If you’re making a list and checking it twice, skip the trinkets and toys—and instead give the gift of health this holiday season. Healthy gifts show your loved ones that you care about them—inside and out.
Here are a few of our favorite useful, healthy gifts:
Foam roller: If you want to give a gift that keeps on giving, give a foam roller. This is a great tool for breaking up or preventing muscle knots, stretching, and preventing injury. Plus, it just feels great to lie on the foam roller at the end of the day. This is an inexpensive, thoughtful gift that your loved one will use every day.
Stability Ball: Stability balls are an affordable, fun gift. They can be used for exercise or as a substitute for a chair. It’s a great tool for improving core strength and posture.
Yoga Mat: Do you know someone who could use some stretching and relaxation? A yoga mat is great incentive to start a yoga or stretching practice. You could even throw in a DVD or a gift certificate for a local yoga class.
Stretch Strap: There are a variety of stretch straps on the market—all designed to provide assisted stretching and improve flexibility and range of motion. We should all stretch more than we probably do. A stretch strap might provide just the incentive your loved one needs.
Pedometer: Does your loved one need to get moving? Give the gift of heart health—a pedometer. There are a ton of pedometers on the market—some basic and some fancy, but they all have one thing in common: motivation. This little device does more than count steps; it encourages people to get moving.
Resistance Bands: Resistance bands are great for building strength, rehabbing an injury, and stretching. This is a great fitness tool for someone who travels a lot.
Balance Tools: Balance is one of the most neglected components of fitness, but anyone who has experienced an injury knows how important it is. Give your loved one a balance tool, such as a wobble board or a Dyna Disc, to promote a balance practice.
These are just a few ideas for giving the gift of health and fitness. These products come in many shapes and sizes and most are easily available online. Happy holidays!
