Action packed: our picks for fit gifts

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, Dec, 2003 by Jay Shafran, Nikki Carosone

seeing spots

Fitness Glovz by Cover Upz have an innovative design that allows for maximum versatility: Extra padding protects against nerve pain from using heavier weights and also makes them perfect for gripping activities like cycling and waterskiing. The two-fingered loop for ease of use means less struggling to get into your gloves. They come in cool colors including cheetah (shown), red, purple, blue and black. $12.95. Order at www.coverupz.com or by calling 888-5GOTCHA.

let's get digital

Prefer the sound of Linkin Park to that of your own breathing? You need the Sonicblue Rio S35S MP3 Player. This hot-looking, hot-sounding number features an awesome graphic interface (that's the cute little screen), a rubberized body that's water- and impact-resistant, a built-in stopwatch and an FM receiver. The basic model stores two to four hours of music and is compatible with standard digital music formats. One simple attachment hooks it into your computer, plus it gets up to 18 hours of play from just one AAA battery. Carrying case, armband and software included. Price: $149.99; www.rioaudio.com.

asana a go go

For the yoga devotee with style, there's the Nike Yoga Messenger Set. The cool blue bag comes with two yoga blocks and a yoga strap, while the mat rolls up and attaches at the bottom. $80 at Niketown stores and www.nikegoddess.com.

stack 'n' stash

For those who prefer to exercise at home but don't have room for a full-blown gym, the answer is PowerBlocks. These ingenious square "nested" weights fit a complete set of dumbbells into a space no bigger than roughly the size of two shoeboxes. The SportBlock set adjusts from 3 to 21 pounds in three-pound increments and the Personal Power Block set goes from 5 to 45 pounds in five-pound increments. Both sets feature comfortable handles and easy weight adjustments via a pronged key. And, when you're done using them, they slip easily under the bed or in the closet. Price: SportBlock, $119; Personal PowerBlock, $219; www.powerblock.com.

portable personal trainer

Pardon us while we engage in some shameless self-promotion, but we think this is the perfect gift for any woman who works out. It's M & F Hers: A Woman's Guide to Weight Training, with more than 275 pages featuring 100 exercises for every body part and 20 progressive training routines. Plus, you get a three-month training log for tracking your workouts. Price: $24.99 (plus S & H). Available at www.SHAPEboutique.com or by calling 877-742-7337.

warm up

Work out in cozy comfort with the Velour Hoody and Pant Set by Nike ($50). Plush velour is soft and comfy with Durasheen trim for style. Order from www.nikegoddess.com or by calling 877-533-6453.

glow, spot, glow

Pooches who want to be seen are wearing the U-Glow Dog collar. Implementing the best and brightest of neon wire technology, these groovy collars are nontoxic and water resistant. They're available in a variety of neon colors, so your dog will be visible for more than a mile, whether on a run or on the runway. Price range: $17-$25. www.u-glowdog.com.

red and retro

We love the look of Puma's Vanity Case, and it's so practical, too. It neatly holds all your makeup and toiletries in separate compartments. Slip it in your gym bag or pack it in your carry-on luggage for those weekend getaways. $30. www.puma.com.

cool heads prevail

For the would-be athlete who doesn't dig a do-rag or bandanna, the Jimi Cap is in the house. Supplex-Lycra makes it stretchy and it comes in a variety of colors. It keeps the sweat out of your eyes by wicking away moisture, rather than allowing it to pool and collect like most other headgear. The hole-in-one model accommodates ponytails. $10. www.jimicap.com.

child's pose

Think Dora the Explorer meets downward dog and you've got Yogateers. This kit includes a mat with fun illustrations, action cards and a carrying case. It's a great way to bond (and bend) with your child (or niece or nephew). $39.95. www.yogayears.com.

small steps, big changes

If you're shopping for an absolute exercise novice, a pedometer makes the perfect gift. Here's why.

According to recent recommendations from researchers at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, taking an additional 2,000 steps a day may not help people lose weight, but it may prevent them from gaining any more. The university's research shows that most people increase their weight in dribs and drabs--an average of about a pound or two a year. This translates to 10 or 20 pounds over the course of a decade.

Using a pedometer can help motivate novice exercisers to add those 2,000 steps a day (equivalent to about 15 extra minutes of walking) because they don't need to be taken all at once. The researchers recommend taking the stairs sometimes, parking farther from your destination and walking around while talking on the phone to squeeze in those extra steps. They also say that leaving a few bites of your sandwich, skipping a pat of butter and other small dietary changes will further help offset creeping weight gain.