There’s a very specific sort of person that you’ve sometimes got to buy presents for. Permanently moving, filled with boundless energy, annoyingly attractive… there’s got to be some way to weigh those people down. Here’s a set of gift suggestions to make them even more insufferably energetic. Or you can snag some for yourself and get a jump-start on 2022.
MaxFit Adjustable Dumbbells
R5,750 / maxfitsa.co.za
The reason you go to a gym is because there’s no space for all the kit at home. But what there was? MaxFit’s got a pair of adjustable dumbbells that switch from 2.5kg to 24.5kg at the twist of a dial – all while taking up the space you’d allocate to a single pair of weights. They rest on a plastic base, so provided you’re not showing off, your floors will remain undamaged.
Do yourself a solid
These ‘bells are designed to take the rigours of being hauled around by sweating humans. Just don’t throw ‘em.
Incrementally yours
It’s easy to outgrow dumbbells but this set, which turns up in 2.5kg steps, should get you to ‘ripped’ before that happens.
Pay per weight
You’re paying to ship about 50kg of plastic and metal to your home, which adds upwards of R420 to the price.
JBL Xtreme 2
R4,000 / expertstores.co.za
If you’re not lifting while Eye of the Tiger blares in the background, are you even working out? JBL’s portable powerhouse has a fifteen-hour battery and an IPX7 rating so you can even use it poolside without worrying about it dying on you.
BS Adjustable Weight Vest
R1,000 / sportsmanswarehouse.co.za
Get your inner Goku on with this vest that adjusts between 4kg and 8kg, in one-kilogram increments. There are also other efforts out there, specifically for CrossFit, that look for all the world like bulletproof vests, if that’s more your speed.
Mjolnir Water Bottle
R920 / amazon.com
There’s not much room for personal expression when it comes to water bottles. But then, there’s also this Thor-inspired – but hugely impractical – effort that looks like the god’s iconic hammer. If you’re still able to lift it after doing arms, you didn’t go hard enough.
Skault Yoga Mat
R1,000 / takealot.com
You could go with a skinny yoga mat, but this 10mm slab of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) provides more of a cushion for those starting out or recovering from an injury. The non-slip surface is generous, and it should survive most things short of a teething bull terrier pup.
UA HOVR Machina 2
R3,500 / underarmour.co.za
They’re not just lightweight and breathable, Under Armour’s second-generation Machina running shoes pair up with the MapMyRun app to offer on-the-spot coaching that will improve your form and personal best times. Reflective materials promote longevity, and there’s a Pebax plate for better push-offs.
Jabra Elite Sport
R2,250 / amazon.com
They may be getting on a bit but integrated heart rate and VO2 max monitoring, as well as an in-ear coach telling you when to push or chill make the Elite Sport buds an excellent gift for the person who tracks every other aspect of their active lives.
Fitbit Charge 5
R4,000 / fitbit.co.za
There are many, many fitness devices out there worthy of time on your wrist but the Charge 5’s bright OLED screen, battery performance, tracking chops and features make it a prime lightweight and versatile exercise partner for all but the super-serious fitness fanatic.
Adjust X Kettlebell 18kg
R2,000 / takealot.com
The kettlebell is a very useful fitness tool, but you’ll outgrow that little pink 4kg thing in a matter of weeks. Adjust X lets you scale from 4kg to 18kg without having to dedicate an entire corner to an unneeded kettlebell collection.
UA Impasse Run 2.0
R2,500 / underarmour.co.za
It’s tough to hit the road on a blustery, damp day but the Impasse Run 2.0 keeps the wind and moisture out in all but a serious downpour. And even then, you’ll run in relative comfort. Sun’s back out? The whole thing packs down into the right sleeve.
Hyperice Vyper 2.0
R2,900 / gear4u.co.za
Fitness rollers can also be high-tech. Hyperice knows its percussion massagers and it puts similar vibrating tech inside this roller. Choose between three intensities and buzz your bedraggled muscles back to a semblance of health in no time flat.
Wintergreen Magnesium Soak
R120 / clicks.co.za
Working out isn’t just about pain and effort; recovery is the really important bit. Stick a pack of Wintergreen magnesium bath soak pods into the right sweat-soaked stocking and help your sports-inclined recipient to bounce back better from their strenuous sessions.
