Health & Fitness

Finding a Health and Fitness Gift this Christmas Season

Take care of your loved ones this year. Invest in their health. It doesn’t have to be Christmas to share healthy habits, but it’s a great time to start. We’ve got some Christmas gifts that can help your loved ones reach their fitness goals, either alone or with company. We’ve found gift ideas that inspire and motivate, making positive habits easy to form.

Everyone is active in a different way, and some more than others. Basic exercises like walking, breathing and stretching can be accomplished by almost anyone. However, we don’t all have the skills to maximize these exercises. Simple breathing techniques can improve circulation and reduce stress. DVDs, audio recordings and books can teach new approaches to everyday tasks. Simple daily exercises can help improve posture, shed weight, count calories, etc.

Dancing is a fun, simple way to be active. Dance alone, with a partner, or in a group. There are venues for all types of movement; ballroom, belly, and even Salsa dancing are available in almost every region. All you have to do is look and you’ll find a something new to try. Consider giving a class or workshop certificate as a Christmas gift. It can be a stocking stuffer or a main present. You can even take the class together.

If a family member is looking for a way to improve flexibility and strength, give them Yoga. How can you give the gift of yoga? Try purchasing a designer yoga mat, an ecofriendly water bottle and a DVD of simple yoga moves. Toss it into a gift bag and you’ve turned a gift idea into reality!

Do you have a loved one who likes to lift weights? Consider getting him or her a gym membership or equipment to use at home. Training kits include videos and basic equipment like a mat or medicine ball. Health supplements might be also be desired, as diet is also a crucial part to health.

There are hundreds of activities, games and sports that can keep you active and in shape. Join a league or local team. Some teams are more structured and have set practice and game times. Others are more relaxed and meet in a casual setting or public park. Don’t be embarrassed if you’ve never played sports, or are a beginner in some way. There are groups for every skill and experience level. Even if you have special needs, you can find some way to get involved.

Remember, healthy habits develop over time, and we all need support. Your recipient will appreciate the effort you put on behalf of your own health, as well as theirs.

The Gift of Health

Not everyone today can afford health care coverage, especially vision and dental. Because of this, you might consider sponsoring a family member’s doctor visit or exam this Christmas. While it is not a romantic gift idea by any means, it is thoughtful and can have a positive impact in their life.

In this category, we have included a few sites that focus on vision. You can give a gift certificate for an eye exam or for new glasses or contacts. If these basics are already covered, consider giving stylish sun or reading glasses. When a person can’t see correctly, they are more likely to strain their eyes and create wrinkles in their forehead. Help loved ones avoid this by giving glasses as gifts!

Skin care is also an essential part of health. Nothing is more embarrassing than having unclear or unhappy skin. Help out a friend or loved one by giving specialty cleansers, scrubs or serums. Cosmetics come in a variety of scents and contain many different ingredients. try to stick with high quality products that contain natural or plant based ingredients. Don’t be afraid to read labels to know what’s in any product you are considering buying. Your recipient will be overjoyed at this gift idea.

Fitness Equipment ranges in size and cost. Small free weights can be very inexpensive, while treadmills and large equipment cost more. No matter your budget, you can find a Christmas gift in this category.

Other gifts make exercise easier. Give an mp3 player designed to be worn during workouts. Pedometers count a person’s steps throughout the day, giving them a sense of accomplishment at the miles walked. Proper footwear can make or break a workout. Give training or workout shoes to help a loved one reach their fitness goal this Christmas.

Lastly, we want to remind you that fitness apparel is a luxury for athletes. Most athletic clothing use special materials which make it breathable and/or sweat proof. Some have special pockets for storage while exercising, which is helpful. Look for designs that won’t pinch or pull during movement, and that have solid structure. Workout clothes need to stand up to regular washing.

Check out this year’s most popular Christmas gifts.