Top 10 Gift Ideas for Your “Get It Done” Strength Enthusiast
I love the holidays. Feeling that nip in the air, rosy cheeks on my kids’ faces, their constant badgering about opening a gift early, the un-expected visit of that weird uncle, the stress of hosting way to many family events, the holiday over-eating (and drinking), and, of course, the feeling of weight lifted from my backside right near the pocket book…I also love giving (and receiving) great gifts.
Knowing what to give that lifter in your life, the one who just likes to “get the job done”, is important. (No aerobics videos here!) You know that this guy or girl, come rain or shine, cold or blistering heat, not to mention their crazy busy life, always manages to get in their training no matter what time of day. They have probably, like me, run the gauntlet of programs, mentalities and goals. Not to be in-consistent, but because they are not afraid of trying new things and they know that this is life; and life is not a 100m dash, its a 100 year dash!
So here it is the top ten gift ideas for your, bare bones, no fluff, no excess lifter.
Prowler
Is this even a question? I honestly do not know a single person that could not benefit from consistent use of a prowler. Forget about the flu; give the gift of an epidemic! Really, whether your goals are around physique, strength, or athletic improvements the prowler is the gift that keeps on giving… giving heart-wrenching, lung bursting, teeth vibrating, and plain old total body destruction, now who doesn’t want that for the holidays?
EFS Econo Squat Stands
Time is an issue, whether you have kids and three jobs, or you have ten exams this week and your books are in an “undisclosed location”, you still have to train (or at least I do)! Give your favorite hard worker the ability to lift on the fly, give them the EFS Econo Squat Stands! It is just plain true; squatting, no matter what your goals are, should be number one! There just isn’t a better exercise (I know the deadlifter’s out there might disagree) for overall body strength.
Chains
Nothing says happy holidays to your favorite lifter like some serious chains. The sleek metallic look goes great with any sexy dinner wear for the ladies, and ads great prestige to those sweaters you got from your grandparents last year. Oh and did I mention, they can make you look like a beast? Adding these chains to your dips, chins, push-ups and the big three – helps to increase your power and lock out strength… and make you look awesome!
Power Max Conditioning Ropes
As most lifters, athletes, and weekend warriors know, your legs get tired (must be from all that sitting at your computer and checking Facebook!). So how is one supposed to get that much needed conditioning in before a body wrecking squat day? You guessed it, ropes. Nothing fancy here, but incorporating rope work into your conditioning can add a new life to your stale cardio, while adding some chops to your grip and upper body strength.
Bumper Plates
This goes along with the squat stands (rack if you can) above. For all you garage and backyard junkies out there – grab some bumper plates. It’s like having a spotter without actually needing one. Feel confident that when you drop that front squat, or overhead press, your floor (and/or weights) won’t crack. Disclaimer: bumper plates will in no way protect you from breaking every bone in your foot if you drop your last rep on.
Weighted Vest
A weighted vest is like hosting your own black tie event, you are always dressed to impress. Whether you are at home, in your local gym, or on the road, slap this puppy on and do some lunges, push-ups, or just jump. I use it for everything; having limited funds and time, the ability to strap some extra weight to myself adds a new challenge to everyday activity and those late night walks.
Medicine Balls
I do not discriminate against any type of training activity; yes this includes those crossfit “cultists” out there. Using med ball throws, squats, and pulls is a great way to break the monotony of many lifting programs as well as shocking the body with some new movement. There is also an added feature of the med ball, think back to when you were young, and you couldn’t pass by a ball without wanting to play, right? I leave mine in plain sight. It’s like a constant reminder to get up and use it, now that is a way to burn off that last taco… isn’t it?
Kettlebells
Kettlebells are in the same arena. They are like that “conversation piece” in your parents living room, they cannot be ignored! What enthusiast won’t just grab ‘em and do a couple sets? I do. But wait, can I hear the sound of the alphas out there screaming for me to give up the man card? You grab a fifty pounder and start swinging!
Biokinetic Plyo Box
Jumping is fun, just ask my two-year old! Plyo boxes are great tools. Want to workout out, just start jumping. Want to work out harder, jump higher, more often and for longer without stopping. Not enough, use that vest you got from your favorite cousin (hint). Still not doing it for you? Rhen throw some sexy chains in there as well. Besides building great explosive power, they are multi-joint movements utilizing your whole body, and chicks dig guys that can jump. The ability to jump high is like bearing scars of years of rigorous training.
EFS Gear (Outfit)
Last, but certainly not least, is some sweet swag from the EFS wardrobe section, cuz you know I gotsta look fly in my garage by myself. In all reality, it is just hard to find the right clothes to work out in. Seriously, show up to your local power lifting gym with a Tommy Bahama, Ed Hardy, or Affliction T-Shirt on and try not to get laughed out of the place (unless of course your gym is on the Jersery Shore).
BONUS BUY!
Step One: Purchase plane ticket to Ohio.
Step Two: Rent car, drive to 138 Maple Street in London
Step Three: Try not to wet yourself as you pull into the parking lot
Step Four: Watch, learn, listen, and engage in what has to be the truest form of training on the planet at Elite FTS!
As I write this list of great gifts to give that “get it done” lifter I have to pause and ask, ‘who is going to get me this stuff?’ Since I am drooling, as I write, at the idea of having these great items in my garage, backyard, and my living room!
Give the gift of physical training; change a life for the better.
Gift Cards
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I, like you, am a jack-of-all-trades pulled in countless directions. I am a lucky father of two, a decent husband (at times), a multiple business owner, and a “get it done” lifter. I played college football, where I strove for greater speed / strength ratio, was an avid bodybuilder attempting to shave those last fat percentage points off; and then became an absolute slob weighing at most over 400 lbs. I have run the gauntlet and come out clean on the other side. Now I am the founder, developer, and creator of go-trainer, a web based personal training platform. 
