Posted by Carla Spencer on Dec 7, 2018
Heart-healthy gifts that keep on giving
It’s that time of year again — the gift-giving season. This year, how about focusing on holidays gifts that help your loved one (or you) stay faithful to a heart-healthy lifestyle? As soon as the New Year hits, everyone will start thinking about ways to become happier and healthier. So why not offer them a head start with a gift that keeps on giving? Here’s a list of 10 heart-healthy gift ideas: Under Armour HeatGear or ColdGear workout attire One of the most common reasons people don’t like to work out is the weather. But with the technologies available these days, climate is no longer an obstacle for outdoor activities. HeatGear is designed for warm weather, to keep you cool and dry. ColdGear was created for colder weather, to keep you warm and dry. Comfortable footwear Why not make walking a pleasure? Buy a gift certificate to your favorite local running store where your loved one will be custom fitted for the ideal shoe for running, walking, hiking or golfing. Low-sodium gift baskets The holidays are filled with high-sodium meals and decadent treats. If your loved one has diabetes or kidney disease, navigating the indulgent holidays can feel daunting. So give them a gift a healthy, low-sodium gift basket to brighten the season. From a Baker’s Delite & Salt Free basket to salt-free sauces and low-sodium snacks, these heart-healthy gifts offer tasty alternatives. Gym membership Sometimes it’s hard to commit to a gym membership, so we never give it a try. But if the decision is already made and the card is in hand, then we’re much more likely to step outside our comfort zone. Contact your local YMCA and gyms to inquire about gifting a membership. Workout equipment Whether it’s for the indoors or the outdoors, workout equipment is a huge incentive for becoming active. Consider buying a stationary bike, treadmill, elliptical or a road bike as a heart-healthy gift. Lifestyle coaching session Even with the best of intentions to become our better selves, sometimes life gets in the way and fitness is pushed to the back burner. But a lifestyle coach helps put everything into perspective and understand that wellness is not just reducing calories or increasing exercise – it’s a way of life. Give your loved one the life-changing gift of a lifestyle coaching session. Yoga or meditation classes In our busy lives, sometimes the most difficult task is simply slowing down. Yoga and meditation can help relax the mind and body. According to the National Institutes of Health, yoga is useful in the management of various lifestyle diseases, including type 2 diabetes and yoga practices such as meditation and mindfulness are known to reduce blood glucose levels. Offer your loved one the opportunity to restore themselves. Massage gift certificate We spend the majority of our time taking care of others and dedicate little time to taking care of ourselves. According to the Mayo Clinic, massage can help with anxiety, digestive orders, insomnia related to stress, headaches and much more. Treat your loved one with the gift of self-care for the holidays. 9. Dance lessons or golf lessons Exercise doesn’t come in one shape or size, the most important element is the movement. Perhaps your loved one would like to mix in a little fun with their exercise — on the dance floor or on the golf course. Buy them a gift certificate for lessons and they might find their next new hobby. Cooking classes Eating well begins with cooking well. Inspire your loved ones with a gift certificate for cooking classes and spark an interest that will serve them for the rest of their lives....
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