Nutrition
![]() Give the gift of health with gluten-free, alkaline protein powders and supergreen supplement from NuZest. Save 10% by using the code Rebecca10 on checkout. For energy boosting snacks try a Chia Charge sample pack or nut butters. If you'd prefer to give a reference book to your athlete, then I can't recommend Training Food enough from local ultramarathon runner and dietician Renee McGregor. |
Clothing & Gear

First stop for active ladies is Sweaty Betty for yoga, workout, dance and ski gear plus yoga mats, gym bags and swimwear, from the local boutique in Clifton. Wiggle is a great online resource for triathlon clothing and gear, plus accessories. My favourite pool gear for swim training is Aquasphere with no-leak goggles and training aids such as pull-buoys and floats. For open water swimmers and triathletes, a great gift is a lightweight summer robe from DiveSangha or thermal changing robe from DryRobe.
Gadget fans will love the Skulpt Aim or Chisel - a phone-sized tool for measuring body fat and muscle quality. To improve breathing strength and technique the Power-breathe is a handy tool. Other festive recovery favourites amongst athletes are foam rollers, pressure-point balls and therabands, all available in sports stores or physiotherapists.
Gadget fans will love the Skulpt Aim or Chisel - a phone-sized tool for measuring body fat and muscle quality. To improve breathing strength and technique the Power-breathe is a handy tool. Other festive recovery favourites amongst athletes are foam rollers, pressure-point balls and therabands, all available in sports stores or physiotherapists.
Courses

Beginners to yoga can benefit from one-to-one sessions tailored to their training goals and biomechanics. Ten sessions is usually adequate for athletes to start their own home practice or join a regular class with an understanding of how yoga can best support their personal needs. For active and busy people, give the gift of calm and mindfulness with a six-week pack of restorative yoga classes, starting in January.
For personal training gift vouchers I recommend Mark Durnford, who teaches at Nuffield Leisure Centre in Clifton. Mark is also a swim coach and runs group sessions on Thursday mornings. For personal training with massage packages, take a look at Ben Andrews Fitness. For athletes wanting to overcome personal challenges to perform at their best, then consider a gift with coach Paul Burden at Perform Well.
For personal training gift vouchers I recommend Mark Durnford, who teaches at Nuffield Leisure Centre in Clifton. Mark is also a swim coach and runs group sessions on Thursday mornings. For personal training with massage packages, take a look at Ben Andrews Fitness. For athletes wanting to overcome personal challenges to perform at their best, then consider a gift with coach Paul Burden at Perform Well.
Books

I read Champion's Mind three times in one year whilst training for the last World Championships in my sport - I can't recommend this book enough for athletes with serious goals. For athletes looking to add yoga to their training regime, take your pick from the books I suggest here. A classic book for runners is Born To Run by Christopher McDougall, and I also very much enjoyed Eat & Run by Scott Jurek. For inspiration to dream big and achieve the (near) impossible, try Taming Tigers by Jim Lawless.
Toiletries

My favourite winter warmer is Ginger Sore Muscle Rub from Badger Balm which leaves you with a warm glow after training. For the opposite effect try Natural Hero's Peppermint Spray to revive after sports. For a wide range of all-in-one fragrances try Dr Bronner's organic cleansers and body lotions. Support local retailers this Christmas with special aromatherapy blends for athletes from Amphora Aromatics in Clifton.