Christmas gifts: Ask for something useful!
When your spouse, family member or significant other asks what you want for Christmas, tell them something useful that will last beyond the excitement and sparkle of Christmas Day. Clothes, phones and shoes are great gifts, but ask for something that will make your New Year's Resolutions come true!
A lot of experts recommend getting 10,000 steps per day. According to an article by Serena Gordon on U.S. News & World Report, entitled Fewer Steps Per Day Send Disease Markers Up, "Insulin levels hike very fast when daily physical activity declines, Danish study found." The article goes on to give the good news, though: "With just a couple of weeks of increased physical activity, you can start to reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease, even if you don't notice a big difference on the bathroom scale." Read more about insulin levels and how they can affect your health here.
That being said, here's three Christmas gifts in three different price ranges to increase your daily steps.
Christmas gifts: Ways to increase your steps
- Pedometer. The first way to increase your steps is with a pedometer, so you'll know just how many steps you are getting every day. Amazon.com's Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer lists for a reduced price of $24.85 on their website.
- Walking Shoes. If you don't own walking shoes, this is the first step to getting active. Walking shoes can usually be bought for under $75 and less if you can find them on sale. At Dick's Sporting Goods' website, they explain the importance of walking shoes and how to choose a pair that's right for you. They have many choices for $49.99 and $69.99.
- Treadmill. The third way to increase your steps is with a treadmill. If your spouse or a family member is willing to splurge on you, this is a great way to get your daily steps in. Sears Outlet Stores have many treadmills in the $400 range. Check their website for a store near you.
One of these Christmas gifts is sure to make your Christmas Day merry and bright well into the new year. So when they ask, tell them something you can actually use to improve your health. You'll be glad you did.
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References:
Serena Gordon, Fewer Steps Per Day Send Disease Markers Up, 3/18/08, U.S. News & World Report
http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HJ-112-Digital-Pocket-Pedometer/dp/B0000U1OCI
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/info/index.jsp?categoryId=222799&infoPath=222981
https://www.searsoutlet.com/Treadmills/d/products.jsp?md=ct_md&cid=3
Comments
I've realized over the years that useful presents are actually the best ones. :-)
I can't live without my treadmill. Nice ideas!
Good suggestions for a healthier 2010.
Great suggestions, Lynn :)
Another very good article. I have some great new ideas now. Thanks.
Pedometers are a great gift idea. I used to have one... where is that thing? Maybe I'll get a new one this year.
Creative ideas...thanks for the tips.
I'd love a good pedometer!
Thanks for this post! I'm going to get both of my grandmothers some discount vacuum cleaners this year. The exercise of walking around the house will be great for them! http://prishkerenterprises.com/
I think a good way to get someone to lose weight is to give them organizing and cleaning products. That way they can get some more steps in and move around a little bit. Hopefully they aren't mad though if you give them stuff like that.
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