THE PERIOD OF time immediately before and after Christmas is the time of year when the fitness industry makes most of its money.
And with the best will in the world we’re going to make them a lot richer.
Here are 10 fitness-related things to consider getting yourself – or someone else, this festive season…with a fitness element of course.
1. Apple Watch (€330)
Launched just seven months ago, the Apple Watch has already found its way onto about eight million wrists in the US alone. With wearable tech being the number one fitness trend in 2016 we suspect more than a few of these will end up on Irish wrists this Christmas.
Slick and stylish it’s one of the most comprehensive fitness trackers on the market and yes, it gives you the ability to make calls and payments from your wrist while running.
The large selection of more than 10,000 apps is another huge plus. The biggest downsides to it are that hefty price tag and the fact it lacks GPS.
2. Misfit Flash (€30)
Packing the exact same tech as the more expensive Misfit Shine, this plastic Flash tracks your steps taken, your sleep and for those who swim, it tracks that too. However, the big complaints are it isn’t very robust and there are question marks over the accuracy in terms of steps and distance.
3. An exercise mat (€12)
Yes, very simple but aren’t the best presents often just that?
While the above might be way over the head of some, an exercise mat cannot offer up that complaint. And with bodyweight training all the rage now, what better way to kickstart the New Year than on the floor doing some planks on your exercise mat?
4. Exercise ball (€10-20)
Another incredibly simple present that’s cheap and offers a wide-range of possibilities. Though mainly used for the core, you can also get a yoga and pilates workout with one.
5. Medicine ball (€20)
Continuing the theme of cheap and cheerful a medicine ball can be used for strength training, conditioning or injury rehab – and the accompanying DVD will instruct you here.
You’ll be amazed how versatile these can be.
6. Resistance bands (€30)
These come in lovely little kits with a variety of bands offering all kinds of resistance. Get a full-body workout from a giant elastic band from the comfort of your own home? Sounds pretty good to me.
7. TRX suspension trainer (€150)
An ideal present for those on the move quite a lot, this portable gym will ensure you never miss a session. Hang the straps from a door, the ceiling, branches of a tree or rafters in the shed and away you go.
8. Polar M400 GPS sports watch (€140)
An absolutely beautiful piece of kit, this watch provides you with helpful data for running like pace-tracking and distance-monitoring using the integrated GPS.
The ‘shadow’ feature allows you to really challenge your personal best while there’s all the usual stuff like a step and calorie counter as well as sleep monitor.
The heart-rate function is also a winner but best of all? It’s just easy to use.
9. See.Sense bike lights (€170)
No, you’re not seeing things. €170 for bike lights but they’re among the best on the market – and they’re Irish.
These lights have a mind of their own and give you the peace of mind that few other lights can. They’re USB chargeable, require no setup and adapt to the natural light by flashing more or less they’re a must-have for the bike commuter in your life.
10. Nutribullet (€110)
This top-of-the-range blender isn’t cheap but it’s not noisy, it’s easy to clean and it blends just about anything. Perfect to make your favourite hangover cure this Christmas.