Top 10 Fitness Gifts

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) Reebok Core Board
If you're looking for a gift for the exerciser that has everything, why not give something they're not expecting? The Reebok Core Board is a good choice--it utilizes 3-dimensional movement that targets balance, flexibility and stabilization. There are three different resistance levels, so this is a great tool for beginners, intermediate or advanced exercisers. You'll move through infinite angles and strengthen those hard-to-get-to stabilizer muscles, as well as the muscles of the torso.

4) Reebok Pilates Deluxe Kit
I admit, I love kits (as you can see by the above recommended products). This is one kit I'd love to have. It includes 3 elastic bands, an exercise ball (55-65cm), air pump, 2 Pilates CD Workouts (20-minute band workout and 20-minute ball workout), a guidebook and a video with about 40 Pilates exercises. This is a great gift for someone who wants to get started with Pilates and you can't beat the price ($39.99) for all you get.

5) Omron Digital Pedometer
Pedometers remain one of my favorite's pieces of equipment. They're cheap, motivating and give lots of information in an uncomplicated package. This pedometer counts steps while walking or jogging, tracks distance and provides a rough estimate of calories burned. What I like is that you can put it in your pocket or clip it to your belt (on most, it must be clipped to your belt).

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) HoMedics Back Massager
Someone once gave me a back massager to go in my car. It turned out to be one of those vibrating massagers that makes your teeth itch--definitely not relaxing. These days, our massage options are much better. This back massager doesn't take the place of a person, but it's worth buying--instead of vibrating, it provides different massages like steady, tapping, side-to-side and a heating function. You can't beat the $40 price (which is less than a one-hour massage in most places).

9) Stress Less Bath Salts
Is this top ten list looking like my Christmas list, or what? Anyway. Part of health and fitness involves rewards. We all need something to look forward to after a workout, and a long hot bath is a first choice for many exercisers. Treat your loved one to his or her own reward with these heavenly smelling bath salts. I'm feeling more relaxed just thinking about it.

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.

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