The movement lovers wish list this Christmas

Do you still have presents to buy this Christmas for your family and friends and unsure what to get them?  Why not get them something that inspires them to move and improve their health in 2021.  We also have gift vouchers available at Optimum Exercise Physiology that your loved one could use for individual or group sessions, or to buy exercise equipment.

Christmas Present ideas:

Water Bottle - how cool, 'literally’ are the water bottles these days.  You can buy glass, stainless steel, or BPA free water bottles, in a range of colours, designs, and sizes.  Some will even stay cold for up to 24 hours!  Use them to take to work to keep your fluids up, or to the gym, tennis court or walking trail.

Headphones - who doesn’t like a bit of music, podcast or book to keep you going through your workout or walk.  You can get in ear, on ear and even wireless headphones for as little as $19, or go all out and find the apple airpods on sale for under $200!  Great for keeping you motivated, or passing the time quickly (whichever you prefer 😉 )

Bluetooth speaker - keeping on the music theme, get your speakers pumping when working out, indoors or outdoors.

Activity Tracker - these guys can also cost as little, or as much as you want, and can do as little or as much as you want!  A top of the range Garmin watch has GPS, oxygen saturation level and heart rate monitoring on your wrist, altitude, and special ops functions that can set you back over $1500!  But you can also buy something that will track your steps for as little as $150, and if you check out ebay or Gumtree, pick up one second hand for much less!  Activity trackers have been shown by the research to help keep you accountable,and can assist in providing motivation to move more.

Exercise Mat – these are not just for the yoga and pilates enthusiasts.  They’re great for home workouts too.

Gym Bag – Have this baby packed and ready to go in the morning or after work, so that there is no excuse not to hit the gym, pool or park.  

Gym Towel - One of the essential items in your gym bag.  Much better than using your t-shirt to wipe the sweat off during a big workout.  Look for a microfibre towel as they are very absorbent, light and dry quickly.

Socks - this may seem strange to some, but exercising in crusty old socks is not fun 😋.  And what a great stocking filler!  Help your loved one start off their new year's resolutions in nice soft, comfy (matching) socks.  If you’re new to socks yourself, check out sports stores for specific sports and running socks if that is what your loved one is in to, but even Bonds socks from Woolies are a great start.

Sports apparel - looking good, can make you feel good and help motivate you to get out there.  Our local sports store, target and a couple of our local boutiques all stock exercise apparel.  If you're not sure of your loved ones size, purchase a voucher to help support our local businesses.

Smartphone strap/holder - need to go mobile with your music, or need to be contactable by phone.  Lots of versions available from arm bands to waist bags.  Much better than a sweaty phone down your sports bra!  Or, there are now many versions of tights that have a phone pocket in them.  

Foam Roller - Lower cost versions available from department stores, or grab them from your sports store or Exercise Physiologist.  Great for recovery to massage the muscles, but also useful for performing exercises and stretching.

Bath Salts – Say thanks to your muscles for all the hard work they do and relax them in a nice bath of salts.

Scented Candle – What goes better with a bath than a nice scented candle to also help you relax.  Ahhhhhh.

Happy shopping and Merry Christmas from the team at Optimum Exercise Physiology.  🎄​

Lisa Parkinson
Senior Exercise Physiologist & Diabetes Educator.

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