CREDIT: POLAR ELECTRO
If you have a dedicated fitness enthusiast in your life, a heart rate monitor might be great gift idea.

With Christmas a few weeks away, knowing what to get the gym goer on your gift-giving list can take some deep thought. It all depends on what sport they practice, the season or their fitness goals.

In general, there are some inexpensive stocking stuffers, outdoor- focused gifts and training gadgets that take more careful planning or ordering online.

To begin, think about whether your present is for a seasoned exercise veteran or whether they are a newbie trying to get on the fitness path.

You can’t go wrong with water bottles, shaker cups or weight lifting gloves. Water bottles can run extremely cheap or can be quite expensive. If they are dishwasher safe, shatter-proof and easy to clean, you can expect to pay a little more. Shaker cups are great for mixing supplements or protein powders and can be toted along in a gym bag and used after a workout.

Secondly, think about whether they will be training outdoors this winter. Those who enjoy running can benefit from breathable running jackets, thermal undergarments and running pants. Stores like Runner’s Choice, Running Room, Sport Check, Athlete’s World, Lululemon (at Masonville Mall) and Titika (at White Oaks Mall) are great for catering to the athlete who likes to blend colour, warmth and style. But don’t forget about Winner’s or Value Village if you are pinching pennies.

“There’s lots of different options for Christmas gifts and what we tend to find for Christmas are lots of people need things that are one, functional as athletes can use them, but two, are not shoes as they are really specific to the runner,” said Brian Hagemeier of Runner’s Choice.

Hagemeier also suggested little things you can purchase that still go a long way.

“If you are looking for smaller things, winter running socks are a great item that a lot of people don’t think about. For safety items, reflective vests, running lights, things like that are popular this time of year as it’s getting darker as well.”

He also suggested keeping items that will keep your loved ones safe in mind.

“Head lamps retail for $10. It gives you good visibility when you are out there so people can see you too but are also good because it shows you where you are going and gives you light for footing.”

Weight training gloves are a good idea for both men and women who enjoy strength training as part of their lifestyle. They protect against callouses, tears in the palm and provide overall grip strength while doing heavy lifts. A majority of supplement stores in the city carry gloves, but you can also find them at Walmart and Canadian Tire.

Stylish hair bands or hair wraps are trendy for female athletes and can keep the wisps at bay, as well as secure ear buds for training while listening to music.

Fresh Karat is specifically geared towards headbands for women as well as babies and toddlers.

Training gadgets are a useful accessory, but run along the more expensive route.

“A Garmin is a GPS watch… it gives you feedback on your run. It works in real time, connects to the satellites that Garmin owns and it gives you speed, distance and pace so you get it instantly. You know how fast you’re going and how far you’ve gone. So you don’t need to go figure out your routes all the time. It’s great for travelling and exploring your routes if you don’t know the area,” Hagemeier said.

Hagemeier continued on to talk of the importance in investing a proper heart-rate monitor.

“Polar were one of the companies that first started to make them. It’s a two-piece watch that includes a watch and a chest strap, which picks up the electrical impulses so you can monitor your heart rate as you are working out. Just a basic heart rate monitor is going to start at about $80 and a GPS watch starts about $150.”

Now that you are familiar with some ideas, make sure to sure to shop online, check out some stores in the city and stay within your budget for your Christmas gifts. Your presents can keep the motivation going for your athlete or newcomer and they will be more than ready to begin January 2016 on the right foot.