There’s always that one person who is really into fitness and is therefore impossible to buy gifts for at the end of the year. Well, not this year. If you’ve already been through the fitness freak section of Stuff‘s annual print wish list and nothing’s jumping out at you, we’ve got a few other options. If you can’t find something excellent here… well, that’s probably a skill issue.
Fitness is a skill, after all. So is choosing an excellent gift. We may not be excellent at the first of these but we’re pretty decent at the second one. All you have to do is choose one. And then buy and wrap it. We can’t help with those bits but we’ve done all the properly hard work. It was no trouble at all. Really.
Therabody SleepMask
You’ll experience a new level of rest with the Therabody SleepMask. Scientifically designed to enhance your sleep quality, this lightweight mask blocks 100% of light while its three adjustable vibration patterns help you relax into deeper, uninterrupted sleep. Contoured padding adapts to your face and the non-slip strap stays securely in place without tangling your hair. The inner layer is machine-washable and Therabody’s facial cover works equally well at home or on the road. Plus, the Therabody app includes free access to TheraMind’s science-backed soundscapes for an immersive sleep experience. One of the major factors in fitness and recovery is getting enough sleep — Therabody’s face mask promises to take care of that point.
R2,900 | Buy it here
Rebel DMX Medicine Ball 10kg
If you don’t own a medicine ball, can you even claim to have done CrossFit? Sure, some folks will talk about it but do they actually do it? Remove all doubt by handing over the heaviest present under the festive foliage. These Rebel medicine balls are available in weights as low as 2.5kg but there’s also the option of a skull-cracking ten-kilo ball. Just make sure that your footie-loving friends are aware that they shouldn’t boot this soccer-sized ball as it lies wrapped and inviting below the tree. The only people having fun in that particular instance are… well, everyone else. On second thoughts, let ’em kick it. And, later, you can throw and catch the thing while reminiscing about how silly that was.
from R730 | Buy it here
Soundcore AeroFit Pro Open-Ear Earbuds
There are a few ways to increase your fitness. One of these is to white-knuckle it, pounding the paving or raising the iron with just your demons for company. For everyone else, there’s Spotify. Or podcasts. If you’re fond of the latter two, you’ll need headphones that can take the sessions in the gym as well as you can. Anker’s Soundcore brand is known for excellent audio and these open buds are just what the personal trainer ordered when it comes to toning up that flab. The fit is tight enough to stay steady, they’ll last up to 46 hours (when you account for the case) and even the craziest fitness bunny won’t outlast their uninterrupted fourteen-hour uptime. The open design makes use of air conduction to keep you aware of your surroundings without filling those ear canals with sweaty gunk.
R2,510 | Buy it here
Nike Pegasus 41 Gore-Tex
The thing about physical fitness is that it involves an awful lot of movement. We’re not sure how you do it but we reckon that your legs are heavily involved (except in certain highly specialised cases). It’s a good idea to stick something excellent at the end of them, like Nike’s sustainable running shoes. The Gore-Tex uppers ensure that your feet are always properly protected, Nike’s midsole and Air Zoom components promote energy return, and you’ll have the added benefit of looking a little like a dad who knows how to fix his own car. This, of course, only applies if you’re wearing these to a shopping centre. If you’re out on the road, you’ll be moving too fast to give the impression that you’re amazing at mowing lawns (even if you are).
R3,300 | Buy it here
JBL Clip 5
Sometimes your workout playlist is so banging that it’s impossible not to share it with the world. In that case, having the JBL Clip 5… well, clipped to your person is the way to go. An integrated carabiner makes attachment a cinch and the twelve-hour battery will outlast your smartphone and probably a third of the other marathon participants. Outsized sound from the dinky little speaker and an IP67 rating mean you’ll struggle to find anything to match the Clip 5. For a true stereo experience, clipping two paired devices to your belt lets you stride ahead of the competition while Funkadelic’s Maggot Brain propels you forward.
R1,400 | Buy it here
Theragun Relief
Ease pain, stiffness, and tension with the simple-to-use Theragun Relief. Percussive therapy delivers improved circulation and mobility for fast, effective recovery. Theragun’s unique triangle grip allows you to target hard-to-reach spots, while three specialised attachments provide customised care for different areas of your body. Designed for comfort and convenience, Theragun Relief helps reduce stress, enhances sleep, and keeps you moving with ease. Anybody pushing themselves beyond their previous limits will find themselves bouncing back faster than ever. All it takes is a handy little thumpy machine.
R3,800 | Buy it here
