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Feeling Fit: 2009 Holiday Fitness Gift Ideas
No matter how many people are on your gift list there’s always at least one that’s a stumper. Well, if you’re shopping for a gym junky, or just somebody who’s already proclaiming a New Year’s resolution to get fit, why not give them the tools and accessories they need for a health regime? Here are some suggestions to help cross that health nut off your list.
Gizmos and Gadgets
The Wii Fit was such a hit that Nintendo launched its sequel, the Wii Fit Plus ($99.00), just in time for the 2009 holiday season. Wii Fit Plus contains all the features of the original but adds 15 new activities, 6 strength and yoga exercises, and the ability to fully customize your own routine. Already have Wii Fit? No problem; purchase the Wii Fit Plus disk ($19.99) which transfers previously saved files from the Wii Fit into the Plus. Available at local electronic and retail outlets.
Compatible with iPod Nano, iPod Touch and iPhone 3GS, the Nike + iPod Sportkit ($29 at www.apple.com) helps joggers, runners and those using cardio machines track their time, distance, pace and calories burned. Data is collected either via a sensor in your shoe or a connection to your cardio machine and then sent to the iPod for audio feedback and display. iPod recommends using Nike + shoes with the foot sensor, but you can easily attach the sensor to any running shoe with special attachments like Runaway clip-ons ($8.99 at www.switcheasy.com) or lace-ins ($4.95 at www.lacelid.com). Locally available at Apple retailers.
Cardiac Friendly Cuisine
Devin Alexander, author of the NY Times bestseller Biggest Loser Cookbook, offers a new family friendly version, Biggest Loser Family Cookbook. With more than 125 guilt-free, budget friendly recipes, you can whip up recipes like hula pizza, mandarin orange chicken and even a meatball parmesan sub. Fast Food Fix, also by Alexander, takes recipes from fast food chains, including guilt laden Subway oatmeal cookies, and reinvents ingredients for healthier versions. Available at Borders and Barnes & Noble Bookstores for $21.95.
Slow cookers ($29.99+), available at Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond and most kitchen appliance retailers, are making a comeback. Healthy accompaniments to this gift include Fix-It and Forget It Lightly Low-Fat Slow Cooker Cookbook by Phyllis Pellman (try the Beef Stroganoff and the Caramelized Pears ‘n’ Wine) for around $14.99, and Slow-Cooker Liner Bags ($1.99) for clean-up in less than a minute. Cookbook is available at Barnes & Noble; liner bags are sold at most grocery stores.
Fun & Functional
A Physio/Fitness Ball is one piece of equipment that can shape, tone and stretch the body while providing a great, low impact workout at home. Danskin’s Core Ball Plus ($50 and up) features a floor ring for added stability and two resistance tubes with adjustable handles attached to its sides for a new level of training. A variety of instructional DVDs are available to customize your workout. Available at Bed Bath and Beyond.
Practicing fitness moves on a Wobble or Balance Board will not only challenge one’s core but tone without building bulky muscles. They’re perfect for those training for board sports or anybody looking to improve their balance and strength. ($10 and up)
Resistance Tubing ($7.50 and up) is used for toning all muscle groups and comes in six resistance strengths. Extremely light weight, portable and easily stored, these are perfect for fitness fanatics who like to workout anytime, anywhere. Both Balance Boards and Resistance Tubes can be found at Dick’s, Sports Authority, Big 5, Target and Walmart.
Apparel & Accessories
There is no excuse for missing workouts when your clothes are packed and ready to go in a new gym bag. Puma bags are functional, including zippered areas that separate dirty clothes from clean, yet fashionable enough to sport as purses or luggage. Check them out at Puma stores in Town Square or Fashion Show Mall.
Adidas’ new line of ClimaWarm® workout clothes keep cold weather warriors dry and comfortable in chilly conditions, yet still allows sweat to escape ($55.00 on up for Clima365 pieces). If you’re looking to spend less, but still want to give the gift of fashionable workout wear, check out Target or Nordstrom Rack.
Lucy active wear, yoga accessories, hats and leggings are the latest in fitness wear that’s fun, energetic and inspirational. The new Hatha pant is even socially conscious, with partial sales proceeds through December going to Off the Mat, Into the World, a charity organization that bridges yoga and service. Visit the Lucy store in Town Square.
Stocking Stuffers
Last minute stuffers include specially padded Thorlos® blister-free socks ($12 and up), available at REI, Outdoor World and Boot Barn; EZ-Freeze® Flip ‘n’ Flow sports bottles and others that hook onto belt loops, making hydration “green” and stylish; and a variety of Gift Cards from health conscious establishments including Whole Foods, iTunes, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Puma or Lululemon.
Remember, fitness is priceless. Give a gift that inspires health, happiness and a renewed outlook on life that lasts far beyond the holiday hoopla.
