Healthy gifts for fitness-minded folks
Looking for a healthy present for your friends and family this holiday season? Having a difficult time thinking beyond the typical sugar-coated goodies and coffee house gift cards? With a little research, it’s possible to give your treasured Baby Boomers and seniors presents that promote fitness all year long!
Give the gift of health this holiday season
Here are 10 ideas, all under $150, that say both “I love you” and “to your good health!”
1. Pedometer. Although there’s nothing new about a pedometer, it’s an excellent way to track your activity by simply counting steps. The beauty of this device is that it’s easy to use, helps you monitor activity, and set and achieve easy exercise goals. Men should aim for approximately 8,000 steps per day, women 7,000.
2. Jawbone Activity Tracker. For those who prefer a more techie activity tracker, try the Jawbone. This bracelet lets you keep track of steps, exercise, and calories burned, along with the quantity and quality of sleep.
3. Exercise bands or tubing. The perfect exercise modality for those who can’t lift much weight or have difficulty holding dumbbells, you can’t beat these for their ease of use and travel-ability (they scrunch down into a virtually weightless coil that fits into any tight corner of your suitcase!). These exercise companions come in differing resistance levels, so be sure not to purchase ones that are too easy or too difficult.
4. A gift basket of fresh produce, whole-grain crackers, and herbal teas. Nothing says ‘love’ like wholesome food!
5. Foam-rollers. Available in a variety of diameters and stiffness, a foam roll is an excellent way to relief muscular tension after exercise. Just be sure to become familiar with proper size and use before rolling away!
6. A gift basket of fruit and vegetable seeds specific to the region and the season of planting, along with an attractive set of garden gloves, a mini-garden shovel, and sunscreen. The heirloom version of many vegetables provides a welcome variation in color, appearance, and flavor.
7. Plastic blender water bottles. These clever items can be used as a plain water bottle without the round wire whisk. Insert the blender ball, and you have a portable way to prepare protein drinks or smoothies, as well as salad dressings, pancake batter, and scrambled eggs.
8. Jump rope. Okay, so again we’re talking low-tech, but the good ol’ jump rope is an excellent way to improve your cardiovascular fitness and develop lower-leg strength when you’re short on space.
9. Gift card for a great set of new shoes. (Splurge on this, because your friends probably need them!) Most people don’t replace their shoes often enough or take the time to look at important features (for example, insole cushion, width and length of shoe, gel pad, grooves and traction). Here’s a fabulous walking shoe guide from the Mayo Clinic .
10. Subscription to a favorite health, exercise, or food magazine. Remind friends you’re thinking about them year-round as they receive a monthly dose of healthy reading!
Other ideas
For other low-cost ideas, take some time to peruse the fitness section of your local discount, big box, or book store. For a plethora of additional possibilities, check online for fitness-related gifts. Then go ahead, do the unexpected this year, and give the gift of fitness!