There are some really great fitness gifts around for Christmas this year. You don't have to spend a fortune if you don't wish too but you will be giving someone the gift of keeping fit, happy and healthy.

Walking is one of the cheapest, easiest forms of exercise and to encourage a thirty minute workout buying a pedometer and heart rate monitor will have them eager to see how many steps they have achieved while checking their performance and how many calories they have burned.

If going out for a walk is often hampered by the weather investing in a treadmill or bike at home can be just as fulfilling. Watching TV, DVD's, or listening to music while pounding away is a great way to exercise.

Nintendo Wii console is an at home total fitness workout for all the family. It's ideal for new or experienced individuals and can be tailored to suit everyone. Create your own personalized exercise routine and monitor your weight, BMI and fitness levels. Wii Fit Plus has just been released to compliment the Wii console and has 20 new activities plus extra games.

Yoga is a very popular form of keeping fit so buying a yoga mat and yoga DVD will be a wonderful way to achieve some challenging sequences whilst helping build inner strength, stamina and endurance. Alternately a Pilate's DVD will focus your mind and body to encourage wellbeing.

For the less fit a good introduction to gentle exercise is buying dumbbells of a light weight. They can be used either sitting or standing and will help towards muscle tone. Fitness balls are also good and come with excellent instructions for gentle through to more robust exercises.

Buying a gym membership is often a good way of persuading the most reluctant person to get moving. Most gyms will have a program where they will weigh, measure and work out a fitness plan as part of the membership fee. If a little more encouragement is needed getting sessions with a personal trainer is a positive way of staying on track.

Fitness DVD's are always a popular way to enjoy a good workout. Some of the best ones are taken from TV programs such as Strictly Come Dancing. This DVD will get you in shape by doing dance routines such as the Salsa, Jive, Quick Step, and Tango all to soundtracks from Shakira and Survivor.

As an extra present buying some workout attire and even new shoes will be a good addition to your fitness gift.

With so much focus on health and wellbeing making this Christmas the start of a new fitness regime for someone will be of a great benefit for them but also a fun and enjoyable way for them to start the New Year.

Learn more about this author, Davina Lennon.
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