It’s that time of year again. Those sleigh bells are a jingling! Can you hear them? Or is that just the cling of those store registers ringing up those holiday gift purchases?
Well, Anna has a list of her own! And I’ve made sure to be on my best behavior this past month…ok, well maybe not at my company Christmas party…so that Santa brings me everything I’ve asked for. It’s a mix of gift ideas for you and for your loved ones. These are perfect for anyone you want to keep around for a long healthy life. So without further adieu…
Anna’s Fit-Christmas List
Eating for Life, by Bill Phillips – This tell-it-like-it-is approach to eating and fitness is what I love best about Bill and his Body for Life program. It sure whipped me into shape! Eating for Life is the ideal follow up book to hammer home his “diets are a dead end street” approach. You see, he and I have a lot in common when it comes to our belief that food should not be your enemy, and that if you feed your body the proper balance of small, frequent nutritious meals and exercise, you will harness the ideal amount of energy and overall fitness that you will be able to easily follow for life!
The Strength Builder - You all know that I love squats, but I have a feeling that 2006 was the year of the push up! This fantastically functional upper body exercise has everything you need to strengthen all of the muscles in your chest, shoulders and triceps – but its all dependant on proper hand placement. That’s why I’m crazy about The Strength Builder, a press device that was engineered by physical therapists in order to cut out the confusion over where to place your hands during push ups in order to work specific muscles. The Strength Builder board is fitted with movable ergonomic comfort grips that you insert into numbered holes to target the muscles you desire. Think of The Strength Builder as the safest exercise buddy you will ever have!
Sony NWS203F Walkman – My best friend just got one of these – and I’m so jealous! This 1GB MP3 player by Sony is water and sweat-resistant, so it won’t corrode on humid days or during really intense workouts. But what I really love about this walkman is that it actually detects your running speed and selects songs to match your pace from your pre-programmed play list! How is that for a cool workout partner? Better yet, it's only $150 on Amazon.com - and it comes in pink!
Breath Thermal Gloves - I plugged these in my Winter Walking/Running Tips post. I have a pair of these babies and so I’m not shy about telling you that they are the perfect running partner in crisp weather. I know that I already have a pair, but part of Christmas is giving and sharing…and I’m really hoping it helps my wish for a pink Sony walkman (see above). But seriously, these Breath Thermo gloves are thermal-lined and they keep my hands comfortable during my morning runs. Grab a pair for under $20 at The Running Room. Believe me, they help me get my butt out of bed to run every morning.
Dove’s Campaign for Beauty – I’ve already praised the message behind Dove’s global Campaign for Real Beauty. Dove has put together what I like to call “media education” videos that dispel many of the dangerous images and messages that society buys into. So why not give a little back by making a donation to the Dove Self Esteem Fund. To see what they’re trying to accomplish check out the newest Dove video on my blog. I love this message because it aims to change the negative media messages that influence women – young and old. It’s intention – to show the unrealistic beauty ideals for what they really are – fake! I mean do you really think that Angelina Jolie wakes up looking that good? Dove’s message really ties in nicely with what I’m trying to achieve with Fitness Gear 101. Strive to be healthy – and everything else will fall into place. Self-esteem is the perfect gift for the woman you love this Christmas.
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Holiday!
