Fitness items that are worth giving

Fitness items that are worth giving

Writing about fitness, we see a lot of gear, clothing and gadgets -- some useful, some fun and some downright weird. So take our advice: When choosing a gift for a loved one this season, think practicality with a dash of indulgence. That doesn't mean said gift has to break the bank, but it should be more exciting than a basic cotton T-shirt or moisture-wicking socks. Here are our picks for some fitness-themed holiday gifts:

A mat is the most basic piece of equipment in the yoga repertoire, and the most necessary. Not all mats are created equal -- some provide more stickiness, making it easier to stay on during an especially arduous session, while others are extra-thick to provide more padding.

JadeYoga mats are known for being ultra-sticky, important for power or hot yoga classes, or even any crowded class where room and body temperatures can heat up quickly, eliminating the need for mat towels. Yoga practitioners who are also environmentally conscious will be pleased to know that the mats are made from real rubber, a sustainable resource, or recycled rubber. And, for every mat purchased, the company plants a tree via Trees for the Future. JadeYoga also encourages people to recycle their old mats via its 3R program -- Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. Details are on the website.

"This is an audience that cares about the Earth and their spiritual well-being," says Pennsylvania-based company founder Dean Jerrehian, a former Environmental Protection Agency attorney. "We have a new feature in our newsletter asking customers what they're doing with their mats in the community, and it's amazing what we're hearing back, like someone teaching yoga to recovering alcoholics and people with HIV."

The mats come in a variety of colors, widths, lengths and thicknesses, and some even have a cool die-cut edge. Kid-size mats are also available.

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