Ten Fitness-Related Valentine's Day Gifts

Since Valentine's Day falls just right after the New Year, it makes sense that a perfect gift would help us stick to our New Year's Resolution of weight loss. (or better health, wellness, etc) And the great thing about this list, there's something for everyone here. Some are pricey, and others are dirt cheap but high on the sentimental side. All are thoughtful and say, "I care about/love you."

Besides, chocolates and flowers are just so over-done, right?!

So here's a great list of gift ideas to celebrate your love for one another:

1) A gym membership: What better way to say, "I want you in my life forever." Gotta be healthy to stick around. But, perhaps it's best to test the waters and see if he/she is even interested in going to a gym. My advice - only choose this option if you KNOW FOR A FACT, that he or she wants a gym membership. Otherwise, this might backfire and offend.

2) For the person who works out wearing an I-Pod - A new, sexy playlist: Go to I-Tunes and download a bunch of great music for your loved on to work out to. Really personalize it to make it special. Imagine Wifey listening to it for the first time and hearing the song you danced to at your wedding. Or "You're So Beautiful," from Christina Aguilera. This one scores big points for the man or woman who gets it right.

3) Your own specially-made trail mix - Find a heart-shaped tin and fill it with your own creation of granola, nuts, dried fruit, yogurt chips, etc. It's something he/she can take along to the office, eat in the car or on the go. Perfect for a healthy snack, and much healthier than truffles!

4) Couples massage - this is great for tending to those sore muscles, and for relaxing together.  And if laying side by side isn't your thing, then provide your spouse with your own massage. But, be sure to get it right and commit to making it awesome. Find a sitter, provide a quiet, light-dimmed space with soft music, use massage oil and use your hands for a good hour. Don't wimp out and stop because your hands are cramping. If you think that might happen, spring for a professional massage.

5) Heart Rate Monitor - Everyone should have one and hey, what's more symbolic of love than a HEART rate monitor!

6) A Bicycle - There's something sweet about giving a bicycle, and maybe it's because beckons a time of youth and innocence when we were children learning to ride. Bikes are great exercise, and fun for the whole family. They get you out in the sunshine, and enable us to breathe fresh air. Presenting your loved one with a bike is a surprising way to say, "I love you!"

7) Outdoor Walking Basket - For the person who loves a stroll in the sunshine create a basket full of goodies like sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses, a towel, water bottle, socks, foot lotion, maybe even an I-Pod. Anything he or she will appreciate on their walk in the park, woods or trails.

8) A cool, new gym bag - Whether we want to admit it or not, gym bags do get stinky over time. Replace his or her old bag with a new, roomy bag. Today's bags come equipped with pockets for cell phones, I-Pods, water bottles, towels, your shoes and so much more.

9) For the adventurous - a pole dance class or belly dance class. Like the first option mentioned above, this seems to be the type of gift I would only suggest if she has voiced interest in it. Otherwise, it comes across a bit like lingerie - a gift for the giver and not the recipient. However, if she has expressed interest in taking a pole or belly-dance class, both are great core workouts, and sure to add excitement to her fitness routine.

10) A Yoga-Mat - Even if he or she doesn't participate in yoga, having your own mat is SO recommended. In almost any group fitness class you're bound to find yourself laying on the floor. Floors are dirty and having a mat of your own keeps you off someone else's sweat. Just think about it.
Same goes for the weight-lifting rooms.