Holiday gift guide: What to buy the health & fitness buff

Maybe your sister never misses an Orange Theory class. Or your brother-in-law recently got into yoga. There could be a stressed out pal on your list who could use a little tension relief. Or your BFF really wants to work  out, but with kids and work, just can’t seem to find the time. Fitness items make great gifts this time of year—from stress busters to DVDs to accessories. Here are seven that may help pave the way to a healthier new year.

Rollin’ with the homies

Anyone with back issues (and at a certain age, really, isn’t that everybody?), will come to love this handy ball roller that helps ease sore muscles and get the kinks out. Just toss it in your gym for easy post-workout access. Gaiam Restore Dual Zone back roller, $11.98, gaiam.com

Please be kind

If you have someone who loves a good, healthy (and yummy) snack, they’ll find this gift, well, delicious. Filled with 20 Kind bars (four each of Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate Mocha Almond, Dark Chocolate Chili Almond and Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan, it also includes a #kindawesome card that can be given to a person seen committing an act of kindness that’s redeemable for a sample of KIND snacks. Limited edition KIND Holiday Cube, $39.50, kindsnacks.com

Feel the burn

When you have a friend or relative who really wants to work out, but has difficulty finding the time for it, this DVD will make the perfect present. From celebrity trainer Ashley Borden (Christina Aguilera, Mandy Moore and Ryan Gosling have been clients), this each of the four HIIT workouts (that stands for high intensity interval training) on this DVD last a mere 25 minutes, while burning serious calories. Choose from upper body, lower body, core and head-to-toe, for a quick, but serious sweat. Ignite by SPRI 900 Calorie Burn by Ashley Borden, $12.99, amazon.com

In the hoodie

Outdoor athletes need something warm this time of year, and if it can be stylish, too? Well, that’s a win-win. This royal blue fitted hoodie features double-layer cuffs and thumbholes and reflective tape for those who like to get their fitness on in the wee or late hours. Athleta plush tech sweatshirt, $64, athleta.com

Get on board

If you know someone into SUP (that’s short for Stand up paddle board) who also loves his or her yoga, we’ve got a great workout gift. Indo Board, which makes indoor balance boards perfect for sport training and exercising, has teamed with YogaFit, a yoga training program, to create a fitness DVD that combines SUP with yoga. Whether your pal plans to hit the water, or just wants to work on balance moves, this program will increase everything from stability and focus to core strength and flexibility. YogaFit Training Systems DVD, $15.95, indoboard.com

Foot the bill

Tired? Tense? Stilettos bringing you down? Keep this little ball of bliss nearby to relax, ease tension and increase blow. Sore hands? Use it on those, too. We’re keeping one in our desk drawer.
Gaiam Restore Ultimate Foot Massager, $4.78, gaiam.com

Band together

Whether your hair pixie cut short or falls to your waist, a good, wide headband is practically a workout essential. This pretty floral number is made of moisture-wicking fabric to help keep you cool (and your hair dry). Orla Kiely for Target wide-grip headband, $12.99, target.com

Drink up

It doesn’t matter if you’re a casual walker, an at-home yogi or a spin class devotee, everyone needs a water bottle. We’re loving this pretty pale pink glass style with a silicone sleeve. BPA-free and dishwasher safe, it’ll be your new fitness BFF. bkr glass bottle, $30, lucy.com