Last minute gift ideas

Oops. Here I thought I had all this time to write a creative, idea-filled column on fitness Christmas gift ideas, but suddenly, upon closer examination of the calendar, I see this is no longer true.

I do believe, however, there's still time for some last minute ideas.

Because whether you've been done since Halloween or, like me, you've yet to complete your Christmas shopping (I bought a box of candy canes, so, technically, I feel I've started), there's always room for one more stocking stuffer, isn't there?

And when it comes to fitness related stocking stuffers, Dave Wines, manager/trainer at Health Systems Fitness Center in Antioch, rattled off a whole list of ideas including weight lifting gloves, vitamins, smartbells (small dumbells used in aerobics classes), wrist weights and fitness magazine subscriptions. A few of Wines' favorites include Muscle & Fitness, Flex or Ironman for guys and Women's Sports and Fitness, Self and Shape for women.

Some other good publications are Windy City Sports, Walking, Cooking Light, Men's Health and the University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter (write 48 Shattuck Square, Suite 43, Berkeley, CA 94704).

Louise Domerchie, a certified fitness consultant and instructor based in Gurnee, said she enjoys giving motivational gifts such as an exercise log, an exercise video or a cassette of lively music. "And one thing I never have enough of is lip [balm], she added, "I like to have one everywhere."

Trial memberships and gift certificates for personal training (usually around $25 to $40 an hour) were oft mentioned by fitness experts; most places offer free trials or low-cost "get fit kits" and coupon books for the holidays.

According to Dawn Melicher, manager at Gold's Gym in Aurora, their free two week trial, along with a fitness evaluation or body fat testing is popular.

"You can also get aerobics wear, a fun T-shirt, wrist and knee wraps or leggings" for under $20, she said.

Alice Hutson, an aerobics instructor for the Dundee Township Park District, agreed, noting you can never have too many leotards or pairs of socks. Some other low cost ideas she offered include colorful shoelaces, shower gel, waterproof sunscreen, a water bottle and a jumprope or some stretch cords.

Still stumped for ideas? Mary Magee, fitness supervisor at the Joliet Park District, says you can't go wrong with food. Low fat baked goods, Powerbars or similar low fat energy bars (check the label), Snackwells ("those hard-to-get low fat cookies"), or a gift certificate to a healthfood store top her idea list.

For the outdoor fitness enthusiast, consider pepper/dog repellent spray, a personal alarm, a pedometer or bike computer, ski wax and other ski accessories, or warm outer wear. "Lobster" mittens (great for cold weather biking), a polypropylene or Thermax turtle neck, a neoprene face mask and wool socks are just a few ideas.

Bicyclists can always use an extra patch kit, a flashing tail light or a halogen headlight (available at bike stores for around $7 to $20), while walkers and runners might enjoy a fanny pack, reflective clothing or a shoelace pouch for their house key.

Merry Christmas!

� Copyright 1994 Paula Lauer