Top 10 Holiday Gifts for the Exercise Fanatic!

Are you trying to get a jump on all your holiday shopping? Do you know someone who is a die-hard exercise fanatic? If so, then this is the guide for you! Getting a gift for a family member or friend who loves exercising does not have to burn a hole in your wallet. There are plenty of great gifts that can range in price to suite your budget. Regardless of their tastes and preferences for activity choices I can guarantee that you can be sure to find something to please.

Below is a list of ideas that range from least expensive to most. Remember to always shop around for the best deal as you can find some variability in prices on most of these items. Also take into account the quality of the more expensive priced pieces. Obviously someone who exercises very intensely or on a daily basis is going to require a top model whereas the recreational exerciser may be able to get away with something that is at the lower end.

1. Rubber Tubing

There are an endless number of exercises you can perform with a simple rubber tube. This gift is perfect for those who travel frequently as this piece of exercise equipment can be stashed in your suitcase for convenience. The tubes themselves come in difference resistance strengths so be sure to chose one that will meet the needs of the person you are shopping for.
Average Price: $5-20

2. Exercise Video

For the home exerciser, a fitness video can be the perfect way to spice up their exercise routine and keep them motivated. There are a wide variety of types of videos out there ranging from strengthening exercises to cardio kick-box to yoga.
Average Price: $10-20

3. Skipping Rope

A skipping rope is a great piece of cardio equipment that can be performed anywhere. It is a very intense form of exercise though so it's better suited to someone who is slightly more advanced with exercising. If you know someone who is looking to burn body fat quickly, this is the gift for them! The things to look for in a skipping rope are good solid handles and a rope that has some type of covering. Rubber ropes are good but if they hit the body while they are in motion they can cause a lot of pain.
Average Price: $5-15

4. Free Weights

For individuals who are looking to build muscle mass, a set a free weights will be the best Christmas present they will receive this year! The best part about dumbbells are that you can virtually target every muscle in the body with different exercises all while in the comfort of your home. You can find dumbbells in a wide variety of weights, ranging from 2 pounds all the way up to 50+ pounds. If price is not an object, you can now buy dumbbells that you are able to adjust the weight increment with the flick of a small lever. Average Price: $5-500 (there is a large variety in costs depending on the weight you are purchasing - heavier dumbbells will cost more and the adjustable kind will be the most expensive).

5. Exercise Ball
Exercise balls are the perfect gift for an individual at any fitness level. Since they reduce your stability any exercises you perform on them will be more difficult than done without. Most will come with a pump that you will inflate it with and if not then you can usually find one at a cost-effective price. The important thing to look for when purchasing an exercise ball is the size. If the gift is for a smaller individual you will want to buy a smaller size and if it's for a larger individual a larger size.
Average Price: $20-40

6. Stretching Mat
For the yoga lover a stretching mat is a great gift. If you can find one that easily rolls up then they can transport it with them to any yoga classes they take or use it at home if they choose to practice there. Stretching mats are also perfect for the at home exerciser as it will give them a comfortable surface to perform some of their free weight exercises, abdominal exercises or stretches on. Generally the bigger the mat you can find the better. An increased surface area will allow the exerciser to fully move around on the mat without any difficulty (as some stretches put your body in a position that covers a large area).
Average Price: $15-50

7. Personal Training Session
If the person you are buying this gift for is new to exercise you may want to consider getting them a few sessions with a personal trainer. This will give them a great introduction to fitness and teach them how to perform the exercises effectively so they can see results and reduce injuries. When looking for a trainer make sure you find one that has a professional certification and a few years in the exercise industry. This will ensure they know a great deal about exercise and will help you get your money's worth.
Average Price: $40-80/session

8. Gym Membership:
Some people are simply not motivated enough to stick to a home exercise program. If this is the case for the person you are shopping for then a gym membership is the perfect fit. Some points to consider in choosing a gym is location, number and sex of members (some women will feel most comfortable attending women only gyms), hours of operation, additional services offered (personal training, group classes, daycare) and price.
Average Price: $30 (monthly) - $350 (yearly). Note that there will be a lot of variation in price here depending on location and specific gym.

9. Total Gym
A total gym is a great gift for the exercise fanatic. This will allow them to see the benefits they would get from going to a public gym in their own home. There are a wide variety of total gyms to choose from that will offer different exercise possibilities. Make sure you find one that has a sturdy frame and has a large weight stack to allow for progression.
Average Price: $500 - $2000

10. Treadmill/Elliptical/Bike
The last exercise gift you could get for the workout fiend on your list is a new treadmill, elliptical trainer or bike. This will allow them to get in their cardio training any time they have a spare moment. The best part about having these in your home is that you can then exercise while you watch TV. Many people who work full-time have a hard time making the time to go to the gym so this could be the perfect option for them. They could then wake up half an hour earlier and get in their cardio before starting their day. Then it is done and out of the way without them even having to think about it. If you are investing in a more expensive exercise machine then you are definitely going to want to look at purchasing a warranty. Treadmills especially can have many functional problems over time so unless you are covered this could bring unwanted additional costs to the gift receiver.
Average Price: $500-$2500 (depending on quality and type)

So if you are stuck for ideas this coming Christmas why not help the people on your list make a healthy change in their lifestyle by giving them the gift of exercise. With New Years resolution time right around the corner you can be guaranteed that your gift is going to be one of the ones they appreciate the most!