That time of year is almost here: the time to start pondering what to buy your loved ones for Christmas. 

As the years go by, ideas can run thin, and finding that perfect gift can be a challenge. 

If anyone you are shopping for this holiday season loves spending time in the gym, working out at home, playing a sport or training for an athletic event, consider buying them something revolving around their love for fitness this December. 

FITNESS CLASS TOO LOUD? WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PROTECTING YOUR HEARING HEALTH

Check out these 20 gift ideas for the fitness guru in your life.

1. Gym bag
2. Shaker bottle
3. Apple headphones
4. Resistance bands
5. Barbell shoulder pad
6. Workout journal
7. Wrist straps
8. Weighted jump rope
9. Yoga mat
10. Workout gloves
11. Ankle strap
12. Adjustable dumbbells
13. Weightlifting belt
14. Ice bath
15. Hydration pack
16. Massage gun
17. Walking pad
18. Smartwatch
19. Smoothie blender
20. Liquid I.V.

1. Gym bag

A frequent gym goer needs a place to carry all of their stuff. 

A gym bag will keep everything nice and organized during their workout. 

7 THINGS YOU SHOULD PACK IN YOUR GYM BAG

You could always go classic with a sturdy duffle bag, or you could go for a more unique look and gift a trendy tote bag instead. 

Backpacks are also great for taking to the gym. 

2. Shaker bottle

Another gym staple is a shaker bottle. 

Many have pre-workout drinks before going to the gym, as well as a post-workout protein shake. 

A shaker bottle makes it easy to combine powder with water and take drinks on the go. 

Shaker bottles are a gym staple. These are great for protein shakes on the go.  (iStock)

Plus, it’s good to have more than one shaker bottle, so even if this is an item the recipients already have, they’ll be grateful to have another. 

3. Apple headphones

Every good workout is accompanied by a great playlist full of pump-up songs. 

BEST 50 ROCK SONGS FOR THE ULTIMATE WORKOUT PLAYLIST

Gym goers need a good pair of headphones to help them block out any outside distractions and really focus on their workout. 

Apple AirPods Max are great for the gym, as they are noise-canceling and wireless. 

Beats are another great option. Beats are less expensive, and they provide great sound quality. 

Apple headphones come in a ton of different vibrant colors.  (iStock)

On-ear Beats headphones are one option, as are Powerbeats. 

4. Resistance bands

Resistance bands make the perfect addition to an at-home workout. 

There are many different exercises that can be done with a simple set of bands. 

15 PORTABLE GIFTS FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELERS WHO NEED TO TRAVEL LIGHT

Many people also opt to bring their resistance bands with them to the gym to use during their workout. 

5. Barbell shoulder pad

Barbell squats can become even harder than they need to be, with the bar digging into your shoulders as you’re trying to focus on strengthening your legs. 

Shoulder pads can help solve this problem. 

These pads slip right around the barbell and provide comfort to your shoulders while you are completing your set. 

Barbells pads can provide an extra layer of shoulder support during workouts.  (iStock)

You can also use the barbell pad when doing hip thrusts for an extra layer of cushioning. 

6. Workout journal

A workout journal is a great gift for those who want to keep track of their progress at the gym. 

20 MARVEL-THEMED GIFTS THAT WILL MAKE THE MEGA-SUPERHERO FANS IN YOUR LIFE FEEL JUST LIKE ONE

There are all different types of workout journals that are set up uniquely from one another. 

Overall, a workout journal keeps a record of all fitness improvements. This can be put right into a gym bag and taken along for each workout.  

A workout journal makes it easy to keep track of all the different exercises done with each gym visit.  (iStock)

7. Wrist straps

Wrist straps are extremely helpful at the gym in order to aid in lifting heavier weights. 

Wrist straps provide more support and also help with grip strength. These can be used for lifting dumbbells, kettlebells or a barbell. 

These make for a perfect stocking stuffer for the holidays. 

8. Weighted jump rope

A weighted jump rope adds a new element to an at-home workout 

This is an inexpensive Christmas gift that is sure to bring intensity to any fitness routine. 

The most difficult challenge to overcome as the giver of a weighted jump rope is figuring out the best way to wrap it. A festive bag may be the way to go with this item.  

A traditional jump rope is a great addition to a workout, and a weighted one adds even more of a challenge.  (iStock)

9. Yoga mat 

With many free instructional videos available today, it’s never been easier to find your center, practice deep breaths and focus on calming your body with a yoga session. 

Whether someone in your life practices at home, at a studio or a gym, they need a good yoga mat.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER IN YOUR LIFE THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK

Another gift idea that can be paired with a mat is a set of yoga blocks.

10. Workout gloves

Workout gloves can help grip strength while at the gym, while also protecting your hands from calluses.

Workout gloves come in all different colors, so you can find ones that best fit the recipients style. 

These can be put in a stocking, paired with another gym accessory or gifted on their own. 

Workout gloves can help with grip strength when lifting heavy weights.  (iStock)

11. Ankle strap

An ankle strap can be attached to a gym cable machine for lower body exercises like cable kickbacks, side raises and more. 

Some gyms have these for people to borrow, but many don’t.

SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS WILL LOVE THIS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

For that reason, a lot of gym goers have their own ankle straps that they throw into their gym bag. 

12. Adjustable dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells are the perfect piece of equipment for someone who likes to work out at home. 

Dumbbell sets can be very expensive, especially for a large range of weights. Plus, they can take up a lot of space. 

Adjustable dumbbells are a huge space saver, as they include multiple different weights in one. 

You can adjust the weight of these dumbbells by easily shifting the dial on the side.  (iStock)

The weight of adjustable dumbbells can be changed with the simple twist of a dial. 

13. Weightlifting belt

A weightlifting belt provides back support for heavy lifting. 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE HORSEBACK-RIDING EQUESTRIAN LOVER IN YOUR LIFE

If you know someone who has been focusing on muscle building exercises, a weightlifting belt is a potentially great gift for that person.

Weightlifting belts feature tons of different colors and even some designs. 

14. Ice bath

A chilling ice bath is a popular way to recover from a grueling workout. 

An ice bath can be purchased right on Amazon and set up in the backyard, filled up and ready for use. 

There are several different shapes and sizes of ice baths you can purchase. 

An ice bath can be set up right outside. Don’t put the bath too far from the house, though, or the long walk back inside after a chilling dip can be grueling.  (iStock)

This product is one that can broadly range in price, depending on the one you decide to buy. 

15. Hydration pack

A hydration pack is a must-have for runners. 

For those who run long distances, carrying a water bottle is less than ideal. 

GIFT GUIDE FOR AT-HOME CHEFS WHO LOVE TO COOK HOMEMADE MEALS

Hydration packs can be filled up with water and worn as a backpack throughout a run. To drink from the pack, there is a tube with a valve at the end.

These packs keep runners hydrated for the duration of their workout. 

These are also great for those competing in an obstacle course race, like a Spartan, or for long hikes. 

Hydration packs are ideal for hikers and runners to stay hydrated on the go.  (iStock)

16. Massage gun

A massage gun works out sore muscles after grueling workouts. 

Massage guns feature different settings that you can adjust to your preference. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

This is another product that will range in price, depending on the one you purchase; there are many, though, that come at a low cost. 

17. Walking pad

If you know someone who works from home, a walking pad is the perfect present. 

A walking pad can be placed right under a standing desk, so your loved one can do some cardio while simultaneously getting work done. 

Walking pads aren’t only for those who work from home. They are also a great alternative to a treadmill, as they cost less and don’t take up as much space. 

A walking pad is the perfect gift for someone who works from home.  (iStock)

18. Smartwatch

A smartwatch easily tracks workouts, sleep data and more. 

There are so many different smartwatches on the market that have different capabilities. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

One of the most popular is the Apple Watch. These are great for the gym, because they attach to your phone, so you can switch to music, see text messages, answer phone calls and track workouts without ever taking your phone out of your backpack.

Fitbits are another great option. Many models have similar capabilities to an Apple Watch, while others are simpler in their design and functionality. 

The Oura Ring has also grown in popularity. Oura Rings attach to your phone, and provide wearers with a slew of information about their bodies.

The Apple Watch is a popular choice for tracking fitness, as well as its many other capabilities.  (Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images)

19. Smoothie blender

After a difficult workout, there’s nothing better than going home and making a refreshing, nutrient-rich smoothie. 

A single-serve blender is great for someone who just wants a solo serving after the gym. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

You can pair this with a smoothie recipe cookbook to give inspiration on different fruits and veggies they can blend together. 

20. Liquid I.V. 

Liquid I.V. is an electrolyte drink mix. 

The product comes in all different flavors and can be mixed simply into a bottle of water. 

These make great gifts, as they can be thrown into a gym bag and used to stay hydrated during a workout. 

Consider buying a pack that is filled with a variety of flavors, so recipients can try all different ones to figure out what they enjoy the most. 

Cases of so-called “walking pneumonia” are spiking across the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has alerted.

The highly contagious infection has primarily affected young children, according to the same source.

Between March 31 and Oct. 5 of this year, the percentage of cases grew from 1% to 7.2% among children ages 2 to 4, and from 3.6% to 7.4% among those ages 5 to 17, the agency stated.

AMID CHILDHOOD PNEUMONIA OUTBREAKS, INFECTIOUS DISEASES EXPERT REVEALS KEY FACTS ABOUT ‘WHITE LUNG SYNDROME’

Fox News Digital spoke on camera with Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, about what people should know about this condition.

What is walking pneumonia?

Also known as “atypical pneumonia,” walking pneumonia is a “mild lung infection,” as defined by Cleveland Clinic. It tends to feel like a bad cold or the flu.

Typically caused by bacteria, viruses or mold exposure, the condition causes swelling in the airways and fluid in the lungs.

BIRD FLU LEAVES TEEN IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER COUNTRY’S FIRST REPORTED CASE

“Walking pneumonia is less than a full lobar pneumonia, where an entire region of the lungs is whited out from a bacteria or virus,” Siegel told Fox News Digital. 

“Walking pneumonia generally refers to a patchy pneumonia, where the pathogen isn’t affecting one specific region of lung.”

Symptoms of the infection

Signs of atypical pneumonia may include the following, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Sore throat, low-grade fever, chest pain and coughing are some of the common symptoms of atypical pneumonia. (iStock)

• Sore throat
• Extreme fatigue
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Low-grade fever
• Mild chills
• Coughing (usually the longest-lasting symptom)
• Sneezing
• Headache

The type of cough is a key differentiator between traditional and walking pneumonia, according to Siegel.

“If you have a rip-roaring, traditional bacterial pneumonia, you’re going to be coughing up green, brown or dark yellow,” he said. 

BIRD FLU UPDATE FROM DR. MARC SIEGEL, FOX NEWS SENIOR MEDICAL ANALYST

“But with walking pneumonia, it may be a white mucus … or maybe you don’t have a productive cough at all.”

This condition also doesn’t cause the high fever associated with full pneumonia, he noted.

As the name implies, you may be able to walk around and go about your daily activities with this less severe form of pneumonia.

Coughing is one of the longest-lasting symptoms of walking pneumonia, although it may not be a productive cough. (iStock)

“You’re not walking around with a big looming bacterial pneumonia with a high blood cell count and a high fever and chest pain,” Siegel said.

Even if it seems milder, however, this type of infection could still require medical attention, the doctor warned.

“A doctor who is not on the lookout for this could mistake it for a different kind of virus.”

The condition is easy to miss, as the symptoms are often mistaken for something else, according to Siegel.

“A doctor who is not on the lookout for this could mistake it for a different kind of virus, and not understand that it might actually be an atypical bacterial pneumonia,” he told Fox News Digital.

Causes of walking pneumonia

Several different types of bacteria can lead to walking pneumonia, Siegel noted, primarily Mycoplasma.

“This is the season for Mycoplasma,” he said. “That’s an atypical bacterium that’s treatable with certain antibiotics.”

Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium that causes whooping cough, can potentially lead to walking pneumonia, the doctor warned. (iStock)

Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium that causes whooping cough, can also lead to walking pneumonia.

“There’s been a big resurgence of pertussis this year, particularly in very young children,” Siegel said.

“My concern is that we’re overlooking atypical bacteria that would go away a heck of a lot faster if we treated them with antibiotics.”

Legionella, another bacterium that can cause pneumonia, can spread through water or air conditioning units, he warned. 

Certain viruses, such as RSV, can also cause pneumonia.

“Although flu doesn’t usually cause pneumonia, it can cause secondary pneumonia where you get these infections on top of influenza — the same thing with COVID,” Siegel noted.

“Although flu doesn’t usually cause pneumonia, it can cause secondary pneumonia where you get these infections on top of influenza,” the doctor cautioned. (iStock)

The resurgence of these pneumonia-causing bacteria and viruses could be a delayed effect of the masking and lockdowns that occurred during the pandemic, the doctor said.

“On top of that, we’re not as well-vaccinated as we should be,” he said. “And physicians are not on the lookout enough … I’m urging them to be on the lookout for atypical pneumonias.”

Who is at highest risk?

Siegel said he is most concerned about young children getting these atypical bacteria, because they may not have the ability to fend them off due to not having fully developed lungs. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“I’m also concerned about the elderly, the immunocompromised and those with chronic illness — especially lung illnesses like asthma and emphysema, as they may not have the reserve they need to fight it off,” he said.

If a virus is behind the walking pneumonia, it may go away without treatment, Siegel said, but it could be more prolonged. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“My concern is that we’re overlooking atypical bacteria that would go away a heck of a lot faster if we treated them with antibiotics,” the doctor said.

“Things like mycoplasma, legionella, pertussis — that’s what I’m most concerned about here.”

A health care provider can diagnose walking pneumonia by conducting a physical exam, listening to the patient’s lungs, running blood tests and/or performing a chest X-ray. (iStock)

A health care provider can diagnose walking pneumonia by conducting a physical exam, listening to the patient’s lungs, running blood tests and/or performing a chest X-ray, Cleveland Clinic stated.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Bacterial pneumonias are treated with antibiotics. For viral pneumonias, over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms.

Experts also recommend drinking plenty of fluids, getting lots of rest and keeping the airways open by using a humidifier.

Ozempic, Wegovy and other GLP-1 drugs have been shown to curb alcohol effects, a new study suggests.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists — which contain either semaglutide or liraglutide — are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, but previous studies have shown that people report decreased alcohol consumption when taking them.

In a new study by the University of Eastern Finland and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, researchers found that people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) were less likely to be hospitalized for alcohol or substance abuse-related conditions.

DRINKING ALCOHOL IS LINKED TO SIX TYPES OF CANCER, EXPERTS SAY

The researchers analyzed decades of data from 228,000 people in Sweden who had AUD, ranging in age from 16 to 64, according to a press release.

For participants who had AUD, obesity and type 2 diabetes, the use of GLP-1 medications was linked to “substantially decreased risk of hospitalization due to AUD,” the researchers wrote.

Patients taking semaglutide (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) showed a 36% lower risk, and those taking liraglutide (Victoza) had a 28% lower risk.

DRINKING ALCOHOL WEEKLY COULD BE CONNECTED TO 61 DIFFERENT DISEASES, STUDY FINDS

The GLP-1 drugs were shown to be even more effective than naltrexone, which is regarded as the best drug for alcohol use disorder.

“Our study suggests that besides obesity and diabetes, GLP-1-agonists may also help in the treatment of alcohol and substance use disorders; however, these findings need to be further validated in randomized controlled trials,” lead study author Markku Lähteenvuo, docent of forensic psychiatry at the University of Eastern Finland and the Niuvanniemi Hospital, said in the release.

For participants who had alcohol use disorder, obesity and type 2 diabetes, the use of GLP-1 medications was linked to “substantially decreased risk of hospitalization due to AUD,” the researchers wrote. (iStock)

This isn’t the first study to link GLP-1s to reduced alcohol intake, according to Dr. Sue Decotiis, MD, a weight-loss doctor in New York City.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“There have been many studies that show GLP-1 mitigate the desire to consume alcohol,” Decotiis, who was not involved in the Swedish study, told Fox News Digital.

“Over 50% of my patients on semaglutide and tirzepatide have remarkably less desire to drink alcohol.”

OZEMPIC COULD HELP REDUCE ALZHEIMER’S RISK FOR SOME, STUDY SUGGESTS: ‘SHIFTING THE PARADIGM’

Decotiis also mentioned a new weight-loss drug — Retatrutide, made by Eli Lilly — that is said to be even more effective against alcohol addiction. 

“All in all, these drugs have shown time and time again that they enhance overall, long-term health throughout the entire body,” she said.

Patients taking semaglutide (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) showed a 36% lower risk of alcohol-related hospitalization, and those taking liraglutide (Victoza) had a 28% lower risk. (iStock)

Approximately 28.9 million people 12 and older had AUD in the past year, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, provided the below statement to Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“Novo Nordisk welcomes independent research investigating the safety, efficacy and clinical utility of our products. However, none of our semaglutide-containing products are indicated for the treatment of addiction-related illnesses.”

Approximately 28.9 million people 12 and older had alcohol use disorder in the past year, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. (iStock)

“Importantly, our clinical studies have not been designed to assess the effectiveness of semaglutide on alcohol use disorder and tobacco use disorder or other addiction-related illnesses. We support our products being prescribed to patients who meet the indicated criteria and only promote the FDA-approved indications of our medicines for appropriate patients.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers and also to Eli Lilly, maker of Retatrutide, requesting comment.