gifts Archives - Breaking Muscle

Patrick McCarty’s CrossFit Holiday Wish List

Patrick McCarty — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 14:00:00 +0000

EDITORS NOTE: We know how hard it is to gift shop, so we thought we would help you out with ideas. Here are ten gift ideas from CrossFit athlete Patrick McCarty.

Patrick’s CrossFit Holiday Wish List

This is my holiday wish list for 2013. You may purchase any of the items below and ship them to me at your leisure! Actually, these are items I simply cannot do without. I suggest that you brighten your family or friend’s holiday with one of them.

1. King Kong Gym Bag 2.0 – $99.95

This is where it begins. None of the items below go anywhere unless there is a bag in which to put them. And frankly, there is no bag large enough, but this one is close. Seriously. I have shoes, belts, more shoes, ropes, clothes, tape, protein shakers, and more in my bag. The King Kong is pretty sturdy and large enough for two pairs of shoes in their own compartments. You need a bag. Try the King Kong.

2. Speed Jump Rope – $25.95

This is the jump rope you can’t live without. Lightweight, fast, and extremely portable, it spins perfectly, each and every time. There are a lot of ropes out there, but this one is it. Best yet, it’s very durable – it takes a beating in my bag along with shoes, protein cans, and more, and never kinks.

3. Coach Athletic Tape – $7.95

It might seem pretty simple, but there is a world of difference in the quality of tape. Coach brand tears easily (no biting) and stays on. Perfect to tear down the middle for individual fingers. There are always two to three rolls in my bag at any time.

4. Strengthshop Double Ply Thor Knee Sleeves – $49.95

Commonly referred to as “Bee’s Knees” knee wraps, these solid, colorful knee supports are perfect for shoring up support of your knees as you begin to get heavy in the squat. Try them! They come from the UK so the shipping is a bit more expensive, and you will stand out, but they are simply great for knee support. You will put 20lbs on your squat PR.

5. Atlas Wrist Wraps – $35.00

I go nowhere without my Altas Power Wraps. Nicko, the creator and owner of the company, does a fantastic job customizing your wraps to your liking (you can create your own, use your box’s logo, choose color of thread and fabric, etc). But best of all they are lightweight and VERY easy to use – tighten and loosen at will. They provide great support to wrists for any bar work. Nicko and the good folks at Atlas also sponsor athletes who are games-bound, helping defray the cost of the games-related expenses.

6. OPT “Unbroken” Tee – $28.00

‘Nuff said. This is my favorite tee shirt. I am a medium. Thank you in advance!

7. Reebok CrossFit Lifter – $149.99

Here is why I like these shoes, folks. They are perfect for Olympic lifting and squatting as they bring a solid heel for stability. But in addition, they are flexible enough to work with you on some mixed modality workouts. For example, you can box jump in these shoes, do handstand push ups, double unders, and other movements. While I would not recommend running in them, they are fairly transferrable to a lot of other movements where having an oly shoe for stability would be best. Fran? Absolutely. Diane? No question. Amanda? Perfect. Great fit, style, and plenty of colors to choose from.

8. Progenex Belgian Chocolate Recovery Protein – $59.95

Let’s face it – protein is protein. Everyone says their delivery system and uptake rate is better, but who really knows? I don’t. All I know is that hydrolized whey protein isolate is hydrolized whey protein isolate, so I would rather go with what tastes the best. For me, that’s Progenex Belgian Chocolate Recovery. It contains 23g of protein per serving, and yes, I know, 5g of sugar. That’s why it tastes so good. But after a really tough training session, the last thing I want to do is choke down a shaker full of chalk. I will trade the 5g sugar for a shaker full of deliciousness.

9. Harbinger Weight Belt – $23.99

As CrossFitters, it’s probably not necessary to invest in a six-inch leather weight belt. We’re rarely doing powerlifting numbers. But the ability to exert that external pressure against a solid belt is well served by my Harbinger Velcro belt. It does the job and it easy to tighten and loosen between sets. It’s also lightweight and travels well.

10. Reebok Nano 3.0 shoes – $119.98

I was a Chuck Taylor man before the Nanos came along and I won’t go back. You can run a 3K, do double-unders, climb rope, or pretty much anything you need to do with this sturdy, flexible CrossFit shoe. You can also design your own color scheme. Go flashy or go practical, but this durable, comfortable shoe is a must-have item.

The post Patrick McCarty’s CrossFit Holiday Wish List appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Peter’s Strength Training Holiday Wish List

Peter Curcio — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:00:00 +0000

EDITOR’S NOTE: Coach Peter is our resident nutrition expert, but he is also a big fan of strength training and Olympic weightlifting. His wish list is a great assortment of quality equipment any strength athlete would love.

Peter’s Strength Training Holiday Wish List

1.Black Widow Training Gear Farmers Walk Handles – $115.00

In my garage gym I filled some plastic jugs with sand to do farmers walks and suitcase carries, but these have always been on my list. Who doesn’t want to walk around with really heavy stuff in their hands?

2. Eleiko 190kg Bumper Plate Set – $4,129.00

The gold standard in Olympic Weightlifting, these bad boys would be a dream to have. No more banging steel plates on the ground.

3. Pendlay Nexgen 20kg Bearing Bar – $559.00

To go along with my Eleiko bumper plate set, I would need to have a really top-notch bar. The spin on this Nexgen is amazing.

4. Black Widow Training Gear Swiss Bar – $170.00

The possibilities are endless with this awesome-looking bar. You can bench all you want without banging up your wrists, do bent-over barbell rows, overhead presses, etc. I could go on and on. Plus, it just looks cool.

5. Dragon Door Kettlebells, 16kg-48kg – $939.10

Kettlebells are something I don’t use as frequently as I’d like. These would be a great set to get started with. Besides, what’s cooler than a Turkish get up?

6. Warrior Whey Protein Powder 6-Pack – $124.75

Let’s face it, there are a lot of terrible whey protein powders out there. Although a bit on the expensive side, good quality whey like this is worth every penny. My favorite flavor is chocolate.

7. MiR Pro 120lbs Weight Vest – $329.99

As much as I love Olympic lifting and all things barbell, I’m also a big fan of bodyweight training. Having a good weighted vest would allow me to take things up a notch.

8. Vulcan III Squat Rack – $519.00

This is my favorite style of squat rack, and they are practically indestructible. No joke, these things can add 10 kilos to your squat.

9. Traeger Grill & Smoker – $699.99

Summer is my favorite time of year, due in large part to the fact that it’s barbeque season. Whether you’re grilling steak, chicken, fish, sweet potatoes, or onions, this thing does it all.

10. Weekly massage for a year – $4,000-5,000?

Years of being active, throwing weights around, and spending a lot of time working on a computer will leave you begging for some TLC. This would be priceless.

Keep an eye out for our other holiday wish lists:

Sally’s MMA Holiday Wish List

Chris Duffin’s Powerlifting Holiday Wish List

Eric Stevens’s Holiday Wish List

Val Worthington’s Holiday Wish List

Becca’s Healthy Eating Holiday Wish List

Sally’s BJJ Holiday Wish List

Nicole’s Fit Mom Holiday Wish List

Hannah’s Holiday Wish List

Danette’s Athlete-Foodie-Mom Wish List

Andrew’s Hardstyle Holiday Wish List

Nick Horton’s Weightlifting Is Fun Holiday Wish List

Mindith’s Strong Mom Holiday Wish List

Greg Everett Needs Your Help Holiday Wish List

The post Peter’s Strength Training Holiday Wish List appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Mindith’s Strong Mom Holiday Wish List

Mindith Rahmat — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:00:00 +0000

EDITOR’S NOTE: Founder of Breaking Muscle and author of our Bodyweight and Awake & Evolve workouts, Mindith is a busy mom who finds time for fitness and good food. See what she’s asking for this holiday!

Mindith’s Strong Mom Holiday Wish List

1. StrongFirst Body Weight Course/Strong First Body Weight Cert – Price TBA
Now that I am officially loving my bodyweight workouts, it would be great to train and learn with the best of the best, Pavel Tsatsouline. This certification sets the bar high boasting that, “to graduate from the body weight training instructor course, a student must be able to do a strict one-arm pushup” And that is the ladies’ standard. Hopefully Strong First will open up a few workshop in Southern California in 2013.

2. Star Wars Yoga Leggings – $105.00
As a mother of four children, three of whom are boys these leggings would be a huge hit in my house and at the carpool.

3. Professional Series 750 Vitamix Blender – $698.00

I currently use the older model of the Vitamix blender almost daily for making healthy smoothies for my family. I would love to experiment with the “Professional Series” and try new recipes like making my own almond butter and almond milk.

4. Free Standing Hammock – $728.98
Who doesn’t love a hammock? I have always wanted one, but did not have the yard set up to make it happen. This freestanding hammock solves that problem and still can support a heavy load for a couple or family, up to 450 pounds. The hand crafted cypress wood stand is also an attractive and durable feature.

5. lululemon Anti Slip Mat – $68.00
I am a die hard Manduka Pro fan but after hearing so much about this mat I would love to give it a go. It is supposed to be great for sweaty Vinyasa or Power Yoga class due to the polyurethane coating. I especially like the idea of the antimicrobial additive to prevent nasty mold and mildew.

6. Rehband 7751 Knee Support – $36.95
I already own a pair of these knee sleeves but would love an extra pair when mine need a wash. I wear these for yoga, kettlebells, bodyweight exercises, and anything physical were I need extra support and warmth in my knees.

7. Yogi Toes Recycled Prism Skidless Yoga Towel – $64.00
Sliding around on a yoga mat is no fun in many of the heated and sweaty yoga classes. I have tried many different yoga towels but this is supposed to do the trick due to the tiny silicone dots on the bottom that grip your mat.

8. Wellness Mama Meal Plans – ?
I missed signing up for the Wellness Mama Meal Plans last time Katie offered them because I was not sure if I would use it on a regular basis. I have been using her recipes and they are great for healthy, gluten-free, paleo-ish family meals. When she opens up new enrollment I really want to be on the list. Users have access to her meal plans, recipes, shopping lists, forums, and much more.

9. No-Brainer Mat Strap lululemon – $16.00

I have been through numerous mat bags that either break, are not big enough, or are hard to use. This strap is made from thick nylon and has a velcro closure on both ends that adjusts to securely fit pretty much any sized mat, including the big Manduka Pro.

10. Deglon Meeting Knife Set – $840.00
Since I cook for a large family at least five nights per week, having a great set of knives is a must. The Deglon Meeting Knife Set is a set of nested knives made of high quality stainless steel. The set includes four knives: a paring knife, a utility knife, a chef knife, and a slicer.

Keep an eye out for our other holiday wish lists:

The post Mindith’s Strong Mom Holiday Wish List appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Nick Horton’s Weightlifting Is Fun Holiday Wish List

Nick Horton — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:00:00 +0000

EDITOR’S NOTE: None other than the Iron Samurai himself, Nick Horton, has returned to share his holiday wish list with you this season.

Nick Horton’s Weightlifting Is Fun Holiday Wish List

My theme this year? Weightlifting is supposed to be FUN!

1. Pink Weightlifting Belt – $78.00

Most belts for heavy lifting are BORING! Black, white, you might branch out and go for red. Hell, you might as well wear a polo shirt and khaki shorts, too, and complete the ensemble of drab. Now you don’t have to look like plumber when you train.

2. Purple Polka Dot Duct Tape – $10.22

Why coach beginners to snatch with “standard” white PVC pipe when you can cover it in awesome purple polka dot duct tape? Or zebra print? Or any of the sweet variations that are super easy to find if you know how to work your keyboard. Imagine how much faster people will learn when their pipe has this on it!

3. Bulgarian Flag – $13.00

Olympic weightlifting is like the martial arts in a number of ways. One of which is that there are “styles” of training that different clubs tend to subscribe to, just like there are in Kung Fu. My own club isn’t “monkey” style, and is only rarely “drunken” style, but it is “Bulgarian” style.

4. Go Greek: Leather Wraps – $29.75

Sometimes you need to channel the power of Xena: Warrior Princess to make a lift. That becomes much easier when you dress like she does. Wrist wraps that look like gauntlets? Yes, please!

5. Spinning Rainbow Light -$14.99

Lifting and romance are very much alike. The right music, the right partner, and the right lighting make all the difference.

6. PR Cowbell – $44.99

I ran a seminar at CrossFit Durham in North Carolina this year and every time a member made a PR (personal record) they had to run over and hit the “PR bell.” I thought this was brilliant.

7. Competition Glitter Nail Polish – $18.00

When you feel pretty, you feel stronger, and therefore you are. Make sure for your next contest you put on the right nail polish. It could be the difference between winning and losing.

8. Ninja Socks – $9.00

Cutting up your shins is something every weightlifter has to deal with. And it’s why we often like to wear knee-high socks. But if you are going to wear socks, why not wear ninja socks?! SockItToMe.com is a sock company based in Portland, only a few blocks from my gym.

9. Pink and Purple Custom Singlet – $105.00

Risto Sports has a really cool option where you can design your own custom colored singlet (the outfit worn by weightlifters in competition). Take a wild guess what mine would be? Oh wait, I already told you.

10. Canned Unicorn Meat – $12.99

Because protein works, and magic protein works better. Don’t give me your squeamishness. You are in this to win! I need you to train harder, more often, and eat the best possible source of protein in existence – unicorn protein!

Keep an eye out for our other holiday wish lists:

Sally’s MMA Holiday Wish List

Chris Duffin’s Powerlifting Holiday Wish List

Eric Stevens’s Holiday Wish List

Val Worthington’s Holiday Wish List

Becca’s Healthy Eating Holiday Wish List

Sally’s BJJ Holiday Wish List

Nicole’s Fit Mom Holiday Wish List

Hannah’s Holiday Wish List

Danette’s Athlete-Foodie-Mom Wish List

Andrew’s Hardstyle Holiday Wish List

Mindith’s Strong Mom Holiday Wish List

Greg Everett Needs Your Help Holiday Wish List

The post Nick Horton’s Weightlifting Is Fun Holiday Wish List appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Andrew’s Hardstyle Holiday Wish List

Andrew Read — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:00:00 +0000

EDITOR’S NOTE: Andrew is our resident endurance freak and kettlebell expert. You can say he has a taste for the extreme. Check out his wishlist for the thrill seekers on your holiday buying list.

Andrew’s Hardstyle Holiday Wish List

1. Ducati Streetfighter S. – $18,995 Base Price

Andrew’s Hardstyle Holiday Wish List

1. Ducati Streetfighter S. – $18,995 Base Price

You buy some things with your head. You buy motorbikes with your heart and how they make you feel. No machine yet built on this planet makes me feel more dog in heat desperate than a Ducati Streetfighter S. Add a full Termignoni exhaust system to wake up the neighbours and don’t even bother reading the rest of this list.

2. SRM Wireless FSA-Gossamer PowerMeter -$3,540.00

Training on the bike has come a long way from the days of former Tour de France winner Greg LeMond who famously just said that “it never gets easier, you just pedal faster.” Technology has made a big difference in the training of elite cyclists and triathletes and because I’m a geek at heart I’d like to see how much better it could make my riding.

3. Zipp Sub-9 Disc Wheel -$2,075.00

Why? Have you ever heard how awesome a disc wheel sounds as it comes past?

4. 2XU Compression Tights -$99.95

When your calves are fried from a long run, or your quads are baked from a hard ride this is the stuff. Slip into some 2XU compression wear and speed up recovery. I always fly in my compression socks and always travel with my tights, too often sleeping in them.

5. Saucony Kinvara 3 Running Shoes – $105.13

Saucony just make great shoes for me. I love their soft forefoot and the neutral feel. I love that they’re fairly flat. Most of all I love there’s no stitching in the toe box to annoy me on a long run. Anything is comfortable for a thirty minute run. Kinvaras are all day long comfortable without feeling like bricks on your feet.

6. Altitude Training Room – ?

Like my geek obsession with training with power, having an altitude room to either sleep in or train in could be hugely beneficial. Nothing like being out of breath while answering emails.

7. Normatec MVP Recovery System – $1,650.00

These are like super compression for post workout recovery. I just like the idea of sitting around in big blow up pants really.

8. Massage with Anne Davies – ?

I’ve actually got access to a few very talented massage therapists but when it comes to knowing my body and looking after me no one compares to Anne Davies at Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre in Melbourne. She’s kept me from toppling over the ragged edge of injury so many times I’ve lost count. Don’t be put off by her diminutive stature – she’s got a world of hurt in those little fingers and bony elbows.

9. Apnea Total Freediving School – 5,500 baht

Because free diving is the coolest thing on the planet after racing motorbikes.

10. IRL Shooter Zombie Outbreak – $137.50

I haven’t been doing all this cardio for nothing! Rule number one of Zombieland! Plus I have a list of super bad ass friends and I think we’d all enjoy getting our war faces back on just for fun for an hour or two.

Keep an eye out for our other holiday wish lists:

The post Andrew’s Hardstyle Holiday Wish List appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Danette’s Athlete-Foodie-Mom Holiday Wish List

Danette Rivera — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:00:00 +0000

EDITOR’S NOTE: We know how hard it is to gift shop, so we thought we would help you out with ideas. Coach Danette is a mom-vegan-chef-CrossFitter. Her wish list has a fantastic assortment of items ranging from the kitchen to the gym and far beyond.

Danette’s Athlete-Foodie-Mom Holiday Wish List

I love Breaking Muscle’s Holiday Wish List series and I had to get in on the fun. Some of the things that made my list are mere fantasies – others I’m going to make happen!

Danette’s Athlete-Foodie-Mom Holiday Wish List

I love Breaking Muscle’s Holiday Wish List series and I had to get in on the fun. Some of the things that made my list are mere fantasies – others I’m going to make happen!

1. Seminars with GymnasticWOD, MobilityWOD, and Waxman’s Gym – $1,144.00

I want to move better, and to do so I need as much help as humanly possible. Some of the most qualified humans able to help me are Carl Paoli, Kelly Starrett, and Sean Waxman, which is why I’d love to attend their seminars.

2. Trigger Point Performance Extra Long Foam Roller – $64.00

This foam roller claims to withstand constant, heavy, and repeated use without breaking down. Made with less foam than most foam rollers due to their rigid, hollow cores, the varying widths and densities allow for a precision massage. Just make is hurt so good, will ya?

3. All Women Yoga-Surf Safari for 10 in Mexico – $2,500 each

When I think of a vacation/adventure like this, I nearly pass out. Yoga in the morning is followed by surf lessons then lunch then more surfing. In the afternoon there is some lounging and staring at the ocean. All with ten of my closest girlfriends in Las Olas, Mexico. My God, get me there stat.

4. 2 Weeks of Classes at Natural Gourmet Institute in New York – $110-$215/ea

Truth be told, I’ve already taken many classes at NGI, but I would love to take more as they constantly change. The public classes offered range from “World-Class Gluten Free Dumplings” to “Raw Food Basics” to “Basic Knife Skills” for more efficient (and safer) chopping in the kitchen. The industrial kitchen setting is fun and professional, and NGI is located in the heart of Manhattan, which only ups the greatness of the experience.

5. Shun Bob Kramer 7” Santoku Knife – $340.00

On the heels of a knife skills class at NGI, a great knife naturally makes this list. Nothing beats a quality knife in the kitchen. This line in particular is highly regarded. Bob Kramer is one of the only Master Bladesmiths in the world specializing in kitchen cutlery. Vegetables practically fall into perfect slices upon looking at the blade.

6. Gift Certificate to Burke Williams Spa – ANY AMOUNT

Whenever I’m able to spend any time with a masseuse to work on the concrete knot that seems forever lodged between my shoulder blade and spine, I am endlessly thankful. To stand around in the plush robe, fresh-faced from the sauna-steam combo, scarfing down fresh fruit and gulping cucumber water is a pleasure so guilty and so good that I’m sad I can’t go every week. Or month. Or more than once a year. Sometimes. Damnit!

7. Double Dutch Lessons for an Event Party – $300.00

How fun would it be to hire Double Dutch Empire for a party to teach everyone how to jump rope double Dutch style? Sounds like a perfect party to me.

8. Spoke LED Lights – $30.00-120.00

My bicycle already looks like a mobile Christmas tree with garlands hanging off the basket and homemade spoke cards yet I think some LED spoke lights would be the cherry to my bike sundae.

9. Babalot Pure Drive GT Tennis Racket – $130.00

Now that I’m getting my tennis on regularly, it’d be nice to have a racket of my own. Right now I play with my daughter’s back up racket, which is this exact Babalot racket and I love it. Holla at me, Santa!

10. Christmas Vacation at La Quinta Resort, Palm Springs – from $170/night

My husband and youngest daughter are legit tennis players. I’m along for the ride. Still, we consider ourselves a tennis family and Palm Springs – La Quinta especially – is the perfect destination for a tennis family. This area in winter is lovely and so relaxing. And I’d love to use my new tennis racket to play on La Quinta’s center court where many pro players have played. In reality, we really are going to La Quinta for Christmas as we are trying to make this a Rivera tradition. This will be the second year running and I can’t wait. Nothing like making a wish list come true!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Keep an eye out for our other holiday wish lists

Sally’s MMA Holiday Wish List

Chris Duffin’s Powerlifting Holiday Wish List

Eric Stevens’s Holiday Wish List

Val Worthington’s Holiday Wish List

Becca’s Healthy Eating Holiday Wish List

Sally’s BJJ Holiday Wish List

Nicole’s Fit Mom Holiday Wish List

Hannah’s Holiday Wish List

Andrew’s Hardstyle Holiday Wish List

Nick Horton’s Weightlifting Is Fun Holiday Wish List

Mindith’s Strong Mom Holiday Wish List

Greg Everett Needs Your Help Holiday Wish List

The post Danette’s Athlete-Foodie-Mom Holiday Wish List appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Chris Duffin’s Powerlifting Holiday Wish List

Chris Duffin — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:00:00 +0000

EDITOR’S NOTE: We know how hard it is to gift shop, so we thought we would help you out with ideas. Coach Chris, who coaches and competes in powerilfting, provided us with a wish list that any strength athlete would be happy with.

Chris Duffin’s Powerlifting Holiday Wish List

1. Demon Bells “Hannya”

I am a lifter who loves kettlebells who goes by the name Kabuki Warrior. A set of kettlebells shaped in the form of a Kabuki Warrior seems to be just way too coincidental for me to pass up.

2. Genuine Python Skin Lever Belt – $300.00

The cast aluminum lever on my current belt has broken yet again. Want to upgrade to a steel lever, so why not get something uber over the top.

3. Professional Haulin Hook Straps – $65.95

So I never set my straps loose and drop the bar if I compete in Bros vs Pros again.

4. Westside Bandbell (Bamboo) Bar – $289.00

Work your stabilizers to the maximum using this very flexible bar combined with hanging kettlebells from bands while pressing. I’ve always wanted one.

5. Bioforce HRV Monitor – $197.00-279.00

Measure your autonomic nervous system response with a heart rate variability monitor to maximize your training loads and also prevent overtraining. As someone who over trains frequently maybe a little data otherwise will suggest otherwise. Okay, I cheated and got this one already – and it says go crush some weights today!

6. Converse Shoes – $55.00-80.00

Can always use a new pair of lifting shoes.

7. Superfeet Insoles – $39.95

For said lifting shoes.

8. Massage Therapy Gift Certificates – $100+

Oh yeah, always go with more recuperation!

9. Grass Fed Beef from Tx Bar Organics – $1,350

Well maybe a quarter-cow would be a more reasonable request. Need to fill up the freezer with grass-fed beef again so I can empty it.

10. RKC Kettlebell Set – $41.75-241.95

Yes I already own tons of kettlebells but they are all at my gym. Can never have too many kettleblells so why not a set or two for the home. That way I don’t always need to the gym to do some kettlebell work.

Keep an eye out for our other holiday wish lists:

The post Chris Duffin’s Powerlifting Holiday Wish List appeared first on Breaking Muscle.