Gifts fit for everyone from a gym rat to a couch potato

Whether you're purchasing the perfect gift for a fitness enthusiast, intermediate or hard-core gym rat, these items can motivate someone to begin a fitness regimen or just put a little pizazz into mundane workouts.

If you're willing to drop a large amount for an extended period of time, fitness sources recommended a gym membership. Gift certificates for massage, personal training or specific workouts. These last-minute gift ideas — available at area health and fitness stores — will give your fitness friend something to open and play with on Christmas Day.

Equipment for all levels includes:

ELIZABETH DODD ~ edodd@semissourian.comF6 $100 Automatic/Manuel target heart ratezone with visual and audible alarm, tracks your calories burned and percent of fat burned, automatically establishes your personal target heart rate zones, eliminates interference from other HRMs, displays current position in target zone, average heart rate for exercise, button free operation, full watch functions, stopwatch, exercise time, backlight and water resistant up to 30m.

• Weighted hula hoop: The hoop, with the sculpted inside surface plus the four-pound weight, works the core muscles and slims the waist. Begin by using twice daily for 10 minutes. Price: $39
• Polar heart rate monitor: Worn on the wrist, these vary in function and price according to amount of data you want to access and/or record. They all provide heart rate and average heart rate for exercise. The F1, $60, also includes a visual indicator of exercise time and recalls total exercise. The F4, $80, has an automatic/manual target heart rate zone with visual and audible alarm. It tracks calories burned, displays current position in target zone and has full watch functions (stopwatch, exercise time). The F6, $100, has all the capabilities of the F4 while eliminating interference of other HRMs, automatically establishing your personal target heart rate zones and tracking the percentage of fat burned. The F11, $150, has all the features of the F6, and it measures your fitness level and tracks improvement, has a personalized exercise program with feedback and changeable battery.
• Nike +: Working with your iPod Nano or iPod Touch, this device tracks your running schedule. It allows you to pick a playlist, programs music to motivate you and offers custom and open ended workouts. It also monitors time, distance, pace, calories burned and displays workout details on your iPod. Workouts can be downloaded onto your computer also. Nike+ shoes have a special place for the device, but it can be used with other shoes. Price: $29, shoes available at an additional cost.
• Hand- and ankle-weights: Weight sizes work muscles and build endurance. Take these along while walking or running outside to add an arm workout. Prices and fitness levels vary by heaviness of weights. Prices range from $10 to $20.

n Medicine balls: A weighted ball used to develop core strength and tone muscles. Prices and fitness levels vary by heaviness of weights. The recommended beginner size recommended is 6 pounds at $24.98; intermediate is 8 pounds at $29.98; advanced is 10 pounds at $34.98.

ELIZABETH DODD ~ edodd@semissourian.comF4 $80 Automatic/Manuel target heart ratezone with visual and audible alarm, tracks your calories burned, displays current position in target zone, button free operation, full watch functions, stopwatch, exercise time and water resistant up to 30m.

• Power tubes: 5- to 20-pound power tubes with handles at the end work arm, abdomen and leg muscles to build strength and tone. Only one band is needed, and repetitions can be increased for a more intense workout. Tubes comes with an instructional DVD. Prices range from $15 to $19
• Kettlebells: Shaped differently than ordinary handweights, these weights are attached to a handle and range from 10 to 25 pounds. The handle design makes them easier to grip. Kettlebells can be used for intermediate to advanced cardio workouts while doing aerobics or calisthenics. An instructional DVD is included. Prices range from $35 to $55
• Ministepper: Much like a step machine at the gym, this compact equipment has ropes you hold onto that simulate walking or running. Settings adjust to all fitness levels. By walking in place, resistance in the pedals can increase cardiovascular endurance. Price: $69.95
• Easy jump rope: Half a jump rope is held in each hand and used while jumping and skipping just as in an ordinary jump-rope workout. Because stepping over the rope is not involved, the likelihood of tripping is eliminated, promoting a more productive workout. This is especially good for people who might be movement challenged. Price: $12

cpagano@semissourian.com

388-3648