wish list Archives - Breaking Muscle

14 Holiday Wish Lists to Want For

Mindith Rahmat — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 14:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again. We know how difficult it can be to shop for the strength, sport, or fitness fanatic in your life – mostly because we are all of those! So each year we put together a selection of holiday wish lists to help you out.

You may have seen this some of this years ideas already, such as Amber Lee’s Kettlebell Holiday Wish List, or Sally Arsenault’s BJJ Holiday Wish List. But just in case you need a little more inspiration, here are all fourteen of last year’s holiday wish lists. Happy shopping!

Peter’s Strength Training Holiday Wish List (Peter Curcio)

Coach Peter is our 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.

Sally’s MMA Holiday Wish List (Sally Arsenault)

Need help shopping for the MMA fighter in your life? Have no fear – we’ve got the list of all the must-have items to help you out with your martial arts holiday gift buying.

Chris Duffin’s Powerlifting Holiday Wish List (Chris Duffin)

What does a man who squats 800lbs want for Christmas? Well, here’s your answer – the top ten gifts Chris Duffin, world-class powerlifter, is hoping for this holiday season.

Eric Stevens’s Holiday Wish List (Eric Stevens)

While I’d be happy with pretty much anything, if anything goes, well then – here goes! Boxing lessons with Freddie Roach and an Audi to take me hiking and biking on the weekends!

Val Worthington’s Holiday Wish List (Valerie Worthington)

Val gets bonus points for having one of the most thorough holiday wish lists this year – transporting us from home to gym, handling our equipment at the gym, and taking us home to relaxation.

Becca’s Healthy Eating Holiday Wish List (Becca Borawski Jenkins)

Mostly I think a lot about food, so here’s my holiday wish list full of gluten free goodies, healthy chocolate, gluten free beer, and various other food and cooking supplies.

Sally’s BJJ Holiday Wish List (Sally Arsenault)

Looking for the perfect gift for the grappler in your family? Wondering what to buy your BJJ soulmate? Here’s a great list to shop from – especially for the female athletes in your life.

Nicole’s Fit Mom Holiday Wish List (Nicole Crawford)

Coach Nicole is our resident fit mom and her holiday wish list is a great reference for the other active mothers out there – or you guys looking to buy for your athletic wives!

Hannah’s Holiday Wish List (Hannah Caldas)

Hannah Caldas writes our weekly articles on swimming, but she knows her stuff about strength training, too. Here’s her list of items she wants to see show up this holiday.

Danette’s Athlete-Foodie-Mom Wish List (Danette “Dizzle” Rivera)

Danette is a mom-vegan-chef-CrossFitter and she knows how to treat herself right. Check out her list for some excellent choices to spoil your athlete-foodie self this holiday season.

Andrew’s Hardstyle Holiday Wish List (Andrew Read)

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.

Nick Horton’s Weightlifting Is Fun Holiday Wish List (Nick Horton)

Coach Nick Horton thinks weightlifting is fun. Fun, as in pink lifting belts and polka dot duct tape. Yep, look no further for the most FUN fitness gift list you’ll find this holiday season.

Mindith’s Strong Mom Holiday Wish List (Mindith Rahmat)

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!

Greg Everett Needs Your Help Holiday Wish List (Greg Everett)

Greg Everett is well known for his books on Olympic weightlifting. Now Greg needs YOUR help. Can you help him come up with the perfect products to finish out his holiday wish list?

The post 14 Holiday Wish Lists to Want For appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Orion Lee’s Muay Thai Holiday Wish List

Orion Lee — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 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. Muay Thai coach Orion Lee shares his gift ideas for the martial artists in your life.

Orion Lee’s Muay Thai Holiday Wish List

It’s now that time of year where we gift shop for our loved ones, and, of course, we want our gifts to be awesome and meaningful to the important people in our lives. That being said, sometimes we have no idea what to get for these people! If you someone who trains in muay Thai or MMA, here are some good ideas for presents and stocking stuffers that will be sure to please.

1. Namman Muay Thai Liniment – $10.00 – $25.00

Whatever athletic discipline you follow, Namman muay Thai liniment will help with muscle soreness. Namman is a muscle liniment from Thailand, traditionally used by Thai boxers to help warm up their muscles and relieve some of the aches and pains of training. It’s like Icy Hot without the icy. This is a must have for all serious muay Thai athletes.

2. Hand Wraps or Mexican Gauze – $4.00 – $12.00

Boxers can never have too many hand wraps – period. Wraps come in all sizes and designs nowadays. I’ve even seen some pretty cool ones out there with skulls and rainbows if that suits your fancy. If the recipient is a little more old school like me, you can go with traditional Mexican gauze. It’s the cheapest wrap out there, but in my opinion it’s also by far the best. Unlike regular hand wraps, gauze requires you to use two wraps per hand for proper protection, so make sure you buy four if you want to gift a pair.

3. Ankle Supports

Another must-have for any muay Thai practitioner is ankle supports. Ankle supports help save the ankle from the brute force of kicking and are a good thing to always have in your training bag. They come in a variety of colors and designs so have fun with them. Ankle supports are sold as a pair.

4. Thai Shorts – $10.00 – $50.00

The best part about muay Thai has got to be the shorts. There are as many designs, colors, and fabrics as there are stars in the sky. You can even have shorts custom made to fit your every specification. One word of caution when buying shorts: usually the shorts for sale are sized in Thai not American, If you’re a medium in U.S. sizes, then you’re probably a large in Thai sizes. Most websites have a size converter, but just be aware to check the sizes before you buy.

5. Prajioud (Arm Bands) – $15.00 – $25.00

If your special someone is a muay Thai competitor, then a nice set of arm bands is a great present. The prajioud are very sacred to the Thai people so when shopping for someone try to find a pair that really vibes with their personality and energy.

6. Athletic Tape – $59.00

It may not be the most special gift in the world, but athletic tape is absolutely practical, and it also helps fill up that stocking. Chances are if you practice muay Thai there is some part of your body that needs to be taped up.

The post Orion Lee’s Muay Thai Holiday Wish List appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Jeff Kuhland’s Mobility Holiday Wish List

Jeff Kuhland — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 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. Here are a few recommendations for anyone who needs some help with mobility – and who doesn’t? – from Coach Jeff Kuhland.

1. Live Seminar with Kelly Starrett ($349.00)

Education is the best possible gift someone can give you. Having products is great, but learning how to effectively address issues and prevent them from coming up is even more valuable. Start here, and then get your fun toys for stocking stuffers.

2. Voodoo Floss Bands ($24.00)

These are unique and allow for incredible results with your arms and legs. The pressure wave and intensity are unmatched in the industry so far.

3. Theracane ($39.95)

Who doesn’t have upper back, trap, or neck tightness? The Theracane is a must-have for the mobility junkie. Its affordable, but really works too.

4. Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett ($30.79)

This book is an invaluable resource to your own health. Start by achieving great posture, then great positioning, and then setting yourself up for success. Education is your tool for long-term health.

5. Thumper Sport Self Massager ($169.00)

Yeah it’s a bit pricey, but unlike most current products it does the heavy lifting instead of you. Turn on the Thumper Sport and it’ll start to work out any kinks you’ve got. The convenient handle allows you to reach your back or any other area.

6. Due North Foot Rubz Massage Ball ($5.99)

Certainly someone on your list should stuff

your stocking with one or two of these. The foot massager is a great way to take care of your feet and keep you moving.

7. TP Therapy Quadballer ($59.99)

Smash your quads like never before. The quadballer is uniquely built to address your quads and hamstrings. It’s tough, durable, and will never break down.

8. RumbleRoller Original Full Size ($69.95)

The RumbleRoller is a knobby beast. It’ll dig into deep areas like never before. You’ll great a few looks with this roller but

it’ll get you some great results, too.

9. Homedics Total Coverage Shiatsu Massage Cushion ($169.99)

Turn any chair into a massage chair and take care of some of your back knots. Everyone gets stress in their back at some point in time. This is a perfect way to relax it away.

10. Osaki Super Deluxe Zero Gravity Massage Chair ($4,295.00)

Got someone who loves you a whole lot? This chair will make you feel like a new person. It’s your own personal massage chair that will rub and relax everything. Sure it’s pricey, but why not?

The post Jeff Kuhland’s Mobility Holiday Wish List appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Hannah’s Holiday Wish List

Hannah Caldas — Fri, 07 Dec 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 Hannah, who writes swimming and strength training articles, provided us with her special wish list

Hannah’s Holiday Wish List

I was always the kid that never fit in and lived in quiet rebellion. So, I am breaking the wish list rules slightly and instead of my ten items, I’m sharing with you you my top seven wishes. Plus, I am not a fan of even numbers anyway! (Truth be told, I just couldn’t come up with any more!)

1. Triggerpoint Performance Therapy – The GRID – $39.99

Body upkeep after workouts is one of the main areas I need to work on the most. It’s hard to believe I don’t even own a foam roller!

2. Adidas Adipower Weighlifting Shoes – $199.00

This is one of those athlete envy kind of things. I see everyone with these cool looking red shoes, and I just want them because I want them (even though my current weightlifting shoes work just fine).

3. Rehband 7953 Knee Support – $27.82

These are one of these things that will end up saving my knees, and I really could use. I keep telling myself I am going to get a pair, but it’s been almost a year and that has yet to happen.

4. Black Milk Muscles Leggings – $75.00

I really really want to show up to coach a wearing one of these!

5. Trip to CrossFit Lat12 – ?

This one is self-explanatory – I want to visit CrossFit Lat 12 in Australia to see the swim program there for the Aboriginal girls. What an amazing program Rachael runs in the outback. I would love nothing more than to visit and get my hands wet and give my contribution and expertise to such a great program.

6. HiTemp Bumper Plate 45 lb (Pair) – $182.65

A pair of 45lb HI-temp bumper plates to add to my collection. The 25lb plates I won at the CrossFit Games are pretty limiting as to what I could do at home. Something a little heavier would add some spice to my poolside workouts.

7. GoPro Hero3 Silver Edition – $299.99

Enough of using my iPhone for photos and videos. Especially around water. The pool and ocean already claimed three of my devices!

Keep an eye out for our other holiday wish lists:

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

Val Worthington’s Holiday Wish List

Valerie Worthington — Sun, 02 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 Val, who coaches and competes in BJJ, knows how to take care of herself. Look for some great way to spoil yourself this holiday on this list.

Val’s Holiday Wish List

After last year, I thought I would have difficulty coming up with ten more things I would like for the holidays this time around. How silly I was. Here’s my latest and greatest list:

Val’s Holiday Wish List

After last year, I thought I would have difficulty coming up with ten more things I would like for the holidays this time around. How silly I was. Here’s my latest and greatest list:

1. Yamaha Drive Golf Cart – $5,000.00

In the community in central Florida where my parents live, a golf cart is de rigeur. Of course, this could have something to do with the fact it is a golf community, and yet I can’t help but think it’d come in handy for me in my little corner of the world as well. My commutes to the gym, to the library, to the coffee shop are short enough that a quick trip by golf cart would be scenic, economical, and just big pimpin’, as I think the kids were saying back in aught five. For now, I’ll go with just the regulation size, as I don’t think my neighborhood can handle the awesome of the stretch limo version.

2. Massage Envy Gift Card – $69.00/month

I should get massages far more frequently than I do. If I had a pre-paid membership to a massage company like Massage Envy, I’d be far more likely to go on a regular basis. There’s nothing like rolling off the table after an exquisitely painful massage, when you feel like all of you is made of water, including your brain.

3. PaleoKits – 25 for $146.25

I’m still a big fan of these shrink-wrapped packages of beef jerky, nuts, and dried fruit. I’ve tried to make them myself, but they just taste better when Steve does it.

4. Koral Backpack/Gym Bag – $49.90

After five years of using it virtually daily, I’ve decided it’s time to retire my Koral gi bag (both in the sense that I pack gis in it and in the sense that it is made of gi material), as it is coming apart at the seams. That bag has been across the country and around the world with me, and I think it’s time to retire it, in favor of another bag that can withstand affectionate but rough treatment. I’m leaning toward a backpack like this one, which will be sturdy and also distribute the weight of sweaty grappling clothes evenly across my back.

5. Trip to the Iditarod – $2,200.00

The Iditarod is a dogsled race across Alaska held in early spring, though I guess “spring” is relative when you’re in Alaska. The Iditarod trail was historically used by Native Americans and miners, and the 2013 race marks the event’s 40^th anniversary in its current incarnation. Alaska Iditarod Tours offers a package that includes room and board, as well as tickets to the Musher’s Banquet, VIP dog handler privileges, and skiing, in addition to attendance at the race. I’ve visited Alaska twice, but twice is never enough.

6. Trip to New Zealand – $4,200

I don’t know much about New Zealand, other than that I’ve wanted to go there for a while, particularly since friends of mine went and had an amazing time. New Zealand has mountains, beaches, wildlife, and thermal mud pools, among many other things, to recommend it. It’s clear on the other side of the world. It would represent a fun set of challenges for a reasonably fit, reasonably adventurous person such as myself. And I would understand the language, theoretically.

7. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses – $150.00

I need sunglasses. I have no idea what the popular or high quality brands are. I remember Tom Cruise wore Wayfarers in Risky Business and Don Henley sang about Wayfarers in The Boys of Summer, but that was back in the 1980s. So, Wayfarers are either classic or outdated. I’ll hope they are the former but assume, given my fashion sense, that they are the latter. Either way, they will keep the sun out of my eyes.

8. Clinchgear Champion Tech Zip Hoody – $56.00

I’m trying to lady up my wardrobe and my habits a little bit, but I’ll always wear hoodies. Can’t help it. They’re so comfortable it should be illegal. Maybe someday some gear company will come up with a formalwear hoodie. I’ll buy a lot of them, for all the awards ceremonies and ship christenings I attend. Until then, I’ll go minimalist, with this one.

9. Thera Cane – $39.95

When you engage in physical activities that leave you feeling achy and sore, it pays to hang out with other people who feel achy and sore. Then you learn about products like the Thera Cane. As its name implies, the Thera Cane is a cane, but it’s so much more. It’s a plastic contraption that helps the user reach sore muscles, on the back, shoulders, everywhere, and facilitates the application of therapeutic pressure. In other words, it hurts so good.

10. La-Z-Boy Recliner – $499.00

Need I say more, about how great it would be to come home to this after a long day of ? (And no, you can’t sit in it when I’m not using it.)

Keep an eye out for our other holiday wish lists:

The post Val Worthington’s Holiday Wish List appeared first on Breaking Muscle.