Finding the perfect gift for your loved one can be difficult, particularly for the person who seems to have everything. If you're looking for something different, give the gift of health. Fitness is booming and there are tons of cool gadgets, games and kits that any fitness enthusiast would love. Check out these fitness gift ideas for the exerciser in your life.
1. Polar F6 Series Heart Rate Monitor
I have the women's version of this heart rate monitor and I love it. In fact, this is a huge favorite among fitness enthusiasts -- both men and women -- because it includes lots of bells and whistles, but is relatively inexpensive for what you get (around $100).Besides telling time, the F6 also provides a heart rate monitor, calorie counter and it even keeps track of how long you stay in your chosen heart rate zone. It also provides a weekly summary of your workouts (how long you exercised, how many calories you burned). One of its best features is the Own Zone setting, which determines your zones automatically based on your heart rate during different levels of exercise.
There's a smaller version for women, which is another plus.
2. Reebok Core Board
If you're looking for a gift for the exerciser that has everything, why not surprise him with something interesting? The Reebok Core Board utilizes 3-dimensional movement that targets balance, flexibility and stabilization. You can use the Core Board during traditional strength exercises like squats or lunges to add intensity and strengthen the stabilizer muscles. This is a great idea for the home exerciser who needs to add a little oomph to the home gym.3. Hydryx Workout Towel
OK, so giving someone a workout towel seems a little lame. But this towel is actually pretty cool...literally. Once you take it out of the included tube, it instantly cools to help keep your workouts more comfortable. It's great for gym workouts or for hot, summertime workouts as well. What a great idea and a perfect choice for the exerciser who has everything.4. Gaiam Pilates for Beginners Kit
Pilates is an excellent way to strengthen the core and it's also been shown to help people with back problems. If you have a loved one or friend who's talked about trying Pilates but is a little intimidated, this is a great gift idea. This kit has everything a beginner needs including a band, foam cushions to support the body and a beginner Pilates video. Double check before you order since some kits come with a VHS video rather than a DVD.5. Omron Digital Pedometer
Pedometers are great motivation to exercise every day and they're also great gift ideas. This is a favorite of mine because it not only counts regular steps, it also counts aerobic steps while you walk, run or workout. This is perfect for people who do a variety of activities and want options for tracking their steps (such as by mileage or calories).6. Personal Training Sessions
Keep in mind that not everyone would be thrilled to get personal training sessions. So you shouldn't get someone sessions just because you want them to exercise or be healthy. However, this can be a great gift if your loved one has expressed interest in training but is reluctant to spend the money or intimidated to try it.Each trainer will charge a different fee for sessions, but expect to pay around $50 to $100 per session. If you already have a trainer, another option would be to bring your friend or family member to your session for some partner training to see if they enjoy it (ask your trainer first, of course). And don't forget, there is also online training if face-to-face isn't an option.
7. Healthy Dieter Gift Basket
Say goodbye to the fruit baskets of old and hello to the modern version. This gift basket includes all kinds of healthy foods like green tea, soy coffee, smoked salmon, soy chips and dried fruit. It also includes a pedometer and a guided weight loss CD. At $79.95, it's a little pricey but this is a great idea for a boss, co-worker or friend who's into health and fitness.8. The Fitness Challenge
This fitness game is a great way for couples, friends or family to get in shape together. You and your partner set fitness goals and post your progress on a scorecard each week to see who reaches his or her goals. This is one gift that may come in handy once January 1 rolls around and people start making weight-loss resolutions.This might also be a fun gift for the office and a great way to drum up a little competition to keep everyone healthier.
