LifecanbetoffI recently caught the fitness bug. So much so, I have requested fitness gear for Christmas. If only there was a gift guide for fitness fanatics…!
To give an example of how much I have changed – last year, I requested baking goods! Yeah, that different!
Having started training with Catalyst Training* in Cirencester earlier in the year and attending a few of their indoor cycling classes (aka spin aka I’m going to die on this stationery bike) I began to really enjoy working out.
Then, I started running! With this new found fitness addiction, I had to buy almost a whole new wardrobe of stuff, as well as a few other bits along the way to keep me going.
As a complete beginner, I had no idea what I needed aside from the obvious – trainers, gym top, sports bra and gym leggings.
Then I discovered you needed squat proof leggings so you don’t flash your ass everytime you do a deadlift (yeah, I know what those are!) you need drinks bottles, headbands, weight gloves (if like me you have delicate hands!) amongst a whole raft of items you can buy, which maybe don’t necessarily need.
Gift guide for fitness fanatics
Fitbit Versa 2
A fitness watch or tracker is an absolute must-have for any fitness fanatic. I have the Fitbit Charge 3 which helps me keep up to speed with my steps, exercise tracking, sleep tracking and get messages on the go.
I had wanted to get the Fitbit Versa 2 when it came out recently, but instead opted for the cheaper option which is perfectly fit for what I use it for.
Fitbit has a range of options starting from around £80 to £220 for the Fitbit Versa 2 SE.
Water bottle
An absolute essential item when running or going to the gym is a decent water bottle. I have two separate types, both of which are 750ml for plenty of hydration!
I have a funky chilly’s bottle for gymming it and I have a cheap one with a handle for running.
Of course, like with anything, having just the one style isn’t an option and when Emma Bridgewater worked with Chilly’s on bottle designs, they quickly got added to my want list!
Priced at £25 they aren’t the cheapest water bottle on the market, but with the added quality and ability to keep cold drinks cold or hot drinks hot (think healthy soups!) due to its insulated design, it is a worthwhile investment and a lovely gift.
There are of course cheaper options on the market.
Gym Leggings
As mentioned above, I quickly realised that having a good pair of squat proof leggings is an absolute MUST for the gym.
It’s not until you are mid squat in a pair of cheap gym leggings that you realise, that actually – they aren’t all that thick after all and the entire gym can now see your granny panties through the thin material.
Not a good look!
That is why whenever I buy a new pair of gym leggings, I fully test the transparency of the material and go off of recommendations for new styles.
In recent years, the drab grey’s and black’s of gym legging yesteryear have been changed up for super snazzy ones. Which of course, like a magpie to a jewel, I love! And actually have on my Christmas list this year!
Sturdy by Design, a Wiltshire based company and very local to me, have the most amazing range of snazzy leggings, gym tops and bras.
There is a constant supply of new designs coming in, with the neon ones being particularly snazzy – ideal for those spin class sessions!
Full length leggings are £35.99 but keep an eye out for regular discounts and deals.
Weights and kettlebells
Fitness doesn’t have to stop when you leave the gym. Something I quickly realised was that if I wanted to see results, I either had to put in more hours at the gym, or train at home.
I started running, but would also love to be able to get some weight training in at home too. Having learned the basic exercises I’d be confident enough to continue with those at home and get the good stuff in at the gym.
This set of 3 kettlebells from York Fitness is ideal for lower weight kettlebell training.
Headphones
I’ve always found that listening to music during exercse is a huge motivator.
Although I love the quiet mornings I go out running, using them for reflection, I did find it difficult to stay motivated and keep a steady pace. Since buying a pair of headphones, this has improved.
Of course, being able to keep your wits about you from a safety point of view is absolutely essential.
I favoured a pair of wireless headphones so there were no wires to get tangled up in!
I have these Skullcandy Ink’d wireless headphones (in pink of course) and have found them perfectly suitable for what I use them for. They are comfortable enough I forget they are there but also have great sound and connectivity.
With the added bonus of bluetooth for taking/making calls out running – although to be honest, I’m not doing any talking whilst I’m running as I can’t afford to waste the breath!
At less than £30, they are ideal for what I use them for. Of course, if you are buying for a sound snob, you might want to do a bit more research!
Gym Membership
Another gift that would be hugely appreciated is perhaps a gym membership or gift voucher toward classes.
Membership and classes can become expensive so any voucher towards either of these would never go unwanted to a fitness fanatic.
Cookbooks
No fitness regime is complete without a healthy eating plan. Many gyms will provide you with a basic meal plan, sometimes you need that little bit of extra inspiration.
The internet is full of healthy recipes to help whip you into shape, but sometimes – having a good ole cookbook can’t be beaten!
I have heard lots of good about Pinch of Nom: 100 slimming recipes and have picked up the book several times at a variety of different bookshops and supermarkets. I’ve never quite got round to actually buying it!
However, it would be one of those great gift items! Hint hint Secret Santa 😉
I have also considered trying some meal replacement drinks for weight loss – I’ve heard they can seriously assist in cutting down calorie intake without leaving you feeling hungry. Worth a try!
There we have it! My gift guide for fitness fanatics. Completely based on stuff that I have either wanted or purchased myself during my fitness journey as an ultimate beginner.
My thanks goes out to the team, mostly Tony and Scott, at Catalyst Training for giving me the motivation to start making a change to my eating and exercise habits.
I had never considered myself a gym bunny, but I could most definitely get into it on a more regular basis! I’ve already lost 8lbs and have seen a change in my body shape. Long may the changes continue!
Peace out!
Jangles x
*I was gifted a month membership with Catalyst Training in exchange for sharing my fitness journey on social media. I have since continued with paid classes at the gym as I enjoyed it so much!
