Every holiday season, I’m lovingly bombarded by requests for gift ideas that I would enjoy. And every holiday season, I struggle to come up with ideas. If you’re like me and find it challenging to brainstorm gift ideas, you’re in luck: I’ve curated some wonderful options to inspire you!
Amp Up Your Home Gym
1. Reebok Deck
This is the ultimate multitasking piece of equipment for a home gym. It doubles as a weight bench (with adjustable incline and decline levels) and a step (great for cardio and leg work). It’s sturdier than many cheap weight benches, which often rock or tip when used for hip thrusts, single-leg calf raises, step-ups, and similar exercises. I recommend the Reebok Deck, but there are more affordable options available as well.
2. Mini-Bands
Mini-bands are fantastic for travel workouts and can enhance everyday exercises. For example, adding a mini-band above your knees during squats or hip thrusts will seriously elevate your glute game. Cloth bands tend to roll up less when positioned above the knees, though they’re more expensive. Latex bands are ideal for all other positions (around the ankles, wrists, in hand, etc.). Look for sets with at least five different tension levels to accommodate various exercises.
When I’m feeling particularly tight, I turn to a lacrosse ball for some deep tissue relief. But sometimes I need a gentler option. Enter the Yoga Tune Up Ball. Smaller than a foam roller, it’s perfect for pinpointing trigger points and offers just enough give to make it less harsh than a lacrosse ball. Its grippy surface ensures it stays in place while you work out tension. I truly believe every person should have these in their recovery toolkit.
While not a necessity, TRX suspension trainers are a fun addition to any workout routine. They use body weight to challenge your stability and strength, take up very little space, and only require a solid anchor point. A doorframe attachment is a good option if you prefer not to install a wall or ceiling anchor.
All About the Feet
I sprained my ankle this summer while wearing improper footwear during a soccer game. The sprain lead to a quad strain a short time after, and the healing process for my quad has required rebuilding ankle mobility and overall foot strength. I have feet on my mind this fall, but this isn't my first rodeo with foot issues: After struggling with plantar fasciitis for several years and finding minimal relief from traditional podiatric approaches, I took matters into my own hands in 2020. Consulting a podiatrist who prioritized barefoot strength, I learned that my high arches were contributing to stiff feet that couldn’t properly absorb ground impact. This not only exacerbated my foot pain but also led to knee, hip, and lower back discomfort.
If your feet and ankles are stiff, lack strength, or struggle to stabilize your leg, compensations up the chain can cause further issues. Here are some tools to help mobilize your feet:
4. Neuro Ball
This little ball works wonders for easing achy feet and improving mobility. While I rarely experience foot pain these days, I still use it regularly because it feels so good!
5. Toe Spacers
Toe spacers gently stretch the bottom of the foot and help realign your toes. If you’ve heard me say, “Weight in the ball of your big toe,” during exercises, you know how important toe alignment is for efficient movement. Proper alignment and strength in the toes can significantly enhance overall movement efficiency.
Feet and ankles require mobility in multiple directions, which can be tricky to achieve without the right tools. The foot mobility blackboard is a fantastic option. When I first purchased mine, it cost over \$100 and had to be ordered from Europe, but it was worth every penny. These days, similar tools are available on Amazon for under $30. It’s particularly helpful for regaining mobility after injuries like a sprained ankle (though it's not suitable for use during the acute injury phase).
7. Altra Shoes
I highly recommend Altra shoes for anything from walking to high-intensity workouts. Their wide toe boxes are essential for proper toe alignment, especially when using toe spacers. Look for models with the Original FOOTSHAPE Fit to ensure comfort. Most Altra shoes are also zero drop, meaning the heel and toes are level, which can reduce heel strike when walking or running. For many people, this design helps alleviate knee and back pain.
One caveat: zero-drop shoes place your calves in a slightly lengthened position compared to traditional trainers, so be sure to increase mileage gradually to avoid injury. Altras are available in various levels of cushioning, making them a great transitional shoe for those working toward minimalist footwear.
Have questions about incorporating these tools into your routine or looking for more fitness gift ideas? Feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help you find the perfect fit for your needs!
Happy gifting!
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