Last Minute Gifts for Fitness Fanatics
Do you have an avid exerciser or sports fan on your holiday shopping list? Well, you don’t have a ton of time to find a gift that they’ll completely love so here are the Top 10 ideas that any fitness fanatic would appreciate.
Last Minute Gifts for Fitness Fanatics
1. Massage
The best thing in the world after a tough workout is a massage so this gift will be greatly appreciated. You can pick up a gift certificate at most local spas and most offer special holiday packages. If you’re feeling a bit generous, consider purchasing a day-at-the-spa package that often includes massage, body wrap, facial, manicure, pedicure and steam bath.
2. Race Entry
Register you and your loved one for an upcoming run or triathlon. It will jump-start your New Year Resolutions and it’s something you can train for together!
3. Fitness Program Registration
Do you know someone who’s always wanted to join a running clinic, try a Yoga program or a Pilates class or learn ballroom dancing? Maybe they’d be interested in a ski or snowboarding camp, a kayaking or whitewater rafting trip? Why not surprise them by picking up the cost of registration? Better yet, enroll both of you in the program and show them how much you want to spend time with them.
4. Athletic Gear
Any avid athlete is in need of new workout clothing. But remember this – quality is important. Most exercisers would rather have one really good piece of gear than a number of poor-quality items. Shop at any local specialty sporting goods store (FitRight, REI, Nike, Adidas, Sweet Spot Skirts, LuluLemon, Lucy, Athletica) and they will provide you with high-quality options. Keep in mind that keeping warm or cool and dry is critical to performance, so this may help guide you on what your athlete would like to find under the tree. Here are a few suggestions: running vest, wickable shirt, bra-top, fleece pullover, tights, specialty socks, running or weight-training gloves, head-warmer, exercise glasses, water bottle, or sports watch. If money’s no object, buy a large gym bag and stock it full with the above items.
5. Gift Certificates
Safer than buying clothing or footwear is to give a certificate to your loved one’s favorite sporting-goods store – that way they can choose what they need and you won’t risk buying the wrong size, style or color.
6. Personal Training
Any exerciser would appreciate a little expert guidance towards their fitness ambitions. It’s a terrific way to help a loved one with their New Year’s resolutions. Most health clubs and trainers offer gift certificates during the holidays. Call us at 360.574.7292 if you would like us to prepare a Gift Package for your loved one.
7. Sports Magazine Subscription
Purchase a year’s subscription to a favorite magazine based on their interests. Shape, Self, Fitness, Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Runner’s World and Sports Illustrated are some of the more popular options. You’ll be happily remembered every time an issue arrives at the mailbox.
8. Fitness Membership
Has your loved one considered joining a local gym? Why not purchase or renew a monthly, quarterly or yearly membership to their favorite or closest facility.
9. Fitness Equipment
A workout is always much more effective with the right tools. Stability balls, medicine balls, exercise tubing, foam rollers and Garmin heart rate monitors are a must for the serious exerciser. You could pick up most of these items at local sporting goods or department stores.
10. Sports and Fitness Books
Head to your local bookstore and browse the books on a favorite sport or general books on fitness, health and nutrition.
*Bonus* Dinner Certificates
All athletes love to eat so a gift certificate to his or her favorite healthy restaurant would be a terrific treat after a tough workout. Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!
Sherri McMillan, M.Sc. has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for over 25 years and has received numerous industry awards including International Personal Trainer and Fitness Presenter of the Year. She is the author of five books including “Go For Fit – the Winning Way to Fat Loss” and “Fit over Forty” and is the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver and can be seen running, hiking or cycling with her two children, Brianna and Jackson. She can be reached at www.nwPersonalTraining.com or www.ShapeupwithSherri.com Note: As an avid Columbian reader, you can redeem a 2 week pass at her world-class training studio to help get you started. Contact 360.574.7292 for more details.
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.