Finding the perfect give for your loved one can be a difficult prospect, particularly for the person who seems to have everything. If you're looking for something different, why not give them the gift of health? Fitness is a booming business these days and there are tons of cool gadgets, books and kits that anyone would love. The following list details the hottest fitness gifts whether your loved one is just getting started with exercise or has been doing it for years.
1. Timex Bodylink System
I admit I'm a gear head--I love new gadgets, particularly when they perform a variety of functions. The Timex Bodylink System fits that bill and is perfect for the gear head in your life. It's almost like 4 devices in one: a global positioning system (to help calculate distance and pace), a heart rate monitor, a data recorder and a watch. The data recorder collects heart rate, speed and distance and you can upload the info to your PC through a USB connection to chart your progress. Cool!
2. Gaiam Balance Ball Resistance Workout Kit
I just bought one of these and I love it. I'm amazed that someone hasn't come out with something like this before. It's a resistance band system that attaches right to your ball with straps. Now, you have a stable (well, sort of) surface to attached resistance bands for a great resistance training workout. If your loved one has a resistance ball, this is a great gift for giving them new ideas on how to use it. The video isn't fabulous, but it'll get you started.3. Holiday Health Mega Pack
If someone you know and love has been hinting they'd like to start exercising, they'll love a gift like this. It includes the Denise Austin Powerbelt Walking System, a 65cm exercise ball, pump, Kathy Smith's Lean Walk System, water bottle, Total Body Sculpting Video and a digital pedometer. With a focus on low-impact activities (like walking), this is a great choice for any fitness level.4. Nike Gym Messenger Bag
It's hard to find a decent gym bag and I've come to the conclusion that one bag is just not enough. On those days when you need to shower and look pretty, you might need a big bag to fit all your crud. But, for those in-and-out workouts, a smaller bag will usually do and the Nike Messenger Bag has become a big favorite of mine. It's big enough to fit the essentials (like your iPod, extra socks and a towel) and, more importantly, it looks good.5. Adjustable Dumbbells
You've probably seen those adjustable dumbbells...you know, the ones that cost more than $250? Well, now there's a cheaper version and a great gift for people who don't have much space for exercise equipment. For less than $80, you get adjustable dumbbells that go up to 25 lbs in 2.5 pound increments.6. Yoga Sticky Mat
This is a nice gift for yoga enthusiasts who may not have their own mats. If you go to a gym, they usually provide mats but how often are those mats cleaned? In my experience, not very often. Get your loved ones (or yourself) the gift of yoga love with this sturdy, el cheapo sticky mat.7. Body For Life
Maybe books aren't the most exciting holiday gift you could think of, but Bill Phillip's book about his Body For Life program is a good idea for anyone beginning an exercise program. His book details his 12-week program and includes nutritional information and strength training workouts with logs, pictures and descriptions. Your loved one will learn how to eat right, train right and become healthy and fit.8. NetFlix
If your loved one likes exercising at home, considering getting them a membership to Netflix.com. They offer movies, but they also have a fairly decent database of exercise videos--everything from Tae Bo, to bellydancing. For about $10.00 a month, you can rent unlimited DVD's (one at a time) with free shipping and no late fees. It often takes longer to get the movies than they say (1 business day--yeah, right), but it's still a good deal.9. Juice Beauty Yoga/Fitness Kit
My husband said this was a gift only a woman would love. Then he tried the Harmonic Tonic Hydrating Mist and declared he would love to be a woman if he got to use products like that. This kit includes travel-sized potions like cleansing gel, soothing serum, moisturizer and a bamboo face towel.10. Spa Wish Gift Certificate
Get your loved one the greatest gift of all--a spa treatment. Visit Spa Wish and choose how much you want to spend (and don't be stingy, people!). Then they ship it out for you and the recipient can choose where they want to go and what kind of treatment they like from the included directory.Updated 11/29/2005
