Given Santa's legendary girth, one could justifiably question his ability to choose suitable gifts for the fitness-focused folks on his "nice" list.
Dasher, Dancer and Prancer (all clearly more inclined to stay active) are always there to offer some input. Still … why leave it up to chance?
We've rounded up a few ideas, just in case. Some are lower in price — good for stocking stuffers or if you have a little urge to supplement Santa's largess. Others are more of a splurge, which could be useful if Santa's willingness to bestow wellness is entirely lacking.
Who knows? Maybe if he spots some of this cool stuff under your tree, Santa will be motivated to get a bit more physical himself in the new year.
For the yoga lover
A little urge: Vanwalk Spiky Massage Ball Roller and Lacrosse Balls; about $11 for a three-pack: If your favorite yoga practitioner needs to release knots, increase blood flow and/or ease sore muscles after a workout, these three dense rubber massage balls should do the trick. Each has a different size, texture and purpose, and they come in a drawstring bag. Available at vanwalk.net and amazon.com.
More of a splurge: Manduka Yoga Mat; about $48-$360: Manduka mats come in many colors, patterns, sizes and thicknesses, but what makes them the go-to mat for yoga teachers and students is the quality. And they come with a lifetime guarantee. Manduka products are sold at several Tampa Bay area yoga studios and stores; you can find locations at manduka.com, and check out the site's Holiday Gift Guide to find just the right mat for your yogi.
For the water warrior
A little urge: MP Michael Phelps Swim Goggles; $15-$55: Encourage the swimmer at your house to break records with a pair of goggles endorsed by Olympian Michael Phelps. These swim goggles are designed to have a better field of vision and for comfort. Available at michaelphelps.com and amazon.com.
More of a splurge: Standup paddleboard lesson; $40-$60 per person: If your idea of a red suit is more Baywatch than North Pole, why not jump on a paddleboard for an hour or more of fun? An introductory lesson will help you with technique, and then you're on your own to explore a bit. Private and group lessons are available. Get on board through Water Monkey near Fort De Soto Park (watermonkeyshop.com), or at Tampa Bay SUP (tampabaysup.com) in Clearwater and Safety Harbor. e_SClB
For the runner
A little urge: Black Diamond Headlamps; about $20-$80: Now that after-work runs are done in the dark, a headlamp is a must. Black Diamond headlamps are low-profile, water-resistant and bright. They're available at blackdiamondequipment.com and amazon.com, and the brand is sold at several area sporting goods and camping stores.
More of a splurge: Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Running Watch; $299: If your No. 1 runner is all about setting goals, a Garmin will help track distance, heart rate, pace and more. The Garmin Connect network also offers downloadable advanced workouts and training plans. Available at Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, Best Buy and area running and cycling shops; shop online or find store locations at garmin.com.
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Explore all your optionsFor the happy camper
A little urge: Yeti Rambler 20-Ounce Tumbler; $30: Cabin, tent, RV or under the stars — campers need to stay hydrated. They want their beverage hot when it's cold outside and cold when it's hot. The Yeti brand is known for its sturdy products; the Rambler is dishwasher safe and features a spill-resistant "MagSlider" lid. And you can customize it with initials, logos and other designs. Available at yeti.com and at sporting goods and camping stores.
More of a splurge: Yeti Tundra cooler; $300: Oh, yeah, we're sticking with Yeti for this one, too, because it's just that good. The Tundra cooler holds 21 cans of beer or soda — and its design and insulation will keep them cold all day. You can sit on it, stand on it or use it as a coffee table. It's built to last. Check out the Yeti gift guide for other ideas — ranging in price from $20 to $1,300 — at yeti.com.
For the fit foodie
A little urge: Mastrad TopChips Chip Maker; $10: If you know a DIY foodie who wants to snack healthfully, this is an inexpensive way to have some fun. This chipmaker comes with a mini mandoline slicer and a cooking chart, and is used in the microwave to make goodies from potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, pears and more. Available at topchips.com, amazon.com and bedbathandbeyond.com.
More of a splurge: Breville Juice Fountain Cold; $180: There are tons of juicers out there, but Breville is among the best. The brand's "Cold Spin Technology" is designed to maintain vitamins and minerals through the juicing process, which is the whole point, right? And the 850-watt motor is meant to power through the toughest fruits and vegetables. Go to brevilleusa.com to see the entire collection of juicers, which range in price from about $100 to $400. You also can find Breville products at area Macy's, Bed Bath & Beyond and Williams-Sonoma stores.
For the gym rat
A little urge: Bombas Men's Originals Ankle Socks; $12: Why not stuff your Christmas stockings with comfy athletic socks? Bombas are built for the toughest workout, with a honeycomb arch support system and a performance footbed. For every pair of socks you buy, the company donates a pair to the homeless. And yes, you can buy in bulk and save. Bombas are available at bombas.com.
More of a splurge: Nike Sport Duffel Bag; $65: Warning: This baby is so gorgeous, you won't want to part with it. It's corporate-office appropriate, but it's also a remarkably functional gym bag. It has a roomy main compartment, multiple pockets and a dedicated compartment for shoes — and you can hoist it by the handles or use the shoulder strap. You can get it at nike.com or amazon.com.
Contact Kim Franke-Folstad at kffolstad@gmail.com.