by Sandra Gillhouse

Created on: November 04, 2009   Last Updated: November 06, 2009

Christmas is ideal for giving the gift of fitness to someone you love. It could be in the form of equipment, or something less tangible like a gift membership to your local YMCA. No matter what you choose I guarantee it won't be re-gifted. The timing is right because the new year is about to arrive, and as we all know, the number one resolution is getting back in shape. With the right incentive, it might just be the year they actually keep that resolution.

Fitness can mean many things to different folks, so before you shop know your receivers fitness needs. They might benefit more from low key kind of fitness tools of which the new ergonomic leg weights, that wear like knee socks under their sweats. They work by adding some measure of intensity to their every day walk.

Yoga DVDs are ever popular and very helpful to stretch and strengthen muscles in the back and legs. They also come in a variety of workouts. Including some with exercise for sculpting abs or conditioning weight loss. The neat thing about a DVD workout, is that you can use them in your home on your own schedule, or share with a group of friends for extra motivation.

You can't mention fitness gifts without mentioning the very cool Wii fitness. And this year they outdid themselves, in the fun factor, with the Fitness Plus bundle. You get a balance board, Biggest Losers for Wii and two dumbbells for only $183.99. Other less expensive Wii options, are the Sports Active bundle for sports enthusiast, or the Dream gear kit which includes a mat, some attachments for the balance board, a special work out for women, and a Jeli bag to hold it all. Of course they all require a Wii console, but you can always find a subtle way to check for one in their home first. Keep in mind that the Wii fit is more entertainment value than a hard fitness workout, but it's a great motivator.

Enough said about your wimpy fitness toys, now if your gift should be hard core there is nothing quite like the new Nordic Track inline trainer. Allegedly you'll get the benefit of cardio and lower body strength in one smooth daily workout. You can order by phone or online and take advantage of payment specials too. Another interesting, heavy equipment, design for 2009 is the Pilates power gym that supposedly gives you a total body sculpting with a short daily workout. Hint to the wise though, if you want to save on serious gear, check out your online resale company's. They have a huge stock of items. Even some of the newer models at a respectable price.

Finally let's not forget mental fitness is just as important as physical. Simply put, for gift giving there isn't anything as special as the Nintendo DS. The DS lite comes with some pretty neat mind games already loaded, but of course you can grow up your machine with additional games. In fact they have a Jillian Michaels fitness game you can load up, so a double de-lite.

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