2008 Holiday Gift Guide: Fitness

By Lisa Ryckman, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published November 24, 2008 at 6 p.m.

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Photo by Ellen Jaskol © The Rocky

Sugoi "Logo" arm warmers; Where to find them: sugoi.com; Cost: $40

Photo by Ellen Jaskol © The Rocky

High Sierra "Soaker 70" hydration pack; Where to find it: hssc.com; Cost: $40

Photo by Ellen Jaskol © The Rocky

Lululemon "Reflex" running shorts; Where to find them: lululemon.com; Cost: $49

Photo by Marie Griffin © The Rocky

2008 Holiday Gift Guide MARIE GRIFFIN/ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

Photo by Ellen Jaskol © The Rocky

GU "Mint chocolate" energy gel; Where to find it: guenergy.com; Cost: $7.50

The skier, the runner, the cyclist, the fitness fanatic - might be four different folks, or all four could be crammed into one wild-eyed sports/exercise enthusiast. Either way, when it's gift-giving time, there's a dizzying array of gadgets, gewgaws, whatzits and thingamajigs to choose from, all designed to dazzle and delight the most active on your list.

Best of all, you can boggle their minds without breaking the bank. Here are our faves for $50 or less, all of which come with a too-excellent-to-ever-be-regifted guarantee.

Hand-picked by our own hard-core sports and exercise specialists, these will make you look like a fit-gift genius, even if you'd rather have a root canal than run a mile.

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For the skier

180s Powder glove

* Why we liked it: This Primaloft-insulated soft-shell glove features a super-plush inner and a stretchy, weatherproof shell. It also boasts a nifty right-thumb goggle-squeegee and a back-of-the-hand pocket to carry your credit card, keys, lip balm, or heat pack.

* Where to find it: 180s.com

* Cost: $50

Helly Hansen Charger 1/2-Zip baselayer

* Why we liked it: This light baselayer is designed for high-intensity activities in the cold. Helly Hansen's LIFA Stay Dry technology quickly transfers moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and warm all day. Great for Nordic and downhill skiing, or a cold-weather hike.

* Where to find it: hellyhansen.com

* Cost: $50

Primus C&H Duo Vacuum Bottle

* Why we liked it: No more fighting over the cocoa; this stainless steel vacuum bottle features two insulated cups - one on each end - so you can share your warm drinks on the slopes or in the backcountry without having to surrender your cup. Double-walled insulation keeps drinks warm all day, and a push-button stopper means no unscrewing the top or removing gloves to pour.

* Where to find it: primuscamping.com

* Cost: $35

Icebreaker Skier Lite socks

* Why we liked them: High density cushioning and elasticated welts wrap the foot snugly, while 100 percent superfine, breathable merino wool from high in New Zealand's Southern Alps keep feet warm and dry. Plus, wool doesn't stink the way synthetic materials do - a major bonus when you're sweating in ski boots all day.

* Where to find it: icebreaker.com

* Cost: $19

SmartWool Full Powder Day Hat

* Why we liked it: A Steamboat company produces these soft, warm retro-Nordic hats, with a double-layer band to keep the ears nice and toasty.

* Where to find it: smartwool.com

* Cost: $30

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For the fitness buff

WalkVest Kit

* Why we liked it: For those who walk, the best gift might be more pounds. You heard us - add some heft to a walking workout with this adjustable cotton vest that holds 4 pounds of weights. Burn calories, turbo-charge the metabolism and get better results faster. Created by Spinning pioneer Debbie Rocker, the kit includes the WalkVest with weights, a 30-minute DVD and a 20-minute audio CD to keep that motivation coming.

* Where to find it: gaiam.com

* Cost: $50

Ironman Stability Ball Base

* Why we liked it: Not the sexiest gift, maybe, but it can make the difference between actually using a stability ball and just letting it sit like a dust-gathering bump in the corner. The Ironman Stability Ball Base keeps that roly-poly in place for exercising or sitting at a desk - a penny-wise alternative to one of those pricey "ball chairs." Notches in the base make it easy to toss bands and tubes into the workout mix, then use it as ball storage. Such a deal!

* Where to find it: amazon.com

* Cost: $14

GoFit Ultimate Burst Resistant Core Stability Ball with Workout DVD

* Why we liked it: Trick out that ball base with GoFit's Ultimate Burst Resistant Core Stability and DVD set. Health-club quality with extra-thick walls and a slow-deflate feature that eliminates any worry of a loud popping noise followed by a "thunk!" as head meets floor. Comes with detailed exercise poster and an air pump for good measure. Work it!

* Where to find it: Amazon.com

* Cost: $20-$25

Yoga Essentials Mat with Bonus Pack

* Why we liked it: This cushiony, non-latex mat comes with a spiffy nylon yoga pack designed for blocks, straps and other yoga accouterment along with wallet, water, towel and the kitchen sink. Sturdy and zippery, it's perfect for the poser in your life.

* Where to find it: gaiam .com

* Cost: $22

Omron HBF-306C Fat Loss Monitor

* Why we liked it: For anyone who wants to answer "Just how fat am I?" in the privacy of their own home, this little device can't be beat. A snap to use - grip the handles, push a button and seven seconds later, you've got your percentage of body fat and your body mass index value. Settings for the athletic and not so much, plus a nine-person profile memory so the whole family can get the bad news.

* Where to find it: Amazon.com

* Cost: $26-$30

The Firm Cardio-to-go

* Why we liked it: Anybody who says you can't take it with you hasn't tried The Firm's Cardio-to-go kit. It's all here: weighted jump rope, resistance cord, resistance loop and a handy-dandy tote bag to carry it all. Plus a 40-minute DVD broken into four exercise segments to cover every body part that matters. Perfect for the frequent flier or road-tripper.

* Where to find it: thefirmdirect.com

* Cost: $25

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For the runner

GoLite "No-Bounce HydroSprint" hydration pack

* Why we liked it: The name says it all: This pack does not bounce while running. Period. Plus, the minimalist design produced by this Boulder company keeps it lightweight, its angled holster provides quick, easy access to the bottle and the gel pocket is perfectly placed for easy access to some quick fuel. Toss a couple energy bars, a hat or a pair of gloves in the two easy-access hip pockets, and you're ready for a more adventurous outing.

* Where to find it: golite.com

* Cost: $40

Optic Nerve "Revolt" sunglasses

* Why we liked them: Super comfy and light, these glasses are also exceptionally clear and distortion free, especially for the price. The lenses wrap completely around the eye socket allowing for increased peripheral vision - perfect for looking back at the pack you just dropped or to watch for cars behind you. And you're supporting a Denver company.

* Where to find it: nerveusa.com

* Cost: $40

Tech40 "Proformer" running watch

* Why we liked it: There are crazy high-tech gadgets for runners out there now, but some people just want a basic running watch to monitor performance and keep track of workouts. The proformer is lightweight and simple to operate, and the stopwatch can record as many as 50 workouts, with as many as 150 laps total. But what sets this one apart is its ability to set target lap or split times, and then see how your actual performance compares to your target times in real time.

* Where to find it: www.tech4o.com

* Cost: $40

SmartWool "Liner" glove

* Why we liked it: These merino wool gloves have only gotten better through the years. The wool is even more velvety-soft, and merino is legendary for its heat management qualities and wicking. So even on those crazy Colorado winter days that go from 70 to 20 degrees in a few hours, these will feel perfect throughout. If the weather warms up too much, they're light and squishy enough to tuck away in any pocket. Also great as liners in frigid temps.

* Where to find it: smartwool.com

* Cost: $15

Lululemon "Reflex" running shorts

* Why we liked it: These shorts (men's and women's styles available) have a feather-soft outer and Coolmax compression "bike-shorts" inner. You'll run in style and comfort, with no chafing and great moisture management. Carry your keys and a gel in the rear zipper pocket; there are even two front pockets.

* Where to find them: lululemon.com

* Cost: $49

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For the cyclist

High Sierra "Soaker 70" hydration pack

* Why we liked it: The Soaker is sleek, efficient and comfortable. This one carries 2 liters of liquid, while leaving ample room for a jacket, food and bike tools. The adjustable waist strap secures the pack while riding, and a stow-away mesh pocket will even hold your helmet. The insulated tube will keep your fluids fluid this winter (and cool in summer).

* Where to find it: hssc.com

* Cost: $40

Sugoi "Logo" arm warmers

* Why we liked them: The fleece layer inside these eye-catching warmers will keep you warm. Plus, they feel extra soft against the skin. More important, the sticky rubber on the ends will assure these stay in place no matter how bumpy the ride.

* Where to find them: sugoi.com

* Cost: $40

GU "Mint chocolate" energy gel

* Why we liked it: What better way to refuel the body on a cold winter workout than with a delectable chocolaty minty treat? They provide the same 100 calories of quick energy for which GU is famous, with the same natural ingredients. But it's the specially designed, festive holiday six-packs that makes these the perfect gift for that special athletic someone in your life. Best of all, GU will donate 10 percent of proceeds to the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

* Where to find it: guenergy.com

* Cost: $7.50

Yakima "Livestrong" endcaps

* Why we liked them: Make your car's bike rack stand out in a crowd - and support a wonderful charity in the process - with these simple but stylish endcaps. Everyone's got the ubiquitous wristbands, but these will really make a statement, and protect your head in the process. Yakima will donate 100 percent of proceeds to the cause of inspiring people with cancer.

* Where to find it: yakima.com

* Cost: $15

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Make it yourself: Download a workout mix

*Why we liked it: We asked Denver’s DJ Greenie to put together a mix to get you through your fitness routines. “I’ve been very excited to assemble this workout mix, because it uses the full spectrum of what I love: infectious pop hooks, gritty club beats, silky vocals, screaming guitars and Denver crowd favorites,” he says. “A lot of people tell me they use my club recordings when they hit the gym, so it feels great to lay down a set specifically for them.” After years of travel to Las Vegas, Miami and London, DJ Greenie settled in Denver with residencies at Theorie (Thursdays) and Beta (Fridays). On New Year’s Eve, he’ll be at the Curtis Hotel and on Dec. 6, Greenie will headline Dipped In Red at Wish nightclub. More info and mixes at DJGreenie.com.

*Cost: Free

*Where to find it: Follow the link on this page

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