Great gifts for runners, athletes and gym rats
Whether they take spin classes in a studio setting, run miles through city streets, or lift weights at home, Christmas shopping for athletic-minded people should have one goal: Upgrading their sweat session. And, considering the holidays fall right before the setting of New Year's resolutions, anything wellness- or fitness-related makes for thoughtful and functional gifts they can use well into 2022.
Even though Christmas is less than three weeks away, it isn't too late to score a great gadget, clothing item, exercise machine or accessory to make their hearts race on Christmas morning. CBS Essentials rounded up some great options for runners, athletes, spinners and gym rats at every price point. Even better news? The majority of them are Amazon Prime eligible and ready to ship.
Theragun Mini
A gadget that offers muscle relief is a gift that keeps on giving. The smallest of all the Theragun models, this under-two pound Mini offers 20 pounds of force and three speeds --1,750, 2,100 and 2,400 PPMs. While not as feature-heavy than full-size models, its size alone makes it a great option for travelers or gym goers. If your budget allows, splurge on the Theragun Prime, the entry-level full-size model; the well-equipped Theragun Elite; or even the ultra-luxe Theragun Pro (recommended only for serious athletes).
You can find Theragun at Amazon, or buy direct from Therabody. At last look, retailers were cutting prices on their more premium models by quite a bit.
Theragun Prime, $249 (reduced from $299)
Theragun Elite, $299 (reduced from $399)
Theragun Pro, $449 (reduced from $590)
Amazin' Aces Pickleball Set
Plenty of people have picked up the sport of pickleball since the start of the pandemic, making it the fastest-growing sport in America, according to the Sport & Fitness Industry Association. Even if they have yet to pick up a paddle, this highly rated beginner's set on Amazon includes everything needed to get them started, including four wood paddles, four pickleballs and a mesh carrying case.
Amazin' Aces Pickleball Set, $40
Lululemon Align II leggings
Splurging on a high-end pair of workout pants for a holiday gift always scores points with athletes. You can't go wrong with a pair of buttery soft Lululemon Align II leggings. Yes, they're a splurge at $98, but reviewers rave about their superior comfort compared with the competition, and their ability to withstand years of washing.
Lululemon Align II legging, $98
For a less-expensive alternative to these Lululemon leggings, check out these buttery-soft leggings from Colorful Koala, available in 14 colors. You can pick up four pairs of these and still stay under a $100 Christmas gift budget.
Colorful Koala High Waisted Yoga Pants, $20
Amazon Halo activity tracker
A great budget-minded option for any fitness enthusiast with an Alexa-enabled life, the newly released Amazon Halo accesses crucial health metrics including heart rate, sleep score and even blood-oxygen levels, in addition to activity. The purchase includes a 12-month membership to Halo.
Amazon Halo activity tracker, $80
Takeya Originals vacuum insulated water bottle
Some athletes appreciate ice-cold water before, during and after a workout. Takeya vacuum-sealed and leak-proof water bottles keep water chilled for up to 24 hours. They're available in multiple sizes ranging from 18 to 40 ounces in a rainbow of color options.
Takeya Originals vacuum insulated water bottle, $17 after coupon (regularly $21)
Erin Condren wellness journal
This wellness-inspiring journal from stationery brand Erin Condren can help them track 2022 diet and fitness goals. It offers places to set goals, and track diet and activity.
Erin Condren wellness journal, $13 (regularly $14)
Freshly gift card
Any health-minded person short on time can appreciate a gift card to weekly meal delivery subscription service, such as Freshly. A great last-minute gift (cards can be sent virtually), it lets them choose meals from a variety of eating plans. Buy a four-, six-, eight-, 10- or 12-meal gift card.
Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds
One of the top-rated wireless earbuds on Amazon -- with more than 61,000 reviews with an average 4.6 star rating on Amazon -- Powerbeats Pro upgrades the music-listening experience. The Bluetooth-enabled earphones boast up to 9 hours of listening time per charge, with a total of 24 hours when placed in the charging case. They're available in a variety of colors, including ivory, currently at their lowest Amazon price ever, at $100 off.
Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds, $150
MYX Fitness MYX II bike
Easier on the wallet than a Peloton and featuring a generously sized touchscreen, the MYX Fitness MYX II bike quickly become a favorite for many fitness enthusiasts in 2021, partially because of the extensive workout library, which includes live and on-demand Beachbody classes taught by noted instructors such as Autumn Calabrese.
The bike is currently discounted when you use the code HOLIDAY100: You'll save $100, plus get a free stabilizer mat, and free shipping and assembly. Purchase the bike a la carte, or, for $200 more, the machine comes with weights, a kettlebell, mats, resistance bands, foam rollers and more.
MYX Fitness MYX II bike, $1,299 (regularly $1,399)
Grace Eleyae satin-lined baseball cap
A stylish baseball cap lined in satin to help protect hair from sweat-induced frizz serves as a thoughtful gift for the luxury-minded athlete. Additionally, purchasing from Grace Eleyae means supporting a Black-owned, woman-owned brand.
Grace Eleyae satin lined baseball cap, $26 (regularly $30)
