It really feels like 2016 was the year of Kayla Itsines — replete with a world tour, jaw-dropping client before-and-after transformations, and amassing a multimillion-person fan base.  Itsines ended November by breaking five Guinness World Records.  And how?  With squats, of course.

The BBG founder and trainer and her partner Tobi Pearce, CEO of the Bikini Body Training Company, hosted a boot camp today with over 2,200 members of the BBG Community at the Melbourne and Olympic Park in Australia.  Together, that group broke records of the most people performing different exercises at once.  Here are the official stats:

• Most people performing jumping jacks — 2,192 participants
• Most people running in place simultaneously — 2,195 participants
• Most people doing sit-ups simultaneously — 2,005 participants
• Most people performing lunges — 2,146 participants
• Most people performing squats — 2,201 participants

"Working as a team to not just achieve our fitness goals, but also to break these records today really proves that we are the largest and most influential fitness community in the world," Itsines said in a press release.  According to UK outlet Burton Mail, an attempt was made to break the squatting record earlier this year with 900 to 950 people, which Itsines and the BBG community easily surpassed with their massive crowd.  Guinness World Records official adjudicator Solvej Malouf came out to verify the new records set by Itsines, Pearce, and the community.  The records were some of many broken today as part of the 12th annual Guinness World Records Day.

And if you've ever wondered why her fans are so loyal and dedicated, look no further than this example:  in true BBG fashion, Itsines celebrated the moment by giving "an inspirational and moving BBG Community member" a $5,000 check to be donated to her charity of choice, as well as a $5,000 travel voucher for her to spend with her family.

Stretching has a way of melting away stress and worry, but there's no need to unroll your yoga mat.  Here are nine stretches you can do in your pajamas and your bed — either before you go to sleep or once your alarm goes off — or both!  Do all nine if you have time, or just pick a few.  Either way, you'll feel more relaxed, whether you're heading to the land of nod or waking with the sun.

 

 

Spinal Twist

Here's a stretch that seems like it was made to do in bed.  It will target your lower back.

• Lie on your back in the middle of your bed.  Bend both knees into the chest, and then cross them over to the left side of your body.  You can even let your knees hang slightly over the edge of the bed for a deeper stretch.
• Extend your arms in T position, and gaze to the right.
• Stay like this for 30 seconds or more, feeling your spine lengthen and twist.  You may even hear some cracks.
• Use your abs to lift your knees back to center, and repeat on the other side.

 

Knee to Chest Back Stretch

You'll love this simple lower back stretch.

• Lie on your back with your legs extended.
• Gently bend your left knee into your chest.  Clasp your hands in front of your shin and gently pull down to increase the stretch.  Release any tension in your shoulders and neck.
• Keep your right leg relaxed in a comfortable position.
• Hold for 30 seconds and then repeat with the right knee bent.

 

Reclining Hamstring Stretch

Here's a relaxing way to stretch one hamstring at a time.

• Lie on your back.  Raise your left leg as high as you can, keeping your pelvis flat on the ground.  Hold your lower thigh and encourage the leg to move toward your head.  Flex your bottom foot to stretch your calf too.
• Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.

 

Lying Side Quad Stretch

This relaxing stretch will target your quads, hip flexors, and shoulders.

• Lie on your left side.  Bend your left elbow and prop your head up with your left hand.
• Bend your right knee and hold on to the top of your foot with your right hand.  Pull your heel toward your bum.  If you find it tough to balance, bend your bottom knee as well.
• Hold for 30 seconds, pressing your hips slightly forward to increase the stretch in the front of your thigh.
• Release the stretch, roll over onto your right side and stretch your left quad.

 

Half Happy Baby

This variation on the yoga pose Happy Baby lengthens the lower back and opens up always-tight hips.

• Lie on your back with your legs extended.
• Gently bend your left knee and hold on to the sole of your foot with both hands.  Gently press your knee toward the bed so it's next to your torso and just below your shoulder.  Your back and head should remain resting on the bed.
• Keep your right leg relaxed in a comfortable position.
• Hold for 30 seconds and then repeat with the right leg.

 

Happy Baby

Here's more hip and lower back love!

• Lie on your back, bend both knees and hold on to the outside edges of your feet.
• Gently use your arm muscles to pull your knees toward the floor beside your chest.  Relax your shoulders and your head, staying here for 30 seconds.

 

Cobra

This gentle stretch lengthens the muscles in your abs, chest, and neck; it also increases flexibility in your spine.

• Roll over onto your belly and extend your arms out in front of you.  If you're tall, you can hang your feet over the end of the bed.
• Keeping your legs and pelvis grounded, slowly begin to walk your hands toward your chest.  As your torso lifts off the bed, keep a slight bend in your elbows.  Walk your hands in until you feel a nice stretch in your abs.  Relax your shoulders away from your ears and lengthen your neck.  If it feels OK, lower your head back between your shoulder blades, and you'll feel a nice stretch in your chest and neck.
• Stay here for 30 seconds and then lower your torso back to the bed.

 

Fish

You'll not only stretch the muscles in your torso and feel your spine elongate, but you'll also feel this position bring length to your neck, chest, and shoulders.

• Lie on your back with your legs extended.
• Lift the head and upper back off the bed and prop your torso up with your elbows.
• Relax your head back, opening through the throat.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds.

 

Butterfly

Here's a great pose to end with that will stretch out the hips and lower back.

• Sit with both knees bent, soles of the feet touching.
• Fold forward as far as you want, resting the hands on your ankles or on the bed in front of your feet.
• Enjoy this stretch for 30 seconds.

We're looking back at 2016 fondly, because this year we couldn't stop smiling and dancing, thanks to our discovery of The Fitness Marshall:  the most hilarious and fun YouTube trainer we've ever seen.  Throughout the past year, we've grooved along to chart toppers and throwbacks alike, with fun and simple cardio choreography that got us sweating, laughing, and forgetting that we were exercising.  Here are some of our favourite moments from this year with Caleb and his "Backup Booties".

 

"Work From Home"

How could we forget the first moment we saw The Fitness Marshall, when we discovered this sassy routine to "Work From Home" by Fifth Harmony?

 

"Cheap Thrills"

The most fun we had at any given moment this year was watching and dancing to this video of "Cheap Thrills" by Sia.  Great song, great dance, great trainer.  It's just SO FUN.

 

"Closer"

The Chainsmokers' and Halsey's song "Closer" was undoubtedly one of the biggest songs of the year, and we loved dancing to it with team TFM.

 

"Side to Side"

We couldn't help but move every time Ariana Grande's "Side to Side" came on, so fortunately Caleb and crew choreographed some moves for us.

 

The Fitness Marshall Will Make You Lose Control With This Heart-Pumping Cardio Hip Hop

When the Fitness Marshall crew came to San Francisco, they recorded this awesome Missy Elliott throwback.

 

"Me Too"

All Summer long we danced to Meghan Trainor's "Me Too" (and word on the street is that Meghan loved this dance, too).

 

"Work"

Possibly our favorite song, dance, and video of the year was this choreography to "Work" by Rihanna.

 

"Make Me"

Caleb from The Fitness Marshall LOVES Britney Spears, so her new album was a prime opportunity for a new dance this year.

 

"Cold Water"

We love "Cold Water" from Major Lazer and Justin Bieber, and this video plastered a smile on our faces for hours.

 

"Trumpets"

Since we hadn't heard "Trumpets" by Sak Noel, Salvi, and Sean Paul before this video, we now ONLY associate it with The Fitness Marshall and this hilarious video.

 

"Can't Stop the Feeling"

Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling" makes you want to move your feet, and The Fitness Marshall delivered for us.

 

"Phone"

You probably haven't heard this song before ... and that's OK, because the stars of the show here are the hilarious faces and commentary from your favorite YouTube trainer.

Get ready to work your abs, legs, and butt with this toning and sculpting workout from Selena Gomez's trainer Amy Rosoff Davis.  The workout mixes Pilates, dance, and yoga to create long, lean muscles.  If you're new to working out, you can still do this 30-minute sculpting session as Amy provides helpful modifications, one being that you can use a chair for balance while pulsing your leg in arabesque.  Yep, Amy has a strong dance background, so there will be a few ballet positions in the workout.  Press play and channel your inner ballerina like her clients Kristen Bell, Taylor Schilling, and Emma Roberts do.

 

So you want a nicer-than-average gift for your fit best friend, your parent starting a healthy journey, or a significant other who loves to work out — but you might not have a ton of money to spend.  Let's go with $100 and under so you can give something meaningful and awesome without breaking the bank.  We've rounded up thoughtful, practical, and totally swoon-worthy gifts that help with exercise, healthy eating, and active adventures of all kinds — and many of these are some of our favorite products that we use daily (read:  they'll love them as much as we do!)

 

Adidas Energy Cloud WTC Running Shoe

Running shoes under $100 — and they're good looking?  It's not too good to be true.  Bonus:  We've tested these, and they're awesome.

Adidas Energy Cloud WTC Women's Running Shoes ($62, originally $65)

 

Sol and Selene Balance and Bliss Gym Bag

Give a stylish upgrade to a well-loved, possibly-tattered gym bag with this beautifully sleek duffle from Sol and Selene.

Sol and Selene Balance and Bliss Gym Bag ($100)

 

Fitbit Flex 2 Fitness Wristband

For a fantastic fitness gift at the $100 price point, look no further than this swim-proof Fitbit Flex 2, which can track activity, steps, and more.

Fitbit Flex 2 Fitness Wristband ($100)

 

Gray Malin x S'well Deer Valley Skiers Bottle

A luxe water bottle makes a thoughtful and practical gift — this limited holiday edition S'well features wintry art from iconic photographer Gray Malin.

Gray Malin x S'well Deer Valley Skiers Bottle ($42)

 

Young Living Home Diffuser

Young Living creates an exceptionally high-end assortment of home diffusing products and essential oils;  this home diffuser is affordable and will help in setting up a peaceful environment for yoga, meditation, sleep, and everyday life.

Young Living Home Diffuser ($84)

 

Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Crew

A classic long-sleeve crew is a wintertime staple in an active wardrobe, and this Lululemon style is incredibly flattering and breathable.

Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Crew ($78)

 

WelleCo The Super Elixir Nourishing Protein

This high-end plant-based protein powder is made with superfood ingredients like acai, pomegranate, and rosehip to deliver so much more than your daily grams of protein.

WelleCo The Super Elixir Nourishing Protein ($70)

 

Manduka Prolite Opalescent Yoga Mat

For under $100, you can give your loved one the best yoga mat they'll ever have.  And the best part is that they'll remember you each time they practice (or savasana).

Manduka Prolite Opalescent Yoga Mat ($98)

 

PlateJoy 1 Year Subscription

Help kickstart a healthy year by subscribing a loved one to a customizable meal plan service for a year.  Are they starting the Low-FODMAPS diet or going Paleo?  Not to worry — PlateJoy will make it easier than ever by creating custom grocery lists with recipes for every meal, based on the user's unique preferences — down to preferred grocery store and how many minutes they have for breakfast.

PlateJoy 1 Year Subscription ($89)

 

Damselfly Namaste B*tches Candle

For the friend with extra personality, and an affinity for yoga, this "creamy coconut, light musk, and white floral fragrance" scented candle talks the talk.

Damselfly Namaste B*tches Candle ($58)

 

CALIA Hobo Gym Bag

This gym bag is stylish enough for the gym, yoga studio, and to run errands afterward.

CALIA Hobo Gym Bag ($70)

 

Nike Free TR6 Training Shoe

One of Nike's best training shoes, with a bronzy punch of style.  And it's under $100 ... so you might want to get yourself a pair, too.

Nike Free TR6 Training Shoe ($90)

 

X Training Pink Rubber Hex Aerobic Dumbbell Set Singles

Upgrade their home gym collection with superbeautiful dumbbells that'll make those extra reps extra sweet.

X Training Pink Rubber Hex Aerobic Dumbbell Set Singles ($100)

 

Breville Juice Fountain Compact Juice Extractor

Hit your budget and pull on their juice-loving heartstrings with a compact machine that won't take up a ton of counter space (awesome for a friend who lives in a smaller apartment!).  Now you can head to their house for homemade juices all year long.

Breville Juice Fountain Compact Juice Extractor ($100)

 

TimoLabs Corbett Mini Waterproof Wireless Speaker

For the studio, pool-side, clipped to your bike, and anything else you can think of, this brings the tunes with you, in a durable, rugged shell that can survive all types of tumbles.

TimoLabs Corbett Mini Waterproof Wireless Speaker ($70)

 

Nautilus Complete Yoga and Pilates Set

An ideal starter kit for at-home workouts, this set comes with a yoga mat, block, Pilates weight balls, an exercise ball, resistance bands, and a foot pump — and then some workout DVDs to top it off.

Nautilus Complete Yoga and Pilates Set ($70)

 

Alo Yoga High Waist Airbrush Legging

Luster leggings take your basic black yoga pants and give them a much needed makeover, in the subtlest of ways.  This glossy number from Alo has a high waist to keep everything covered.

Alo Yoga High Waist Airbrush Legging ($82)

 

Sunski Dipseas Sunglasses

For running, biking, hiking, or any other outdoor activity (even skiing!), you'll want to protect your eyes from the sun.  Do it with style in these supercool Sunski polarized sunglasses that also gives back to the environment.

Sunski Dipseas Sunglasses ($55)

 

YETI Rambler 36

If the great outdoors is their favorite gym, give them a insulated water bottle from one of the most trusted brands out there.  The cap makes it easy for hiking, paddling, or backpacking.

YETI Rambler 36 ($50)

 

Naturopathica Soothe Away Soreness Gift Set

For the friend who needs some DOMs relief — give them this set full of arnica, sweet birch, and peppermint.  With icy rescue cream, arnica gel for joints and muscles, and magnesium bath flakes, they'll be feeling better in no time thanks to luxurious natural remedies.

Naturopathica Soothe Away Soreness Gift Set ($64)