PureConnect Running Shoes-- $90.00

Brooks' PureConnect is one of my new favorite shoes to trouce about the city in. I have been running for years and these have been one of the best purchases I have made for my feet for as long as I can remember. It's not the fluffy, walking on a cloud type experience. You really are connecting with the surface, in a good way. My current pair are worn out (hint, hint....) Check out the female equivalent!

In their own words: "You'll feel your run from head to big toe with the radically lightweight and flexible PureConnect. Neutral runners who crave less shoe and more freedom will love the maximum breathability of an open mesh upper built on a slim and nimble underfoot. 

A split toe groove extends through the forefoot allowing the runner to really engage the foot and get a greater sense of connection to the ground. This is a shoe for those who want as little as possible between them and the road."

Lululemon.com's Cypress Run Pullover-- $98.00

Another fav from Lululemon (I could put the whole site here to be honest) with another great equivalent for the lady folk. In their words: "With breathable and inherently wicking running luon keeping us covered, we'll run up that mountain in no time flat. Yes, we said run. The Cypress Run Pullover is designed as a mid-layer to keep you insulated as the temperature drops and the altitude rises so you can race to the top."

Aeriel 7's NEO Ear Buds-- $60.00

These are the coolest ever. I want them. So should you. I am so tired of buying ear buds that stop working a month after I buy them simply because I work out HARD and sweat A LOT. I have had buds from this company before and they still work, which is awesome.  These are even better, though, as the actual bud is made from memory foam and will literally shape to your ear. I really, really, really, REALLY want them. (Thanks, parents.)

In their words: "AERIAL7 was created in 2008 by three friends from different backgrounds who share a common vision for building unique audio products influenced by their passion for art, music, street culture, fashion and the active lifestyle that they live and breathe.

Since AERIAL7 began, the team has strived to be at the forefront of merging fashion and technology, introducing unique materials, finishes, original wearing styles and impressive acoustics that redefines the headphone as a fashion accessory.

Working with the constant feedback of AERIAL7's team of ambassadors from around the world, AERIAL7 products are constantly evolving, influencing and challenging the headphone market.

AERIAL7 has quickly become a fast growing music lifestyle company with business headquarters in Los Angeles, a design center in Australia and distributors in over 60 countries.

For the latest news and events, check out our blog!"

Omron HJ-112 Pedometer--  $34.99

Every runner or walker should have one of these handy and affordable little gadgets. Durable, attractive to look at and all around awesome (not to mention accurate).

In their words: "Whether simply walking or taking the right steps to meet fitness goals, the HJ-112 isthe perfect choice to track progress – easily, accurately and over time. A dual-axis pocket pedometer, featuring advanced 2D Smart Sensor Technology, enables the HJ-112 to be placed horizontally or vertically while accurately counting steps. Simply place at the hip, in a pocket or clip to a bag for added convenience."

Puma Drift Grip Bag-- $90.00

What's cooler than Puma? If you're going to be running around to the gym, bootcamp, yoga, the running track or just a weekend away, you are going to need a cool bag that's strong yet not crazy expensive. This bag rocks my socks and carries them, too. It's considered Unisex, but this is another great option for you sporty (or sporty inspired) women if you desire more color.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Cookbook/Essays, My Father's Daughter -- From $18.33

I heart this book so much. I do not believe in diets, even when training hard. Gwyneth's book has a heap of amazing, tasty recipies that tend to be naturally healthy.  I have even had the distinct honor of sitting in Gwyneth's kitchen, having a glass of wine with Gwyneth and Jane and eating her RIDICULOUSY GOOD kale chips. 

On top of it, the anecdotes that run throughout the book are heartfelt, funny and touching. This is the perfect holiday gift.

FitnessClass App for Ipad-- Free to download, classes to purchase starting at $2.99 with an iTtunes gift card.

Don't want join the gym, not ready for insanity. Then start with iTunes (and ask for a gift card) and this cool, free app.  The classes in the app are for purchase, they are cheap and yours forever. This could be the perfect thing for you beginners, commitment phobes or those who travel all the time.  Love it.

In their words: "FitnessClass lets you stream workout videos over WiFi or 3G while you listen to your own music (iOS 4+) and get interactive. Choose a new, different class every day, see estimated calorie counts for each class, post your completed status to Facebook & Twitter and keep track of every workout you perform."

Beachbody.com's Insanity Home Workout with Shaun T.

Live in a cold climate or just prefer to work out in the privacy of home? This is the best gift EVER. Beachbody.com has been a leader in the home fitness industry for years now exploding onto the scene with the P90 and p90x routines. (I did the P90x with great results.)

Insanity takes the home workout to a new level. It is, in a word, INSANE! Seriously, this set of DVDs kicked my ass from one end of my apartment to the other. The great thing about this is you can pay in 3 installments (39.95 ech payment plus shipping), you can work out whenever you want, great for girls and guys and ultimately will cost you MUCH less then joining a gym.

In their words: "The secret to these mind-blowing INSANITY workout results: MAX Interval Training.Shaun T took traditional interval training and flipped it on its head—you perform long bursts of maximum-intensity exercises with short periods of rest. Each INSANITY workout keeps you constantly challenged as you alternate between aerobic and anaerobic intervals performed at your MAX. The result: burn up to 1,000 calories in an hour and get the most insane body in 60 days."

Barry's Boot Camp -- Pricing Varies

A gift certificate for you and a friend/lover/husband/wife/family member could be the perfect solution to fighting off unwanted holiday gains. My absolute FAVORITE new workout and facility to work out in is Barry's Bootcamp. IT KICKS YOUR ASS!  The place is decked out in steel, glass and mirrors to keep you motivated (or horrified-if you don't like to see yourself sweat like crazy!) The instructors are incredible (and H-O-T) and you can easily see results after subjecting yourself to just a few, hour-long, workouts. The music is always pumping LOUD, the lights low and the sweat flying. It's one SEXY and challenging time!

Check it out in a city near you. They run weeklong academies as well as sell individual classes and packages. They are continually expanding so if they aren't in your town yet, be on the look out!  (Also, watch out for Julie and my article after we go through 5 days of Bootcamp next week!)

In their own words: "Since 1998, Barry’s Bootcamp has been delivering “The Best Workout in the World” to a legendary following, including many celebrities. Our no-nonsense, results driven reputation may intimidate some newcomers, but they quickly discover that Barry’s Bootcamp delivers an affordable, efficient and fun workout in a night club party environment that is nothing like the cliché boot camps found in every town."

Provence Wellness Center -- Pricing Varies

Here is another gift certificate idea for you and a friend/lover/husband/wife/family member. Planning to over-indulge during the holidays? Want to clean out the insides before you decide to partake in holiday cheer (AKA: gluttony)?  If you happen to be in New York (sorry, this is my only NYC-centric recommendation) during this festive of all festive seasons then make sure to give your innards a rest and a good cleaning at this charming, Provence inspired, medical spa.  From massages and facials (using all natural products) to the best colonics in the city, you will be completely rejuvenated inside and out after a day spent at this irresitable New York Medical Day Spa.

In their words: "The Provence Wellness Center is a new state of the art facility featuring Provencal French décor alongside first rate medical offices. The space is up-lifting, charming and cheery-the qualities one should expect when traveling to the holistic garden to heal body and soul."

Fitness 4 Charity

I have always been taught it is, truly, better to give than to receive.  What better thing to give then the gift of fitness and physical well-being? Fitness 4 Charity provides wonderful opportunities to communitites in need of such things as sports equipment and basic funding for fitness programs in various institituions around the country. Even if not this charity, find one that speaks to you and make sure you put aside time to give back while you are receiving throughout the season.

In their words: "Our job and mission is to fulfill the needs of children and adults that are seeking exercise equipment and instruction.  Our gift to them is to do this for no charge.  Our gift to you is a tax deduction.  Our success depends on your donations and teamwork to give those in need a chance to take care of themselves physically.  Our future is one that puts us all together in a healthy society, where the healthy are not paying for the unhealthy.  

Over the years, our board members have provided donations of new and used exercise equipment to a few of the following institutions:  

Schools

Foster homes

Churches

Fire Stations

Police Stations

Hospitals

Individuals, and the list goes on…"

Salt of the Earth ring and cufflinks:  Sterling Silver and Cocobolo Wood; $405 and $305 respectively.

Whether you work your ass off at the gym, on the running track or achieve balance in a yoga class or through a deep cleanse, we all deserve a splurge every once in a while, right?  It's equally good for mental health to focus on a fancy purchase. This is one of my favorite splurges of the season. A beautiful ring for her and matching cufflinks for him. The craftmanship of the silver, partnered with the finish of this beautiful  cocobolo wood, equals pieces that you will have and treaure for a lifetime. Not too ostentatious, not crazy expensive but absolutely guarenteed to make your heart sing when you wear them.

The artist is Valerie Maccarthy, equally talented Paris based jewelry designer and accomplished opera singer. 

Happy Holidays!!!!