By Llee Sivitz
Enquirer contributor
To balance out those candy canes and eggnogs, here are some stocking stuffers and other gifts that say "stay fit" this holiday season.
Items are available at fitness centers or sports and department stores. Prices may vary. A Web address for each product is listed, if you want to order online.
• YakTrax Walker or YakTrax Pro. Aid someone's workout on packed snow and ice with this SkidLock over-the-shoe gripping system. As weight shifts onto the foot, hundreds of rust-resistant steel coils squeeze into the ice, giving mobility and stability in any direction. As the foot lifts, YakTrax stays snugly with the shoe, offering unhindered movement. Sizes: XS, S, M, L; $19.95. YakTrax Pro adds top strap; $27.95. www.snowspeeders.com/yaktraxphoto.html.
• 180 Degrees Earwarmers. These Arctic Series muffs that wrap behind the head and stay put during strenuous workouts. They offer minimal interference to helmets, caps and eyeglasses. Stereo earphones can be tucked inside. Made from Polartec fabric in several colors. One size fits all adults (child size also available). $20. walking.about.com/library/gg/aaprhat180s.htm.
• Photon Micro-Light II. Light up any outdoor workout with this small light with a beam visible for more than a mile that hooks on the zipper tab of a jacket. It comes with a water-resistant case and accessible lithium battery replacement (after 24 continuous hours of battery life.) Unbreakable LED light available in different beam colors. $15. www.photonlight.com/products/photon_microlight_II.html.
Tanita Healthy Jump Calorie Counting Jump Rope. Jumping rope is a plus for anyone who wants toning or cardio conditioning. This rope adds a twist - input body weight into the handle's LCD display and it counts the number of jumps and calories burned, so the jumper can focus on technique. Swivel-action rope heads rotate for forward, backward or crisscross jumping. Also has time alarm and workout reminder. 10 feet long, it easily customizes to one's height. $19.99. www.ballystore.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1092523&cp=970176.693970&parentPage=family.
• Brookstone's Hydro Headband. Here's a way to help stay cool during hard work or exercise. Submerge the elasticized headband in cold water and crystal pellets inside the headband retain moisture, letting the natural process of evaporation keep the body cool for hours. It's lightweight, and one size fits all. $12.50. www.brookstone.com/shop/product.asp?sku=330720.
• Nordic Track Sit-Up Exerciser. Sit-ups strengthen, firm and tone abdominal and thigh muscles, and this compact, lightweight anchor can make doing them more convenient. The device securely fastens under any standard door, has foam padding for comfort and adjusts to foot height. Great for a frequent traveler. $10.99.
Harbinger Classic Series Lifting Straps. This Neotek strap wraps around the wrist for support. It then wraps around the weight bar. Without confining gloves, hands stay cooler so slippage is reduced. 11/2 inches wide by 211/2 inches long. One size fits all. $4.99. www.sportmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=15910.
• Swing Sock. Know a golfer who can't wait to get back on the course? Help him or her strengthen performance during the off-season with this new weighted sock that attaches to the end of an iron or wedge. Use for warm-ups or to increase club head speed, accuracy and tempo. Drill instructions are included. Choose "Lite" weight for some seniors, women or junior golfers, "Performance" weight for most golfers and playing abilities or "Tour" weight for low handicap or high swing speed golfers. $19.95. www.swingsock.com.
• Gaiam Yoga Essentials Strap. A new student to yoga may find this 100 percent cotton, machine-washable yoga strap just what the yoga teacher ordered. It's 6-foot length can be adjusted so even tight joints and muscles can reach yoga positions successfully and can hold them longer. A cinch buckle secures the strap in place but also allows quick release. 1-inch-wide, woven. $6.99. www.gaiam.com.
