My TOP 5 Holiday Fitness Gift Guide and Hiatus Update + Pregnancy Fitness Items

It's been awhile since I last posted! I hadn't realized how much time has gone by.  So where have I been? Pregnant! I'm 8.5 months as I write this blog entry.  It's been a crazy busy past few months with appointments, organizing, and fitting in my workouts while growing a tiny human.  I withheld telling anyone until I was about 22 weeks when I decided to let my sister in law host a baby shower.  I had previously decided not to go the traditional celebratory route until after baby was born but am glad we were able to share this long awaited news with our close family and friends and celebrate at an event.  I've had a lot of time for self care and have shifted my workouts to a home based buddy circuit with my husband.  I'd like to share some gift ideas for my annual holiday gift list.  While it may not be aerialist or pole dancing specific this year, I think it works well for those looking for a well rounded fitness themed guide.

1. Pilates Ring
I have incorporated a Pilates Ring into my workouts this past year and I must say - I LOVE the versatility of this thing! My favorite target areas have been glutes, thighs, and abs; which a Pilates Ring does a great job at getting to that workout burn we all know and love from those Barre classes.

2. Foam Roller
This item is a definite NEED for all fitness areas.  I used mine religiously for pole, aerial, and now in pregnancy.  The one I choose from Amazon is a 2-in-1 13" with carrying case which is perfect for on the go.  I'm adding this to my hospital bag as a must have labor support item.  For regular fitness uses, the foam roller has become a staple among those in the aerial and dance apparatus fitness disciplines as it helps relieve muscle tightness all while incorporating necessary injury prevention.

3. Stress Relief Candle
Bath and Body Works has an amazing Aromatherapy line with Spearmint and Eucalyptus scented Stress Relief products.  Ideal to burn on your rest days to soak up some relaxation or during a deep stretch session.  This candle is an immediate self care win.

4. In Shower Steamer for Stress Relief
Still on the Spearmint and Eucalyptus bandwagon here but these Bath and Body Works in shower steamers are the perfect gift item that can be used post workout, when you're feeling under the weather, or as a Sunday Spa day relaxation prep for the upcoming week.  Other scents available include Energy Blend of orange and ginger, Comfort Blend of vanilla and patchouli, and Sleep Blend of lavender and cedarwood.

5. Resistance Bands
I feel like 2018 was really the year of implementing resistance bands in our pre and post-class conditioning at the Circus gym.  Since I have been on a teaching break due to pregnancy, I have fallen in love all over again with my bands for my at home pregnancy workouts.  I have been really enjoying the on the go versatile fitness gadgets that target multiple areas of the body lately.  I've used my bands at work while sitting at my desk and in the car during an eleven hour trip to keep my body moving and to ward off pregnancy related restless legs. This kit is an ideal stocking stuffer for your favorite fitness enthusiast.

There you have it, my top 5 favorites from the past year. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a Happy 2019!