Issue: December 2004
Topic: Ideas for the holiday season for gifts and activities
Introduction:
This season why not give the gift of fitness or consider some of these winter activities during the holiday season.
Gift ideas:
For those who are wanting to start a walking program why not wrap up a Walk This Way kit. Perfect for someone just starting out. Contact your local health unit to obtain a kit for your loved ones. Add in a pedometer for the ultimate gift for the beginner walker. Prices range from $25 and up. www.StepsCount.com
Exercise videos are a great gift idea and a welcome one after all the extra holiday eating. Contact: www.collagevideos.com for reviews on the top fitness videos to get. They range from pillates for pregnancy to stretching for seniors. The videos start around $20.
Books are another way to spread the physical activity message. Check out books online at: www.amazon.com or www.chapters.ca Chapters now has a “health” advisory panel that recommends books that are worthwhile. There are several excellent books for the novice or professional exerciser. Fitness related magazines are the perfect stocking stuffer.
Nothing like a little rhythm and beat to get your body moving and grooving. Music is another great gift idea for those wanting to increase their activity level. Check out www.burntrax.com or www.dynamixmusic.com for some excellent popular selections. Prices vary from $30 and up.
Fitness equipment: yoga mats, swim goggles, snowshoes, hockey stick, athtletic socks, hand weights, dyna bands or a stability ball are also great gifts for those already athletically inclined.
The bigger ticket items such as a treadmill, rowing machine, cross trainer or weight machines must be items that not only would you be able to afford but equipment that you know a person would use more than the new furniture for their home.
Fitness memberships at a gym or a trial pass as a stocking stuffer might be just the item to get people ready for making a healthy New Years resolution.
For the couch potato a ticket to a sporting event might give them an incentive to get active themselves. It doesn’t have to be a professional sporting event either. Local community centres have all kinds of sports to watch. Having extra people cheering is always welcome.
Winter Activities:
Weather permitting there is never a shortage of outdoor activities when the weather turns cold. Tobaganning, snowshoeing, skiing, skating and walking are all perfect activities for the family to participate in. If the weather doesn’t cooperate you can always go for a swim at an indoor pool to simulate the warmer weather.
Or checkout the GoForGreen website on ideas for winter activities at: http://www.goforgreen.ca/winter_green/
Content is provided as an information-sharing service and inclusion does not represent endorsement by PARC, Ophea or their funders.
Funded by the Government of Ontario.
