“My Daddy Is a Pretzel” ($17) is a great yoga book for fathers to practice with their children. Written by power yoga expert and best-selling author Baron Baptiste, it is chock-full of child-friendly poses that will help child and parent alike. Pair it with Mr. Baptiste’s “Journey Into Power Vinyasa Yoga: Level One” ($25), and the man in your life will be set for a centered and strong new year. Available at http://www.baronbaptiste.com or online bookstores.
You don’t have to get off your fanny to improve your posture and workout those abs. The Classic Balance Ball Chair by Gaiam ($79.98) provides all-day ergonomic support for a stronger, healthier back. You’ll improve your posture and spinal alignment while getting a powerful core-strengthening workout. Choose your base and ball color for inspirational fun. http://www.gaiam.com .
Finally, a yoga pant that won’t let you down. Sleek and styled, the Tux Chaturanga Yoga Tight by Athleta is made of Supplex nylon/lycra spandex and Pilayo wicking fabric. It sports a snazzy zip leg and white side stripe with a bonus — an SPF of 50 makes it perfect for outdoor sports. Sizes women’s XXS through XL; tall, petite and women’s plus sizes to 2X. $79; http://www.athleta.com .
What to wear to yoga class? Lucy to the rescue! Lucy Women’s Perfect Pose Top features a high neck design to give you supportive coverage and chafe-free seam construction. Part of the Lucy women’s line of yoga wear at Dick’s Sporting Goods. $59. http://www.dickssportinggoods.com .
If you are browsing among yoga, pilates, aerobics and some heavy weights you will may like to check Fitness Republic online store. The store offers equipment to make a nice kit for different exercise and having some cool discounted deals during the season. http://www.fitnessrepublic.com/store
Take your iPad to the beach and practice yoga with a top trainer. The gift of fitness that travels with you is now available in the The Daily Burn, an online subscription video service that works with your smartphone, laptop or television and is compatible with Google ChromeCast and Roku streaming devices. Elite trainers have programs with workouts ranging from 20 minutes to one hour in every discipline from cardio, dance, strength, tabata, kettlebell and pilates. $14.99 per month, http://www.dailyburn.com .
Everything old is new again and the new wave in fitness is home workouts. One very simple system to master and challenge yourself with is resistance band training. They are portable and can be used anywhere for strength training. The Black Mountain Resistance Band Training System features five bands of varying resistance, foam handles, a door anchor and a carrying case to take with you. $32.99 (use discount code xmas2014 for 10 percent off and free shipping), blackmountainproducts.com .
There is a whole category of items to track your every move — and even count your zzz’s. One of the most popular in the fitness tracker category is the FitBit Flex. Sync your stats wirelessly to your smartphone or home computer and see real-time progress. It will also wake you with a silent alarm. Available in nine colors and a Tory Burch designer version. At most retailers and online at http://www.fitbit.com . $99.95.
Socks don’t work—get the yoga grip of your life with the Nike Studio Wrap 3 shoe. Perfect for pilates, yoga and barre, these shoes provide a barefoot experience and protection from sweaty floors. Best of all? Machine washable. $55 at Dick’s Sporting goods and Nike.com .
via Shop Holiday: What to buy your favorite fitness buff | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Health & Fitness Daily Motivation 