Partridges in pear trees are really not practical: so here’s a 12-item list of gift ideas you can share with friends, family and coworkers that have health benefits, too.
Ann Shoup, PT, a physical therapist at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, shared this list of gift ideas ranging from people working on fitness goals, mobility and balance to those interested in better mental acuity.
“Giving these gifts is a way to challenge yourself to move more, eat better, stay hydrated – all good things we all should do,” Shoup said. “Most are easy to use, don’t take up much room and inexpensive.”
Balance Trainers Can Make You Stronger
- What they do: Balance training devices help with posture, core strength and coordination, and any exercise on one helps you work harder and smarter.
- How they work: Your pushup or squat routine gets tougher with one of these.
- Therapist’s tip: “We use them to help with fall-prevention strength. They help you get more from any workout.”
Mind-Body Exercise Mats Make Floor Fitness Easier
- What they do: Use mats for added comfort when sitting, kneeling or lying down. Plus they pop right in the closet when you’re done.
- How they work: Try it with exercises, meditation or with stretches of any type, especially ones focused on hamstrings and ankles.
- Therapist’s tip: “Using a mat makes exercise comfier, which means you’ll do it more. They come in a variety of thicknesses as well.”
Kettlebells for Resistance Training
- What they do: Kettlebells offer resistance exercise options, proven to help the body as much as cardio, stretching and other workouts.
- How they work: Squats, curls and many other exercises can incorporate a kettlebell or hand weight set.
- Therapist’s tip: “Lifting weights doesn’t require 50-pound dumbbells. It offers a change of routine, especially if you usually walk or run.”
Give a Fitness Tracker or Journal
- What they do: Fitness trackers and fitness journals offer options to keep track of steps, workouts, wins and setbacks.
- How they work: One is decidedly less technical, but both give you a way to follow your routine and achievements.
- Therapist’s tip: “Get a tracker for you and your workout partner. Use them for accountability or competition. You may go farther than on your own.”
Hydration with Some Motivation
- What they do: Water bottles are good; motivational water bottles are better. Ones with graduated reminders on the side help you stay hydrated.
- How they work: Everyone, especially coffee or tea lovers, needs more water.
- Therapist’s tip: “These are a bit self-explanatory, yet they make a fun gift. They can make you push yourself to get more water every day.”
Fitness and Flexibility with a Therapy Flex Bar
- What they do: Therapy bars are great for resistance training and let you relieve stress while squeezing and twisting. They work muscles in your hands, wrists and arms and help relieve tension in the elbow and shoulder.
- How they work: They come in a variety of weights/levels and they’re easy to use. Even 5 or 10 minutes can lead to some burned calories and joint elasticity.
- Therapist’s tip: “They can range in resistance, and even if you have limited strength, they can keep you flexible.”
Activity Books to Help Sharpen Brain Health
- What they do: There’s a library full of adult activity books packed with crosswords, puzzles, Sudoku and word find games. They’re great for mental-skills breaks.
- How they work: You can find books for dog lovers, arithmetic fans, poets and even collections just for anxious people.
- Therapist’s tip: “We all have games on our phones, but then you get a call, text or email. An actual activity book helps you cut your screen time.”
Give a Map of Area Trails
- What they do: Sharing a trail map of a community or region helps people know where to bike, hike, run or walk. If you’re crafty, make a custom map for a friend.
- How they work: Hard-copy maps let you add notes, pick new routes, remember ones you liked or that had more wildlife – the options are endless.
- Therapist’s tip: “I’m from Pierre, yet I don’t know all the trails for walks or runs. A map gave me some new routes to try out.”
Keep Limber with a Roller for Tight Muscles
- What they do: Massage sticks, sometimes called muscle rollers, let you work out kinks in your legs, arms, hips or tummy. You can use one after a workout.
- How they work: From your neck to the soles of your feet, these devices loosen tight spots.
- Therapist’s tip: “Since you’re in control, you can’t hurt yourself. They really help relieve sore spots.”
Reaching Devices for Assistance
- What they do: Reaching devices, available at home medical equipment stores, are good for everyone. We all end up dropping something behind furniture now and then.
- How they work: People with limited bending or movement can use them for dressing. They also help reach items on higher shelves.
- Therapist’s tip: “Once you get one, you’ll realize how versatile they are.”
Cookbooks for New Dinner Ideas
- What they do: Another category with few limits is health-focused cookbooks that provide ideas to anyone from a chef to a kitchen beginner.
- How they work: The internet is packed with recipes, but a cookbook gives you information without pop-up ads, pesky “jump to recipe” buttons and other distractions.
- Therapist’s tip: “Affordable cookbooks are great to share and exchange with people who love to cook.”
You can also find a physical, occupational or speech therapist near you.
