After a long season of merriment, festivities, and maybe a little overindulgence, the start of a new year means a new slate for a lot of us. Undoubtedly, one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions involve getting back to the gym and working off those extra holiday calories.

Now’s a great time to renew your commitment to your health! And what better way to get a little motivation than with some new workout clothes and gear to kick start your resolution?

Below are some of our picks for great workout essentials that will help you stay on track:

Women's: 1. CamelBak Quick Grip 21 oz Podium Chill Bottle, 2. Nike Lunar Hyperworkout XT+, 3. Shock Absorber Ultimate Dry Advantage Sports Bra, 4. Lucy Convertible Power Legging, 5. Nathan Sonic Boom (for the Apple® iPod nano® Generation 5), 6. Puma Half Zip Pullover

Men's: 7. Ogio Endurance Gym Bag, 8. K-Swiss Tubes® Run 100, 9. Nike + Sportband, 10. Under Armour Flex Shorts, 11. Beats by Dre Studio Over-ear Headphones ,12. Under Armour Tech Long-sleeve Tee

Feel-good endorphins. There are a couple of good ways to get them pumping; you can catch a brisk morning run before work OR you can give great gifts that make the runners on your list very happy.

These gifts should put everyone in a great mood! Now that’s a win-win situation!

Check out some of our top gift picks that’ll put a spring in any runner’s stride:

Women's: 1. Muzuno Wave® Rider 16, 2. Brooks Utopia Thermal Hoodie II, 3. Newton Running Women's Terra Momentum, 4. inov-8 F-Lite 215 (also ideal for CrossFit™!), 5. Nike Skapri  6. adidas Running Thrasher TR W

Men's: 7. Under Armour ColdGear® Fitted Longsleeve Mock, 8. Merrell Bare Access 2, 9. Brooks NightLife Essential Run Jacket II, 10. Tifosi Optics Radius Interchangeable Sunglasses, 11. Mizuno Wave ® Rider 16, 12. Nike + Sportband

For more running shoes, clothes and accessories, visit the Zappos Running Central page!

The big games officially started over the weekend and we can’t help but feel patriotic for the good ol’ USA. We picked a few items to help get you in the team spirit:

1. Alternative Apparel USA Big League Ball Tee : Perfect for the ball game or any games for that matter!

2. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer London 50 Medium (available in various colors): This classic American design gets a little UK flair.

3. Alternative Apparel USA Burnout Tank: It’ll be a “party in the USA” with this summertime tank top.

4. Nike Kids JDI USA Tee: Your little one can show his USA pride in this cool tee.

5. Butter London Heavy Medal Collection: Bronze, silver and gold isn’t just for medals! They look even better on your nails.

6. Nike Lunar Montreal in Olympic Story Blue: These patriotic shoes were built for speed and performance—like a well-built athlete.

Zapponians take their outdoor fun seriously…as you can see from our latest employee photo shoot! From hiking, cycling, swimming and trail running, we love getting out there and enjoying what Mother Nature has to offer.

We asked our four outdoor enthusiasts (and home page models of the week) some questions to get to know them a little bit more:

What’s your favorite outdoor activity to do on the weekends?

I: I love to play soccer on my days off or pretty much any day! I just recently got into cylcing which is very intense.

What three songs are always on rotation in your playlist when you’re out and about?

I:  “Let it Go”-Calvin Harris feat Ne Yo, “Heartbeat” -Childish Gambino, and “Levels”- Avicci 

Finish this sentence: “If I was in the show “Survivor”, I would have the strongest chance of winning because ________”

I: I am very funny and tall.

What three things are on your wishlist for all those outdoor activities?

I: Brooks Pureflow, Adidas Outdoor Terrex Hiking Shoes and Osprey Ariel 75 Backpack

What’s your favorite outdoor activity to do on the weekends?

J: Speeding down the roads on my TT Bike! 

What three songs are always on rotation in your playlist when you’re out and about?

J:  Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson; need I say more??? 

Finish this sentence: “If I was in the show “Survivor”, I would have the strongest chance of winning because ________”

J: I am SUPER competitive! 

What three things are on your wishlist for all those outdoor activities?

J: Columbia Roamin’ Right™ Knit Dress, Patagonia All Weather Dress, and CEP Allsports Sleeve

What’s your favorite outdoor activity to do on the weekends?

D: When the wind isn’t acting up, I LOVE to golf!!!

What three songs are always on rotation in your playlist when you’re out and about?

D: “The Motto” - Drake, “Public Service Announcement” -Jay-Z, “On to the Next One” - Jay-Z 

Finish this sentence: “If I was in the show “Survivor”, I would have the strongest chance of winning because ________”

D: I’m an Ex-Navy Seal! Seal Team 6, Whoo Rah!!! 

What three things are on your wishlist for all those outdoor activities?

D: The North Face Men’s Nimble Jacket, Nike Sunset Volley Boardshorts, and Nike Just Do It Swoosh Tee

What’s your favorite outdoor activity to do on the weekends?

C: Hiking in the mountains. 

What three songs are always on rotation in your playlist when you’re out and about?

C: I actually prefer not to listen to any music when I’m outdoors. Rare quiet time for myself and makes it easier to connect with your hiking buddies and random strangers you run into on the trail!

Finish this sentence: “If I was in the show “Survivor”, I would have the strongest chance of winning because ________”

C: I’ll research and be prepared (I do analytics for living…) 

What three things are on your wishlist for all those outdoor activities?

C: Suunto Vector, MSR Lightnight Axis Snow Shoes, Lowa Renegade GTX

Here at Zappos, there’s definitely no shortage of runners from every level—from seasoned triathlon athletes to beginners who are just getting into running. That’s why this week, we’re featuring four Zappos employees on the home page along with their picks for colorful running shoes. We think there’s no reason why you can’t look good while putting in those miles every day! Running is just more fun with cool running shoes, right?

We asked our Zappos “models” a couple of questions to delve into their running routines:

Describe your workout style in three words.

J: Loose, relaxed, maneuverable 

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

J: “Push It”- Salt n’ Peppa

   “Supermodel” –Ru Paul

   “I’m Too Sexy”- Right Said Fred

Describe your typical running routine.

J:  Stretching before and after every run is a must, and so is staying hydrated! 

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

J: Nike, Vans and Adidas

Describe your workout style in three words.

K: Comfy, trendy, all-purpose 

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

K: “Beautiful Day”-U2

     “Pump It” -The Black Eyed Peas

     “Redemption Song” -Bob Marley

Describe your typical running routine.

K: Two miles on the treadmill jamming to my iPod.

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

K: Nike, Adidas and Brooks

Describe your workout style in three words.

K: Technical, functional, memorable.

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

K: “Free Yourself” –The Untouchables

     “Sexy Back” –Justin Timberlake & Timberland

    “Cuddly Toy” –Roachford

Describe your typical running routine.

K: Wake up, down a PowerGel and a glass of water, easy 45 minutes with focus on form, walking cool down for 15 minutes then recovery with ramen noodles!

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

K: K-Swiss, Pearl iZumi, Zoot.

Describe your workout style in three words.

S: black, white, and something bright.

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

S: “Let the Drummers Kick” –Citizen Cope

    “How I Roll” –Britney Spears

    “Last Night of the Dynasty” –Shanghai Restoration Project

Describe your typical running routine.

S: Stretch for a little bit. Walk for a little bit.  Run for a lot of bits.  Stretch a medium bit. Ice knees.  Eat lots.

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

S: CW-X, Any brand that offers highlighter-colored shoes –Nike and Saucony do neon really well--, knee-high socks from Injiniji

Leave it up to bright, festive swimwear to get us in the mood for warmer climates! From bandeaus to boardshorts to bikinis, the style forecast is certainly looking sunny and bright, and we couldn’t be more excited. Check out a few of our current favorites in swim:

Men's: 1. Diesel Tropical Print Deck Boardshorts, 2. BOSS Hugo Boss Anemonefish Shorts, 3. Tommy Bahama Reef Between the Lines Swim Trunks, 4. Ted Baker Plain Swim Shorts, 5. Nike Sunset Splice Swim Shorts, 6. Robert Graham Atlantis Swim Trunk

Women's: 7.Lilly Pulitzer Keene Bandaeu Bikini Top, 8. Ella Moss Solids Soft Cup Underwire Bikini Top, 9. Body Glove Smoothies Layla Top, 10. Vitamin A Gold Swimwear Talitha Tunic, 11. Nanette Lepore Central Park Peacock Tunic, 12. Badgley Mischka Classics Surplice Blouson Mio

There’s no better way to start those New Year’s fitness resolutions than with brand new shoes. That’s right! It’s time to toss out those dirty, old sneakers! The right shoes are imperative to making sure your workout routine begins with the right support and cushioning.

Here are a few of our tried-and-true picks to get you started on the road to a healthier 2012:

Men’s:

1. Nike Free Run +2: Liberate your runs with the natural gait movement that come from these ultra-light minimalist runners.

2. New Balance MT20: The off-road enthusiast will love the flexibility and more natural gait from these trail runners.

3. Saucony Progrid™ Guide 4: These offer an extra layer of shock protection to soften the impact of your daily runs.

4. ASICS GT-2160™:  These offer the same cushioned support you’ve come to expect from ASICS with a couple of sleek design updates.

5. Brooks Adrenaline™ GTS 12: This updated version of the GTS 11 gives moderate over-pronators the stability and cushioning needed for a great run every time.

Women's:

6. ASICS Gel-Kayano® 17: Designed for the moderate over-pronator, these combine breathable cushioning with enhanced stability for running and gym workouts.

7. Nike Free Run +2: Ideal for the runner who is looking to strengthen with minimalist shoes. We love them for their super flexible, super lightweight construction.

8. Saucony Progrid™ Guide 4: The Comfortride™ sockliners not only provide superb cushioning, they are also antimicrobial and moisture-wicking, giving you a drier, more comfortable run.

9. New Balance WT20: These trail runners offer great breathability and makes a great introduction to the world of minimalist running.

10. Brooks Adrenaline™ GTS 12: This gives moderate over-pronators the stability they need without added bulk.

For even more running shoes and clothing to get you on your way to a healthy new year, check out the Zappos Running page!

Men: 1. adidas Tiro Training Jacket, 2. Brooks Essential Run Jacket, 3. Reebok Wall Season 2 Zigencore, 4. Timex Sport Ironman Midsize 10 Lap Watch

Women: 1. Lucy Vital Jacket II, 2. The North Face Isla Weekender, 3. Soleus Chicked watch, 4. Nike Free Run +2

Looking for a gift that will impress and delight the people on your gift list with athletic prowess? Look no further than our amazing selection of athletic shoes, clothing and accessories! They’re the gifts that keep on giving—in the gym, track, court or the yoga studio.