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Staying Fit
Fitness Gifts Under $30
Help friends, family or yourself get a head start on that New Year’s resolution!
Your friend says it every year—“My New Year’s resolution is to lose
weight and stay fit!”—but she’s never quite able to do it. How do you
help without buying her an entire fitness gym?
“You don’t need tons of equipment or money to keep that resolution,”
says Greg Salem, exercise physiologist and director of Healthy You
programs at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “There are
plenty of gifts that have small price tags and big fitness benefits.”
Here are some top picks:
Pedometer Price: $18-22
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A pedometer is easy to use and wear.
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It counts your steps, not your miles.
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Use it to gradually build more walking activity into your daily schedule.
Flexible Fitness Bands Price: $25-30
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Bands come in different strengths—light (little resistance), medium (moderate resistance) and heavy (maximum resistance).
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Stretch them between your arms and legs to help strengthen and tone muscles, tighten tummy and improve flexibility.
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They’re very versatile and portable—easy to carry in your purse or pocket.
Weighted Workout Bar Price: $18-28
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Three-foot bars are available in different weights (2.75 or 4.5 pounds).
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They’re ideal for toning muscles and reducing risk for bone loss.
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Weight is evenly distributed throughout the bar for easier use.
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Bars are portable, so you can use them at a gym, at home or on a break at the office.
Fitness Stability Ball Price: $20-25
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This item focuses on core muscles—lower back, abdomen, buttocks, hips and chest.
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It adds something unique (and more challenging) to your workout.
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It’s perfect for Pilates—combining strength training for increased
muscle tone with breathing and relaxation for stress relief.
Small Weighted Fitness Balls Price: $12-20
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Balls measure 4 1/2 inches in diameter and weigh 3 pounds.
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They’re soft, pliable and easier to grip than traditional hand weights.
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They help create visible results in hard-to-tone areas of arms and legs.
Workout Video Price: $20-22
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Videos are an affordable way to get a complete workout.
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A good video includes plenty of variety so you won’t tire of the routine.
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Check the boxes—buy the most recent videos and stay away from
bargain-basement tapes that may not include up-to-date fitness and
safety techniques.
Healthy You Gift Card Price: $20 and higher
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A card can be used for Healthy You programs, Massage Works, Youthful You Institute or Healthy You spa.
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Use it to treat someone to an exercise class or massage (or even a manicure or pedicure).
- It’s available by calling 610-402-CARE.
Accessories Price: Varies by item
A great workout should include some inexpensive but invaluable accessories, such as:
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a water bottle
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hand towels
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comfortable workout gear including cushioned socks.
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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