My Personal 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

If you're anything at all like me, you can relate to my complete aversion to the mall and the airport between Thanksgiving and New Years. I actually find myself on the verge of an anxiety attack when I even get near either place this time of year. The crowds, traffic and endless promises of "guaranteed lowest price" all make my heart start to palpate and my nervous system goes into overdrive. So, I have made it my practice over the years to do my shopping online. There's really nothing like coming home at the end of the day and finding that the big brown "present truck" aka (UPS Truck) has delivered my gifts straight to my front door.

This year I've done some research and here are my favorites for 2009 Gift Ideas for the "Fit Minded" individual:


MY PET FAT: A Diet like no Other

With every indulgent bite you take this holiday season, you may tell yourself you'll really get serious about fitness for next year's resolution. Remember the turkey and trimmings, Christmas cookies, candy canes and mixed drinks? It won't be long before you start feeling it (and seeing it too). So what's your plan this time around?

Here's my suggestion: Instead of dropping cash on equipment you'll never use try a more can-do approach. My Pet Fat from Jay Jacobs is a practical way (for inactive people) to keep your second round of resolutions. Created by a once morbidly obese man who understood how hard it is to stick to a workout program and/or diet, My Pet Fat is essentially a reminder of what you are or what you will be if you keep eating those Big Macs, Whoppers and Cinnabons. Personally, looking at a pound of fat in my fridge everyday would certainly be a constant reminder of what I don't want to look at in the mirror every day.

Overtime and through repetition it's conditioning will help you to make better choices, moment to moment, day by day. Take it along with you to the gym to stay focused, or work out at home with it, bring it to lunch... and by the way, these babies are anatomically correct replicas, so you might be surprised to see what 1 pound of fat actually looks like!

Jay's company slogan is, 'Fat is all in your head.' I agree except, of course, when you're trying to fit your fat ass into some low-rider jeans.

Give and Give Back: A part of the warm feelings we get these holidays is derived from giving something special to those we love. Why not double your act of goodwill by selecting a gift that also funds a cause?

Here's one, if you're thinking of surprising the kids or your spouse with a little live bundle of joy under the tree this year: Molly's Mutts & Meows is a wonderful pet adoption operation run by my old Krav Maga buddy, Molly Thompsen Wootton. Adoptions are held weekly and if you add Molly as a friend on FaceBook, you will have instant access to the most recent cuties available.

If I've Said it Once, I've Said It A Thousand Times: The only way to burn fat is to get your heart rate in it's proper "zone".

This is a huge favorite among fitness enthusiasts -- both men and women -- because it includes lots of bells and whistles, but is relatively inexpensive for what you get (around $100). Besides telling time, the Polar F6 also provides a heart rate monitor, calorie counter and it even keeps track of how long you stay in your chosen heart rate zone. It also provides a weekly summary of your workouts (how long you exercised, how many calories you burned). One of its best features is the Own Zone setting, which determines your zones automatically based on your heart rate during different levels of exercise. This is a MUST HAVE for bootcampers!!

NOTHING SAYS 'I LOVE YOU' LIKE A MASSAGE
Who doesn't love to be pampered? This is a no-brainer in my book. Keep a stack of 5 Massage Gift Certificates in your car because during the next couple of weeks, you're certain to find yourself stuck without a gift when you should have remembered! Your hair stylist, manicurist, secretary, accountant, personal trainer, heck even the gardener would love to get a massage! You can order gift certificates directly from my website or you can e-mail me with your order anytime. I will print them out on appropriate holiday paper or on regular "zen" stationery.

MAKE IT 'PERSONAL': Personal Training Sessions make a GREAT Stocking Stuffer!

One of the biggest fears I hear when it comes to people starting a new workout is that they are afraid to get into a class or bootcamp because they don't want to be the slowest one in the group or hold anyone back. This is a valid fear if you join a class where the instructor isn't sensitive to anyone's individual needs. Or, in some cases, private training is a luxury some people prefer to have just for themselves. If either of these are the case for you or someone you know, then indulge and buy a series of workouts with a trainer. Better yet, get a friend to go in on it with you and give the gift "from all of you". Great for new parents too!! I provide discounts on large session packages and on semi-private sessions (2-3 people). Email me for rates!

BOOTCAMP ESSENTIALS:Cold Weather Gear From Backyard Bootcamp

Brrr! It's cold at 6:15am these days!

These are great gifts for under $20!

Check out the Beanies too!

HAVE A HOOPIN' GOOD TIME: TravelHoops by Hoopnotica!

The NEW TravelHoop is super easy to assemble and disassemble, making it easy to take your favorite workout with you! You've got two color choices: pink & gold or blue and silver.

This is the "Hit Gift" for teens and adults this season!

Check them out at http://www.hoopnotica.com/

SKIP THE MALL AND SAVE THE WORLD INSTEAD: GlobalGiving Gift Cards

Combine your giving and your gifting with GlobalGiving Gift Cards and donations made in honor of your family and friends. Gift Cards are 100% tax deductible, 100% biodegradable, and 100% fun! GlobalGiving Gift Cards let you give the gift of giving - the recipient gets to choose how the donation is allocated, and then see how their money has been put to work.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and may you receive all you desire in the New Year!

Blessings,
Leslie Maltz