Fitness Gifts for Travelers

1. JumpSnap Ropeless Jump Rope

When you're traveling, it can be tough to squeeze in a cardio workout and hotels don't always offer fitness equipment or much space to work in. This ropeless jump rope is a great solution. These handles help you mimic actually jumping with a rope with the rubber 'tails' that snap as you turn them, making them sound and feel just like a regular jump rope. One handle includes a digital readout that shows calories burned, time and jumps. It also comes with an instructional DVD. Jump roping can be a great cardio exercise, but take your time if you're just getting started. It takes time to build up the endurance for a longer workout.

2. GoFit Ultimate ProGym with DVD

Resistance bands make great travel companions. They're light, they pack well and they can be used for a wide variety of exercises. The GoFit ProGym offers a great kit for travelers that includes three different resistance bands (light, medium and heavy), ankle straps, a door anchor and an instructional DVD. The only drawback (in my opinion) is that you only have two handles to work with, so there's some adjustment in taking the handles off one band to put them on another. A minor issue, but something to be aware of. Still, this is a great gift idea for travelers.

3. AquaBells Dumbbells

This is a great choice for the traveler who wants to lift weights, but doesn't have access to a decent fitness room or gym. These are packable weights and you simply add water and the weights can go up to 16 pounds, weighing only 24 ounces when deflated.

4. Pocket Trainer

If you can't get a trainer, the next best thing is The Pocket Trainer. This book has more than 50 exercises and stretches to help you build muscle and lose fat, and the large color photos make it easy to do each exercise correctly. Each page shows a different exercise plus recommended weights, sets, reps and variations according to fitness level.

5. VersaStick Travel Gym

This kit is similar to the ProGym listed above, but with some great extras. First, you get a Versa Stick, which offers variety for strength training exercises. You attach a resistance band to the stick and it becomes something like a barbell, so you can work the entire body. The kit includes 3 resistance bands of varying tension, a door anchor, a manual and DVD. It would be great if they also included handles for the bands, but that's not a big deal. The DVD includes both instructions for exercises as well as a variety of workouts including a short 10-minute workout, core training and a cardio/resistance workout.

6. Solotrainer Workout Cards

Sometimes it's not about having the right equipment for travel workouts, but more about not knowing what to do. The Solotrainer Workout Cards work great in this situation, offering detailed fitness flash cards showing you exactly how to do a variety of exercises, from squats to pushups, all with pictures included. The cards are 3.5" x 4", are color-coded by muscle group, and are held together with detachable rings. There are also strength programs included for men, women and for different levels of fitness and goals.

7. Travel Fitness by Rebecca Johnson

This is another good choice for travelers and something they might enjoy reading on the plane. It's more of an informational book that offers specific advice about staying healthy on the road, dealing with jet lag, managing stress and how to change your workout routines when you go on the road. It also includes a variety of exercises, things you can do in your hotel room and even stretches and exercises you can do on the plane. This is a great resource for the frequent flyer.

8. The Athletic-Minded Traveler

If you travel and want to stay in shape, get this book. This excellent resource has done all the work for you, researching hotels all over the country to find the ones that fit within your budget and your athletic needs. The best thing about it is that it doesn't just cover the facts, but makes suggestions for places to go and places to avoid.