I’ll be the first to say that I’m a muscle nut, but I also have other compulsions. You feel like you’re a woman in a room full of men when you’re strong and powerful. As a result, I’m confident that my pull-ups are of the highest calibre. And having total control over my body’s appearance and feel.
But oh, muscles…
Fitness gear and other items that enable me lift heavy weights like a badass are also very important to me. My top ten list of weightlifting presents for women who are already strong and want to get more stronger is a result of this. Given that most weightlifting presents are t-shirts bearing slogans (or clocks bearing the image of a weight plate), I think you’ll appreciate some of my own recommendations.
You may either give them to someone special who has you on their holiday shopping list, or you can treat yourself to something new (we lifting chicks are take-charge types).
1. Tops or Jackets with Raglan Sleeves
Have you ever found clothing that made you feel understood? When I tried on the Studio Capezio Trista jacket I knew that someone out there appreciated women who lift.
Well-muscled women fit into clothes differently. Muscle has more mass than other bodily tissues and also stays in place better (thus the term “tone,” I’m thinking). If you lift consistently you probably have more mass in your pectorals, lats, and shoulders… and this spells tight armpits in most tops.
The solution? Raglan sleeves, which have a wider underarm cut. Raglan sleeves flatter your V-shape, too.
2. Warm Up Gym Bag
I once tried downsizing my gym bag, but it was an exercise in frustration… I need my shit. I have nothing against my traditional Nike duffle… It’s a lovely grey/purple and has all the room I need. But I was ready for something a little more sophisticated.
I found the amazing Athleta Warm Up Bag after trying several others that I returned. They looked big on the outside but functioned like deep, bottomless black holes. Fashion is one thing, but it’s got to have enough room, sister!
I love this bag. It has two compartments, which in my world means one for oft-used items and one for lesser-used ones. I can grab my stop watch and training log from one side and use the other side for pull-up bands and primpy stuff. And as a personal trainer I get a 30% discount from Athleta – nirvana for sure.
3. Bison Chalk Ball
Keeping your hands sweat-free is a must for women who lift. This Bison chalk ball made for climbers is SO much more doable than a bag of loose chalk, and a nice stocking stuffer too.
I switched from lifting gloves to chalk several years ago to eliminate that space between my grip and the bar. I have dem sweaty hands, plus having a solid grip can bring your pull ups, deadlifts, and bent-over rows to a new level.
4. Beloved Tank
By now you may have guessed that I’m Athleta obsessed, but I’m also an avid hater of sports bras. They’re horribly uncomfortable, at least for a women with a broad back courtesy of a fantastic pull ups program. That’s why I freaking love the Athleta Beloved tank. It has the best built-in bra I’ve ever seen, with removeable cups I’ll never remove (dem headlights).
This tank won’t let the girls wander out and is super flattering. It’s a tad long and yoga-ish for my usual tastes but honestly the trade-off is worth it.
5. BlueBuds X Earbuds
Blogging has its perks, and one of the best ones I ever received were my Bluebuds X wireless earbuds ($169).
Having wireless earbuds changed my gym experience exponentially – no more threading wires down my shirt and tucking my phone in my pants! In effect, I was freed… something rebel explorers like women lifters needs in spades. Plus Bluebuds come with three earbud sizes that, for the most part, stay in my ‘lil ears.
6. Beastie Ball
Another ball close to my heart (what!) is the Rumble Roller Beastie Ball. I use the firm version to work out knots in my rear deltoid and calf, but use it anywhere on your body to decrease pain and increase range of motion.
You need a little fortitude to use a ball like this… I would start with a basic tennis ball and work up. This little weightlifting gift comes with a base to keep it from rolling.
7. Rubberbanditz Pull Up Bands
Pull ups make the world go round. I consider myself to be something of a pull-ups queen and have almost all my clients doing them for a beautiful, strong back. Plus it’s just fun as hell lifitng your body through space using your own two hands.
I’m a huge proponent of using pull-up bands for certain clients and carry bands in different resistances for my low-intensity pulling days. I’ve relied on Rubberbanditz for years because I trust this product never to break or fray – kinda important when you’re exhibiting serious badassery in da gymz.
8. Bottle Band
If you follow me on Twitter you know that I’m an avid power walker. You’ve got to get your sweat on to see fierce muscle definition, you know. Since I’m also a lover of the outdoors, I use power walks as a quick way to get outside and get my heart pumping. The Bottle Band ( lets me pump my arms without throwing my water bottle across someone’s yard. You just tuck your bottle into the nonslip holder and go, go, GO.
9. Cherry Hill Jazz Pant
Women who lift thrust, squat, pull, and squeeze ourselves silly in the gym and it’s all for a good cause: A booty that turns heads. Some of us were not-so-blessed with a flat butt that requires a good, constant beating. But with weightlifting we’re able to give our glutes a better shape.
The Cherry Hill Jazz Pant shows off your hard work with just the right contouring. Check out Better Bodies’ fabulous clothing line too.
10. Nike Kay Yow Elite Crew
Ok, any product that includes yow in the title has my stamp of approval. But I also love these socks because they protect my dainty shins during heavy deadlifts. And they look cool with the bold stripe on the back.
The Nike Kay Yow Elite Crew is a so-called basketball sock but we don’t care… we steal from other sports because ours is generally underserved.
Do you have any fabulous weightlifting gifts you’d like to share? I got a shopping itch all riled up now…
Daisy graduated from Boston university with an advanced Diploma of Naturopathy and Nutrition. Her passion is health and nutrition and also provide advice that enables you to make lifestyle changes and consume the right foods and nutrients required to promote wellbeing and quality of life.