High-Tech Mother's Day Gift Ideas
By Lynn Bode, Certified Personal Trainer

Know what the busiest day of the year is for sending flowers? More flowers are sent on Mother's day then on any other day of the year. While floral arrangements are always appreciated by moms, wouldn't it be nice to give something a bit more personal, more fun and beneficial?

Moms of all ages tend to put everyone else first and often knock themselves down on the priority list. So, if a special mom in your life isn't taking initiative to pamper herself or even do just simple things to protect her health, then consider giving a more valuable Mother's Day gift this year.

Consider giving that special mom the gift of fitness. When you give a woman the gift of fitness, you are helping her open a door to better health (both physically and mentally). Can you think of a more thoughtful gift that shows the recipient how much you care about their well being? By giving the gift of fitness you are providing them with unlimited health benefits. And, it's a gift that you can truly feel proud to give.

Today there are many great fitness tools out there that can be fun while truly helping to improve ones health.

Consider giving one of these high-tech fitness gadgets:

• Heart Rate Monitor - while not new to the fitness marketplace, there are new monitor options that include high tech features like GPS, tracking your speed and distance and more

• Portable Music Player - with the introduction of those that play MP3 files, exercisers can have more songs on hand for their workout sessions then they could imagine. And, music has many benefits to exercise sessions. Studies have shown that music while exercising reduced the amount of stress hormones released, that listening to music while working out prolonged the exercise session and that music tended to lower exercisers perception of pain.

• DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) video game. Sure, when you think of video games you think of teenagers. But, the DDR game has difficulty levels designed for beginners and you don't have to be a great dancer or avid exerciser to try it out. It can be a really fun way to exercise - one where you aren't constantly watching your watch.

• Pedometer - new techie ones on the market even talk to you!

• Trikke. A fitness scooter that makes exercising fun without high impact.

If your budget is limited, there are plenty of non-techie fitness gifts that provide a wealth of benefit. Gifts can cost as little as just $5. Here are a few suggestions in various price ranges:

Under $15:

• Resistance Band

• Dumbbells

• Jump Rope

• Exercise Mat

$15 - $35:

• Fitness Ball

• WorkoutsForYou.com Online Personal Trainer (with custom designed workouts)

• Home Exercise DVD

Over $35:

• Full dumbbell and barbell set

• Treadmill

• Elliptical Trainer

• Yoga Kit

Of course, we all know that exercise can help people stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the other great benefits of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness has been linked to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers also believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis. Not to mention that exercise also improves self-esteem, increases stamina and ultimately helps you be able to do continuous work for longer.

All Moms would find these fitness benefits incredibly invaluable. By giving the gift of fitness you are helping provide her with extra motivation (which is one of the biggest obstacles in getting fit) to start or maintain a fitness regimen.

Giving something that supports health and wellness will be appreciated for years to come and may even turn someone's life around. The gift of fitness will make her feel special - she'll know that someone cared enough to give her the opportunity to improve her health. And, giving a gift that will help someone lead a healthier life is also one of the most rewarding gifts you can give. So why spend another Mother's Day searching for the perfect gift only to end up with the same old things? Surprise her this year and give the gift that comes from the heart and truly keeps on giving throughout summer and beyond.

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About The Author:
Lynn Bode is a certified personal trainer specializing in Internet-based fitness programs. She founded Workouts For You, which provides affordable online exercise programs that are custom designed for each individual. Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com for tips, sample workouts and more. Fitness professionals, learn how to support your clients online, visit: http://www.trainerforce.com