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Well, it's that time of year again—the holiday shopping season is in full
force. Have you thought about what you are going to give those people on
your "hard to shop for" list? Instead of another tie for your dad or music
CD for your sister, why don't you give them a truly unique and invaluable
gift? Give them the gift of improved health and fitness.
The gift of fitness is something that you can give to virtually everybody on
your shopping list—from your parents, to your spouse, a friend, your
siblings, an employee or co-worker, even your children. And it's a gift that
is invaluable. After all, who doesn't want to look better, feel better, and
be healthier?
And, it's a gift that you can truly feel proud to give. When you give
someone the gift of fitness, you are helping him open a door to better
health (both physically and mentally). It's a gift that genuinely shows the
recipient how much you care about their well-being. By giving the gift of
fitness you are providing them with unlimited health benefits.
Of course, we all know that exercise can help people stay slim and fit. But,
do you also know about all the other great benefits of exercising? Daily
physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness has
been linked to reducing the risk of many diseases and to warding off
depression. Researchers believe that strength training can help prevent
osteoporosis. Not to mention that exercise also improves self-esteem and
increases stamina.
Certainly many people on your shopping list would find these fitness
benefits incredibly invaluable. If the people on your list are like most of
us, they've probably even mentioned how they want to drop a few pounds or
just get in better shape. In fact, experts say that about 62 percent of
Americans are currently on a diet. By giving the gift of fitness you are
helping provide them with extra motivation (which is one of the biggest
obstacles in getting fit). They'll be more motivated to start an exercise
program when given a gift that helps them immediately take action to kick
start their workouts (personal training gift certificates and gym
memberships are especially good for helping with motivation).
While fitness gifts are incredibly valuable, they don't have to be
expensive. Gifts can cost as little as $5 or range into the hundreds of
dollars. Here are a few suggestions in the various price ranges:
Under $15:
$15
to $35:
Over $35:
A gift that supports health and wellness will be appreciated for years to
come and may even turn someone's life around. The gift of fitness will make
the recipient feel special - they'll know that someone cared enough to give
them the opportunity to improve their health. And, giving a gift that will
help someone lead a healthier life is also one of the most rewarding gifts
you can give. So why spend another holiday season searching for the perfect
gift only to end up picking up another gift certificate or calendar?
Surprise everyone this year and give the gift that comes from the heart and
truly keeps on giving throughout the New Year and beyond. And don't forget
yourself - you deserve the gift of fitness too!
Lynn Bode
is a certified
personal trainer specializing in Internet-based fitness programs. She
founded Workouts For
You, which provides affordable online exercise programs that are custom
designed for each individual.
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