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Fitness Wish List: ; A Few Gift Suggestions for Those Who Like Working Out

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 December 2004, 00:00 CST

A few gift suggestions for those who like working out 1. ACSM Fitness Book This book is filled with great information for the beginner to the elite athlete. It meets people where they are and offers easy to understand instructions on how to achieve their goals. It is a great how to pictionary on strength training, cardiovascular choices and flexibility advice. 2. Omron Digital Pedometer A wonderfully motivational tool. Active people love to get instant feedback during their workouts. This pedometer is unlike most, however, in that it can be placed in a pocket as opposed to clipped to a belt or waistband. It is simple and provides the user with total amount of steps, distance run or walked and estimates calories burned. 3. Cooking Light Magazine Subscription This scrumptious, user-friendly magazine is for anyone who loves beautifully presented food, but also loves healthy and easy ways to prepare meals. Its a gift that truly keeps on giving the whole year through. I receive this every year from one of my friends and it still ranks right up there with my all-time, favorite gifts. 4. Personal Training Gift Certificate Never underestimate the value of working smarter, not harder! Avid exercisers are often victim of burnout. They become bored with what they are doing in the gym or at home. A few sessions with a certified personal trainer will be worth its weight in gold. They will be re-evaluated, re-directed and re- motivated all things that will leave the active person re- dedicated. 5. Fitness Travel Kit This is for those busy fitness lovers on the road who hate to miss a workout. Put together a collection of fitness tools. These might include resistance bands, jump rope, a Pilates video, sticky mat and motivational music CD all that is needed for a quick and effective training. Tuck it all inside a mesh gym bag which can be then used to bring sweaty workout clothes home in. Dont forget to tie it up with a red bow! 6. Gym Membership If youre looking for a family gift, you need look no further than your local YMCA. They offer a variety of activity choices for all ages and abilities under one roof. OK, I know that may seem self-serving, but you asked my opinion. 7. Relaxation Package Another do-it-yourself idea for anyone...yes, I said anyone. One of the nicest things you can give someone who takes working out seriously is a gift that feels good and smells good. After all, an integral part of health and fitness involves rewards. Fill a basket or new gym bag with bath salts, bath pillow, candles, loofahs, relaxation music CD and a DO NOT DISTURB sign for a much deserved, long, hot soak. 8. Balance Ball For those of you who dont already have one, make sure they are on your list. They are one of the most therapeutic fitness tools out there. These large 55, 65 and 75cm (choose size based on exercisers height) inflatable rubber balls are perfect for strengthening and adding flexibility to your abs and back. Nothing feels so good and at the same time challenges your entire core. 9. Headphones Make his or her workouts outdoors or on a cardio machine more fun by giving a lightweight pair of headphones. They dont need to be expensive, just user friendly. Try them out before you purchase them to see how friendly they actually are. Some now have the volume control on the cord so you are not searching for hard-to-find knobs on the run. 10. Gift Certificate for Spa or Massage It just doesnt get any better than this when it comes to giving. This is one present you hope you get duplicates on. It is something you cant have too many of, plus the health benefits derived from a massage or spa treatment is more than superficial. Its after-effects linger within you for hours and are rejuvenating both physically and mentally.

Dear Cindy: Can you help me sort through all the gimmicks and gadgets and come up with a great gift for my wife for Christmas? She loves to exercise and is interested in finding new "toys" so to speak. I am overwhelmed with all the possibilities. I know she already has a large ball that she works with because I trip over it every now and then. She also has a colorful weight set that I have stubbed my toes on too many times. She also has a yoga mat to lay down on that I will say I have gotten some use out of and actually enjoy. - Scott

Dear Scott: She also has a fine husband who has a great sense of humor, too! I mean, you were kidding, weren't you? Surely you're not the kind of mate that would stand by - or lay down - and watch his wife work out without jumping in and getting in shape with her! If you are, probably the best gift you could give her this Christmas is you as her workout partner.

I don't mean to be hard on you, Scott. You do have your heart in the right place. The fact that you know that she would love a fitness-related gift tells me you are in tune with your wife and her interests. So, since it is December and I am in a generous mood, I will share with you an enticing Christmas list with the active person in mind. To the right is my FitList 2004.

***

And Scott - if you are in need of some stocking stuffer ideas, fill a pair of new Thor-lo socks with vitamins, shoe insoles, lip balm, fleece head band, stress ball, workout gloves, antibacterial lotion or a personalized resistance band.

Whatever you choose from the list will no doubt be worth more than any sweater, perfume or trinket can say. To give a fitness gift says you wish her a long and healthy life and what could be better than that?

Oh yeah... having a healthy you right there with her. So, make the decision to start exercising with your wife. A couple that trains together, remains together.

To all my fitness readers, I wish you a peaceful holiday that is filled with health, love and happiness.

Cindy Boggs, free-lance fitness professional and West Virginia's director for Activate America has been an ACE certified fitness coordinator/instructor at the Charleston Family YMCA since 1989. Have a question pertaining to health and/or fitness? E-mail cindysays@aol.com or visit her at www.cindysays.com.

Source: Sunday Gazette - Mail; Charleston, W.V.

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