Best Fitness Gifts

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. Wii Fit

We're always talking about how videos games are making us all fat, but now you can actually use them to get fit. The latest and greatest is Wii Fit which, of course, works with Wii. The kit includes a balance board and a variety of activities that measure your fitness and help you learn the basics of yoga, cardio, strength training and balance training. This is perfect for beginners and even veteran exercisers will have fun playing, though it doesn't necessarily take the place of regular exercise. The programs allow you to set goals, calculate your BMI and measure your performance.

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. Easy Starter Exercise Kit

I wouldn't suggest giving this exercise kit to just anyone...but, if you have a friend or family member who's mentioned wanting to exercise, but has no idea where to start, they'll find what they need to get started in this kit. The workouts focus on yoga, Pilates and resistance training by using a resistance band and an exercise ball. The included DVD has 3 easy workouts, all designed for beginners, and a workout chart offers strength training exercises. This is a great introduction to gentle, simple exercise so veteran exercisers may not get as much out of this kit as beginners.

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. In fact, many of my clients give friends and family personal training sessions for birthdays and holidays.

Each trainer will charge a different fee for sessions, but expect to pay around $50 to $100 per session. You might want to give one or two sessions and let them decide if they want more, or offer to train with them in group sessions.

7. Healthy Dieter Gift Basket

What do you give your boss when the holidays roll around? A fruit basket is a good, neutral kind of gift but giving someone a basket of bruised apples and bananas is kind of outdated. 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.