Stumped for a gift?

10 days left for you to purchase gifts for the holidays – Stumped? Why not be recognized this holiday season for giving the gifts that keep on giving. (And no, you do not need penicillin here!)

Why not give the gift of fitness and health to someone you care about? Or, why not do something for yourself? After all you give isn’t it time to give back to yourself? Taking the time to revitalize who you are from the inside out could be the most important gift of all.

I’ve made a list of 10 of the top fitness gifts that everyone would love to have to help start off the New Year in a healthier way – all from the comfort of your home!

1. Exercise/Health Books - books truly are things that continue to give. They help to formulate a plan, give you new ideas, hope and knowledge. Plus, if your having a "discussion" with a loved one, sometimes sighting an outside author will help make your point.

2. Dumbbells – Resistance training is a must for anyone wanting to look lean and toned but also to boost their metabolism sky-high! Choose adjustable dumbbells to keep workouts progressively challenging, to save money and to save space.

3. Jump rope – Jumping rope is one of the best short burst interval tools around. You can easily take it with you on vacation and provides a great cardio workout. I suppose you could spend at least $1000 on a treadmill, but for $10 this gift comes with a much longer list of benefits.

4. Medicine Balls – These can add variety to your workout routines. They are a great tool to exercise any area of your body, whether upper, lower or core. Sizes vary from 2 – 25 lbs and only your imagination limits your workouts.

5. Yoga/Floor Mats – are a great padded surface for comfort during your floor based exercises

6. IPod/Mp3 Downloads – Enhance workouts with portable music! Focus on the pleasurable feelings you get from following the rhythm of your favorite songs. Select the ideal tempo of music for the exercises you’re doing you can actually help yourself get through the tough parts of your workout.

7. Exercise bands – easy to travel with, and a great way to work every body part without the hassle of going to the gym. And for those just starting out with their fitness plan, non intimidating and easy to use.

8. Stability balls – Want to talk about a core workout – plus there is so much more you can do with them, legs, buns, shoulders, arms, balance etc… Just make sure you read the box –the correct circumference of the ball is based on the height of the person.

9. Gift cards for fitness wear – hey, need to be fashionable while working out. Right?

10. Workouts with me! Hey I had to put the shameless plug in there for my business.

If you liked today’s gift ideas, feel free to pass this fitness list on to any of your friends, family and coworkers that would enjoy it.

Remember, there is only a few days left! Have a great holiday.

Til next time...