($100) takes any exercise up a notch. The Jungle Gym XT ($100) brings suspension workouts into the home - the system works with a door or a pull-up bar. Bring a little mind-body exercise into your fitness freak's home gym with a Pilates Spring Board ($445); it's a wall unit version of the classic Cadillac. If you feel like giving big, it's hard to go wrong with an elliptical by Precor ($3,400) - a joint-friendly cardio machine. A set of adustable dumbbells ($143) means more options that take up less space; perfect for strength training in a small space.

Holiday Rider: Gifts For Cyclists

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:00:26 PST

Help your road warrior ride in style with these holiday gifts. From lights to maintenance, all cyclists - men and women alike - will want this gear.

Clockwise from the top left: Help the cyclists in your life become their own mechanics with the new Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair ($32) from Rodale - it even includes links to updated web tutorials. Add some twinkling festive cheer to any bike with Knog Frog lights ($7); they attach almost anywhere on a bike increasing visibility. For the serious Winter rider Barrier Lobster Gloves by Pearl Izumi ($70) are a must for keeping fingers toasty warm on the coldest rides. A classic wool jersey is a staple of cycling fashion and the JJ's LS wool jersey by Luna ($130) is a blend of wool, silk, and lycra - be prepared for your cyclist to wear it both on and off the bike. New wheels upgrade any road bike and this aluminum wheelset by Shimano ($300) is lightweight and with aerodynamic spokes. A Multitool by Lezyne ($29) will keep your biker prepared for many mishaps that can occur on the road; it comes with Allen wrenches, Phillips and flat head screw drivers, tire levers, and a bottle opener! Cold rides require full leg coverage, and we have our eyes on Pearl Izumi's tights with chamois ($120), which offer full coverage, wind barrier protection, and plush padding.

FitSugar's Holiday Gift Guide Roundup

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 05:50:48 PST

Can you hear the sleigh bells ringing yet? With Black Friday quickly approaching, it's time to brush up on all the fabulous FitSugar gift ideas for the physical people in your life. Don't know what to get your camping pal? We've got you covered. And the yoga and Pilates gurus in your life? We've got that, too. Come check out all the fitness options you might like to find under your own tree this holiday season!

Gifts For the Outdoor Pal

Fitness Kits and Packages

Fit Fashionistas

Gear to Get the Family Fit

Special Water Bottles

Yoga and Pilates Gurus

Hot Holiday Hoodies

Gear For the Running Gal

Swanky Gym Bags