Disclaimer: Amazon links are affiliate links. Some products I was given for free.
It’s that time of year. No, not the holiday season. The off season. Most big fall races are done and it’s not yet time to start training for the next big race. Most runners use this time to give their body a break and do some cross training. So, here’s the perfect list of gifts to help a runner make the most of some down time.
Amazon.com : j/fit Dead Weight Slam Ball – 15 lb : Exercise Balls :… / Amazon.com : Bosu Balance Trainer, Pink : Balance Boards : Sports &… / Amazon.com : Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine (Light Gray) with… / Amazon.com : TRX Training – GO Suspension Trainer Kit, Lightest,… / Kettlebells in LBs and KGs | Competition Kettlebells | Gravity Cast…
- A TRX (or similar) suspension system – These are great for working out all the muscles that you don’t use for running as well as those that you do. They help with balance, stretching, strength, and core work, all at the same time. They are also super portable and easy to use in lots of different places. Bonus: You can find plenty of workouts on youtube.
- Weights/Kettle bells/weighted balls – Strength training helps protect runners from injury and often helps them run stronger. I’m guilty of never doing more than planks and a few leg exercises during marathon training. I recently got sent a couple of kettle bells from Rep Fitness and they are awesome. I’m just beginning to figure them out.
- A Bosu ball – A Bosu ball adds core work and balance work to pretty much any exercise. It is so much more difficult to do even simple exercises while standing or sitting on this simple piece of equipment.
- Gift certificate for a massage – Do I even need to explain this one?
- A running coach – The off season is the perfect time to work on form or building a better running base. This might lead to a training plan for a race, but even without a race goal, it’s nice to have focus on the off season.
- A session with a Registered Dietician or a Health Coach – You’d really need to know your runner and their goals (or heck, get this for yourself) to find the right person who can help them meet those goals. We can all use a little help making improvements in our food and lifestyle choices.
- Cardio machine – Looking for something big to impress the runner in your life? Get them a cardio machine of some sort. While I absolutely LOVE my treadmill, I also appreciate the stationary bike and rowing machine that I have. Mine are not top of the line, but they suffice to give me options besides always running. Heck, with the treadmill, TRX, and rowing machine, I could have my own OrangeTheory class.
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I have a spin bike, bosu, and TRX-all are great for getting in supplemental workouts! I also love getting a massage a few days after a big race.
All excellent suggestions! I’ve wanted TRX forever, except we don’t really have a door frame to suspend it from & not sure my husband wants to put wholes in the ceiling/walls for it.
Massage? Yes, please!
I would love to get a trx system. Or some workout clothes 🙂 What’s your favourite from the list?
I would love TRX cables for my home gym!
I have always wanted to get a BOSU ball but I have access at one at the gym I work out so I feel guilty asking for one for home But I love a good gift certificate for a massage
How fun. What a great list!! I definitely need to add some of these to my holiday wish list
I would want the massage gift card! Heck yes!
I need to be better about weights, for sure, but regular massages are part of my training and off season!
I have some gear on my Christmas list, with links, size, and color. I’ll always have running stuff I want, and Christmas is the perfect time to get some.
We were just talking last night about how we should invest in a massage table. 🙂
I have one of those TRX things but I don’t know where to hook it up! I definitely need to use it, tho.
A massage would be glorious right now! *-*
Love your gift ideas. I haven’t tried using TRX in a really good time – you can do so much with it! And I REALLY need a Bosu to help with all my balance issues!
It is great to have some at home weights, BOSU and cardio equipment at home
I’d definitely love a massage. Or someone could pay for my entry into WTM. Are you listening Santa?? Lol.