Inexpensive gift ideas for husband just getting into fitness? (Page 2)

Foam roller, "the stick," compression calf sleeves, yoga mat if he's into the stretching, Reflective vest/headlamp/gloves if he runs at night. What other cheap techy toys do I have...oh yeah they're all expensive!

Sweatvac or Headsweats running hat I love mine! The Sweatvacs have reflective bills and rear tabs.

A race belt - if he plans on doing races.

A RoadID bracelet. I was wearing mine on a plane once, and instantly struck up a conversation with a fellow runner when he noticed it. BTW - they partnered with headsweats and offer a really cool design, and highly reflective hat for only $9.99! It's on the RoadID website.

I really like my Yankz laces. After my uncle had to stop to tie his shoe in a 5k and got dizzy trying to get up too fast, he got a set, too.

The Stick is wonderful, as is a foam roller. The Trigger Point brand foam roller is nice because it is hollow for better packing for travel. (I like the comment above about him loving/hating you for this idea. :-) )

A set of resistance bands. Great for travel, and I even mounted eye-bolts and carabineers in my garage at 7', 4', and 6" and easily can do a complete full body workout with them.

I wouldn't trade my SmartWool running socks for anything else. Warm even when wet.

A running jacket. Can double as a cycling jacket. Make sure the upper chest pocket has a "feed hole" for earbuds

Running tights. Mine double as cycling tights, and thermal undies sometimes.

Yoga mat for yoga (duh) or ab work, and other stretching.

Headlamp - Princeton Tec Remix is wonderful. I can't say enough about their customer service!!! I also use mine to go in the attic/crawlspace, night-time grilling and loads of other stuff when I want my hands free.

I am a sentimental person, I appreciate anything my wife gives me

A heart rate monitor, I think is within the budget.

Any clothes he might need - including socks. Even if what you have will do, it's always great to have something suited for the purpose.

Wearable illumination - not just a head lamp, he will also like to be seen if he runs outside after dark

A goal: Sign him up for a 10K in 3 months time :P

Motivation and support: The perfect gift you can make yourself!

For running, a pair of windpants and/or soft-shell jacket, blinkie lights, etc. for running outdoors instead of the treadmill.

For personal training, a nice duffle bag, backpack, or organizational things to take into the gym.

Would he be receptive to fitness literature? Books ranging from Ultramarathon Man or Born Running to training books by Friel or Finks.

Make sure he's around for a long time.....Road ID.

If he reads, get a book on running or triathlons. Off the top of my head, I liked "Born to Run" and "Unthinkable". Neither of those require you to be too into the specific sport to get you excited about upping your fitness.

Please report back if you give the socks.

i think socks are a nice gift!  for all the reasons you listed.  do you think mr. meh bought me some more balega socks for christmas??

Edited by mehaner 2013-12-19 2:29 PM

No particular order:

1. socks! (I like my Swiftwick)
2. Gu Chomps (or any of the other energy bars/chews)...it's like candy for triathletes
3. calf sleeves (not necessarily cheap but they are nice..$25 to $40 range depending on brand and whether they are on sale)
4. runners water bottle (Nathan, Amphipod, Fuel Belt)
5. head lamp (princeton tech, diamond back, etc..)
6. If he's cycling ... a multi tool (ie. Crank Brothers Multi Bicycle Tool (17-Function)
7. Compression underwear (UnderArmour or Nike) to wear with his runnng shorts
8. subscription to Triathlete, Runners World, Lava magazine (or similar)
9. a swim lesson or personal trainer session

Several of these have already been mentioned alongwith several other good ideas. ie. stretch cords, entry into a 5k race, visor/hat, The Stick (or similar), foam roller. I'm hoping I get some of these in my stocking.

Thorlo running socks.
Like driving a Caddy after spending your life in a Hyundai.

Oops DP

Edited by Turnin2 2013-12-19 4:11 PM