The Gift That Tones Up Her Core – Stott Pilates for Athletic Conditioning Workout Kit

August 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Reviewer: Ashley

Price: $39.99

Description: Working out and staying fit is really important to me; which is why I adore this Pilates kit. The kit is specifically designed for strengthening and conditioning through Pilates exercises; it has everything your woman will need to feel confident and prepared going into her workout routing. It contains two 2-lb toning balls, one extra-strength flex-band, and 3 workout DVDs (including one for men so you can join in!).

Is this relatively unique or does every woman have it? I’ve noticed many women are big fans of Pilates; it strengthens your core and gives you long and lean muscles. Every woman’s dream right? She may have tried Pilates at the gym or in a class, but now she can work out in the comfort of her own home without any of the added pressure that comes from the gym. Even though many women practice Pilates, I think it’s safe to say not many women have a mini Pilates studio in their own home. This is a somewhat personal gift, so I’d save it for a personal holiday…like a birthday or “just because you love her.”

What kind of woman would like this?  If your lady likes to stay active and fit, she will love this Pilates kit. Or maybe she’s been talking about wanting to get in better shape but doesn’t want to buy a gym membership or feels uncomfortable working out at Pilates studio or gym, this is a great gift to help her obtain her goals without any added pressure. Be careful though! Make sure this is something she wants to or intends to use; suggesting a woman needs to exercise without that being “her idea” might be a bad move!

What else would she need? If she’s already avidly into Pilates, you might want to pick up a few extra perks. Does she already have a Pilates or yoga mat? Maybe she’d love to have a variety of options with her resistance bands or weights. You can add more items to help customize her very own in-home Pilates studio.

Anything else you should know? Just to reiterate, because I think it’s important; women are sensitive but powerful creatures. Make sure you won’t be offending her by purchasing this as a gift; if you know this is something she’d like to/is already pursuing, then this is a really great gift idea.

Filed Under: 25 to 50, Ashley, Exercise, Gadget Tagged With: , , , ,

A Great Gift Idea For The Fit (And Slightly Nerdy) Woman In Your Life – The Fitbit

April 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Reviewer: Ada

Price: $99.95

Description: The fitbit is a non-intrusive personal trainer that tracks your activity level during the day and guides you to a better night’s sleep. This little device is a 3D motion sensor that tracks your movements and encourages you to be more physically active. Furthermore, all the data it collects can be automatically connected to the fitbit website so that you track your progress, monitor your health, and challenge friends via your computer or iPhone.

Is this relatively unique or does every woman have it? Definitely unique. I think every woman can use it to get a better idea of their fitness level and also to track their sleep patterns.

What kind of woman would like this? This would definitely appeal to active women, women who are into fitness, women who like gadgets or data analysis, or women who have sleep problems. With 4.5 stars off 570+ reviews on amazon, I am confident that any woman would like the fitbit. My only caveat is that I would recommend against getting this if your girl is super sensitive and might take this as a hint that you’re telling her to lose weight.

What else would she need? The 44-cent safety leash to help secure the fitbit – Safety Leash

Are there any additional expenses I should think of? If you get a matching one for you (it comes in different colors), I think it would be an excellent way to bond, challenge each other in a measurable way, and to get healthy together!

Any other information I should know about: Unlike some of the other devices (e.g. bodybug), the fitbit does not require an annual fee for using its website. In fact, you can use its free online tools before purchasing the device if you want to test it out before making the small investment. The device also has a 30 day return policy and a 1-year limited warranty.

Filed Under: 50 to 100, Ada, Gadget, Sports Tagged With: , ,

The Perfect Present For The Woman Who Loves Horses, Or One That Just Likes Looking Good

March 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Reviewer: Erin

Price: $159

Description: Kind of like peanut butter and chocolate are two great tastes that taste great together, these breeches are a great mash up of comfort and fashion. They feel good and they look good. Specifically, these low-rise riding breeches are constructed of four-way stretch cotton/spandex denim with suede knee patches and Velcro leg closures. Again, super comfy.

Is this relatively unique or does every woman have it? The first time I saw these was on a cool young rider at my barn. It was a “Where’d you get those? I must have them” moment. Surprisingly, I haven’t seen many other women sporting them, but am thinking that may soon change. I haven’t worn them a day when I didn’t get a compliment—and that’s not been solely at the barn.

What kind of woman would like this? Great for a beginner or advanced rider. Sometimes just sometimes, the fun of riding horses is also about dressing the part. These breeches kind of bring together Western and English style. Sure, I think they look best with tall boots, but they are perfect for a casual trail ride—which I’d highly recommend following with a fun lunch out with friends.

What else would she need? Dangerous thing about horse women is that there are always many, many, many more things we would need.

Are there any additional expenses I should think of? She might like these so much that she’ll want another pair. The great thing is that they come in varying colors and styles—with knee patches or even a full seat, the latter of which tends to give the rider a bit more stickiness in the saddle.

Additional Info: These jeans go by waist size—so hopefully you know your gal’s size or can easily check out another pair of her pants. Also if she is 5’5” or taller, definitely go for the “long” sizing option to ensure the most comfy fit under her tall boots or half chaps.

Filed Under: 100 to 200, Erin, Horseback Riding, Pants Tagged With: , ,

Mattes Square Sheepskin Pad

January 23, 2012 By 1 Comment

Reviewer: Erin

Price: Approximately $200

Description: In the realm of saddle pads, Mattes means superior quality and comfort. These 100% Merino sheepskin pads differ from some of the more traditional gel or foam pads in that they allow a horse’s back to breathe. The pad not only offers an open spine design, but is also form-fitting to help reduce pressure points by distributing a rider’s weight more evenly.

Is this relatively unique or does every woman have it? Definitely not something every woman has. Not even every horse woman.

What kind of woman would like this? The equestrian who not only prioritizes her horse’s comfort and health, but also loves to “dress up” her horse partner—just get a load of all the color combos there are to choose from!

Additional Info: The current link is for a full dressage saddle pad, but Mattes offers other variations, including half pads, all-purpose pads, etc. And not that the pad itself isn’t gift enough, but add a bag of carrots and you’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Filed Under: 100 to 200, Erin, Horseback Riding Tagged With: , ,