Gift Guide: The Best Workout Clothes for the Holidays

One of your friends, family members or co-workers will make a New Year's resolution to get or stay healthy. It's inevitable. It's why health club memberships surge in January and people hit the stores to grab new workout garb. 

So, why not help them out? Instead of giving them some book they'll never read or gift certificate they'll never use, get them on the right path with these threads and treads -- the best workout clothes for the holidays. 

10. Jordan Drive Basketball Shorts

Look, a lot of dude's don't like woking out in running shorts. They're just too short and tight for the normal gym rat. So, the best option then is basketball shorts. Aside from their intended purpose, you can feel comfortable on the treadmill and the squat rack, too. 

And if you're going to buy some, why not grab the best out there? Jordan was the best player ever, and makes some of the coolest basketball apparel as well. It's only logical to gift-wrap a pair of these (a brand-new style for the holidays) and lay it up under the tree.

9. North Face 'Better Than Naked' Jacket

Yes, that actually is the name. But North Face doesn't mess around with jackets, and they wouldn't be saying it if it wasn't true.

There's no doubt that running is a great way to get in shape, and a jacket like this enables you to run comfortably in cold weather. No more blaming the forecast for interfering with your fitness. Which is pretty much exactly what the cold weather masters over at North Face say about it.

Designed to thrive on cold, windy, wet, wintertime runs, this new lightweight hooded performance jacket eliminates excuses to skip a run."

8. Vibram FiveFingers

Seriously. No, we're not messing with you. Yes, these shoes look odd, and may result in getting some stares for the wearer, but the person with these on their feet won't care. Why? Because they work. 

Vibram's are getting more and more common around the gym, and that's because fitness buffs are starting to recognize the benefits of the innovative footwear. And if you don't believe us, check out five reasons why wearing these shoes is "natural."  

7. Reebok CrossFit: Warm-Up Full Zip Hood

CrossFit is getting bigger and bigger, and that's because more and more people are realizing just how effective the program is (this writer included). And what's a true, American sign of something making it "big?" Endorsement deals. 

So Reebok and CrossFit have teamed up to create workout apparel that will allow for people to perform high-intensity movements while being comfortable as well. One of the best examples of that is this sweatshirt. 

6. Under Armour 'Heatgear' Compression T Shirt

You see the Under Armour logo on some of the most in-shape people at your gym, and it's no coincidence. This company started out by courting the truly dedicated athletes and fitness buffs, and this shirt is one of the reasons they've been able to become so successful. 

As they put it, you "get" a lot with this T:

"

Get the stretch that improves cross training mobility. Get the compression fit that boosts your muscle performance. Get the odor-blocking fabric that also wicks sweat to keep you cool, dry, and light. Get the 30+ UPF that protects. And get it all in one, second-to-none, competition-killing shirt.

"

5. Addidas Samba

You will not find a better multi-purpose shoe out there. What does this shoe do well? EVERYTHING:

1. It has universal respect in the soccer world, where it originally cut its teeth. 

2. It is well-respected in the fashion world, and can even work with a suit if you feel like getting rebellious.

3. It is cheap.

4. It is durable. (My last pair lasted through two years of high school and all of college.)

5. It is the perfect shoe for someone who doesn't want to carry around an extra pair of shoes in their bag just to go hit the weight room.  

4. Nike Dri-Fit Socks

If you're going to put socks in somebody's stocking, make sure they're some awesome ones. 

Enter Nike's Dri-Fit Socks. They're great for runners and athletes. Sweat and wetness can make things miserable, so why not get a sock that helps you out in that regard? 

Especially when they're not that much more coin than regular socks. 

3. Belkin 'ProFit Deluxe Armband' for IPhone 4S

Some people can run without listening to music. They're crazy. All the respect in the world to them, but I need tunes when my feet are pounding the pavement. But I also like to have my phone with me in case an important call, text or email comes my way. 

So the best bet is getting an arm band to carry your iPhone with you on your run. This one from Belkin does it all, and will fit that fancy new 4S model everyone's gawking over. Oh, and they make it for iPods, too. 

2. New Balance New Sky

Why not go green while going to the gym? That's what you get with this awesome pair of eco-aware kicks from New Balance. Dubbed New Sky, this model of shoes is made from 95 percent recycled materials. 

Plus, they look awesome. 

Plus, as anybody whose ever owned a pair of New Balances knows: They are comfortable. 

How can you go wrong?

1. Under Armour Flex Pants

Never, never, never should a grown man wear sweat pants to the gym. Around the house? Go for it. But at the gym or on a run, don't. 

Luckily, there's plenty of options available. Take for example, these. They're "incredibly light, moisture-wicking, and breathable," says the company who makes them. 

And most important: They're not sweat pants. You can't go wrong with these.