Fitness: A holiday gift list for the active set

Wondering what to put under the tree for your favourite fitness fanatic? There are a lot of choices out there, but finding the right gift isn’t easy, especially if the person you’re gifting is particular about what they like. And while no exercise junkie is going to turn their nose up at a pair of socks or other simple essentials, Christmas is the time of year to give something special. So, if you really want to impress, here’s a list of gifts for runners, outdoor enthusiasts, pickleball lovers, novice exercisers and everyone in between.

Apple Watch SE3

Apple’s most affordable watch, the latest version of the SE, received a significant upgrade and is packed full of features. Perfect for anyone looking for a sophisticated smart watch that tracks daily activity and health status, the Series 3 also has fall and crash detection, cycle tracking, sleep tracking, apnea notifications and heart rate monitoring (high, low and irregular rhythm notifications).

Paired with an iPhone, the watch has a Workout Buddy feature that delivers personalized motivational cues based on your exercise history and is smart enough to make suggestions for playlists based on your exercise and music preferences. The SE3 may be the most budget-friendly Apple Watch on the market, but it still delivers plenty of punch. If you want a gift with a wow factor, the Apple Watch SE3 won’t disappoint.

$329, available at the Apple Store and numerous other retailers

Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity

This book offers scientific insight on how to age well. Written by Eric Topol, cardiologist medical researcher and author, he offers a roadmap to reducing the risk of several of the chronic disease associated with aging, heart disease, obesity, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

All of these medical conditions are linked to lifestyle choices, which is why it’s never too early to implement many of his preventative measures, including exercise, diet and social connectivity. The book is well grounded in research and paints a realistic and practical picture on how to increase the chances of living a long, vital life. An interesting read, it’s not only a gift for the fit crowd, it’s perfect for those who have yet to act on their desire to live a healthier life. And since Topol believes the earlier the better when it comes to adopting healthy lifestyle habits, it’s a gift for anyone on either side of middle-age.

$42, Chapters

Running Vest

This handy running vest is designed for your favourite runner, but it’s also a practical choice for hikers and walkers. Comfortable to wear, it can be cinched as tight as you like and the numerous pockets hold all the stuff that’s difficult to carry when you’re on the move.

There’s a pocket for your phone, keys, hydration flask and bladder as well as a place to attach hiking poles and a bike light if needed. There’s even a spare hair elastic for use in a pinch. Machine washable and dryer friendly, users give it great reviews and since it’s so versatile it will be that one gift that will be well-used and appreciated.

$148, lululemon (available in women and men’s models)

Kitchen Blockers

Eye injuries are common in pickleball given the speed of play and the hard plastic ball that takes less than a half second to travel from one paddle to another. Protective eyewear is the best form of insurance, but clunky glasses with lenses that steam up are a huge deterrent. Kitchen Blockers are lens free, comfortable, lightweight and don’t limit peripheral vision, giving you full view of the court. And because the nose piece, arms and back strap are adjustable they fit any face. Best of all they’re sturdy, so they can take a beating at the bottom of your kit bag and when getting hit by a ball from close range. If your favourite pickleball enthusiast claims protective glasses are too uncomfortable or impede their vision, Kitchen Blockers will change their mind.

$79.95, kitchenblockers.com

Buff Five Panel Go Cap

Anyone who exercisers in the heat know it’s not as easy as you think to find a hat that adequately shields the face and head from the sun while keeping you cool at the same time. Hats retain heat, which is a cruel fact, considering they’re also recommended as part of any sun protection routine.

The Buff Five Panel Go Cap does a pretty good job of countering all the negatives of wearing a hat. The lightweight fabric wicks away sweat and allows air flow, all while adding SPF 50 protection. The visor offers great sun protection and is flexible so you can adjust it to your preference. As an added bonus, 76 per cent of the cap is made from recycled materials. It comes in lots of colours, has space for a ponytail and has an adjustable closing to fit any size head.

$46, buff.com

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