Giving The Gift Of Health And Fitness

The greatest gift that we can give to ourselves, and to our families, is the gift of fitness. In other words, using exercise and better nutrition as a way of keeping ourselves healthy. But there are ways of nudging your friends and families along the road to better health during the holiday season (or birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions, for that matter) by giving gifts that are health and fitness related. Some are simple and inexpensive, some are a little extravagant but ALL will show your friends and loved ones that you care. Here are some examples of some of the gifts that I have given in the past and I think that there might be one (or more) that would work for you this Christmas and holiday season.

One of the simplest ways to get someone started or restarted on a fitness program is to get them tuned into what’s happening in fitness on a regular basis. A subscription to a fitness magazine that promotes comprehensive health and fitness (rather than the typical “muscle mag”) would be a great way of getting reasonable and databased fitness information to a friend or loved one every month. Just receiving it in the mail regularly may help them to keep fitness and health at the forefront of their lifestyle choices. Speaking of being tuned in, how about an I-Pod or similar compact music device to keep them motivated or entertained during a regular brisk walking, running or strength training workout? If that’s a little too steep, try giving tapes or CD’s that they can use (or download) during their workout.

Footwear (walking, running, hiking or cross-training shoes) and workout clothing (shirts, shorts and workout pants, for example) is always a great gift idea for the seasoned fitness fanatic or the friend that wants to become more fit. And always keep the receipts for possible exchanges! Even better, try a gift certificate to a sporting goods, athletic footwear or fitness supply and clothing store. While you’re at the store, check out a pedometer or heart rate monitor as a gift idea that will provide an easy way of allowing the gift recipient to keep track of their distance (work load) and, more importantly, their heart rate while they exercise. These simple measurement devices vary greatly in both price (some are a s little as a few dollars) and accuracy so ask for help if your not sure which model will “fit” the bill.

Gift certificates for personal training services are also a great idea for any friend or loved one that is just starting out with a new fitness program or needs to fine-tune their current regimen. You may also want to consider a short term or long term fitness membership for your family members and friends depending upon your budget and, well……your number of friends. But you get the idea.

For stocking stuffers, you may want to give a fitness related book (even if it’s NOT mine!) as a way of helping to demystify the subject or perhaps a gift certificate to a natural food store. Finally, a basket of low-fat and healthy foods and snacks is always a hit during the holidays and will help prevent the “creeping overweight” that seems to occur during the holiday season (which starts at Thanksgiving and doesn’t seem to end until New Year’s Day!). At any rate, have a wonderful holiday season, maintain your exercise routine, eat joyfully but with moderation, enjoy the times with family and friends and I’ll see you next year. All the best!

I’m Dr. Paul Kennedy and that’s the “Be Fit, Stay Fit” Topic of the Week. Good luck with YOUR program. I KNOW you can do it!

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