"Unique
Holiday Gift Ideas."
By Lynn Bode
Well, it’s that time of year again – the holiday
shopping season has arrived. Have you thought about what you are
going to give those people on your “hard to shop for” list? Instead
of another tie for your dad or music CD for your sister, why don’t
you give them a truly unique and invaluable gift? I’m talking
about the gift of fitness.
The gift of fitness is something that you can
give to just about everybody on your shopping list, from your
parents, to your spouse, a friend, your siblings, an employee
or co-worker, even your children. And it’s a gift that is invaluable
to everyone. After all who doesn’t want to look better, feel better,
and be healthier?
And, it’s a gift that you can truly feel proud
to give. When you give someone the gift of fitness, you are helping
him open a door to better health (both physically and mentally).
I can’t think of a more thoughtful gift that shows the recipient
how much you care about their well-being. By giving the gift of
fitness you are providing them with unlimited health benefits.
Of course, we all know that exercise can help
people stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the
other great benefits of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces
stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness has been linked
to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression.
Researchers also believe that strength training can help prevent
osteoporosis. Not to mention that exercise also improves self-esteem,
increases stamina and ultimately helps you be able to do continuous
work for longer.
I bet a lot of people on your shopping list would
find these fitness benefits incredibly invaluable. If the people
on your list are like most of us, they’ve probably even mentioned
how they want to drop a few pounds of just get in better shape.
In fact, experts say that about 62% of Americans are currently
on a diet. By giving the gift of fitness you are helping provide
them with motivation (which is one of the biggest obstacles in
getting fit). They may feel more motivated to actually get fit
because they don’t want to feel guilty for ignoring such a thoughtful
gift (this is especially true when you give an online personal
training gift certificate, which is a great motivator).
While fitness gifts are incredibly valuable,
they don’t have to be expensive. Gifts can cost as little as $5
or range into the $100s of dollars. Here are a few suggestions
in the various price ranges:
Under $15:
• Resistance Band (also makes a great stocking
stuffer)
• Dumbbells
• Jump Rope (also makes a great stocking stuffer)
• Exercise Mat
$15 - $35
• Fitness Ball
• Online Personal Training Program (custom designed for the gift
recipient)
• Home Exercise Video (also makes a great stocking stuffer)
• Heart Rate Monitor
Over $35
• Full dumbbell set
• Treadmill
• Bicycle
• Yoga Kit
Giving something that supports health and wellness
will be appreciated for years to come and may even turn someone's
life around. The gift of fitness will make the recipient feel
special – they’ll know that someone cared enough to give them
the opportunity to improve their health. And, giving a gift that
will help someone lead a healthier life is also one of the most
rewarding gifts you can give. So why spend another holiday season
searching for the perfect gift only to end up with the same old
things like gift certificates or socks or books? Surprise everyone
this year and give the gift that comes from the heart and truly
keeps on giving throughout the New Year and beyond. And don’t
forget yourself – you deserve the gift of fitness too!
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