Christmas might be a time for indulgence; we eat plenty of puddings and chocolate, and don’t feel too inspired to go out for a walk outdoors. Yet perhaps it is time to make a change to all of that. It is nice to have a day or two of rest and relaxation, but any longer than that can make you feel like a vegetable all the way through to summer. It’s easy to forget how much better you can feel after a bit of exercise, so perhaps this is the best gift you could give this year. Help someone else to discover fitness to improve their lifestyle the whole year round. Here are a few things you could think about giving:

Gym membership

The first option is a membership to a local gym as it will cover a number of different activities. Many gyms will offer cardio and strength machines, as well as a swimming pool and exercise classes. Some people find it hard to find the willpower to attend the gym on a regular basis, so you could always provide your services within the deal; you could go to an exercise class with them once a week or be their workout buddy when they are using the treadmill.

Mountain bike

People of many ages love to use mountain bikes so you could buy one of these if they don’t already own one. In conjunction with a car bike rack, a mountain bike can really be used anywhere in the UK. There are some excellent trails to be found from Devon to the Lake District; not only does a bike provide the gift of fitness but it also allows people to see much more of the country!

Running shoes

Exercise can start out small and grow bigger, which is why a good pair of running shoes might make the ideal gift. It is best to take the person to the shop and get the right pair rather than picking a pair yourself; it can make a lot of difference to the quality and comfort of exercise. Once bought, the trainers can be used for brisk walking, jogging and running. If you sign up for a 5km run together you will both have something to work towards.

Swimming lessons

Swimming is a low-impact form of exercise that can be a great sport even for those who are less able. Some people avoid swimming as they are afraid of the water, but learning the basic skills can help to overcome this. Swimming lessons should provide the confidence needed to take to the pool, but even after this there is nothing wrong with using floatation devices during a session.

Yoga mat

A more inexpensive option is to buy someone a couple of bits for yoga or pilates. The best place to start is a mat as this will be used for comfort and grip; you can of course buy other tools such as inflatable balls, support blocks and DVDs if you want. Yoga is an activity that can be done by all age groups, and there are even specialist classes for pregnant women and athletes!