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Healthy Xmas gifts for under ten pounds

Last minute present ideas needn’t be rushed and generic. Forget the bath salts and show you care about your loved ones’ wellbeing by choosing from these ten health boosting gifts. Oh, and by the way, they all cost less than ten pounds!

Gift: Dance lessons

Part of body gaining the most benefit: Heart and lungs

Health benefits: To stay healthy, you are supposed to undertake at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week that leaves you slightly out of breath. Dance classes can feel less like hard work than activities such as circuits or skipping, so are the perfect choice for those who would like to maintain their fitness, but don’t fancy joining the gym.

(Recommended exercise levels for children are 1 hour every day, and this can include play such as jumping, running and active playground games in addition to the gift of classes.)

Gift: Boxing gloves

Part of body gaining the most benefit: Heart and lungs

Health benefits: Non contact boxing training is an alternative to dancing as it too raises heart rate and leaves you feeling slightly out of breath. Plus, it relieves stress without the risk of serious injury!

Gift: Pedometer

Part of body gaining the most benefit: Heart and lungs

Health benefits: Walking is the easiest form of exercise to integrate into everyday life and to pace to suit your needs. A pedometer provides an incentive to keep levels of physical activity up and is all that is needed to boost a walking routine- the rest is free!

Gift: Sudoku puzzle book

Part of body gaining the most benefit: Mind

Health benefits: The popular puzzle is known to boost mental clarity… and is insanely addictive.

Gift: Leg and hand weights

Part of body gaining the most benefit: Arm and leg muscles

Health benefits: Whether training or simply toning, weights can add extra resistance to a workout and help to build muscle strength during weekly 5x30 minute sessions.

Gift: Trial gym membership

Part of body gaining the most benefit: Whole body

Health benefits: With regular attendance, it provides a structured way to achieve the ‘5x30 minutes of exercise a week’ goal. Professional supervision and motivation is also readily available.

Gift: Swiss ball

Part of body gaining the most benefit: Stomach and other core muscles

Health benefits: With the right supervision and instruction, Swiss ball use can improve posture, balance and core strength. All three of these help contribute to the achievement of a flatter and more toned midriff, which is always a plus!

Gift: Low fat cookbook

Part of body gaining the most benefit: Whole body

Health benefits: With guidance, it is simple to tweak your diet so that it is better for you in the long run. A balanced diet can help prevent diabetes, coronary heart disease and strokes, and kitchen experimentation can be fun as well as rewarding.

Gift: Exercise/elastic training bands

Part of body gaining the most benefit: Various muscles

Health benefits: Best used under supervision, but can improve both flexibility and muscle tone when introduced into your weekly workout routine.

Gift: Skipping rope

Part of body gaining the most benefit: Heart and lungs

Health benefits: A skipping workout is quick and easy to master and then adapt to fit your own personal fitness level. It’s not just for the playground!

Remember, not all forms of physical activity are suitable for everyone.  If you have any existing health problems or are in any doubt about your suitability, discuss these queries with your health professional prior to taking part in a new exercise regime. Take care and have fun!

By Alison Rowley

Are there any healthy presents available for under a tenner that we’ve missed out?