6 Gifts for Athletes Who Have Everything

Credit: Alan Cleaver at Flickr

Forerunner? Got it. Triathlon backpack? Have it. New gear? Bought it the minute the old gear started showing wear and tear. Big-name race for next season? Already signed up.

Some people are strapped for cash around the holidays. Others are stumped when it comes to giving gifts to the people on their list who have it all, or buy it before you have a chance to gift it (I was accused of that last week). So stumped that you're still shopping for that special gift with less than a week's worth of shopping days left.

I'm currently in that category. My husband already gifted himself new skis (at least I helped with the ordering, that has to count for something.) I spilled the beans to my dad on some new Adidas shirts, shorts and pants perfect for a workout, and he sent my mom to buy them. Aside from some random stocking stuffer ideas I've had, I was screwed until I devised this list.

A P90X Primer: What You Need to Know

I couldn't name the first time I watched the P90X infomercial. I couldn't tell you if it was before or after I watched the one about Insanity or Jillian Michaels or the Total Gym (you know, that apparatus that Christie Brinkley and Chuck Norris peddle). But I can definitely attest that I was skeptical at first. Could these people really looked that ripped after following a program in their living room? Was it a  scam like the weight-loss pill infomercials where the spokesperson gained weight to film the before shot that was filmed after the "this is what I looked like after taking X pill" (so I heard)? Could you really get an effective workout at home, doing P90X?

I let those inhibitions go this summer, cracked down and bought myself a copy of the 90-day program. But it wasn't until I had the opportunity to talk to Tony Horton, the motivator behind the 12 workouts to rotate through, that I really became a believer. Sure, one hour of Core Synergistics was enough of a  butt-kicking--I was ready to collapse during a set that Tony flew through effortlessly while I had to pause and regroup--but I wasn't ready to quit yet. Far from it. Bring on the muscle confusion. Bring on the workouts that are tough even before adding the weights or resistance bands. Bring on the blood-rushing, sweat-inducing, breath-panting torture--and ensuing pain and soreness.

Ski Shape

Hard to believe that it's nearly mid-September? I am. I'm still in shock that the beaches are technically closed--and to be honest, with the weather we've been having, I barely want to venture outside--and that fall is just around the corner. Sure, I say that a lot with the changing of the seasons yet I feel like summer barely started or that I got to enjoy it since I only became my usual, active self in August.

But regardless of what the calendar says or the weather forecast shows, winter is just around the corner. I know it, the mountains know it (they already saw snow!) and the ski resorts know it. One problem: I'm not so sure my legs, arms and core know it. Preparing for running and biking is one thing, but getting in ski shape can be another endeavor entirely. All day on the slopes, moguls, steeps, powder, ice--the equipment can only go so far and then it's all about the engine behind it.

So how can you start revving that engine now before you get back on your skis come November? Well, securing a ski pass or planning a trip are two ways, but I'm talking about the fitness focus. How are you going to get in shape for skiing? Are you the type to engage in a little trail running or mountain biking? Or would you rather pop in a DVD (ahem, maybe P90X or Insanity?) or arrive at the gym for some strength training, toning and full-on muscle building? We all have our own weapons for whipping ourselves into shape--or we learn from the suggestions of others.

My go-tos: running and cycling. They're the easiest, not necessarily the smartest, for me to do. Why? Because I pavement pound and stick to forward motion. As for moves that get you moving across all planes of motion and moving abruptly as we sometimes do when we're skiing (you know, when you have to avoid a rock or tree, or you aren't as stellar as your partner and end up on advanced terrain that leaves you jerky instead of fluid), there are plenty of other ways to get in ski shape. Find them at buzz.snow.com, where it's all about five ways that meet the all-important question, "How do I get in shape for skiing?" 

Next step, start sweating!

Photo grabbed from cnolan011, Christopher Nolan, at flickr.