On the 11th day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: gloves that'll make wintertime runs so much more enjoyable.
What: Nike Elite Storm-Fit Tech Run Glove.
Why it’s cool: This glove may be a mouthful, but that’s only because it does it all. Not only is it water resistant, super warm and ventilated, it also has an adjustable cuff to block out the cold. The gloves are touchscreen compatible, too, and have a key pocket for storage. The reflective details boost visibility in low-light conditions. Check, check, check and check.
Who it’s for: Runners, of course, but these gloves are so versatile, we think anyone on your list will love ‘em.
Cost: $35 at Philadelphia Runner; locations in Center City, University City and Glen Mills.
>> Through December 18th, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day for new gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
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On the 10th day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a gym bag I'm not embarrassed to lug to the office every day (and it holds my yoga mat, too!)
What: Daily Om Duffel Bag
Why it’s cool: This is the perfect bag for on-the-go yogis. There are removable external straps for your yoga mat, plus it’s big enough for your daily swag and purse items but compact enough for you to travel with ease. There’s a chic and sleek cross-body, hands-free option, too.
Who it’s for: Yogis with space issues.
Cost: $128 at Lululemon; stores in Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Wayne and Ardmore.
>> Through December 18th, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day for new gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
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On the ninth day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a steep-on-the-go mug that'll make my a.m. routine an absolute breeze.
What: Clean & Green Gift Set (organic tea included!)
Why it’s cool: The set includes an eight-ounce, double-walled glass thermos with a bamboo lid; a white ceramic canister with bamboo top for tea storage; and two ounces of tea, your choice from Premium Steap’s extensive collection. Don’t underestimate the eye-candy factor of this gift—the clear glass thermos is absolutely beautiful. And it’s functional, too: it has removable stainless steel tea strainer, keeps beverages hot or cold for longer, and is comfortable to the touch.
Who it’s for: Have a coffee addict in your life? Give him a gentle nudge toward the green-tea train, which has shown promise in fighting cancer and heart disease, among other health benefits.
Cost: $48 at Premium Steap, 111 South 18th Street, Philadelphia.
>> Through December 18th, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day for new gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
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On the sixth day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a cool new watch guaranteed to help me PR.
What: Garmin Forerunner 10
Why it’s cool: Garmin’s newest GPS watch, the Forerunner 10, is a hot item this holiday season. Why? Because it’s a great bargain in the running-watch world at just over $100. The Forerunner 10 is tailor made for beginner runners, as it’s extremely simple to use and much smaller than previous Garmin watches. Basic features include pace, total distance, and calorie burn, and the watch carries a water resistance up of up to 50 meters. Bonus: these watches come in cool colors, too.
Who it’s for: Know anyone who’s downloaded the Couch-to-5K app recently? There’s your lucky Forerunner 10 recipient.
Cost: $129 at Philadelphia Runner, 1601 Sansom Streem, Philadelphia.
>> Through December 18th, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day for new gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
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On the fifth day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: organic, vegan treats I can make myself.
What: PS Macaroon Kit
Cost: $25
Why it’s cool: Not only are these Philly-made macaroons melt-in-your-mouth delicious (especially when right out of the oven), they’re also made from organic, gluten-free, vegan and kosher batter—suitable for even the strictest of diets. You can gift the kit as-is, or make the macaroons and give the cookies; you can go ahead and say they’re homemade—we won’t tell. Each kit contains a Weck jar filled with batter, toppings, and instructions for making 21 mini macaroons. There’s also a dry-mix option for those who prefer to use their sweetener of choice.
Who it’s for: Office Secret Santa, perhaps?
Where to get it: Order on PureSweets.com for delivery or pick up at the Pure Sweets kitchen, 3580 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia.
>> For the next 12 days, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day through December 18th for gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
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On New Year's Day, make a pledge for good health.
Rather than coming up with vague resolutions like “go to the gym” or “eat healthy” this New Year, make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle with thousands of others.
The first day of 2013 will be one to remember; in many cities, including Philadelphia, people will gather at MLK Drive near the Art Museum to run (or walk, stroll, skip, whatever!) a 5K to kick-start 2013 and join the Commitment Day movement to pledge to have a healthy year. Everyone is eligible to receive a free training plan from Life Time Run prior to January 1st. Plans are available in beginner, intermediate and advanced runners. Life Time Run coaches will also be available to support you. Go here to request your free training manual. For more info on how to get involved, head here.
$39, January 1st, registration at 9 a.m., race at 11, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near the Art Museum, Philadelphia.
>> Have a health or fitness event you’d like to share with Be Well Philly readers? Email eleaman@phillymag.com with details.
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On the fourth day of Fit Gifts by true love gave to me: a relaxing, antioxidant-rich facial.
 Photograph by Whitney Hubbard
What: Gift card for Moko’s Smashing Pumpkin Mask
Why it’s cool: I think we can all agree that any recipe featuring pumpkin is going to be awesome, but there’s more to this festive squash than meets the eye … or tongue. Pumpkins are also chock-full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and natural exfoliants that are great for your skin during the dry, cold winter. Moko’s Smashing Pumpkin Mask is made entirely of locally-sourced, organic, gluten-free ingredients. The service includes a warm skin cleanse and hand massage with warm jojoba oil, making it the perfect restorative and relaxing gift.
Who it’s for: Ladies and gents who love a little pampering.
Cost: $65 at Moko Organic Beauty Studio, 55 North Third Street, Philadelphia.
>> For 12 days this December, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day through December 18th for gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
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On the third day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a totally awesome, super reflective, über breathable outer layer.
What: Asics Reflector Jacket
Why it’s cool: This really cool piece of fitness apparel is lightweight, very reflective and highly water- and wind-resistant. The feature that caught my eye (ha): it blinks if you want extra visibility, an awesome feature for all you night runners out there. Plus, it comes in several bright colors and has a hood that can be completely tucked away into the collar of the jacket.
Who it’s for: Runners for whom neither rain nor sleet nor gloom of night will keep them from the roads.
Cost: $90 at Philadelphia Runner, locations in Center City, University City and Glen Mills.
>> For the next 12 days, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day through December 18th for gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
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Striptease aerobics, anyone?
Calling all ladies! Join burlesque performer Timaree and Urban Striptease instructor Deb for a special striptease aerobics class at Philly Dance Fitness on December 14th. To get you in a sexy holiday spirit, you’ll be dancing to an eclectic holiday playlist that’ll include hip-hop and holiday-themed music. If you missed last year’s Frisky for the Holidays, no worries—there will be a few repeats, plus some brand new routines to build your repertoire.
And it wouldn’t be the perfect ladies night out without a little wine, right? Philly Dance Fitness will have a complementary wine-and-chocolate tasting after class for you to unwind. Fruit and non-alcoholic drinks will also be available.
All ladies ages 18 and up are invited, no dance experience required. Space is limited to 30 participants, so reserve your tickets now. For more info, go here.
$15 until December 7th, $20 after; December 14th from 7 to 8:30 p.m., The Arts Parlor, 1170 South Broad Street, Philadelphia.
>> Have a health or fitness event you’d like to share with Be Well Philly readers? Email eleaman@phillymag.com with details.
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On the first day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a pedometer/calorie counter/sleep tracker all in one.
What: Fitbit One
Cost: $99.95
Why it’s cool: This discreet and genius little device tracks steps, distance traveled by foot, stairs climbed, calories burned and sleep quality—all from your pocket. Bonus points: it has a silent alarm that vibrates to wake you gently in the morning. You can download an app to get readouts on your phone, and if you have an iPhone (4S or higher), iPod Touch or third-generation iPad, you can set it up to sync automatically with your device.
If you’re a tad strapped for cash, don’t worry, Fitbit One has a less expensive little brother (or sister, depending on which of the five funky colors you choose) called Fitbit Zip. The Zip, which is priced at $59.95, also tracks steps, distance and calories burned, but you lose the sleep-quality and stairs-climbed data.
Who it’s for: Gadget-loving fitness geeks (and wannabes).
Where to get it: Best Buy
>> For the next 12 days, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day through December 18th for gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
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