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Unique and Unusual Fitness Gift Ideas for Athletes

Unique and unusual fitness gift ideas that your favorite athlete will love

By , About.com Guide

Updated March 25, 2012

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Athletes can be hard to shop for, but these unique and unusual fitness gift ideas will make even your toughest competitor smile. Here are a few unique gift ideas that every athlete will appreciate.

1. Luminox Navy Seal Dive Watch

Luminox Navy Seal Dive Watchphoto courtesy of PriceGrabber

Another one from the Navy SEALs, this watch meets military specifications of all branches of the US Armed Forces and can withstand water resistance of 20 atm/200 meters/660.

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2. TRX Suspension Trainer

TRX Suspension Trainerphoto courtesy of Pricegrabber
This unique product could be the gift that keeps giving. Created by a former Navy SEAL, the TRX Trainer uses your own body weight to get a full-body workout almost anywhere. It comes with instructions for doing hundreds of different movements.

3. The Grid Foam Roller

The Grid Foam Rollerphoto courtesy of Pricegrabber
The latest foam roller on the market has a unique construction--hollow core--which prevents break down over time. It also offers various foam patterns and densities that provide a targeted trigger point massage feel. One is made to feel like fingertips, one like palms and one like a thumb. By using the different zones, you can also vary the amount of pressure on specific muscles.

4. Injinji Toesocks

Injinji ToesocksPhoto courtesy of PriceGrabber

Who wouldn't smile after opening a package of Injinji toe socks? If you've ever had to tape specific toes to avoid blisters or crowding in your sports shoes, you'll appreciate these socks. They are designed to help prevent foot blisters by reducing friction and wicking moisture away from the feet with CoolMax fabric.

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5. Wireless Bike Computer

Wireless bike computerphoto courtesy of Pricegrabber
Have a cyclist on your list? A wireless computer is the perfect gift. It's easy to install, and simple to use. Features including ride time, distance, current, max and average speed are just some of the basics. A perfect gift idea.
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6. Smith Sunglasses

Smith Sunglassesphoto (c) Pricegrabber

Smith Sports Optics offers a huge slection of sunglasses specifically desiged for sports. In general you will find interchangeable lenses and maximum coverage without neglecting peripheral vision. The nosepads and temples have non-slip rubber so they stay in place during activity. Many offer several lens choices for varying light conditions and include Sienna Brown, Gold Lite and Yellow lenses, but Polarized Lenses are available as well. Generally, these fit a larger face, but the Smith Toaster Slider is a smaller stle that fits a narrow face.

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7. Kettlebells

Kettlebesllsphoto courtesy of PriceGrabber

Kettlebeslls may look a bit strange, but these cast iron weights have been used in Europe for decades. Many gyms throughout the U.S. are starting to add kettlebells to the weight room because they are so effective. Kettlebells range in weight from two pounds to over 100 pounds, and are are a great addition to any home gym.

8. Foam Rollers

Foam roller(c) E. Quinn
Every athlete should have a foam roller. Using a foam roller before or after workouts offers many of the benefits as sports massage and myofascial release. It helps stretch soft tissues, reduces the formation of adhesions, and increases blood flow and circulation within the soft tissues which may improve recovery.
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9. A Weight Vest

A Weight Vestphoto courtesy of Pricegrabber
For hardcore workouts, strap on a weighted vest and immediately increase the effort and calorie-burn of any workout. Choose a vest that allows you to easily add and remove weight in small (1-2 pound) increments. Start slow, and build up over time, and you will feel light as a fleather, and faster than ever when you take it off.
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10. Finis SwiMP3

Finis SwiMP3Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber
Have a swimmer on your list? Keep their swim more interesting with a little music, or an audiobook or swim workout instructions that plays while they swim. The technology behind the SwiMP3 uses bone conduction, so sound vibrations are directly transferred from the cheek bone to the inner ear, giving the swimmer clear audio lap after lap.
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