Getting into shape is the No. 1 resolution after New Year's, so why not give the gift of fitness to make their resolution a reality? Fitness expert Stephanie Oakes suggests some great exercise products:
At-home equipment:
Kettlebells
These have been around for a while now, but are really making a comeback in gyms across the country. These are strictly for strength-training, and are great for working more than one muscle group at a time. $29.95, www.performbetter.com
Perfect Pushup
Invented by a former Navy SEAL platoon commander, the Perfect Pushup uses the latest advances in biomechanics and engineering to power up your workout. Smooth ball-bearing action drives each rotating handle on a durable, nonslip base to work with your body's natural movement patterns. This is functional fitness at its best — engaging more muscles in the arms, chest, shoulders, abs and back to maximize strength and definition, while reducing the risk of joint strain and injury.$49.99, www.perfectpushup.com
LifeCore Fitness Recumbent Bicycle
Perfect for the NYC apartment, as this is the smallest recumbent bike on the market. This is our splurge item, as it costs $999. You do get your money's worth, as it includes Body Fat measurement, 3 heart-rate control programs, 12 pre-set programs and a vertically adjustable seat back.$999, www.lifecorefitness.com
Cybex Arc TrainerThe Cybex Arc Trainer has proven to be the most versatile cross-trainer on the market today. Winner of the Nova7 "Best Product of the Year" two years in a row, it's turning heads while it's toning bodies in clubs around the globe. Now CYBEX brings you the Total Body Arc Trainer for the home. You can burn more calories in less time without even leaving your living room.$3,099, www.cybexintl.com
Eco-friendly water bottles:
These are great for using while on the recumbent bike. Both of these examples are ones that are toxin-free, and can be used over and over again safely — without worrying about residues from the plastics getting into your drink ... even when left in a hot car!
Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle
$15, www.kleankanteen.com
SIGG water bottle
SIGGs are truly taste neutral. Leave your filled plastic bottle out in the sun for a couple hours and see how your water tastes the next day — a bit like plastic, we've been told. These are safe and can save you money, as you can use over and over without having to buy a new one.$24.99, www.mysigg.com
Timex iControl watch
iControl for your iPod: The iControl watch transmits signals seamlessly to your iPod so you can control your music in a heartbeat. Change songs and volume without breaking stride.
Designed to work with your body and coordinate with your iPod, the iControl watch is sleek and comfortable to wear — with all the features you need for running around the track or traveling around the world. $125, www.timex.com
Eco-friendly clothing:
Many sportswear companies are jumping on the "green" bandwagon, and making their apparel out of eco-friendly materials.
New Balance CoCoNa™ Run Jacket
Part of the New Balance's new CoCoNa™ apparel collection, the CoCoNa Run Jacket for men and women features charcoal fabrication that provides evaporative cooling, odor resistance and UV protection. CoCoNa™ is a natural technology that utilizes charcoal (or activated carbon) derived from coconut shells, which is then combined with polyester fibers to create a lightweight garment with enhanced performance properties. One other great feature about the workout pants is that they come ready to cut — meaning you can hem them at home, as there are three different possible lengths to cut them to.$70, www.newbalance.com
Oxygen Required Bamboo clothes
Like high-tech exercise clothing, bamboo naturally wicks sweat away from the skin, minimizing body odor, then drying in half the time of cotton. Bamboo fabric is softer and silkier than cotton. Similar to silk, it is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic. More than its surface appeal, bamboo is overall a low-impact fabric that actually contributes to the health of the environment. It is a naturally sustainable and renewable plant that releases more oxygen into the atmosphere than trees, therefore helping to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. Bamboo is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and insecticides. $100, www.GreenIQ.com
Nike ID:Nike ID was introduced in 1999, and today averages more than 3 million visitors each month. This is ideal for a gift, as you can spend as much as you want, and people love to design their own sneakers or sport bags. www.nike.com