FitITproNews: Santa’s Fitness Corner 2020 Edition

In this week’s newsletter

Christmas gift recommendations from our readers! Gifts for the weightlifter (Robin Camp). Gifts for soccer enthusiasts (Kris Lall). Gifts for martial arts devotees (Kris Kane). Gifts for the BJJ fitness affectionado (Jimmy Vo). Supplements, gluten & wheat-free products and other gift items (Sarah Trammell). My gift recommendations and an update (Mitch Garvis). My favorite fitness purchases of 2020 (Roger Foisy).

 

Editor’s Corner

Mitch Tulloch is the Senior Editor of FitITproNews and a recovering fat IT pro who lost 50 lbs in midlife and is now on his way to becoming a fit IT pro. Mitch is a widely recognized expert on Windows Server and cloud technologies who has authored or been Series Editor of numerous books/ebooks from Microsoft Press. Mitch is also the Senior Editor of WServerNews and writes frequently for TechGenix.

 

Hey everyone!

Christmas is coming so it’s time to snag those last-minute gifts for under the tree! Since this newsletter is focused on exercise and nutrition, I asked our columnists to contribute lists of their favorite must-have gift items in their particular areas of interest. Short descriptions of each item are provided along with links where you can buy them on Amazon.

Here’s what’s in store for you below in this issue:

Robin Camp has some gift ideas for your favorite power-lifter, gym rat or even for yourself!

Kris Lall provided us with a bunch of links to specific soccer-related products, and also some links to great shoes for exercising!

Kris Kane recommends some martial arts themed equipment for Christmas gifts!

Jimmy Vo shares two must-have BJJ related things he’s bought from Amazon, and also some other fitness stuff on Amazon that he likes!

Sarah Trammell shares her own personal supplement regimen for recommendations, and also some gifts for the gluten-free/wheat-free lifestyle plus some other items she loves and has found helpful!

Mitch Garvis gives us an update on how his personal diet and fitness plan has been going, and shares two gift ideas he recommends!

Roger Foisy has some recommendations for different kinds of workout equipment

Enjoy this month’s issue of FitITproNews and don’t eat too much over the Holidays or forget to keep up with your exercise routines! See you in the New Year!

Cheers!
Mitch Tulloch, Senior Editor

 

Gifts for the weightlifter (Robin Camp)

Robin Camp works as tech support for an Orthodontic Practice Management Software company called New Horizons Software ( www.nhsoftware.com). As a professional photographer on the side, Robin does fashion, glamour weddings and more in his spare time (www.dancingwithlightphoto.com). You can also now find him working out on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fitittech/.

 

Gift ideas for your favorite power-lifter, gym rat or even for yourself

 

Knee sleeves for heavy lifts:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G6C1R7K/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Wrist Straps for Deadlifts:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F1VCEG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Go to Gym Bag (Also makes a great bugout bag) Made In the US and Lifetime Warranty:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ETXC4KW/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Smelling Salts for big PR’s use sparingly:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003AOFN6E/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Beginning Trap Bar- Note you can only fit 5 45lb plates on each side:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083R587DL/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Wrist Roller for grip strength:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PKC2GM4/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Minimalist shoes for Running:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KN4FGFG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Powerlifting shoes:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYZH9US/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Pre-Workout- BCAA’s Caffeine and Beta Alanine:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FY8HNK2/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

 

Gifts for soccer enthusiasts (Kris Lall)

Kris Lall works as a product manager in the tech industry for an enterprise software manufacturer. As a youngster, Kris was consumed with soccer before technology came along. Now he’s consumed with both. You can find him on Twitter at the not-too-surprising handle @krisoccer.

 

A bunch of links to specific soccer-related products

 

Portable soccer goals:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0758GPYRJ/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Good portable/backyard goals set for little ones:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ABXKPH8/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Good portable goals for teens:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001H31ULM/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Major League Soccer (MLS) official soccer ball:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0848FJ84K/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Fair-trade certified Senda Valor soccer ball (budget minded):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AY4OGPQ/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Soccer ball for the little ones:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SSPTBN6/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Ball pump with traditional pressure gauge:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYF9QVV/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Battery-powered ball pump with electronic pressure gauge:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0869379NP/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Lightweight shin guards for 4-12 year olds:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9XW7LH/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Male adult shin guards:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZHT8QB/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Shin guards with comfort sock (all sizes):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9HKXK2/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

 

Some links to great shoes for exercising

 

Men’s Classic Adidas Samba indoor soccer shoe:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007PNA0K/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Women’s Diadora indoor soccer shoe:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T9NFSQ7/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Men’s Puma soccer cleat:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TKX3L89/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Women’s Adidas soccer cleat:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0778W3T3V/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Men’s minimalist trail running shoes:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KN4NF44/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

and also these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082FGNDNY/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Minimalist cross training shoes (Women’s):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FCKN2F7/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Minimalist cross training shoes (Men’s):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DYXM3AU/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

And finally here are some vintage sneakers…

Women’s Reebok:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XW19HVR/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Men’s Nike Cortez:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072LXT259/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Men’s Adidas Coast Star:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L4G64S9/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Men’s Chuck Taylor High Tops:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077C7HKK1/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

 

Gifts for martial arts devotees (Kris Kane)

Kris Kane is a North Yorkshire based personal trainer, martial arts instructor and general fitness enthusiast. You can find him on Instagram at @koachedbykris and also view him professionally on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kris-kane.

 

Some martial arts themed equipment for Christmas gifts:

Boxing Reflex Ball:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V8J48RK/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Speed Rope:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FW7SSI6/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Leg Stretcher – Bar:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074BFSBWN/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Leg Stretcher – Band:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DFGLF66/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Spring loaded reflex bag:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WHSX6Q4/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Free standing punch bag:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PXMPGDM/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Ankle weights:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004ROT84Y/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Weighted vest:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003ULP8IU/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Wrist roller:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CG2ZQD0/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Kickboxing resistance set:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07QDXB7KJ/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

 

Gifts for the BJJ fitness affectionado (Jimmy Vo)

Jimmy Vo is a cyber security professional in the financial sector. He’s a Jiu Jitsu hobbyist and a purple belt under Lucas Lepri in Charlotte, NC. You can find Jimmy on Twitter: @JimmyVo

 

Two must-have BJJ related things I’ve bought from Amazon

 

Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Backpack – Heavy Duty Gym Bag with Waterproof Gi Pocket

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0784NYC4L/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

SISU Mouth Guards Aero 1.6mm Custom Fit Sports Mouthguard for Youth/Adults

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D6BZTCG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

That second item is the best mouthpiece on the market!

 

Some other fitness stuff on Amazon that I like

 

CooSpo Heart Rate Monitor:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BS6B4PD/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

RENPHO Body Fat Scale:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1UX8RW/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

MAYOUTH Gym Towels:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BCF88CD/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Athletic Shirts for Men:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QPN8J6S/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

FLYFIREFLY Men’s Gym Fitness Drying Workout Shorts

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VLBTR3L/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

 

Supplements, gluten & wheat-free products and other gift items (Sarah Trammell)

Sarah Trammell is an application analyst at a university in Georgia. She became interested in health and fitness issues when she began making diet and lifestyle changes to lose weight back in 2007 and learned even more when trying to track down what to do about other health issues beginning in 2011 with not much input from doctors. You may follow her blog at ihatemyglutenfreelife.com.

 

My supplement regimen

Centrum Women’s:

https://www.amazon.com/Centrum-Multivitamin-Multimineral-Supplement-Vitamin/dp/B072PVP4CJ/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Calcium 600 mg:

https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Valley-Calcium-Coated-Tablets/dp/B079ZLBPXT/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Magnesium 250 mg:

https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Made-Magnesium-Tablets-Pack/dp/B00E4MP0WS/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

5-HTP 100 mg:

https://www.amazon.com/Nutricost-5-HTP-100mg-Capsules-5-Hydroxytryptophan/dp/B01A1DL4DW/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Estroven:

https://www.amazon.com/Estroven-Maximum-Strength-Energy-Caplets/dp/B00E4MJI7G/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Sundown Naturals Complete Omega:

https://www.amazon.com/Sundown-Naturals-Complete-Omega-Softgels/dp/B00KXU5VQU/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

CoQ10 50 mg:

https://www.amazon.com/Puritans-Pride-Q-sorb-Q-10-Count/dp/B004R65A6M/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Country Life Power-Dophilus:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00014EAN8/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

 

Gluten-free/wheat-free stuff

King Arthur All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour (no xanthan gum):

https://www.amazon.com/King-Arthur-Flour-All-Purpose-Gluten/dp/B00OZENHYS/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Xanthan Gum (using xanthan gum separately allows you to vary the amount depending on the recipe):

https://www.amazon.com/Xanthan-Ounce-Packed-Anthonys-Gluten-Free/dp/B00PKMPXX2/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Corn Starch (use as a thickener instead of flour):

https://www.amazon.com/Argo-Corn-Starch-oz-Box/dp/B077ZCQWRD/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Rye Flour (If you can handle gluten but just need to avoid wheat, then rye flour works really well for single-serving foods like pancakes!):

https://www.amazon.com/Tristan-Foods-Ultra-Fine-Vegan-Friendly-Cultivated/dp/B0872GP3P2/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Gluten-free oats:

https://www.amazon.com/GF-Harvest-PureOats-Gluten-Rolled/dp/B00IWQKDU6/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Gluten-free oat packets:

https://www.amazon.com/Quaker-Instant-Oatmeal-Original-10-1-23/dp/B017J287C4/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

 

Other items I love and have found helpful

Arm & Hammer Complete Care Toothpaste:

https://www.amazon.com/HAMMER-Complete-Toothpaste-Whole-Protection/dp/B01EXEKRZ6/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Sonicare Power-Up Toothbrush:

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Sonicare-HX3631-06-Toothbrush/dp/B00NL2AOPU/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Sally Hansen Cuticle Oil (use nightly):

https://www.amazon.com/Sally-Hansen-Vitamin-Cuticle-Fluid/dp/B000AADF20/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Mane & Tail Hoofmaker (use throughout the day, after washing hands for example):

https://www.amazon.com/Mane-Tail-Hoofmaker-Hand-Therapy/dp/B003GLS5SO/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Clearasil Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment Wash:

https://www.amazon.com/Clearasil-Ultra-Daily-Face-Wash/dp/B072F9BXH8/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Face Wash:

https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Stubborn-Acne-Cleanser-Peroxide/dp/B00S49XI6M/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel:

https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Stubborn-Treatment-Maximum-Strength-Acne-Prone/dp/B00NR1YVYU/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Bodum Electric Kettle (ideal size for the office):

https://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Bistro-Electric-Water-Kettle/dp/B00851LRR6/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

 

My gift recommendations and an update (Mitch Garvis)

Mitch Garvis has worn many hats in the IT industry, but his favorites have been teaching, writing, and helping companies to implement and improve their secure, well-managed infrastructure. In addition to being an IT Pro, Mitch is a Certified Cigar Sommelier, a Taekwondo instructor, a loving father of two, and a doting doggie dad. His blogs are www.garvis.ca and www.passionforcigars.com. You can also find him on Twitter @MGarvis, on LinkedIn, and you can find his dog on Instagram @PrincessSophie1.

 

Tis the season to be jolly.  Whatever your traditions may be, December is, more than any other month of the year, a season of gift-giving.  As such, the staff of FitIT asked us for this month to suggest our favourite fitness-related gift ideas, something that we thought might help us to spread holiday cheer.

I thought long and hard about this one.  I started by asking myself what gift I might like to receive to help me with my fitness goals.  I started with travel ideas… but let’s be honest, 2020 has not exactly been the best year for that.  What about dumbbells?  I would love to get a set of them to have at home, but they are very expensive… and I don’t know if I would really use them.

I changed tack and decided to write about a couple of items that I have… and that I use.

1) Whether you are walking or running, whatever pace you are going at, the difference between a healthy success or failure is not in your fashion, it is in your feet.  I cannot remember when I started wearing Asics running shoes, but it is probably closer to twenty years than ten.  They have a proven track record, and an excellent warranty on their products.  The company name is the acronym of a Latin phrase: anima sana in corpore sano… A healthy mind in a healthy body.  While I have a few pair already, my first request from Hannukah Harry is a new pair of Asics Gel-Kayano 27 Running Shoes, the Grey Floss/Black colour configuration if you please.  The Gell-Kayano 27s are available in a variety of colours for both men and women, and is a spectacular shoe for walking, running, and for everyday comfort.

https://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Gel-Kayano-Running-Shoes-10-5M/dp/B086RSJBMM/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

2) I have been wearing a pedometer for about a decade now, but about five years ago I moved to the fitness watch.  Last year I decided to buy a new one from Garmin, and I have been loving it… and even more so now that I discovered that if I download the golf course I am playing, it will give me my precise distance to the hole… I am not going to go so far as to say it has cut strokes off my game, but since I discovered this feature, I have shot my two best scores ever.  Of course, new models become old, and as I wear the 3, I sit and look with envy at the new Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Smartwatch.  I am not even sure what it does over and above the previous iteration (which I have been wearing now for a year), but if Santa Claus would see his way to putting one under my tree this year, I would be a very happy man.

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-V%C3%ADvoactive-Smartwatch-Features-Monitoring/dp/B07W7W8WBH/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

I have not done very well on my diet and fitness plan over the last couple of months, so I am going to try to redouble my efforts and get back on track in December.  Waiting until after the holidays could prove disastrous, and I would not want to lose all of the progress I have made over the last year.  I am going to (try to) skip the holiday meals, ignore the adverts for tasty treats and goodies, and focus on my shoes and my steps… and my golf game, of course.  While I won’t be wearing the Asics on the golf course (they do not make a golf shoe… yet), I might walk to the course, play 18 with my Garmin, and then skip the traditional clubhouse hotdog and come home to a nice salad.

Whatever your tradition, I want to wish you the best for the holiday season.  See you in January!

 

My favorite fitness purchases of 2020 (Roger Foisy)

Roger is an experienced IT Manager with over 20 years of experience. Motivated and self-taught he has earned Microsoft MCSE, Cisco CCNA and CompTIA A+ certifications. Roger currently lives in the Florida Panhandle and loves the outdoors fishing and kayaking.

 

4 post squat rack, this gets used almost daily.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DFGGMBH/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

I use as a barbell squat rack, assisted pullups with the bands in the second link, tied my battle rope to a post and use as a support when I do TRX.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074S9MFFJ/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

This is the suspension trainers I use, 1/3 the price of the name brand and I have not had any issues in the 10 months I have had them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KD5TDLB/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

This product I keep at work in the server room so I have no excuse not to get a workout in when stuck doing all-nighters.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GJP2SPK/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Favorite cardio:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NH9WEUA/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

My fav heart rate monitor – Bluetooth and Ant+

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0881B7C42/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Good solid foam roller:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GQHQP4T/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

Cook healthier, this is the air fryer I use:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0872DQV7Z/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=isaserver1-20

 

Send us your feedback!

Got feedback about anything in this issue of FitITproNews? Email us at [email protected] today!

 

The Toolbox

InSSIDer is an essential wireless troubleshooting tool that will quickly help you get the best possible performance from your network:

http://www.downloadcrew.com/article/4677-inssider

Technitium MAC Address Changer is a tool which provides useful information on your network adapters, and enables you to change their MAC addresses to something else:

http://www.downloadcrew.com/article/26560-technitium_mac_address_changer

ManageEdge is a free program for Windows 10 that lets you manage Edge favorites:

http://www.ghacks.net/2016/08/25/edgemanage-favorites/

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