Well,
it's almost that time of year again - the holiday shopping season is just
around the corner. 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? Give them the
gift of improved health and fitness.
The gift of fitness is something that you can give to virtually
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. 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). It's a gift that genuinely 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 many diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers believe that strength
training can help prevent osteoporosis. Not to mention that exercise also improves
self-esteem and increases stamina.
Certainly many 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 or 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 extra motivation (which is one of the biggest
obstacles in getting fit). They'll be more motivated to start an exercise program when
given a gift that helps them immediately take action to kick start their workouts
(personal training gift certificates and gym memberships are especially good for helping
with motivation).
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/Tube (also makes a great stocking stuffer and is an especially valuable
gift for a frequent traveler)
- 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
- Pedometer
Over $35
- Full dumbbell or barbell set
- Treadmill
- Bicycle
- Yoga Kit
- Fitness clothing
A gift 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 picking up another gift
certificate or calendar? 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! |
