I can’t remember the brand name for who makes it but it’s the one you see all over boxing rings. Ah… Everlast! It’s black, comes in two weights, very well-made and should last a lifetime.
Can you get them at Dicks or Sports Authority or something like it?
If it were me I’d spend it on fencing lessons. Lots of fun and all those lunges are great for the legs and butt.
How into fitness are you?
We have a similar program with a similar amount. I’m using half of it to go to an Extreme Bootcamp fitness training 8-week program that includes before and after VO2 max and Basal Metabolic Rate tests.
Personal Training has been suggested, but what about a nutritionist as well?
Gait Analysis if you’re a runner.
A spiffy new bike.
Sport Massage!
Maybe a Kayak? or Canoe?
Would they go for a hot tub?
You could spend $1K easy on a bike and gear. $150 for helmet, $150 for shoes, $700 for a bike.
$1K might get you a nice, used tandem bicycle, if you have a partner.
Kitesailing lessons and kit
Personal training
A proper bodyfat/composition analysis
A road bike
Skiis/snowboard
Pilates classes
Sports massages
Rock climbing lessons and kit
Kettleballs
Elliptical trainer
Swim stroke correction lessons
Get a bow and arrows and practice for the next Olympics to get an Archery medal. Here’s an example.
Don’t forget the suit of Lincoln green to go with it.
For $987.50 i’ll chase you around with a big knife for a year.
The other $12.50 is for the knife.
I’m not real big on stuff like gym memberships (I’ve had them in the past) - unless you know that you’ll use it consistently it’s a bit of a gamble (FWIW I’ve had several memberships which I did use consistently for years). If you do get one don’t pay upfront.
My first thought, like many others, was a nice bike. Healthy and practical these days with the price of gas. Remember to budget for the other stuff that you’ll need - tops being a quality helmet. I’d also throw in a good pair of bike shorts, lock, front/back light set, portable pump and a floor pump, patch kit/tire levers and a little bike multitool. All are vital purchases IMHO. If you don’t know how to do basic maintenance get a good book on it or take a class at your bike shop or REI.
I happen to like running and hiking, so stuff like new shoes/boots, replacement insoles if needed, running watch, trekking poles, quality socks (I am a sock fanatic), hydration (whether it be a simple bottle to run with or a nice Camelbak appropriate to the activity). There are some fancy electronics out there - wristwatches with compass & altimeter, wrist GPS/heartrate monitors, regular GPS for trekking. That’s getting a bit fancy I think.
Proper clothes for your sport(s) of choice - like I said I’m a sock guy so I’d probably get some (more) proper socks and liners. Various types of wicking clothes, hats, perhaps even sunglasses - if you gave me $1000 I’d be investing in some quality prescription sunglasses.
Snowshoeing is a great way to keep active in the winter. A pair of quality snowshoes (I’ve always used Atlas but the MSR ones look nice as well) can be $200. You’d also need some decent wicking long undies, waterproof boots and shell clothes. A pair of proper glasses for winter - I have a set of Julbo glacier glasses that cost $30 and are wonderful. There’s a ton of glare off the snow.
Maybe some books and/or magazine subscriptions? “Fixing Your Feet”, “The Well Fed Backpacker”, maps, “Runner’s World”, “Bicycling”, “Outside”…
REI offers a bunch of adventure trips. Use $10 (or whatever it is these days) for a membership, and the rest on a trip
How about SCUBA gear?
A rowing scull?
Backpacking stuff (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, etc)
Brian
First of all, I want a job where you work, and I’ll move to VA!
If I got a $1k yearly allowance I would take jiu-jitsu or MMA classes, no question.
You can’t use that bow in the Olympics.
Racquetball racket and lessons
Membership in adult sports leagues
Windsurfing gear
A lot of lazer tag games
1,000 tennis balls.
1,000 donuts (don’t think it’s fitness related? I guareentee the fitness level of someone with 1,000 donuts is different than someone without).
Purchase and maintain a dog that needs to be walked regularly.
Add a sauna to your house. It’ll probably be over $1,000, but a one-person one might be close. Some of them come with pamphlets listing many, many health gains. (To be taken with a grain of salt.)
Take fencing lessons.
Buy the armor, rattan sword, and shield for SCA (or other re-enactment) fighter practice and tournaments.
I believe you, but why not? And where can you find a site that shows a bow that you could use in the Olympics?
Sorry, it occurred to me that I should’ve clarified but the 5-minute edit window was gone. They only allow recurve bows in the Olympics. The one you linked to is compound (it has cams - “pulleys”, I think, in Europe - on the ends.)
A high-quality mandoline used for chopping vegetables. This one runs about $400. http://www.nextag.com/All--zzprofessional+mandolinez1zBiz5---html?nxtg=3ac40a240517-4631CB04F0803A12 Go ahead and get the recommended Kevlar gloves to protect your fingers.
A Community Supported Agriculture membership.
If you’re into gardening, maybe get some funding to grow fresh vegetables.
The nice thing about the bike is that it is the gift you can keep giving yourself. If you already have a cheap one, buy really nice gear, seat and a bike computer. The next year, upgrade the wheels. The next year, the derailleur, and maybe the stem. The next year, the frame. Repeat, …
Then there are things like wet suits for triathlons, wet suits for diving. Diving and climbing are two sports into which you can sink any amount of money.
Or, I’d just use it for massages. I would think an hour massage in VA might cost $60 - $75. At one a month, your done.
$1,000 won’t make a dent if you want to get serious about triathlon, but it’s better than nothing. It’s a fun and addicting sport.
A kayak.
Bowling ball, shoes, and shirts.
Cross-country skis.
Golf clubs, shoes, and lessons.
Treadmill. stairclimber, or other similar equipment.
Hockey gear.
Surfboard.
Recumbent bike.
Paddle canoe.
Sailboard.