My recent step back into exercise and healthy living prompted me to make a gift guide of my favorite health and fitness gadgets and goodies.

All of these things are gifts I would personally love to receive or items I actually have myself.

The gift of music.

Music can make or break a good workout so why not give the gift of some new tunes with an iTunes gift card? While I’m generally not a huge fan of the gift card as a gift, this is something I always appreciate and if it’s given creatively it’s the perfect gift for the active person.

The gift of membership.

Does someone on you gift list want to check out the new gym in town? Do you have a Zumba or yoga lover in the family? A trail membership or classes at the local Zumba or yoga studio would make the perfect gift.

Fitness watch.

I’ve been wearing a fitness watch for years. Even a few years back when I was running just about everyday I had my trusty fitness watch helping me workout more efficiently.

I have the Polar FT40 and LOVE the features it has to offer. This watch helps me know whether I’m actually exercising to my ability or if I’m just tired. Wearing a fitness watch also gives you a more accurate number of calories burned since it’s based on your heart rate as well as age, height, weight and activity level.

The fitness watch is a great gift for the active people on your gift list and Polar offers watches at many affordable price points.

Fitbit.

The Fitbit has made all the difference in the world for me when it comes being active. In the most basic sense, the Fitbit is a pedometer on steroids. It will help you set goals and be more active each day.

The Fitbit works with a personalized website and app for your smart phone to give you real time feedback throughout the day. By trying to reach the heart healthy goal of 10,000 steps per day you’ll find yourself getting up and moving around much more than before. The Fitbit is a great motivator.

The Fitbit has a fun cousin too but you have to know your gift recipient well for this one. The Aria scale works off your Wifi network and automatically syncs with your personal Fitbit site. But not everyone will appreciate receiving a scale for Christmas (I would though, hint hint).

Accessories.

Have a runner in your life? With the weather getting colder this is a great opportunity to make sure they stay warm on their run. There are fun and customizable accessories for just about every person on your gift list. From a personalized yoga mat to fun Zumba gear there’s something for them. Here are a few good ideas for this time of year.

Gloves:

When picking out gloves for the runner in your life they should be lightweight but warm. Look for tech gloves that have the little patches on the index finger and thumb that will allow them to use the touch screen on their phone or music player without taking their gloves off.

Ear protection:

When running in the cold you need something to keep the ears warm. Look for something that is moisture wicking and breathable.

Water bottle:

I’ve fallen in love with Camelbak water bottles. I’m not dribbling all over myself when I take a sip on the go anymore. If the active person on your gift list doesn’t like the idea of drinking out of a plastic blottle (that is BPA free) there are great stainless steel options to choose from.

Bags:

Have a yogi on your gift list? There are lots of great bags to hold all their yoga accessories. A fun bag filled with accessories will make a great gift for the active person on your list.

Entrance fee for an event.

This gift is not only fun and creative but it lets that special person in your life know that you have faith in them to participate in the event. Whether it’s a mud run, marathon, triathlon, or something a little less intense, you’re giving them your vote of confidence that they CAN do it.

If registration for the event hasn’t opened yet consider a Visa gift card with a fun note that you want to cheer them on and this is to make sure they can participate. Maybe even do some research and find out when the registration opens so they don’t miss the date.

I hope I was able to give you some great gift ideas for the active people on your gift list. By adding your own personal touches to any of these items you’re sure to give a gift that will be loved and appreciated. Give the gift of health this holiday season.

What fun health and fitness items would YOU like to find under the tree this year?

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about my Adventures in Health. My first two adventures I talked about a new lunch I had “invented” and how and why I measure my portions.

A few weeks ago I took on my latest adventure…Yoga!

I’ve always been a little intimidated by the idea of yoga. Over the years I’ve had a yoga DVD here and there but I never really go into it. I had no freaking clue what the instructor on my TV wanted me to do.

I was looking for something that might help me relax a little bit, if you know me you know that I tend to be a bit high strung. I talked to some people at work (local YMCA) and decided that there was a yoga class that we offer that I could probably handle. You know, since I’ve never really done it before.

I already have my own yoga mat (I’m not sure why) so I was ready to at least look like I knew what I was doing.

My first yoga class.

It kicked my ass! As we went through the poses I was actually vibrating trying to hold them.

When did this happen? When did I get so out of shape?

Two hours after my first class I was sore…REALLY sore. One of the ladies I work with said that yoga gives you a “subtile” sore. I can’t think of a better way to describe it, it was subtile but I was most definitely sore.

That was a Wednesday, and I went back on Friday for more.

I’m addicted!

For the past three weeks or so I’ve been hitting the Hatha Yoga class twice a week and I LOVE it! I can feel my body getting stronger and each class I feel more confident than the one before.

I’m still not sure what to do when we do the “freestyle” part of the class where everyone is doing their own thing. I also find myself needing to look up at the instructor when she tells us to get into a pose that I’ve never heard of before. It’s all good though, I’m sure I’ll be a pro (HA) in no time.

Even though my experience with the practice of yoga is extremely limited I can say that you don’t need to go to some posh yoga studio to enjoy yourself. I really think that the instructors at my Y are fantastic and I’m sure you’ll find the same if you check out your local Y too.

Have you tried yoga? What do you think?

Are you intimidated by the idea of taking a yoga class? Just do it, you might be pleasantly surprised.