Advertisement
Home Health Body & Fitness

Keeping in shape this holiday season

Pedometer These nifty little gadgets are a great incentive to help get people moving. Small, lightweight and inconspicuous, they clip onto your waistband and measure the number of steps you take. The idea is you monitor how much you move each day and steadily try to increase that to really feel the health benefits from exercise. Where: Chemists, sports shops, health stores and online. How much: You can pay as little as $13 for a basic model and up to $70-plus for a whizzy one that also counts kilojoules burned.

Advertisement

Swiss balls These are a bit tricky to wrap but they still make good gifts. Swiss balls can be used for a variety of activities, including stretching, balancing and weight training. They can also help improve flexibility and co-ordination, and can be used as a seat as well. Where: Sports shops and online. How much: Around $75 to $115, depending on size (the size of the ball you need depends on the user’s height).

Hula hoopsThese are not just for kids! Working out with a hula hoop is good aerobic exercise and also strengthens the core muscles attached to your spine and pelvis, including your abs. It tones the body and can help improve your balance, stability and posture. A child’s hula hoop will do, but to see real benefits a weighted or “heavy” hoop is more effective. Where: Anywhere that sells toys or online. How much: From $6 for a child’s hoop to $50-plus for a weighted hoop.

Related stories


Subscribe to The Australian Woman’s Weekly NZ

SAVE up to 35% on a magazine subscription

Advertisement
Advertisement