Introduction
By Jacqueline Stenson, contributor
With the economy in such bad shape, there aren’t likely to be many $2,000 treadmills under the tree to help Americans work on their shape in ’09. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to give the gift of fitness this holiday season.
We’ve scouted around and sought feedback from fitness pros for gear and accessories that can help the recipient buff up without breaking your bank. Click on the tabs above for a variety of gift ideas — all under $50.
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Yoga-Paws
No, these aren’t for dogs. They’re essentially mini yoga mats that are worn on a person’s hands and feet. Consider a set for a yoga lover who’s always on the go. They allow the user to perform yoga exercises anywhere without having to carry around a big mat. Yoga-Paws can fit in a purse, suitcase or desk drawer.
They come packaged for men or women, selling for $34.95 at yogapaws.com.
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SPIbelt
If your fitness buff is inseparable from her fanny pack, it’s long past time to update her look. SPIbelt, which stands for “small personal item belt,” functions like a fanny pack — holding a cell phone, iPod, keys, lip balm, etc., but it’s smaller and cooler. The maker claims it won’t “bounce, ride or shift” during activity, even running — or you get your money back. And unlike fanny-pack fans, SPIbelt wearers won’t look like nerds.
The SPIbelt comes in almost two dozen colors for $19.95 each at SPIbelt.com. There’s also a reflective version that sells for $29.95. ";
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A different DVD
Many say they don’t have time to hit the gym. And in today’s economy, they may not have the money to afford one either. Workout DVDs can be a cheap — and fun — alternative for right at home.
If you want to give something different that’ll boost both one’s backside and mood, consider one of the newest offerings, “Bollywood Booty.” It’s by popular Indian dance and yoga instructor Hemalayaa, who recently showed dancing queen Ellen DeGeneres a few fancy moves. It sells for $14.99 at acaciacatalog.com.
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Hoops
You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the fun — and the fitness benefits — of the Hula-Hoop. And you don’t have to live in Los Angeles to become familiar with popular Hoopnotica classes.
Instructional DVDs sell for $19.95 and up at hoopnotica.com. Several hoops sell on the site for between $40 and $50. A travel version for $39.95 can be taken apart for easy transport.
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Sounds to sweat to
For gym rats with iPods, you can’t go wrong with an iTunes gift card. Not only can they select new music to help them keep up the pace, they also can buy audio workouts and coaching tracks (run better with Lance Armstrong, Serena Williams and others in your ear) from Nike Sport Music for under $20.
iTunes offers gift cards for $15, $25 and up at apple.com.
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A hot tank
Experienced fitness enthusiasts know the difference between working out in sports-performance clothing and their old college T-shirts. The former are made of special fabric that wicks away moisture, breathes better, feels better and looks better.
Performance clothing (shirts, pants, socks, etc.) is widely available at sporting-good stores, such as Dick’s, REI and Foot Locker, and other outlets by makers such as Adidas, Reebok, Champion and Lululemon. Zobha offers this stylish racerback tank for $48 at zobha.com.
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Reusable water bottles
One of the trendiest fitness accessories, eco-friendly reusable water bottles in durable aluminum or stainless steel, are widely available in a variety of colors and prices, some for under $5.
SIGG offers lightweight 25-ounce sport bottles that can fit in most cup holders and bike cages for $24.99 at mysigg.com. Another leading maker, Klean Kanteen, offers its popular 27-ounce colored bottles (the size that fits their $6.95 bike cage) for $19.95 at kleankanteen.com.
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