A look at the best fitness gifts for Christmas

I love compiling holiday gift segments because it reminds me just how many items there are to celebrate and inspire healthy action in our lives any time of year!

To develop this year's list, I reached out to my fitness community and friends to get suggestions from a variety of sources. One friend was asking for a new knee which I can't include, but I did end up with an extensive list.

1. Fit gifts that require etiquette: Here's where you have to be a bit careful. When purchasing certain fitness items, a great general rule to follow is to respond to a request or idea you've already heard your loved one mention. Avoid not-so-subtle suggestions to ensure your gift motivates that person versus making them feel self-conscious.

Make sure the following items are on your loved one's list:

• Memberships - think outside of the box on these though as some really positive options could include skate or swim passes, recreation activities or fun outings like a trampoline park or roller skating.
• Personal training - this would be appreciated if they already train or have been waiting or wishing to book.
• Diet or exercise programs - whether DVD's, weight loss groups or books, make sure they've asked first!

2. Apparel Options: Clothes are always appreciated whether used in or out of the gym! Here are few things to make sure you hit the mark with picks:

• Gift receipts. I like taking the time to find something perfect, but always keep the receipt for easy exchanges.
• Gift certificates - can be a safe option that saves the long return lines.
• Tech fabrics - beyond moisture wicking, there are great options for reflection, compression or support.
• Sport-specific - running, Yoga, cycling. You can find specialty apparel for a variety of activities. Ask a friend who is into that sport to offer some suggestions.
• Bags - you can't go wrong here but make sure you do have the receipt as they are a very personal item and vary in style and function.

3. Equipment options for home: The trend in fitness is functional - exercises that duplicate the movements we use every day in life, work and sport. The great advantage here is that a lot of the equipment and tools are portable, inexpensive and practical to use at home.

A few home tools to consider:

• Have a ball - stability balls, BOSU or posture balls. These are great for any fitness level, age or space.
• Bands - These are so practical and effective to use for resistance training for any fitness level and age and fits into any space.
• Foam rollers - full, half, textured. These are used for stretching and muscle massage are great home or office tools.
• Suspension equipment - TRX, Buddy Systems, Equalizers. These do take a bit more time to learn about and master but are so great for all fitness levels and really focus on that functional strength that everyone can use.
• Boxing equipment - gloves, pads, skipping ropes. Boxing is offered at many clubs but can be a really fun and effective option for home training too!

4. For your Yogi: Whether practicing at a studio or home, the Yogi on your list would appreciate any of the following accessories to enhance their practice:

• Bolsters - pillows that prop you up to make postures more comfortable.
• Mats - various types, colours and thicknesses available.
• Carry bags - lots of fun colours and patterns and very practical.
• Blocks - like bolsters, these help modify postures and positions.
• Eye masks - a soothing addition for Shavasana, or the meditation cool down of Yoga.
• Music - there are lots of beautiful CD's or downloads available.

5. DVD's: These have evolved so much from our initial days with Richard Simmons and Jane Fonda - but don't discount them as they're both still around and reaching great markets! Single DVD's can make great stocking stuffers. Full sets are ideal gifts for someone who has been eyeing a particular programs as they can be a real investment.

Some fun options:

• Shaun T series - his first was the well-known Insanity program. He how has additional programs including Asylum and T25. I think these are better than the first with more modifications and instruction for all levels.
• P90 options - he can be tough to take, but Tony Horton does have a variety of programs that have a balance of strength, cardio and flexibility training. My favourite here is still Tony's 10-Minute Trainer. It takes about 15 minutes but it's simple, fun, effective and a realistic block to squeeze into your day.
• Dance style - Shaun T has a new "CISE" - his latest program that combines dance, cardio and body weight conditioning. The Zumba programs I find limited and more mid-drift than instruction. There are lots of great specialty ones here including Bollywood, Hip Hop, Salsa, etc.
• Chalene Johnson - always tops my favourite list. She has her Turbo Jam kickboxing workouts along with strength programs. Her latest is PIYO which combines Yoga, Pilates and movement. Her instruction is always safe, fun and effective.

6. Fitness technology: This category has expanded so much from last year with more options and brands including:

• Wearables - fitbits, fuel bands, etc. You can now get rings, clips that can be work as pins or on necklaces along with the traditional bracelet style. Make sure it has the features you need and in a style that's practical to wear. These can become your own personal training and consultation device but they are an investment so take care in finding the right fit!
• HR monitors - can be purchased as separate monitors but is now a feature built into many wearables.
• Music Muffs - stay warm and listen to your favourite workout tunes!

7. Heat-to-toe stocking stuffers:

• Hats - look for fun features like tech fabrics, pony tail holes
• Headbands - come in a variety colours, widths, smooth vs. tacky
• Water bottles - conventional, camel-backs, belts, collapsible
• Massage tools - sticks with rollers, balls with spikes, foot baths.
• Gloves - technical options like thinsulate, reflective and tech touch.
• Socks - science has hit socks with thin but warm options!
• Bars and food - stuff a few of their favourite protein bars or powder. Some other novel fit food items include "goos" (a power gel), health gum, herbal teas or specialty waters.

There are so many options and items, big and small, to add some health and activity to your holiday. They've become easier to find as well. All of these suggestions can be found at your favourite department stores including Winners, Marshall's, Homesense, Canadian Tire and Walmart.

In January, I'll be posting lots of information and options to recover from the holidays and set yourself up for success in the New Year.

If you have a specific question we'd love to hear from you at www.libbynorris.com. We also have a quick survey to find out your biggest challenges to help plan workouts and support for our new online challenge to be announced soon.