Don’t Buy Fitness Gifts for Christmas Presents!

Doing a Google search on the key words “Best Fitness Christmas Gifts” yielded a varied but predictable array of items that follow a tried-and-true pattern for the retail fitness product market:

Sell them on what you have to offer, not what they most likely need or want.

The biggest problem for most conscientious holiday givers is that, where fitness is concerned, the intention is to provide value to the recipient – something they’ll hopefully use and enjoy.

Good luck on that one.

Here’s what you need to know to have a shot at making that Hail Mary a completed pass:

1. What are they currently doing in their fitness program?
2. Are they planning to continue the activity/s?
3. Do they have what they need already?

You may have noticed that I didn’t even address the wisdom of buying something for the aspiring exerciser in the hopes (either theirs or yours) that the gift will somehow be a catalyst to kickoff the new lifestyle. That’s because not one ounce of wisdom exists in that idea.

Here’s the bottom line: Buying a fitness-related gift, without specific, clear direction from the receiver (and often even with it), is a loser deal. There are better ways to get rid of your money. Donating to a homeless shelter or food pantry will at least ensure someone benefits from your generosity.

Why is buying a fitness gift for your loved one a bad idea? Because the right fitness product is an intensely personal proposition. Clothes or shoes are hard enough to choose for someone else without performance qualities being an issue. Gadgets may be more of a distraction or just not suit the attitude and habits of your exerciser. Often the latest toy is just $200 worth of “Oh, isn’t that interesting?” and then a block for dust on the dresser for the next year.

I’m not cynical, I’m experienced and knowledgeable. Let me save you money and frustration.

So maybe I have not yet convincingly dissuaded you from the ill-advised choice of going for the gear this season just yet, and you really, really just want to show your support for your friend or family member’s current enthusiasm for an active lifestyle. Then here’s my suggestion: Give them a coupon for $200 “Fitness Bucks”, which can be redeemed for personal training, a gym or group class program membership, apparel, an activity or goodies they can choose and buy themselves. Make a up a cute little certificate – there are lots of templates on the internet. That way they’ll get what they want and still know you’re supporting their healthy habit.

And when they get what they really want, believe me, both of you will be much happier.

Merry Happy Peaceful Everything and a Healthy New Year!

Dan Taylor, ACE, NASM-CPT, is owner and head trainer at Pleasanton-based Tri Valley Trainer. They provide personal training and small group fitness solutions at their studio and an innovative, medically endorsed web-based group healthy eating coaching program.