Get-in-shape gifts: What to give the fitness buff in your life
It is that time of year again. Christmas music pours out of your car radio. Decorations galore catch your eye as you drive by. The malls are packed with people toting bags of gifts, and children are lining up to see Santa Claus. Yes, the holidays have arrived and the same question we ask ourselves every year at this time has popped into our minds yet again.
What in the world am I going to get everyone on my list? This year, why not rule out the standard sweater and newest toy on the market and buy something that is extremely useful for that fitness buff or want-to-be-fitness buff in your life? It's a gift that will keep on giving.
For the 'would prefer to workout in the luxury of my own home' person in your life
Horizon Performance Series T1200 Treadmill: This treadmill costs $1,199 at Dick's Sporting Goods and, yes, it is a pricey gift. But if your loved one is all about the home workout, nothing beats their own machine. It also has turbo speakers and unique console buttons and comes with an iPod docking station. Wow, the things they can do with technology and exercise.
Gaiam Toning Ball Workout kit: This contraption comes with a 35-minute workout video and a 4-pound medicine ball that can help you to build strength, flexibility and improve balance all without a gym membership. Go to gaiam.com for more information.
AB Lounge Ultra: Available at all sporting goods stores, the AB Lounge Ultra, priced at $169.99, offers a full range of motion allowing you to get more muscle activity in the upper and lower abdominals as well as the obliques. This one also comes with a unique ergonomic design that helps support your head, neck and back while the Focus Strap helps to provide several different hand positions. It folds up easy so it won't have to sit in the middle of the living room at all times. It is perfect for the person who loves sit-ups but would like something different from the old-fashioned way.
Gym memberships: Whether you are a person who loves to exercise or dreads it, not many people would be disappointed to receive a gym membership for a gift. Even a one-year membership to get them motivated to start would make anyone extremely grateful. The big gyms such as Lifetime Fitness, Bally's and Xsport Fitness offer deals and packages that change every couple of months and range in price depending on what features you are looking for. All three gyms have various locations around the Chicago area. Check out xsportfitness.com/index.htm, lifetimefitness.com and ballytotalfitness.com for details.
Online personal trainer: Going to a personal trainer is great, but for that person in your life who needs the extra push to make time for fitness at odd hours, this unique idea is for them. You can sign them up for a virtual personal trainer at MyFitnessExpert.com, and they can then pick a real-life personal trainer who will construct a workout program for them based on goals, fitness levels and any equipment that they use.
This personal trainer will go with them anywhere and make sure they are doing what they need to do all via e-mail. Cost: From $9.95 a month.
Kettlebell: The kettlebell has been around for quite sometime, but it seems to be more prevalent lately. There are even fitness classes at gyms now that are offering kettlebell training. The kettlebell works on strength, agility, endurance and balance and is great if you are looking to work more than one muscle at a time. There are various exercises and routines that can be used with the kettlebell. The kettlebell is available at all fitness stores as well as online at performbetter.com and can range in price from $25 to $300 depending on the type and weight.
There you have it, some fun ideas to get you started on your holiday shopping. You can always save the scented candle or tool set that you were going to give until next year.