Joy! More of the Best Holiday Gifts for Tennis Players! Each year, I put together a list of my favorite tennis gifts to give (and to get). This year I'm doing several editions – to cover every possible player at every possible price point. Last week it was Best Holiday Gifts for Tennis Players – Women's Edition, a great collection of gifts just for the ladies. This week, it's all about fitness baby! Here's a collection of holiday presents to whip your favorite tennis partner, pal or special someone into tennis-fit-shape (or just go ahead and buy one or two of these for yourself – you deserve it!).
- Blue AP Foam Roller: If you're not already foam rolling, you should be. This little device will work out all the kinks and knots in your muscles. Sure, it can sometimes be a little painful, but that means you're getting in deep. Want to know how to use a foam roller? Check out my YouTube video on Foam Rolling for Tennis Players.
- Valeo Deluxe Speed Jump Rope: Jumping rope is a super quick, super easy way to get an incredible cardio workout. And the nice thing about this piece of equipment? You can carry it anywhere – it's light, compact and easy to tuck in your tennis bag. Just five minutes of jump rope before your next match and you'll be raring to go.
- Kettlebells: I'm just now getting into kettlebells and I can tell you – this is a whole different way to work out with weights. Light weights can do plenty to improve your game and kettlebell workouts will have a big impact on your tennis performance.
- Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit: Using a stability or balance ball can help build up your core muscles. This kit is nice because it not only includes the ball, but it also has a hand pump and a workout DVD showing some great exercises you can perform.
- Compression Sleeve Socks: You may have seen a few pros wearing compression socks. You may have seen even more recreational players starting to wear them. I myself have used them post-running but am trying them out more often post-tennis match play. Compression socks supposedly help your legs recover faster by increasing the oxygen to your muscles. And these sleeves are a heck of a lot easier to put on than full socks.
- Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband: Okay, I have not got a Fitbit. But I've been thinking about getting one for a while and this holiday season might be when it actually happens. The Fitbit can track the number of steps you take, the distance you travel, the number of calories you burn, the amount and quality of your sleep. Basically, everything you need to know to find out just how fit of a day you're having. And you can track your progress on-line – sweet!
- Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch: I use an interval timer for my run/walk training and for doing Tabata workouts. It's also great for HIIT workouts, cross fit training and all kinds of timed training programs. You'll love this little gadget and find all kinds of cool ways to incorporate it into your workouts.
- Vitamix 5200 Series Blender: True confession – I LOVE MY VITAMIX! I really did not think that having a super expensive blender would make that much of a difference in my blender recipes but boy, it really does. My green smoothies went from a little on the chunky side to being completely smooth and totally drinkable. This is a kitchen appliance that will truly get you to eat (and drink) healthier. Want to see me put my Vitamix to work? Check out my YouTube video, The Tennis Fixation Green Smoothie Recipe.
- Yoga Mat: A yoga mat is good for a lot more than yoga. I use mine for all kinds of floor workouts in my tiled office and in the garage. Oh yeah, I also use it when I go to yoga. It provides a stable, slip resistant, clean surface for working out. This low cost fitness item comes in all kinds of colors and if you don't have at least one, you should.
- Dumbbells: Dumbells and weights are great for building all of the muscles in your arms. And goodness knows you need as much strength as you can get out on the court. These ones are cast iron coated in neoprene for durability to protect you and your floor. The hexagonal shape means they won't roll around.
Those are my favorite fitness gifts, items that any tennis player would love to get. What's on your holiday gift list? Let me know in the comments below. And keep checking back as I've got another Holiday Gift Guide coming out soon! Happy Holiday Tennis!
© Kim Selzman 2014-2020 All Rights Reserved
No Ad Disclosure – The items I mention in this post are not items that I sponsor or for which I receive any income or other benefit. My opinion on these items is just that – my opinion. I always tell the absolute truth about every item that I recommend and/or review. I usually do not review items, and I never recommend items, that I don’t like.