Father's Day on a Budget -- Gifts for the Health and Fitness Fanatic

Finding the perfect Father's Day gift for the health and fitness fanatic isn't so easy. Yes, you could take the easy way out and get your father or grandfather or uncle or whomever a gift card or gift certificate to a health store or a sports shop, but that doesn't seem very personal. Trying to go out and search for a gift can be difficult, though, because so many health and fitness products are rather pricey. So what can you do?

Your worries are over--I have compiled a list of several items that would make excellent Father's Day gifts for any guy who is a fitness and health enthusiast. And, all of my ideas are budget-friendly since they are all less than $25.

--Wellness Gear Digital Jump Rope with Calorie Burn Computer: Jumping rope is a great way to stay fit--plus it is fun! This jump rope has a built-in computer that calculates how many calories you have burned based on your weight, workout time, and number of jumps. It also has an alarm that will sound when your workout is done--you can preprogram it for the number of minutes you want to jump. This great Father's Day gift will only cost you $21.99.
http://www.fitzz.com/Wellness-Gear-Digital-Jump-Rope-with-Calorie-Burn-Computer-P1406C116.aspx

--ThinSole Premium Orthotics Insoles: Anyone who is on his feet a lot (whether running, walking, or other types of exercise--or even just for his job) will appreciate these insoles. These are among the best you can buy--except for custom-made orthotic insoles that cost hundreds of dollars, of course. They have an orthotic shell that molds to the exact shape of the foot, a shock-absorption layer, a stretch nylon top to reduce friction, and a special design that allows for more toe space. Sounds like these will cost an arm and a leg, right? Well, they don't--they are only $18.95 for a pair.
http://www.bodytrends.com/store/product.asp?Product_Code=TS-7005&Category_Code=BT13

--Talking Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor: I found a great deal on this product--usually these are quite expensive, but this one is only $24.99! It is made by Oregon Scientific. This monitor pretty much works by itself--all you have to do is strap it on and push the button and it inflates itself and reads your blood pressure. The computer keeps track of your last 60 readings (and can keep track of the readings of another person as well).
http://www.shopnbc.com/product/?familyid=G60490&storeid=1&track=-20112&page=LIST&category=Health%20%26%20Fitness|t334&price=0|49.99&sub_attr_name=0%20%3C=%20%3C=%2049.99âˆ=Workout%20Accessories|202&catprop=202&ImageSize=0&track=194&cm_re=TS-_-N-_-G60490

--Cory Everson 16-Inch Balancing Board: Balancing boards help to increase coordination and (obviously) balance while toning the lower body, legs, and torso. This board comes with a fitness guide with workout tips, an exercise guide, and a workout chart. Boards like this are commonly found in gyms, but not so common for people to own--chances are, your guy would appreciate getting this as a Father's Day gift. And, it costs only $19.95.
http://shopping.discovery.com/product-64399.html

--Everlast Desktop Speedbag: Even if boxing is your guy's sport of choice, I'm sure he will get use out of this speedbag. It is fairly small--about 15 inches tall, 7 inches in diameter--and it is designed to stick to any smooth table, desk, or wall with its super-strong suction cup bottom. This personal punching bag will come in handy not only to burn a few calories, but it is also a great stress reliever. The price of this is $19.95.
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productdetails/sku__EV450

--Nautilus 20 lb Dumbbell Set: Weight training is a good way to increase muscle and bone strength, and exercise experts are recommending that people do strength training in addition to a cardio workout. This set is a great way to do that at home--it includes a variety of weights and it comes in its own case which will keep everything organized. This would make a great Father's Day gift at only $14.99.
http://www.fogdog.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2505125

--Stamina InStride 36-Inch Mini Trampoline: Doesn't this sound like a fun gift? This mini trampoline has foldable legs for easy storage and it has a weight limit of 250 pounds. Jumping on a trampoline is good cardiovascular exercise, and your guy can even add weights to his routine to make it more of a workout. This will only cost you $22.88.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?cpncode=10-40969971-2&dest=9999999997&product_id=881612&sourceid=1500000000000001245850&srccode=cii_10043468

--Nike Brasilia Small Duffle: This tote bag is perfect for taking extra clothes and gear to the gym. It comes in several guy-friendly colors, such as black, light graphite, varsity red, and varsity blue. It measures 21.5 inches x 11.5 inches x 11 inches, so it is just the right size for a set of gym clothes and shoes, along with a few other odds and ends. Inside there is a hanging zippered pouch, and on the outside there are two zippered end compartments. A Nike gym bag for a Father's Day gift would be a great idea for any guy, and this one costs just $22.49.
http://www.6pm.com/nike/b2_3_brasilia_small_duffel/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=73977&productid=928910

--Oregon Scientific Pedometer with Pulse Meter, Speed, and Pace: This is such a handy all-in-one gadget. Clip it to your waist, and it will measure the distance you have walked as well as the speed you walked it--and it also calculates the time it took you to walk it and the amount of calories you burned. And most fitness fanatics know that it is important to exercise at the right intensity, meaning that you have to keep your heart rate up--well, this gadget can tell you what your heart rate is when you place your finger on the sensor. It has an LCD screen with a backlight as well as a clock and a temperature indicator. This pedometer really does do everything! Best of all, it only costs $19.95.
http://digitalgiftstore.stores.yahoo.net/pe826.html?http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?digitalgiftstore+G6AguJ

--Everlast Pilates Door Gym with Adjustable Tension: Pilates may be more popular among women, but that doesn't mean that guys can't benefit from it! This door gym easily attaches at the top and bottom of any door with adjustable brackets. Your guy can then use the stretch cords sitting or standing, both facing the door or away from the door. There is a fitness guide included, so it will be easy to see all of the possible exercises that can be done with this gym. This isn't as pricey as you would think, either--it is only $21.99.
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD_ID=886902&cid=100349&fp=F#moreinfo

I'm sure that one of these ideas will make a great Father's Day gift for any health and fitness fanatic in your life. Or, if not these exact gifts, perhaps they will spark an idea in your mind for another gift that would be just right. You can also surf around on the websites from which I found these gift ideas--many other really cool gift ideas can be found on all of them I'm sure that any guy will appreciate that you took the time to try to find a Father's Day gift that he will enjoy.

Be sure to check out my other articles for other ideas on Father's Day gifts!