The holiday shopping days are quickly disappearing.  Still struggling to find gifts for those people on your "hard to shop for" list? Instead of another tie for your dad or music CD for your sister, why don't you give them a truly unique and invaluable gift?  Give them the gift of improved health and fitness.

The gift of fitness is something that you can give to virtually everybody on your shopping list -- from your parents, to your spouse, a friend, your siblings, an employee or co-worker, even your children. And it's a gift that is invaluable. After all, who doesn't want to look better, feel better, and be healthier?

And, it's a gift that you can truly feel proud to give. When you give someone the gift of fitness, you are helping him open a door to better health (both physically and mentally). It's a gift that genuinely 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.

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 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
. 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.

Everyone would find these fitness benefits incredibly invaluable. By giving the gift of fitness you are helping provide them 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 them feel special - they'll know that someone cared enough to give them the opportunity to improve their 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 holiday searching for the perfect gift only to end up with the same old things? Surprise them this year and give the gift that comes from the heart and truly keeps on giving throughout winter and beyond.

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