With Christmas right around the corner, it's easy to get caught up buying lots of stuff for friends and family. Although the Christmas marketers do a great job telling us to buy the best and most expensive toy, this holiday season let's try something different. Why not give the gift of fitness to our loved ones. Most fitness items are relatively inexpensive and can provide your friends and family members with life-changing results. The following list will give you an idea for a great present that everyone is sure to enjoy for months and possibly years to come:

1.) Rubber Bands and Tubing

Quite possibly the most efficient, portable and affordable piece of exercise equipment out there. These bands can duplicate any "gym" exercise but can be carried in small bag or purse. Rubber bands and tubing produce the most bang for your buck

2.) Kettlebell

Not quite as portable or inexpensive as the bands, the kettlebell can provide a full body workout anywhere. Combining strength, balance, coordination and cardiovascular work makes the kettlebell a must have for most fitness enthusiasts.

3.) Jumprope

More portable and powerful then any other piece of cardio equipment. A great jump rope workout can combine strength, power and endurance all in your living room. 10 minutes of quality rope jumping is equivalent to 30 minutes on a treadmill.

4.) Gift certificate to a personal trainer/fitness camp

Everyone needs some guidance and direction when it comes to jumpstarting our fitness lives. A few sessions with a qualified fitness professional or a month of a fitness camp can really get the ball moving for those interested in becoming healthier. Just make sure to do your homework and find a good trainer and camp.

5.) A good book

You are probably thinking, what does this have to do with fitness? Well, being mentally fit is just as important as physically fit. A good book can stimulate our imagination and get our creative juices flowing like nothing else.

6.) A Healthy Dinner T

ake your loved ones out to eat, or better yet, prepare a healthy meal filled with lean proteins, vegetables and fruits. This is a great gift to sit, talk and relax amidst the business of the holiday season.

7.) A Fun Game

Sometimes as we grow up we forget how fun it is to just go and play. Buying a good game can really help relieve stress, add laughter and help our loved forget about the cares of the world for a little while. Look for a great active game however a board or video game can do the trick as well.

Hopefully this opens your eyes to the great possibilities of fitness gifts. Remember that fitness is more then just physical, look for gifts that stimulate the mind and spirit as well. Think outside the box and give a gift that has some lasting value to it, not just a price tag.

Copyright (c) 2008 Kirk Ream