Christmas is just around the corner and I know how hard it can be to think of the right gifts for the fitness enthusiasts on your list. Below are a few ideas of products I would consider great gifts without totally breaking the bank. Make sure to confirm that the recipient does not already have all of these items before gifting them (unless they want more than one of course).
Power Hooks
Power Hooks allow you to hang dumbells from a barbell, giving you the ability to unrack the dumbells and start the movement from the top just like a barbell based movement. Not only does this allow heavier weight to be used, it helps prevent possible injuries when kicking dumbells up from the knees.
Where to Buy
Bodybuilding.com
Power Hooks
Tyler Grips or Fat Gripz
Though there are slight design differences between the 2 (Tyler Grips being tapered to be cone shaped) they serve the same purpose, simulate thick handled bars and increase forearm/grip fatigue. They aren’t high tech but they work. Thick handled bars are expensive, these grips are not. This is a no brainer for anyone whom cares about forearm and grip strength.
Where to Buy
Tyler Grip
Fat Gripz
Kettlebells
Kettlebells are one of those pieces of equipment that has been around forever but as with almost anything else, the old becomes new again. They are versatile and mid range in price when compared to other equipment but the best thing about them is that they don’t take a ton of space and can give a great workout. Most well conditioned men can handle the 20kg (44lb) kettlebell where as most females should start with a lighter bell such as the 12kg option.
Where to Buy
Dragon Door (USA)
Kontact Sports (Canada)
Bands and Chains
Bands and chains add progressive resistance to the big three movements (squat, deadlift, bench press). Powerlifters have used them to increase poundage’s for years and many athletes in other sports have utilized them when training power and explosiveness as well. Bands can be purchased from APT (cost depends on the level of resistance you require) and chains can be bought at APT or simply at a hardware store as I have done. I know to some this sounds cheap but if you have serious strength athletes on your Christmas list they may just think otherwise.
Where to Buy
APT Pro Gear
The Shoulder Horn
The Shoulder Horn helps prevent or correct muscle imbalances created by weak external rotator muscles. Though the same movement as done with this device can be done without support the horn does make the movement almost foolproof. Preventing or fixing such an imbalance can prevent injuries and increase the overall health of the rotator cuff. Not a bad gift for any fitness enthusiast.
Where to Buy
Better Fitness Products
Versa Gripps
As most know I am not a huge fan of straps, I like raw lifts BUT I do see a time and a place for the use of these products. If someone is going to use straps they should use the best on the market which are in my opinion Versa Gripps. If you have a bodybuilder on your list or anyone looking to work beyond what their grip can handle this is the gift for them.
Where to Buy
Versa Gripps
Spud Inc. Dip Belt
This is a heavy duty dip belt designed for serious use. No more uncomfortable leather dip belts, heck no more buying dip belts. This thing may just outlast the user. Not much else to say on this besides check it out.
Where to Buy
Spud Inc.
Grippers
The most famous grippers are probably the CoC but if the person you are buying for already has a set of them or you just want to give them something different I recommend the Vulcan Hand Gripper. This gripper allows various weight settings and provides one of the most challenging feats of hand strength in the business. (They are out of stock until January unfortunately but you can pre-order).
Where to Buy
IronMind CoC Grippers
Vulcan Gripper
Protein powder
Simply find out the brand of protein the person you are buying for uses and purchase some. Why protein? Because we all use it and it’s not useless like most supplements and accepted as a staple of the diet by most of those whom are interested in fitness.
A Month of Nutrition Consulting
Ok, so I’m biased here but what could be better than a month of professional nutrition consulting? Getting someone on the right track nutritionally will give them the results they are looking for and give them knowledge they can use time and again. Of course I believe the best option here is to sign up for our services but any nutritional service you trust would be a great option.
