• Give the sporty women in your life gifts to assist their athletic pursuits.woman leaning on exercise ball image by Ken Hurst from Fotolia.com
  
  If you have a friend or family member who's a fitness enthusiast, buy her a birthday, holiday or special occasion gift that suits her athletic pastime. Whether she enjoys walking, skiing, playing basketball or doing aerobics, choose a fitness gift that she can use while warming up, working out or cooling down.
  
  

Pocket Pedometer

• Help an avid walker keep track of her steps during workouts or hikes with a pocket pedometer that she can strap onto her waistband or shoe before embarking on a power walk. Look for a lightweight model that can count steps or count down from a pre-programmed number of steps. If you want to go beyond the basic pedometer, look for a model that also includes a stopwatch or opt for a sports-style wristwatch that also has a pedometer feature.
  
  

Workout Wear

• Let your friend or loved one work out in style with a comfortable and colorful shirt, pants or shorts made of material that will keep her cool without hindering her range of motion. If you're unsure of the recipient's exact clothing size, opt for a garment such as a lightweight workout jacket that she can wear even if it's slightly oversize. You can also compile a gift basket full of workout accessories such as a headband, sports sunglasses, a sports water bottle and a colorful towel if you want to avoid sizes entirely.
  
  

Videos and Equipment

• If a fitness-conscious friend hasn't been able to get out of the house to exercise lately, buy her a workout video and an exercise device such as a workout ball or bands that she can use if she has spare time in the day or evening. Consider her fitness level and interests when selecting a workout video---if she enjoys martial arts, for example, give her a kickboxing video that combines martial arts-style skills with an aerobic workout.
  
  

Sports Wallet

• Enable your loved one to work out without having to carry a wallet or worry about leaving valuables behind in her car or a gym locker. Give her a sports wallet designed to be strapped to her wrist, ankle or laced onto an athletic shoe. Choose a version with sturdy Velcro straps and zippered pockets to keep money, a house key and an emergency information card secure.
  
  

Personalized Tote

• Create a practical gift that your friend can use to carry workout wear and accessories to the gym or athletic events---a washable canvas tote bag customized with her name. Look for a zippered tote at a craft or sewing store that features ample room for items such as a towel, jacket, sports bottle and a change of clothing. Use fabric paint pens or alphabet iron-on transfers to add her first name or a sports-related inspirational quote along the bottom.