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Fitness
Published Thursday Dec 10, 2020 by Denise Prichard

Gift Guide 2020: The Perfect Ideas for the Fitness Lovers in Your Life

Well, 2020 certainly wasn’t what any of us anticipated, to put it lightly. On top of that, we are about to enter one of the strangest holiday seasons of all time. What used to be a time we all looked forward to that was filled with holiday parties, family get-togethers, and questionable amounts of eggnog has now turned into sheltering in place and way too many Zoom hangouts.    

As of now, we can’t promise you that 2021 will be any better (I know, I wish I had better news), but we can try to spark a little joy in your lives by creating an Instagram poll so you could dish about your favorite fitness gift ideas—whether you’re working out at-home, indoors—wherever.  

So, without further ado, here is our 2020 Gift Guide for Fitness Lovers: 
woman with laptop lifting weights inside

For the “all I feel is rage at this point” person...

  • Gift them an endorphin boosting virtual HIIT class. 
  • Give them new boxing gloves to help them take their aggression out in a virtual kickboxing class (and hopefully not on their roommate they’ve been cooped up with for a year.
  • Give them a phone call or chat with them on zoom and let them rant. Sometimes the best gift is just you listening. 

Hey...odds are we’re all feeling a little rage-tastic at this point. So why not soften the blow that 2020 served us with a gift that helps us take our anger out on inanimate objects like a punching bag—and up our fitness game at the same time? 

Woman running in place indoors

For the “get me the hell out of my apartment” person

  • Get them a new pair of kicks to help them take their trail running game to the next level. 
  • Gift them with a cycling class at their favorite studio, new cycling gear, or biking accessories if they prefer to ride outdoors. 
  • Encourage them to explore more trails with a new hiking guide or map or be super unique and make a donation to their favorite national park in their name.  

With vacations and even going to the movies put on the back burner for what feels like forever, give that person who is itching to break free from their humble abode a gift that will let them escape this “new normal” for a bit. Even a 30-minute workout class, outdoor run, or hike can be enough to help your friends and family reset and recharge. 

Woman with ipad in yoga pose in backyard

For the “I’m just trying to stay calm AF” person:

Even the coolest, calmest, and collected-est person reaches their breaking point. For your pals who have focused on staying calm through this nightmare of a year, encourage them to keep up the good work by giving them the gift of self-care. Anything from a yoga class to a new spa treatment to aromatherapy can help them stay in a blissful state-of-mind. 

For the “I became a couch potato during quarantine” person:

  • Book a fun, virtual workout class for you and your virtual workout buddy. Do you usually opt for yoga? Try something new and check out virtual barre. No equipment? No problem! Barre3’s online shop has everything you need to get started.   
  • New weights so they can lift while they binge-watch Hallmark holiday movies.  
  • A foam roller—because those first few workout sessions will definitely make them sore.  

We are all guilty of watching one too many Netflix series this year—but that doesn’t mean the solution to that is canceling our subscription. I would never suggest that. Instead, we can all ease back into our workout routines by switching things up and working out together or simply working out while we catch up on The Bachelorette or whatever you’re into at the moment. 

man rolling yoga mat indoors

For the “I already have everything I need” person:

  • They can’t possibly have enough wine, so that’s always a great gift. (Seriously, you guys all said that wine has helped you get through quarantine, and I’m not going to argue with you on that.) 
  • A gift card to their favorite fitness studio so they can book virtual classes with them right now or save it for in-person classes later.  
  • Any equipment to help them finish stocking their at-home gym. We love the “On-the-Go Packs” from McAlister Training that are chock-full of fitness goodies like resistance bands, mini bands, a foam roller, and more!

Just because the holidays look a little different this year, doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to look forward to. By giving your friend (and maybe even yourself) a gift from this fitness guide, you can begin 2021 on a strong note. And hey—if fitness just isn’t your thing at the moment, that’s totally okay! We have also put together a gift guide for folks who are focusing on relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal.  

denise prichard
Written by
Denise Prichard
Senior Marketing Content Specialist
About the author
Denise Prichard is a certified yoga instructor (RYT-200) and an experienced content marketing professional with a penchant for writing compelling copy within the health, wellness and beauty industries. When she isn't writing or editing, you can find her teaching yoga classes, at a spin class or hanging out with her rescue pups.
black-owned beauty and wellness businesses
Beauty
Published Sunday Jan 30, 2022 by Denise Prichard

Black-owned Beauty and Wellness Businesses to Know

February is Black History Month—a celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans in society.  As the beauty and wellness industry becomes a more welcoming and inclusive space for all, we are taking this opportunity to continue to shine a light on the gap of inclusivity and diversity in our industry, and take action to promote, empower, and honor the Black community that shapes and grows wellness.  

While the beauty industry is making improvements—it's important to showcase and support Black businesses and the creatives in this space every day. To honor them, we're shouting out some of our favorite Black-owned beauty and wellness businesses to support. 

1. Beauty Bin 

Beauty Bin is a full-service day spa and dry bar located in Asheville, NC. With a focus on inclusivity for people of all backgrounds, genders, and races, their MO is to match the outer beauty of every client to their inner beauty. From eyelash extensions and hydrafacials to waxing and massage, Beauty Bin is a one-stop-shop for all the spa services.  
 

2. KIKA Stretch Studio  

The KIKA Method® is a gentle assisted stretching process that loosens up tight muscles freeing your body from pain and stress. By practicing this method, clients can experience decreased muscle tension, increased energy, enhanced flexibility, a substantial reduction in stress, improved posture and relaxation, and increased mental clarity. While its headquarters is located in Las Vegas, NV, they have multiple locations sprinkled throughout the US, including Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas—just to name a few.

3. Kimberly Coleman Salon 

At Kimberly Coleman Salon, their philosophy begins with promoting healthy tresses, elegant sets, unique accouterments, perfect pampering of hands and feet, and precision cuts. Known for working with models and celebrities, they fully appreciate and celebrate the diversity of their clientele which also includes super moms and warrior dads. 

4. Pressed Roots 

Pressed Roots was developed with the simple concept in mind—that everyone deserves access to easy, and quality hair care. What started as a single pop-up shop in Boston, grew to a multi-city pop-up tour, and is now slated to be the largest national hair salon franchise specializing in the care and styling of highly textured hair, they launched their first flagship location in Dallas, TX.  

5. SW3AT  

Jersey City resident, Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez started SW3AT. The company began as a fitness apparel line in 2015 but evolved into a sanctuary catered to health and wellness now known as SW3AT Sauna Studio—the first infrared sauna studio in Jersey City. The healing power of infrared heat therapy is a phenomenal option for holistic health proven to strengthen the immune system and provide relief from joint stiffness and muscle pain. It is also supportive of any fitness program as it aids in weight loss (you can torch up to 900 calories in a 45-minute session) while also detoxifying your body from some of the most harmful toxins. 

6. The TEN Nail Bar 

Kelli Coleman and Anika Jackson opened The TEN Nail Bar in Detroit to address a void in their city. They saw a need for a quality, modern nail bar that could also serve as a fun social space for Detroit’s residents and professionals. They designed the TEN to provide their clients with a #Perfect10 experience—where you can relax, enjoy music, a drink, your friends, a clean and precise manicure, and a much-needed break from all your hectic days. 

7. Bettye O Day Spa 

Located in the beautiful downtown Hyde Park Chicago area, Bettye O Day Spa specializes in first-class treatments. They aim to nurture and relax each of their clients with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. From body wraps and massages to facials and hydrotherapy, this day spa promises to be a safe place for healing to occur.  

Looking for more businesses to support? ClassPass has also created a list of Black-owned business to check out all year-round. While both of these lists are a great start to get you familiar with many of the Black-owned businesses either in your neighborhood or around the globe, we have only scratched the surface. We'd love to keep these lists growing.If you have any businesses you'd like to see on this list, click here to submit a Black-owned business we should be highlighting as well! 

denise prichard
Written by
Denise Prichard
Senior Marketing Content Specialist
About the author
Denise Prichard is a certified yoga instructor (RYT-200) and an experienced content marketing professional with a penchant for writing compelling copy within the health, wellness and beauty industries. When she isn't writing or editing, you can find her teaching yoga classes, at a spin class or hanging out with her rescue pups.