If someone (my husband or parent) gave me a fitness related gift, it may make me second-guess his or her intention. I’d wonder: Are they saying I'm overweight? Do they want me to be more active? If so, why?
Then I take a minute and think about it. Is his or her intention to mean, or are they trying to support me? Have I been talking about trying out new classes or workout routines? Have I shared my desires to become more fit and active, and to shed some weight? Was I complaining about my workout gear not fitting well or being old, dingy and stretched out? Maybe they're actually trying to do something nice for me. Could they be supporting my health and fitness goals by helping me achieve them?
I think this is a common thought process when it comes to fitness related gifts - and a big reason why people shy away from it. A husband could get his wife a treadmill after hearing her complain about how she doesn't enjoy running in the cold weather and the snow. She gets the gift and thinks, "Does my husband think I'm fat?" Really, he was trying to give her a thoughtful gift so she could continue enjoying her workouts, even in bad weather. He knows how much she enjoys being active and that being healthy and fit is important to her. It shouldn't be thought of as a negative, rather, a positive. He was supporting her desire to be active and healthy.
To that end, here are some great fitness gift ideas as we near the holiday season:
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- Gym Membership - A traditional gym gives access to multiple activities: a weight training area, a cardio area and one or two studios. You can do a little bit of everything all under one roof. It is a great gift for someone just getting started or someone looking to try something new. I know I love spin class, but I like to try other classes like Zumba, too. I enjoy strength training, but sometimes it's fun to take a total body conditioning class to switch things up.
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- Punch Card - In additional to the tradition gyms, there are a variety of "studio gyms.” These usually come with a higher monthly fee, but also offer punch cards to participate in classes as you wish. Pilates and yoga studios are like this, as are many cross fit-type gyms. A punch card is a great gift for someone who enjoys these activities or wants to try them out. They can participate when they want or try something new without committing to a monthly fee.
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- Personal Training - Since having a personal trainer is definitely more of a splurge, this can be a great gift. Getting a trainer is a great way to kick-start any fitness goal with the help of a professional. He or she can give you nutritional input as well. Maybe a loved one has been complaining that he or she feels stuck or in a rut, or that they don't know what they're doing. A trainer will help teach him or her new fitness ideas and work with them to accomplish their goal.
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- Equipment - depending on who you're buying for, there are a ton of equipment options that make great gifts. Maybe the person you’re buying for has been talking about a treadmill or stationary bike. Or he or she has a few free weights but would really like to create a workout space in their house. Free weights, kettle bells, bosu, a stability ball and/or a bench would all be great additions to any home gym.
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- New Workout Clothes - A new item or outfit creates excitement! Everyone wants to use their new clothes and when it's activewear, that means a little extra motivation to get that workout in. A new workout can even create inspiration to start that fitness goal or give a push to keep going. Having the right gear for an activity helps to be able to accomplish a goal. It's amazing how an outfit can change your outlook and get you excited to be active.
I understand giving a fitness-related gift can be tricky. But giving the gift of fitness is truly a wonderful gesture. You're saying, “I support your goals and I want to help you achieve them.” Just be tactful with your delivery. If you're worried about the recipient’s reaction, you can remind him or her how they've been talking about wanting the equipment or to try out that new gym or class. See, you were paying attention.
Katie Kozloff-Banks, Wyomissing, is the owner of Taffy Activewear and Katie K Active. Her closets are full of fun activewear! Her favorite activewear lines, besides her own, include Puma and Reebok. Check out her collection at katiekactive.com.
