Getting in Shape: Some Suggestions for Giving in Shape

There are times when we walk past the vitamin store in the mall, we recognize a friend browsing the shelves with their basket already half full of supplements.  They are the health conscious one in the neighborhood, the one we all unsuccessfully aspire to be.  Or, perhaps they’re new to the whole health scene.  Or maybe they represent those among us who are trying to lose those extra pounds…for the third year in a row.  No matter what, we all know someone who is “carb conscious.”  So, when their birthday comes around, it can be challenging to get them a gift that meets their healthy living. In fact, this give you a good starting point in deciding upon a gift.  You can take this information and turn it into a gift that will inspire them.

One unique gift idea, especially for new comers to the fitness world, might be to get them an introductory membership to a health or athletic club.  Here you can find up to date work-out equipment that your friend can choose from.  They'll also find a supportive and well trained staff.  Many health clubs will also offer trainers to guide customers in a work out regime that best suits them.    If your friend is already a health nut, chances are they already have a membership, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give them a free month or two at their club of choice.

If a gift of a club membership is a bit more than you planned to spend, there are other gifts in the same spirit.  Visit your local sporting goods shop to find inspiration for other appropriate gifts.  Health stores can give you plenty of gift ideas, too.  You might find a video guide on a popular exercise routine or an inspirational book.  

Just because they want to lose weight doesn’t mean they can’t eat.  Many sports shops will have cook books for the health conscious.  These books are a great idea for those who are fine when it comes to working out, but have trouble controlling their diet.  The sports shop has new ideas at every turn including pedometers and heart rate monitors making your gift hunt much easier.

If you want your gift to express more of a personal touch, try sending a gourmet fruit basket. Fruit can become an extremely healthy habit.  Think of the food pyramid that you may have first glimpsed when you were in grade school.  Fruit is healthy.  Fruit is one of the healthiest foods around; it provides essential vitamins and energy not to mention is cholesterol-free.  There’s no question that a fruit basket would be loved by your health conscious friend.  Fruit baskets can come in several different assortments that will provide your friend with his favorite treats.  However, if your friend has just begun a low carb diet, he or she will not be permitted fruit until later in the diet's progression.

So regardless of whether your friend is new to the health and fitness lifestyle or has been active for many years, make sure your gift is supportive of their choice to get healthy or stay healthy.