Fit Tip of the Month - Archives
December 2009
Gift ideas for the fitness fans on your list
(ARA) - What do you get the fitness fans on your holiday shopping list? Candy and fruitcake probably aren't good gifts, since they're likely watching their diets. Clothing is difficult, since getting the style and size right can be tricky.
And you want a gift that is personalized, that pays homage to their dedication to a healthy lifestyle. Exercise-related gifts might be the perfect solution, and fortunately there are plenty of ways you can tie your gift giving into a fitness fan's lifestyle.
You don't have to spend big bucks on expensive fitness equipment to help the fitness fan on your list stay in shape. Here are four simple gifts that blend fun and cost consciousness into an effective workout:
1. A jump rope - Jumping rope is a great workout that provides a high-calorie burn. A jump rope workout not only improves cardiovascular health, it tones some of the most challenging muscle groups, including calves, thighs and buttocks. It also gives your arms a great workout. You can purchase a quality jump rope at a sporting goods store and still have enough left over in your budget to give your fitness fan a jump rope workout video as well.
Plus, jumping rope harkens us back to childhood, when physical activity was more about having fun than getting ripped.
2. A hula hoop for the arms - The Armhoop 200 does for the arms what a traditional hula hoop does for your waist. The 20-inch diameter hoops are specially made for toning the arms and strengthening the shoulders, and are convenient for workouts at home, the gym or in the park. A unique wavy design inside the hoops helps them stay on your arms for a better workout. The Armhoop can be purchased for less than $20 at www.Sports-Hoop.com.
3. An exercise ball - Large exercise balls are the perfect blend of fun, fitness and relaxation. You can use them to aid in stretching before a workout or incorporate them into the workout itself. The ball can be used solo for workouts or for a team workout of old-fashioned fun like dodge ball or beach ball.
4. Your time - Your fitness fan might enjoy the gift of your time the most. Is he a runner? Commit to jogging with him or putting in some treadmill time by his side one day a week. Does she love Pilates? Attend a class with her. Having you fit and healthy by their side may be the best health-minded gift you can give your loved one this year.
October 2009
In honor of Walk & Roll to School Month, help your kids set a goal to walk to school a certain number of times a week. Ask your kids if they have a friend that can walk with them. If there are enough kids in the same neighborhood, they can start a walking school bus! If you live too far away to walk the whole distance, you can still walk part of the way by parking a few blocks from school and walking your kids the rest of the way. After walking to school remember to stretch your leg muscles so they will stay flexible.
Hamstring/Calf Stretch:
1. Take a giant step forward with right food and bend right knee, keeping left leg straight.
2. Hold for 10 seconds and then switch to the other side.
Quadricep Stretch:
1. Balance on one foot while grasping the opposite foot with hand. Knee should be bent so you hold foot behind the body.
2. Hold for 10 seconds and then switch to the other side.
Remember: Stretching after exercise keeps your muscles loose so you can keep doing your favorite physical activities.
May 2009
Fit Deck Cards for Mother’s Day
With Mother's Day just around the corner (Sunday, May 10th), consider giving your mother, grandmother, wife, or friend a unique gift of fitness!
What kind of "Mom" are you shopping for?
Not only will this help Mom mix up her workout routines, but it's also an affordable way to get into great shape for Spring.
Visit www.fitdeck.com and enter discount coupon MOM for a 10% discount on your purchase (offer valid thru 5/12/09).
