Here at CogniTea, we exist to help power you towards your goals. For you "go-getters" out there who are looking to stay healthy and fit through the holiday season, we've gathered 19 fitness-inspired gifts, including some of our community's favorites, to help keep you motivated and active during the good tidings and into the new year.

 

Bonus points: Be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win 13 amazing prizes (over $400 ARV)!

 

(See details for entry at bottom of post)

 

 

The Gift Guide

 

Better Posture for Better Health

 

 

Lumo Lift is a wireless posture sensor, activity tracker and mobile app that coaches you to sit and stand taller through gentle vibrations. Poor posture is scientifically linked to back problems, and affects 80% of people at some point in their lives. Just think about all the time you spend sitting at your desk, and you can understand why. With Lumo Lift, this stylish little wearable provides discreet vibrational feedback when you slouch, to gently remind you to straighten up, whether you're sitting down or standing. Designed to be slim and sleek, it is so comfortable that you barely feel it when you have it on. They were recently named one of Time's 25 Best Inventions for 2014. ($99.99. lumobodytech.com)

 

Functional Support

 

 

#CommunityChoice - Gelcys

KT Tape: "KT Tape is probably the most effective tool I use for running. It has helped me overcome some chronic pains... and I know I couldn’t have gotten this far without it! I LOVE all the colors they come in, and all the uses it has (such as for shin splints, Scoliosis pain, and shoulder pain. If you haven’t noticed almost all the pictures you see of me, I have the KT Tape on somewhere lol." ($19.99 for 20-Pack. kttape.com)

 

- Gelcys Castaneda, aka Cheetah G, is an inspiring runner and aspiring coach. Follow Gelcys at Runner Unleashed and @RunnerUnleashed.

 

 

Surprise Snacking

 

RunnerBox is a curated subscription box that is sure to bring a smile to any runner who receives one. Founded by competitive athletes, Staci and Laura carefully curate each product, doing the research and testing for you, so you can spend more time on the road or trails. Their boxes are chock full of goodies, including gels, chews, protein shakes, nutrition bars, energy boosters, healthy snacks, personal care, and other running accessories. Take out guesswork and prepare to discover some of your new favorite products! ($19.95 per box. therunnerbox.com)

 

Natural Energy Gel

#CommunityChoice - Jody

Huma Chia Energy Gels - "When running over an hour or racing, I always make sure to consume one Huma Energy Gel for every 45 min. of activity. Made from fruit and ground chia sees, they are a natural gel without artificial ingredients. Huma is easy to swallow and safe for those with GI issues." ($15.75 Sample Pack. humagel.com)

 

- Jody Stoops, Marathoner and Running Coach. Follow Jody at Cross My Heart Fitness and @xmyheartfitness.

 

 

Apparel on a Mission

 

 

Janji is using the power of running to fight the global water crisis. They make stylish running-apparel that raises awareness and money for water projects in areas of need around the world. Co-founders Mike and Dave came up with the idea on the bus to the 2010 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which also happened to be the hottest day of the year. They were able to finish thanks to the hoses showering cool water on them as they ran, but it catalyzed the idea that water was in need elsewhere. With so many people running every day, Janji is hoping to help channel that energy towards something positive.($18 Hand Drawn Print Running Headband. runjanji.com)

 

Athletic Carry-All 

 

FlipBelt is a sleek and stylish accessory to accompany your workout or run. If you're sick of baggy sweat pants or bulky arm bands, the FlipBelt offers a form-fitting athletic waistband that holds your phone, keys, and other personal items conveniently on you and out of the way. They come in vibrant colors that are every bit as flattering and contoured as your athletic wear. Made of a moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial spandex-lycra blend, FlipBelt slides right on and sits snug on your hip. No bulk. No bounce. ($28.99. flipbelt.com)

 

Roll It Out

#CommunityChoice - Caroline

Trigger Point GRID Roller: "Post-workout it is all about the foam roller. While I should probably spend more time releasing my tight muscles, the Trigger Point GRID Roller is perfect for massaging out my quads, glutes, lats and calves!" ($39.99. tptherapy.com)

 

- Caroline Earle is our favorite local health & fitness writer. Follow Caroline at The Trendy Trainer, BostInno, and @trendytrainer.

 

 

All-Natural Energy

 

 

Bearded Brothers makes 100% all-natural, organic, raw, vegan energy bars and seasoned nuts to help “Fuel Your Adventure.” Founded by brothers, Caleb and Chris, they started the company after eating a high raw food diet for years, and wanting an all-organic energy bar. Caleb is an avid rock climber and trail runner, while Chris is a lover of the outdoors and world traveler. Together, they craft their bars in small batches with love and joy, in Austin Texas. ($13.95 for 4-Pack. beardedbros.com)

 

Productive Pre-Workout

 

 

 

#CommunityChoice - Kyle

Caffeinated beverages (such as CogniTea!): "It's well established that drinking caffeine before a workout improves performance. I love coffee and all types of tea, and caffeine noticeably improves my running ability. Other performance enhancing drugs are REALLY unhealthy (steroids, etc.), but an added bonus to drinking a beverage like CogniTea is that it promotes good health!" ($25 for 20-Pack. cognitea.com)

 

- Kyle Pietari, Ultramarathoner. Follow Kyle at UltraSignup and @KylePietari.

 

Seamless Activity Tracking

Misfit Shine is an elegant, wireless activity tracker designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. It is carved out of a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it super strong and waterproof so you can take it in the shower, or swimming. You don't have to worry about charging it, the battery lasts for four months, so you simply put it on and go. What makes it special is how small it is, at a few millimeters thick, it can be worn just about anywhere: Clip it on your pants, shirt, shoes, or use the wristband and wear it like a watch. And because it looks so good, you'll never want to take it off! ($99.99. misfit.com)

 

Hassle-Free Hydration

 

 

Clean Bottle was designed to be the easiest water bottle to clean, and with a removable bottom and top, it is a runaway success. This 22 oz. bottle is dishwasher-safe and BPA-free, and comes with a handy pouch to stow your phone, keys, cash, and any other small items you need on the go. Founded by David Mayer, an Ironman triathlete, he came up with the idea after struggling to clean the gunk and mold from the bottom of his water bottle. After 3 years and 54 prototypes, David introduced the product to the world by dressing up in a Giant Clean Bottle Mascot and running along the Tour de France. The rest is history, as they say. ($24.95 for “The Runner” pack. cleanbottle.com)

 

Nothing But Electrolytes

 

 

 

#CommunityChoice - Gina

Nuun Hydration Tablets: “I've been using Nuun almost as long as I've been running. I like that they contain what we need to stay hydrated but don't contain sugar or any other extra stuff that we don't. They're easy to use, clean, and have really helped me get through some tough runs in the hot and humid Mississippi weather.” ($20 for 4-Pack. nuun.com) 

 

- Gina Mooney, Runner. Follow Gina at Slow Is The New Fast and @GinaMooney.

 

 

Super Seeds Superfood 

 

 

For centuries, the Aztecs used chia seeds for a source of strength. Small wonder given the tiny seed has more omega-3 than salmon (ounce-for-ounce), more fiber than oatmeal, and packs a wallop of protein, cal­cium, phos­pho­rus, mag­ne­sium, and antioxidants. They are gluten, soy, and GMO free, as well as vegan. At 100 calories, this healthy snack is sure to be a favorite on the go or pre-workout choice. ($23.50 for 15-Pack. healthwarrior.com)

 

Community-Designed Apparel

 

Tribesports is the world's first community-powered sportswear brand. They offer premium quality athletic apparel at up to 40% cheaper than leading sports brands by cutting out the middle men and large advertising budgets. What started as a social network for athletes evolved into a community that helps design the products the company produces. The community provides design and technical specifications through their training behaviors and direct feedback on their product requirements. We are big fans of their approach for community involvement and top quality goods at affordable prices. ($ for Rest Day Tee. tribesports.com)

 

No Worry Security

 

 

#CommunityChoice - Cora

SUMOgrips: "They are an awesome lace lock for your shoes. They quickly snap on to the bows of your shoe laces so you don't have to worry about stopping to tie your shoes during your run ever again. I use them all the time, they've been a great addition to my running accessories!" ($4.99. SPRgear.com)

 

- Cora Alatalo, Runner. Follow Cora at @coradawn.

 

 

 

The Race Obsessed

RaceAddict is perfect for all you race junkies out there -- it is an easy to use app that enables you to keep track of all your upcoming races on your mobile device. Record your upcoming race information, including start time, location, date, distance, results, and PRs. Once you have finished the race, you can easily add your results and effortlessly sort your data to review your race history and PRs. ($1.99 for the app. raceaddict.com)

 

Running Staple 

 #CommunityChoice - Angela

Brooks Running Shoes: "My favorite running accessories are my Brooks Adrenaline running shoes. My Brooks just feel great on my feet and keep me going each day. I'm actually working on my second pair. As of today, I've run at least 1 mile for 120 days!" ($90. brooksrunning.com)

 

- Angela Cooper is a runner and Co-Founder of RaceAddict. Follow Angela at @1RaceAddict.

 

 

Go Your Own Pace

 

 

Pacebands are silicone bands that help you to keep on pace during your race. Because most races do not have pacers, you need to keep track of your speed yourself. That's where Pacebands comes in: Each band includes a target finish time along with mile splits, so you can easily reference if you’re on track to hit your goal during the race. These comfortable, lightweight and reusable bands have target paces for various distances, including marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. ($8.99. pacebands.com)

 

Active Recovery 

#CommunityChoice - Shaun

CorePower: "Not only does it taste good, but CorePower helps you feel good too.  I take one after my hard training and racing sessions to get my protein and carbs for the day. No chalky taste and lactose free - these drinks keep me going! (light chocolate is my favorite!)" ($40 for 12-Pack. corepower.com)

 

- Shaun Provost, top obstacle course racer and trainer. Follow Shaun at Live Unbreakable and @unbreakable_sp.
 
  

 

The Giveaway!