Giving gifts that promote good health is a thoughtful way to show that you care. Here are some ideas for both the body and mind:
For the body:
The balance-ball chair: You’ve likely heard about the core-stabilizing bene
fits of sitting on an exercise ball in lieu of a chair. A few companies have taken the next logical step and combined the stability ball with a chair base—making the ball less awkward to sit on and not able to roll away. Some have a detachable ball that can be used separately for exercises. Search for “balance-ball chair” online to find this product. This will set you back somewhere between $ 80 and $ 120 CAD.
Resistance bands: These are elastic bands that can be used for an almost unlimited number of exercises. There is a wealth of online information about how to exercise with resistance bands, which are fun to use and help improve coordination and balance. Not only are they cheap—$ 20 CAD or less—they take up little space compared to other exercise gear kept at home and can easily be stuffed into a purse or suitcase.
A one-month gym membership: Signing up can be the hardest part of going to the gym. Many gyms offer one-month “trial” memberships that are a great gift for people who are afraid to take this first step. Since it’s a short commitment, it seems less daunting than a yearly contract. Even better, get one for yourself and one for your giftee; becoming fit is easier with the support of a friend or loved one. Prices can vary greatly but most gyms have specials for the start of the year.
For the mind:
An MP3 player with an armband: Finding motivation to exercise is tough, especially in the winter. If you want to help motivate someone you love, help him or her get into a great mood—with music. Two-gigabyte MP3 players can cost as little as $ 30 CAD and hold approximately 500 songs. You can double the capacity for around $ 80 CAD. An armband—this will eliminate the hassle of having a player unattached to the body during a workout—can cost as little as $ 10 CAD.
A sun lamp: Sun lamps emit the full spectrum of light you get from the sun. Using one in the dark days of winter has proven benefits for the body, such as increased Vitamin D production and a reduction in stress or mild depression. These effects can help someone stay happy and active all year. Staying active is also proven to reduce stress and depression. A small, desktop sun lamp can cost as little as $ 70 CAD, while a large one can be several hundred dollars.
An inspiring book: Don’t forget the joy of simple pleasures—like time alone to get lost in a good book. The chaos of the holidays can leave us mentally drained and in need of time out. If someone you love leads an unusually busy life, giving a book to him or her is a reminder that they deserve quiet time. Most bookstores have entire sections dedicated to health or fitness-related reads that can uplift spirits during the dreariest season.
Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer. For further information call 604-420-7800 or go to www.karpfitness.com.