The holidays are coming! I love this time of year when families get together to share in their love for one another. Cousins, aunts and uncles journey from afar bearing gifts and smiles. Even though I prefer the warmth, I have grown appreciative of autumn because of the less smoldering climate and astonishingly colorful scenery. Though not traditionally a fan of turtlenecks and gloves, I do adore bundling up and getting cozy with those I love.
Like my family. For me, I come from a rich culture of cuisine and camaraderie. Around the holidays, we gather around the dinner table, coffee table or wherever, and we eat together, chat and debate issues or simply discuss the day-to-day. We watch movies, we play cards, and we usually do these things in excess around the holidays. All while eating. Eating foods that are oh so yummy but oh so fattening! Here are some gift ideas for the holidays that can be used to keep you and your loved ones fit throughout the holidays!
“Shape Ups” Shoes
This new rave from Skechers is ergonomically designed to tone your muscles and promote weight loss, all by walking! The sheer shape of this fashion trend also helps with your posture. Buy them online at http://www.skechers.com/ or any Skechers retailer, but buyer beware: prepare to spend a pretty penny for these hot items. Prices begin at $110 for the Shape-Ups and their sister style, the “Tone-Ups” begin at $55.
Medicine Balls
Not to be confused with an “Exercise Ball”, this ball is typically the same diameter as a basketball but is weighted. Originally used for rehabilitation purposes, the Medicine Ball has plumaged through the fitness scene, being used in gyms just about everywhere.
Exercise Balls
Exercise Balls are different from Medicine Balls because they aren’t balls that you physically hold but they are huge inflated balls that you sit on and can do various exercises, like sit ups and weight circuits. Just merely sitting on the ball helps with your abdominal area, so imagine what you can accomplish! Also as a benefit to purchasing these balls, most of them are sold with a DVD of exercises and/or a CD of music to enhance your workout.
Pull-up Bars
Seemingly the range for men, a “Pull-up bar” can be installed within a doorway in your house for the obvious pull-ups or chin ups. They can also be placed on the ground for sit-ups, dips and push-ups. This versatile product works the shoulders, core, back, arms and chest. Typically made of steel, the Pull-up bar is inexpensive (can be found for less than $20!) and can hold up to 500 pounds.
Beyond the purchasing of concrete items, there is always the trustworthy method of exercising at a gym, and if you know your gift recipient well enough, a gym membership may be a good idea! Trust me; I understand how arduous it can be not to have seconds at the Thanksgiving dinner table. I understand how draining it is to continuously convince yourself not to have that slice of apple pie and ice cream, but it will be even more challenging to do so at the holidays. Now is the time to put that gym membership to use and kick your metabolism into high gear! If you are uncomfortable buying someone fitness equipment &/or a gym membership as a gift (and rightfully so), then do it for yourself! Don’t let those holiday meals sit on those hips; buy yourself or your loved ones some of the latest fitness equipment and defy the odds!
Til next time…
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