Getting in Shape: Some Ideas for Giving in Shape

There are times when we pass the supplement store in the mall, we recognize a friend browsing the shelves with their basket already half full of supplements.  They are the health freak; that friend of ours who is always trying out the latest diet or newest exercise fad.  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.    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, is to get them a membership to a local health club or gym.  They’ll be among others with the same goals, and plenty of equipment to help them take on their challenges.  They’ll also find a supportive and well trained staff.  They might find that getting a personal trainer can keep them going beyond the point where, in past efforts, they may have simply quit.    Even if your friend already has a membership to such a club, you can still give them a free month, or even a gift certificate to be used at the club for additional services or products.

If a gift of a club membership is a bit more than you planned to spend, there are other gifts that can provide the same message of support.  Visit your local sporting goods shop to find inspiration for other appropriate gifts.  Health stores offer loads of ideas that can suit almost anyone’s interests.  You might get them a health guide on the latest exercise trend.  

Being healthy does not mean giving up food entirely!  There are a lot of books that can be found in sports shops or even health clubs with recipe guides and nutritional information.  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’re looking for a more personal gift, one of the best healthy gift ideas you can get is a 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 is totally cholesterol-free and provides many of the essential vitamins that we all require.  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.  One exception to keep in mind, however, often people who are just beginning a low carb diet are not permitted fruit.

So regardless of whether your friend is new to the health and fitness lifestyle or has been active for many years, supporting their efforts to drop some weight by getting them a healthy gift is a great way to wish them a happy birthday.