Ten Perfect Holiday Gifts for the Fitness Enthusiast

As an active guy, I've about had it with the snowflake sweaters and strange ties that seem to appear under my tree each Christmas. Sure the season is about giving, and I really do appreciate the sentiment and generosity, but I have no more room to store stuff I will probably never leave my house in.

So, if you are anything like me, you more than likely rip into those boxes hoping to find something you can use that suits your lifestyle. Here's a great list of items you may want to include in your letter to Santa.

1. Personal training sessions: Even if you are an experienced athlete, you can always learn more. Getting a few sessions with a certified instructor will keep you updated and in the know so your training doesn't become archaic. Normally they run between $50 and $100 a session, so if you have a big spender on your side, these may just work out great. Also, you don't need to do the same old thing. Get them for different disciplines, such as yoga or pilates, things you have yet to try.

2. Power Block adjustable dumbbells: Flexible and easy to use, these dumbbells will give your at-home workouts more variety than ever. You can work virtually any body part with a set of dumbbells, so the investment is well worth it. Pricey for sure, as these run anywhere from $99 to $400.

3. Resistance bands: A great gift for the on-the-go traveler or for the person seeking a more toned experience. Affordable and simple to store/carry, these bands will increase your flexibility and tighten up your frame. A basic set from amazon.com runs about $40.

4. Heat rate monitors: For the more serious athlete who needs to know how the body is responding during various intervals of training. If you're a triathlete, these are a must. A basic one that wraps your wrist will cost about $30, but a more comprehensive one that straps your chest will run you about $95.

5. BPA-free water bottle: Every athlete needs a way to hydrate, so don't overlook this simple addition to your gym bag. The best around are the Camelbaks, especially with the freeze pocket, and they run about $15.

6. Quality socks: Don't laugh, as these make a difference. Damaged feet keep an athlete on the shelf, so making sure of what you put your feet in is critical. Merino-wool socks with medium padding are great for nearly any competitive person. Try the Darn Tough Vermont Run/Bike 1/4Cushion for $15 a pair. Sounds like a little too much for socks, but your feet will love them.

7. Gloves: Especially for those of us in the northern portions of the country, good gloves make the outdoor experience in the fall and winter a touch more pleasant. The best I have used are by Windstopper, and they'll take about $50 from your wallet.

8. Restorative Yoga DVDs: Sounds specific, but yoga's ability to stretch and refresh the body after an active day is remarkable. The AM/PM series by Gaiam with Rodney Yee is terrific. Cost is roughly $15. An entire kit with mat and blocks will go for around $45.

9. Chin-up/Pull-up bar: The best way to build the shoulders and back is to pull your own body weight, and even though these are tough, chin-ups and pull-ups will give you almost immediate results. And this system simply hangs in any open doorway. Though expensive, the best around in the P90X version, which retails for $75 on amazon.com. More affordable versions do, however, exist.

10. itunes card: Although this isn't going to grow muscle or shred fat, the music will be the motivation. Knowing full well that I don't want anyone choosing my tunes for me, the gift card lets me update my ipod with the perfect songs to supplement my workouts. They run anywhere from $10 and up.