Black Friday Fitness Gift Ideas – 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Monday gang!  The holidays are just around the corner – can you believe it?  That means it’s time for my annual Holiday Gift Guide blog post!  I’m super excited about the products that made my list this year.  If you need even more gift ideas, check out last year’s Holiday Gift Picks list and my 2012 list.  I hope you love everything as much as I do – happy shopping!

  1. Living One Love Headbands ($16) – I discovered these headbands at IDEA World fitness convention in August.  I met the owner of the company who personally designs them and she was super sweet.  I like these headbands because they are wide (to cover my giant forehead) and come in TONS of different prints and colors.  I wear one to every single class I teach – highly recommend
  2. 1-yr Membership to Dallas Grit Fitness & Dallas Fit Body Boot Camp ($TBD) – In the spirit of self-promotion, I must include a shameless plug for my new fitness studio opening January 2015! Over the past 3 years, I’ve visited over 100 different fitness studios and reviewed so many classes.  Now, I’m able to offer all of my fav fitness formats and at a single studio – so excited.  We are having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday pre-sale for 1 year memberships. Stay tuned for details! (dallasgritfitness.com)
  3. Lorna Jane Inspirational Sports Bra ($63) – Lorna Jane is another brand that I’ve become a fan of just recently.  Now that I’m 30 and more confident about my body, I rock sports bras and leggings to teach my classes (no shame showing midriff).  Lorna Jane is my go to for sports bras that provide enough overage, support and style to be worn solo as a top.
  4. Nike Free Train Sneakers ($150) – Nike Free sneakers have made my list 3 years in a row – I’m officially an addict.  The reason is that these provide the best support for group fitness classes.  Notice I’m not recommending the Nike Free ‘Run’ sneakers, but rather the training version.   They come in so many super bright colors and styles – perfection.
  5. You are a Badass ($10) – We read this book in my book club last Fall.  It changed my life.  Ladies, if you are trying to make it to the next level in your career, relationship or simply boost your self-confidence, this book will provide the encouragement you need all while making you laugh out loud.  It’s a wonderful affordable gift for your girlfriends.
  6. Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf ($51) – This scarf is everything.  It compliments any outfit and can be worn a variety of ways.  I wore my black vinyasa scarf in a recent Fitness Fashion Friday post, and you seemed to love it as much as I do.  I’ve been searching for the berry/heathered bordeaux (red) color and can’t find it anywhere 🙁  Let me know if you find it.  And if you do, buy it!
  7. Vitamix ($300-$500) – I’ve been wanting a Vitamix for the longest.  I became a fan back when I was doing the Dr. Oz cleanse which required preparing 3 smoothies every day.  I tried to depend on my basic blender, but it took too much time and my smoothies weren’t as smooth as I liked.  I think it’s time to bite the bullet and buy a Vitamix.
  8. Peleton Bike ($1,995) – I’ve always been into cycling, but now that I teach BEYOND Pedaling, I’m really into it.  I just heard about this start-up company in NYC, Peleton, who created this narley home bike that has a live screen to stream classes from your favorite instructors.  How cool is that?  It’s not cheap, so I’ll have to depend on Santa to get this one to me.
  9. Sociologie Wine Pack ($20-40) – First off, how cute is this wine bottle?  The bottle alone is enough to make me want a Sociologie Wine Pack.  Better yet, it comes in 3 refreshing Sangria flavors.  I just tried Socioliogie wine last year and immediately became a fan.  You can buy Sociology at most liquor or wine stores in Texas.  Sorry if you’re out-of-state, Socilologie should be expanding your way soon!
  10. Onzie Two Tone Leggings ($65) – I just got these leggings as sample from the Onzie Winter collection – I’m obsessed.  I’ll show them off on an upcoming Fitness Fashion Friday.  Meanwhile, go get you some.  They are affordable, fit well and look amazing!

What’s on your 2014 holidays wish list?

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Brit’s Fit Holiday Picks: Top Fitness Gifts…a Gym Rat’s Dream!

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Alright Gang – it’s that time of year.  I can’t believe we are only 2 weeks away from Christmas!  In my lifelong efforts to be like Oprah, I’ve compiled Brit’s Fit Holiday Gift Picks (my version of Oprah’s Favorite Things).  Unfortunately, I’m NOT a baller and you will NOT receive a free gift set of the items above.  However, because I’m in the Christmas spirit, I will send a free GRIT by Brit workout tank top to the first 20 people who email me their preferred color (black or blue), size and mailing address (email [email protected]).  You’re welcome 🙂

So let’s get to right to it.  My holiday fitness wish list goes a little something like this…

  1. OMG That’s Paleo? Recipe Book ($19.85) – So I started following Juli Bauer on Instagram and quickly became a fan of her blog/social media community PaleOMG.  Her recipes are super savory and made with the fitness enthusiast in mind.  She gets creative with the Paleo diet which is awesome if you’re sick and tired of eating the standard “burger no bun.”
  2. Quest Bars Variety Box ($26.99) – If you guys remember my post on the Best and Worst Nutrition Bars, Quest Bars topped my list due to their low sugar, high protein, high fiber and great taste.  There are SO many yummy Quest bar flavors, so I would love a variety box.  They are also convenient “meals on the go” especially when I ‘m traveling for work.
  3. Nike FlyKnit Multi Colored Sneakers ($129.90) –  I’m a Nike FREE junkie partially due to functionality, but mostly due to style.  However, the new Nike FlyKnit sneakers  are supposed to be really light, flexible and comfortable.  Also, they have this cool multicolored print that I love.  I will definitely be getting some of these.  Probably 2 pairs.
  4. Lululemon Reversible Wunder Under Yoga Pants ($92)- These leggings are bold fuchsia on one side and black on the other.  Plus they fit like a glove and give your booty a nice little lift.  I would wear these to yoga and then continue to wear them to prance around in the grocery store – word.
  5. Nike Twisted Headband ($15) – Because I’m a headband junkie, 2 different types of headbands made my list.  This one is a new design by Nike that’s also very wide and twists like the Turban one.  However, this is made of dri-fit moisture-wicking fabric and looks more sporty.  I will wear this one to the gym and actually workout in it.  I REALLY want one.  Bad.
  6. Puma Women’s All Sport No Show Socks ($14) – These socks are the perfect texture – not too thick and not too thin.  They keep my feet relatively dry during sweaty workouts and don’t show at all.  Simple and effective.  Just my style.
  7. Up 24 by Jawbone ($149.95) – So, you guys already know I’m obsessed with my Jawbone UP wristband.  I wrote a product review a few months ago and my only beef was that there is no blue tooth capability.  Well, that’s not the case anymore!  The new and improved Jawbone UP 24 now has blue tooth capability so you don’t have to manually plug it into your iPhone to sync.  I like to think I influenced that product enhancement.
  8. Focus T25 by Shaun T & Beach Body ($119.85) – As much as I want to be a Shaun T hater, he has a way of sucking me in.  I’ve never tried Insanity, but I’m intrigued by this new T25 program.   Essentially, the program is like Insanity but more “focused.”  Each workout is only 25 minutes long and is promised to deliver the same results as a longer workout.   Also, since I’ve come to the realization that I can only do a home workout for 30 minutes before I start to zone out, I’m even more eager to try T25.  I plan start the Focus T25 program the day after Christmas.  I’ll give it a formal GRIT by Brit review and share with you guys.
  9. C9 Champion Cold Weather Pull Over Fleece ($21.24) – This is super cute, super warm and super inexpensive.  You can get it at Target. Enough said.
  10. Bosu Ball ($79.95) – Like 3 years ago I had a personal trainer and he always made me do Bosu Burpees and Bosu Plank stability drills.  Since then I kind of stopped because I usually just go to group fitness classes.  But, this holiday season I want to buy a Bosu Ball to keep in my house so I can start incorporating the exercises back into my routine.  They are super effective for cardio and strength training.  Actually, I’ll do a blog post on my favorite Bosu Ball exercises…
  11. Tribal Print Turban Headband ($10) – Aren’t these headbands presh?  So, I don’t necessarily want to wear these to the gym, I just want to wear them with gym clothes.  They come in all different patterns, but the tribal prints are my favorites.  They give me the perfect balance of looking chic yet effortless.  You can get them on Etsy.
  12. Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Replenishing Pack ($10 for 3 packs) – These deep conditioning treatments are my saving grace.  I sweat a lot.  Like my hair is wringing wet after a tough workout.  I have to be diligent about hydrating my hair, so I do use one of these replenishing pack treatments each week.  It’s a good, weekly, deep conditioning routine especially for women with hair texture similar to mine which tends to dry out.
  13. Lululemon  Yeah Yoga Tank ($58) – How cute is the back on this?  I like this tank because it’s supportive for those of us who are bustier, but also cute and sexy with the backless crisscross design.  I can wear this to yoga AND to kickboxing because it provides enough support.  Also, the fabric is thick and fits very snug, which I appreciate.
  14. Foam Roller ($15-20) – Foam rolling is my massage substitute.  It’s also a  good warm up for high intensity workouts (along with some light cardio).  The foam roller allows you to massage deep into your muscle fibers, generate heat and break up lactic acid.  It’s a really good tool to have around your house if you do lots of high impact and high intensity workouts (i.e Kickboxing, Boot Camps, CrossFIT, etc.).
  15. Sporty Afros G+ Hair Spray ($5-10) – I started using this product from Sporty Afros after I got a sample in a swag bag.  It’s amazing!  The spray is made specifically for athletes.  So after a workout when my hair is sweaty, I spray it heavily on my roots and lightly on my ends, then comb my hair with a wide tooth comb.  It helps prevent breakage and keeps my hair moist.  Most importantly, it doesn’t feel greasy.  I’m a fan!

What’s on your holiday wish list?

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Perfect Holiday Fitness Gift: GRIT by Brit Workout Tank Tops are now Available! Show your #GRIT

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Get ready to Show Your GRIT in some of my signature GRIT Swag.  Treat yourself or your friends to a tank top or DVD today!  You can shop directly through my eStore: gritbybrit-shop.com

I created GRIT by Brit apparel and DVDs to help me stay connected with my virtual “fit friends.”  Hopefully you will become a part of our “GRIT Gang” and enjoy these products as much as I enjoyed creating them.  Tank tops and gift sets are available while the limited supply last – when they are gone, they are GONE!

Thanks for supporting my small, but growing, business – ENJOY!

Lots of luv, Brit

For questions please contact me at [email protected]

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Black Friday Fitness Gift Picks: My fitness Christmas wish list goes a lil’ somethin’ like this…

1. Workout pass for 10 classes from Fitist

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This pass is actually my dream come true!  There is NOTHING I love more than trying out new group fitness classes.   Fitist basically allows you to buy a package of group fitness passes and use them to go to tons of the TOP fitness studios in your city.  I’m talking Barry’s Boot Camp, FlyWheel, & top tier yoga and Pilates studios, let’s do the list people…get involved.

2. Under Armour Braided Neon Headbands

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My gym buddies at TurboKick in NYC wear these all the time and I think they are super cute.  They instantly make me feel energetic, so I’m determined to get some of my own!

3. Lululemon Sexy Flow & Go Tank

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It’s just hot…enough said…

4. Jade Yoga Mat

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I used one of these for the first time during a SHRED class at SLT yoga in NYC.  I loved it because I sweated all over it and it didn’t get slippery.  There’s nothing more annoying and distracting than a slippery yoga mat…ya heard?

5. Raw Protein Powder

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My 2013 New Years resolution and personal commitment is to be a full-fledged vegetarian (pray for me).  So I’ll need lots of vegetarian protein supplements to get me through the year.  I heard this one is legit and tasty so I figured I’d give it a try.

6. Champion Long Sleeve Dri-fit Workout Tops

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I bought 2 of these randomly from Target over the Thanksgiving holiday and I’m hooked!  They fit super snug and are super cute.  I wear them indoors while working out without getting too hot.  Also, they look really cute with black booty shorts 🙂  You can buy them at Target for about $20 – I want more!

7. Neon Nike Free Train Sneakers

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I already have 5 pair of these and I’m determine to get number 6.  I like the Nike Free Train instead of the Free Run because I mostly do group fitness classes with a lot of lateral movement and jumping.  The Free Runs don’t give me the support I need.  Also, I love the Free Trainers because they’re comfy AND cool.  Every damn day – JUST DO IT!

8. Nike Pro Leggings

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I’m a Nike groupie and these bad boys are sexy and WARM.  Living in NYC I can wear these leggings during my workouts and also wear them home without freezing my booty off…a good look.

9. Nalgene Flip Top Water Bottle

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I like this water bottle because I can quickly chug water during my workout and pop the cap back on.  The cap is super snug so if I knock the bottle over I don’t have to worry about spillage.  Also, they also come in cool colors and I wanna write my name on one and decorate it with stickers!

10. Champion Neon Sports Bras

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These are also at Target and hot!  They provide great support and won’t cost you an arm and a leg (about $15).  I like that there are tons of neon colors!   I wear them under a ripped up T-shirt or a solid black or gray workout tank.  I can never have too many!

What’s on your Christmas Fitness Wish List?  Any holiday picks you want to share?

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