20 Holiday Gifts That Don’t Suck

TRX Suspension Trainer- There are countless exercises that can be done on the TRX; many more effective than using a machine or even free weights.  At Renegade Gym we prefer to use the big, basic barbell lifts as our main exercises and then supplement with bodyweight, TRX and strongman type lifts for accessory work. The TRX is great to travel with because it’s small and light and will fit in your suitcase or backpack with ease. When you have a TRX you can always get a workout on the road no matter where you are.

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Fat Gripz- These little suckers instantly turn any standard bar or dumbbell into a fat bar. This increases your grip strength and stimulates arm growth beyond what a normal bar or dumbbell can. They easily slip on an off and are made of extremely high quality, heavy duty rubber which is hard as a rock and doesn’t wear out or compress. These would make a great stocking stuffer for the meathead on your list.

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Sun Warrior Protein- While a bottle of wine or Scotch might make dealing with the in-laws a little easier, a bottle of Sun Warrior will help you build size and strength and recover from workouts faster. And like Uncle Eddie said, “That’s the gift that keeps on giving.” Sun Warrior is made from all natural 100% organic ingredients, is a complete protein with a great biological value, mixes easily, doesn’t cause any of the digestive problems or allergies associated with when and milk based proteins,  and tastes great.

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High Powered Blender- To mix up the Sun Warrior with some frozen berries, bananas, nuts, cacao nibs and whatever else you can think of you are going to need a high powered blender. This always makes for a good gift for the busy, fitness conscious crowd who likes to blend up their nutrition once or twice a day. Personally, I always start my morning with a big, nutrient dense shake and would be lost without my blender.

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Vibram Five Fingers- These are by far and away the best shoes to train in as they allow you to simultaneously strengthen your toes and feet with the rest of your body. This often leads to fewer ankle, knee, hip and lower back issues. The Vibrams are also great for sprinting, hiking and walking. Best given to those who are not slaves to fashion, as you may get some funny looks and annoying comments while wearing them. The benefits make it all worth it, though.

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Head Harness- As I’ve said several times before, nobody should walk around with a stack of dimes holding up their head. Do everyone on your list a huge favor and get them a head harness. Owning one should be mandatory for all males. It will protect you from injury both physical and emotional. Use this 3-6 times per week for 1-3 sets of 15-50 reps.  Make it part of your routine. Like brushing your teeth and putting on your shoes.

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Power Wheel- This is definitely one of the best ab training tools on the market and would make an awesome gift for the athlete or meathead on your list. If anyone you know is still asking for one of those silly ab rockers or whatever other gimmicks they sell on late night infomercials, I suggest you do them a favor and surprise them with something that actually works the abs properly.

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Captains of Crush Grippers- These make a great stocking stuffer and forge a killer grip, which is a huge benefit for all lifters and athletes. A strong grip is like a big neck; it’s mandatory, commands respect and greatly increases your status as a man.

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Holosync Meditation CD’s- Meditation has been around forever and isn’t some gimmick that will be going away any time soon. It’s proven and it works. I can’t say enough about the benefits of the Holosync Meditation program. I have been using it for nearly two years now and it has made a huge difference in my life. I’m happier, calmer and more productive. I also sleep better. All these benefits can be seen in only 30-60 minutes per day. Last year I gave out quite a few of these for Christmas and will be doing the same again this year.

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The Prowler- Nothing will kick your ass and whip you into shape faster than the Prowler. We use it daily at Renegade Gym and I guarantee that any fitness enthusiast or strength coach would love to find one of these waiting for them under the tree. There’s still time to get one shipped. Tell Dave and Jim I sent you. You may also want to get a bucket to go with the Prowler in case the dreaded Prowler Flu sets in. Which is always a strong possibility…

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Kettlebell- If you know someone who trains at home or outside on their own, a kettlbell would be a great addition to their workouts and would make for an awesome gift. Males could start with somewhere between a 35 and a 53 pound kettlebell (depending on their size and strength) and females could start with an 18 or a 26.  Instead of jogging or riding a stationary bike try swinging a kettlebell for sixty seconds alternated with sixty seconds of jump rope for ten minutes straight.

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GymBoss Interval Timer- This is a great way to time your rest periods during strength training or conditioning and makes a cool little stocking stuffer for all the fitness enthusiasts on your list.
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The Rotater- This is a cool little tool that was sent to me recently which is great for shoulder rehab and prehab. Anyone you know with shoulder problems could benefit from incorporating some work on the Rotater into their regular program.
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Stainless Steel Food Containers & Water Bottles- The dangers of plastic are widely known by now. Do everyone you know a favor and help them eliminate man boobs and other estrogen related issues by picking them up some stainless steel containers or water bottles.
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Bands- High tension bands can be used for dozens of productive exercises such as pushdowns, face pulls, pull aparts, assisted chin ups, pulldown abs, side bends, ankle walks, resisted pushups, resisted sprints and many others. They make a great addition to any home gym and are an effective weapon in every powerlifters arsenal (for adding to squats, deads and bench presses).
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Elbow & Knee Sleeves- These are great for keeping your elbows and knees warm during training. Not of as much benefit to young, healthy guys, but for the older, more beat up crowd these can be a big help in avoiding injuries and will keep you feeling good (and safe) throughout your workouts.
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Superfood Snacks- Foods like goji berries, cacao nibs and maca are all known as superfoods and have tremendous health benefits. Before you thinking about stuffing a stocking with junk food, I highly recommend you pick up a few bags of these tasty treats.

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Sandbags- Sandbags are a phenomenal strength and conditioning tool that make a great addition to any training program. If you think you’re in shape, just try doing a high rep set of heavy sandbag shouldering. Talk to me afterwards. Any hard training athlete or meathead on your list would be thrilled to find one of these waiting for him under the tree.

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Jump Rope- We have still yet to develop a conditioning method more effective than jumping rope. Not only does jumping rope burn fat and improve your conditioning but it also works wonders for foot speed and coordination. Your ankles and calves will also get a great strengthening workout from jumping rope which will help prevent injury. It worked for Ali and it will work for your mom, brother or goomah.

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Renegade Barbell Club & Renegade Gym T-Shirts- These bad boys will make an impression wherever you go. The RBC skull in plate logo is a hardcore original. The Renegade Gym t-shirt has an old school Arthur Saxon inspired silhouette  depicting the way real men used to train before the world was over run with metrosexuals and pretty boy fitness centers. Available in black only.

Happy Holidays.

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