Can you give fitness as a gift? We want the people we love to be healthy and happy. As much as I want to fix it when they’re not, I’ve learned (the HARD way) it’s not my job.
That said, I’m on a mission to change how we think about walking because doing more of that has a lot of great benefits…including those things I want for the people I love!
The reality, though, is most of us NEVER think about walking at all. When we do it’s in the context of how to do less of it.
We drive around looking for the closest parking space. We send a text, or email, instead of walking to a colleague’s office down the hall. And, don’t even get me started about riding lawn mowers.
But, research indicates walking can improve your health, boost your mood, help you think better, and be an amazing path to fitness. The Centers for Disease Control recommends we get between 150-300 minutes of moderate physical activity every week. A daily 30 minute walk nails that recommendation.
Seven years ago I was given a Fitbit by my employer. They offered one to everybody as motivation to move towards a healthier and more fit life. I was already on a fitness journey, but that Fitbit was a game-changer. It made fitness something I do all day long…not a separate activity that I have to schedule.
Today I walk at least 20,000 steps every day. My fitness momentum has carried over in other areas like improved nutrition and improved rest. It’s all necessary for good health, but nearly impossible to change all at once. That first Fitbit was the real spark.
I don’t recommend 20,000 steps. I don’t even recommend that everyone should reach 10,000. But, I do believe everyone can walk more and having a Fitbit can be a real game-changer…maybe even a life-changer!
I also think it’s a great gift!!
(So you’re aware…if you buy something using one of these links this blog will receive a small commission. It won’t cost you more, but it’s the right thing for you to know)
Fitbit Inspire HR
This is the Fitbit I use now. In the past seven years I’ve used four different models and the Inspire HR is by far my favorite. I love the way it looks and feels. In addition to keeping track of my steps, the Inspire HR also tracks my sleep (including the different sleep stages) and my heart rate. These last two features are helping me gain an even fuller picture of my health.
The Fitbit Inspire HR also has four different clock face designs to choose from. And, when it’s connected to my iPhone by Bluetooth I can see text messages and incoming calls on my Fitbit.
You can check out the Fitbit Inspire HR
Fitbit also offers the Inspire. This is a less expensive version that does not track your heart rate. You can check out the Fitbit Inspire
Fitbit Versa 2
This is the latest Fitbit smartwatch. In addition to tracking your steps and heart rate, the Versa 2 also includes Amazon Alexa built in to the watch! The Versa 2 is a smartwatch with a special focus on fitness and health features.
You can check out Fitbit Versa 2
Fitbit Ace 2
Oh, how I wish Fitbit was around when my children were younger. The Fitbit Ace 2 is a step tracker specifically designed for kids ages 6 and older. It’s sturdy and waterproof. But, best of all it helps kids begin to understand that walking is fitness and not something to be avoided.
A couple years ago I gave our adult daughter a Fitbit. She loved it and it has impacted the way she looks at fitness. While I’m grateful for that, I’m disappointed I didn’t have the opportunity to give my younger kids a Fitbit Ace 2.
But, there’s always the grandkids…
You can check out the Fitbit Ace 2
AfterShokz Open Ear Wireless Headphones
While the Fitbit was a game changer for my fitness journey, the AfterShokz Open Ear Wireless Headphones changed the game one more time.
I love listening to podcasts while I walk. They entertain, teach, and inspire me. I have a couple dozen that I listen to regularly. My challenge was always keeping those stupid ear buds in my ears.
I also had to be careful of the wire.
One time, as I was walking, my hand caught the wire which yanked my phone out of my pocket. It landed on the pavement and cracked the screen. That was a beautiful moment. The final challenge with using ear buds happened when someone needed to talk to me. I couldn’t hear them until I could see them. That annoyed everybody.
The AfterShokz Headphones changed all that. There are no wires. It uses bone conduction technology so they sit in front of my ears. This is more comfortable and I can hear what’s happening around me. This is less annoying and also safer if I’m walking outside.
I enjoy walking. I don’t need any extra motivation to move. BUT, my AfterShokz headphones make me even more excited to go for a walk because of the podcasts. For others, it might be an audio book or music. The AfterShokz headphones are great for all of it.
And…because they are still connected to my iPhone using Bluetooth I can take calls while I’m walking. The downside is there’s nothing I can do about the image I must present of a man walking through the neighborhood talking to himself. Oh well. I can live with that.
You can check out the AfterShokz Open Ear Wireless Headphones
So…can you give fitness as a gift? The answer is no. But, you can give a gift that just might provide the motivation to move more and sit less.
Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!