You know that old adage about health, that we take it for granted until we no longer have it? The holidays are a good reminder to make it a priority. This season, give the gift of health to someone you love, even if its yourself. Start with these ideas.

UnderArmour sports mask

Masks are absolutely necessary, even more so when youre working out and breathing hard. This high-performance face covering from UnderArmour has a water-resistant outer shell and a smooth, breathable spacer fabric. It even has built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, perfect for long daytime runs. $30, underarmour.com.

Apple watch series 6

The Apple Watch has become so sophisticated, telling time has become the least of its functions. Its primarily a health and fitness gadget nowit measures your heart rate and blood oxygen levels, takes an ECG, tracks your daily activities and measures your favorite workouts. And it even takes calls. $399+, apple.com.

Weighted jump rope

Remember jump rope from grade school? Well, it just happens to be one of the least expensive and most effective exercise tools for your home gym. Jumping rope burns more calories than swimming, cycling or rowing, and this weighted version will give every major muscle group a workout. $99+, crossrope.com.

A set of kettlebells

Kettlebell workouts are popular for a reason: The combination of weight training and high-intensity cardio burns fat and sculpts the body, while improving core strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. $24+, roguefitness.com.

Stretch strap

Strength and flexibility go hand in hand, so when youre done with your weight-bearing exercises, dont forget to stretch. A stretch strap elongates the spine, unwinds the shoulders and chest, and opens up those hamstrings, allowing for a greater range of motion. $13, gaiam.com.

Resistance bands and tubes

Heres another small addition to your home gym that packs a wallop of benefits. Through a combination of different tube strengths and resistance, this series of bands increases muscle definition and builds size. And it hardly takes up any room. Ultimate ProGym, $40, gofit.net.

GRID foam roller

This multidensity foam roller is the best massage you can give yourself. It relieves muscle pain and tightness, improves mobility and increases circulation, perfect for workout recovery or when youre just sitting on the couch bingeing Netflix. $35, triggerpoint.implus.com.

Mineral salts

The best aid for muscle recovery is a hot bath with mineral salts. Kneipps plant-based bath salts are free of toxins and chemical additives, and rich with trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium and zinc. Theyre blended with essential oils for extra health benefits. $4+, kneipp.com.

Hydroflask water bottle

Hydration is key for any fitness activity, and theres no better water bottle than a Hydroflask, which keeps beverages cold or hot for hours, thanks to its double wall stainless steel construction. It comes in various sizes and colors, and its dishwasher-safe and virtually indestructible. $30+, hydroflask.com.

Portable blender

Who doesnt want a healthy smoothie at a moments notice? BlendJet is the mobile cousin to the hulking Vitamix, in a size compact enough to stash in your bag. Its lightweight, durable and USB-rechargeable, and it cleans itself, too. $50+, blendjet.com.

Glass tea infuser bottle

For the tea lover on your list, this double-walled glass infuser bottle will be a constant companion. The infusing baskets large enough for loose tea, fresh fruit, herbs and whatever else youd like to infuse into your drink. The companys credo is, Take care of your body and respect Mother Nature, and it does so by using sustainable materials like bamboo. $35+, purezentea.com.

Hungryroot

The temptations you find at the grocery store can make or break a diet. Enter Hungryroot, a service that delivers groceries that sustain and nourish. It sources the best ingredients free of hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners, colors and preservatives and delivers them to your door, along with easy-to-follow recipes. Gift cards $75+, hungryroot.com.

Daily Harvest

Daily Harvest is a meal-delivery service built on organic fruit and vegetables, which come in smoothie or bowl forms (along with soups and snacks). The giftee will surely appreciate the convenience of ready-to-make meals that are both delicious and nutritious. Dailyharvest.com.

Eat More Plants cookbook

If you have someone on your list who likes to cook and wants to explore a more plant-based diet, registered dietitian Desiree Nelson offers more than 100 recipes including blackberry ginger muffins, an edamame hula bowl with almond miso sauce and a socca pizza with zucchini, olives and basil. $26, amazon.com.

This story appeared in Las VegasWeekly.

Back to top

Continued here:
Give the gift of health: Fill your loved ones' stockings with a lifetime of good habits - Las Vegas Sun