Fitness Wishlist: Coolest Gadgets, Garb, Gear, and Goodies

The holidays are getting close and you have no idea what to buy your loved ones. But there is no need for panic. Relax, go for a run, and let AFM take care of your gifting list. From hard-core running products to high-tech skiing items, here are some of the coolest gadgets, garb, gear, and goodies for even the most discerning fitness wish list. We’ve included website info for online shopping as well as some Austin locations to keep your dollars local this holiday season.

 
GADGETS
1. KJUS GSM Gloves, $249
KJUS.com
St. Bernard Sports (401 W. 3rd Street)
Not only will these gloves keep your hands nice and toasty during ski season, they also double as a mobile phone headset. Pressing the button on the top part of the glove answers an incoming call; the speaker and microphone are located on the palm. These gloves take staying connected while on the mountain to a whole new altitude.

2. Brinno Time Lapse Bike Camera, $289
Brinno.com
For the cyclist or casual biker who likes to record adventures on the road, this mountable all weather camera can record up to eight hours of footage. It automatically consolidates footage into an eight-minute time-lapse video, which means no editing time and videos can be uploaded to a smartphone to share.

3. Garmin Forerunner, 610, $350
Garmin.com
Texas Running Company (1011 W. 5th Street, #110)
There are a lot of GPS watches, but this one really stands out. Its touch screen means you can touch, tap, or swipe the face to get on with your run, advance pages of information, or adjust settings. The Forerunner 610 is strong enough to wear in the rain but sensitive enough to operate while wearing gloves. If you are into tracking your workouts, it also uploads wirelessly.

4. Jaybird Wireless Headphones, $130-$170
Jaybirdsport.com
This series of wireless headphones is compatible with any Bluetooth device and offers great quality sound for both music and phone calls. Ear cushions comfortably lock the buds into place so you can run or play sports while listening to your favorite tunes for up to eight hours on a single charge.

5. GoPro LCD BacPac, $80
GoPro.com
St. Bernard Sports (401 W. 3rd Street)
Finally! You can preview what you are recording on a GoPro. This detachable LCD lets you play back your video while on location. It has a speaker, volume control, and fast forward and reverse control. It attaches to the 1080p HD HERO version of the GoPro.

 
GEAR
1. Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag, $80
Herschelsupply.com
St. Bernard Sports (401 W. 3rd Street)
A great bag for anyone who lives on the go, this canvas duffel is tough enough to use as a gym bag and roomy enough for travel. The removable shoulder strap combined with an outside shoe compartment keeps this bag functional, and the double leather handles make it stylish. It’s also burnt orange—but don’t worry if you’re not a Longhorn; the bags are available in different colors.

2. Hyperwear Steelbell, $25
SandRope, $160
Hyperwear.com
The Steelbell is a smaller-sized version of Hyperwear's popular Sandbell, but it packs a big punch for weight training; the easy to grip neoprene case is filled with steel shot. Hyperwear’s newest product, the SandRope, is guaranteed to make you sore. Each rope is filled with 30 pounds of sand, is a little more than four feet long, and provides plenty of exercise options. The SandRope includes an anchoring kit to target different areas. While traditional battle ropes can be pretty tough on your hands, the SandRope is made of neoprene so your hands—as well as all those muscles you’re building—will look as great.

3. Ultimate Direction Hydration Systems, $20-50 (depending on product)
Ultimatedirection.com
Texas Running Company (1011 W. 5th Street, #110)
Even in the winter, staying hydrated is vital, and the Ultimate Direction Hydration Systems can stay with you for the distance. What is great about this water belt is the side pocket design, allowing you to carry some essential items on your run or walk. If belts aren’t for you, then try the hand-held water bottle.

4. The Stick, $40-50
Thestick.com
Texas Running Company (1011 W. 5th Street, #110)
Massaging tired muscles helps with injury prevention and maximizing performance. One of the most versatile roller massagers, the stick is small enough to bring on the road, and you don’t have to lie on the floor to use it. It’s also available in different levels of firmness.

5. Kinetic Rock and Roll Trainer, $570
Kurtkinetic.com
For those days when riding outside isn’t an option, this bike trainer is a great alternative. It’s one of the most realistic trainers out there because it actually gives that side-to-side motion you experience on the road. That means it helps engage all those core muscles, not to mention maintain balance, while offering progressive resistance. The Kinetic Rock and Roll Trainer is easy to put together and has a lifetime warranty.

 
GARB
1. Kettlebell Charm Necklace, $345
AbercrombieGems.com
Abercrombie Gems and Precious Metals (3008 Bee Caves Road)
Yes, jewelry can be fitness inspired. This sterling silver chain and pendant is perfect for a CrossFitter and anyone else who puts in time at the gym. The pendant contains 0.11 carats of white diamonds. Abercrombie Gems and Precious Metals also offers variations of the necklace.

2. ON Cloudsurfer Women’s Running Shoes, $139
ON-running.com
Texas Running Company (1011 W. 5th Street, #110)
Arriving on the market in 2010, ON running shoes are relatively new but have gained a lot of fans, especially among professional runners. The lightweight shoes come in four different models and are equipped with the CloudTec system. The Cloudster (pictured) features a cushioned landing with a barefoot takeoff sensation.

3. Nixon 4820 Chrono P Watch, $400
Nixon.com
St. Bernard Sports (401 W. 3rd Street)
Want a special watch for the outdoorsy and stylish type? This watch is like an all-terrain vehicle… for your wrist. It’s extremely functional; water resistant up to 200 meters, its polyurethane band is perforated for more breathability.

4. Shwood Sunglasses, $145
Shwoodshop.com
St. Bernard Sports (401 W. 3rd Street)
These glasses are a great gift for anyone who appreciates quality craftsmanship and style. Schwoods frames are entirely handcrafted out of—you guessed it—wood. Because manipulation of the wood is kept to a minimum, there are several color options and each pair is unique. Polarized lenses are available, too.

5. Asics Courtenay Long Sleeve Tee, $52
Asicsamerica.com
Texas Running Company (1011 W. 5th Street, #110)
This shirt doesn’t look like your regular workout garb. While the color alone makes it stand out, its design is what makes it more special. It features keyhole cutouts in the back and thumbholes on the sleeves. It’s practical for workouts yet stylish enough for running errands.

6. Asics Lavaltrie Capri, $45
Asicsamerica.com
Texas Running Company (1011 W. 5th Street, #110)
Featuring a contour waistband with an inner pocket, these running capris are made with four-way stretch fabric that makes them extremely comfortable. They are also highly visible, with two reflective logos.

 
GOODIES
1. Lush Soaps and Body Sprays, price varies
Lushusa.com
1012 W. 6th Street
Soaps, massage bars, body sprays, and even toothpaste tabs—they all make great stocking stuffers for gym goers and travellers alike. Pictured are a few of the natural and handmade products from Lush.

2. Foot Rubz Massage Ball, $8
Surefoot.net
Texas Running Company (1011 W. 5th Street, #110)
Hard on your feet? This product could change your life. The Foot Rubz Massage Ball gets to all those acupressure points in your feet that get sore and tired after a long day of standing up or working out. You control the pressure of the massage, and it’s so small you can take it anywhere. It can also be used on your hands and other sore parts of your body—a great stocking stuffer for anyone, not just athletes!

3. Hurom Premium Slow Juicer & Smoothie Maker, $400
Usa.hurom.com
Serve Gourmet (241 W. 3rd Street)
A juicer and smoothie maker in one, the Hurom has an extra “smoothie” basket for creating purees and other juice blends. It also lets you customize the amount of pulp in your juice.

4. Outlaw Bars, $16 for a 12-pack
Outlawprotein.com
Outlaw Bars are locally made with all-natural ingredients and come individually wrapped or in a reseal-able three-pack package. Each coconut pecan piece is packed with 10 grams of protein. They are gluten-free, vegetarian, and Paleo compliant—making Outlaw Bars a goodie you can feel good about eating.