Are you looking for clever health & fitness gifts for your favorite peeps that will actually get used and not returned this year? Here is my 2015 Holiday Gift Guide to help you!

December is here, and like it or not, the holidays are dashing our way. Can you hear Santa's reindeer click clacking on the roof? If you are a procrastinator {like me} and haven’t done any shopping yet, don’t panic! I’ve made a list of some of the gifts I love and would want to see under the tree come December 25th.

1. The Fitbit Charge is used by half of my clients - it will give you instant feedback: how many steps you've taken, distance traveled, calories burned, stairs climbed, etc. The charge comes in multiple colors and sizes, for the fashion minded. If your loved one is a fan of numbers, gadgets and gizmos then this is the gift for them. $99.95-129.95

2. Zensah makes smart running gloves with a touch screen feature so you can keep your fingers toasty while switching up your holiday tunes while putting in the miles. I love them because they are lightweight and breathable. A special bonus feature - a suede thumb that you can use to wipe your nose, sounds gross, but runners will appreciate this handy dandy component. $27.99-35.00

3. Jaybird X2’s Bluetooth Headphones - these wireless headphones are great for running or hitting the gym as their patented ear fins securely fit into your ears. The Jaybird’s headphones come with different sized ear tips for the perfect fit and optimal high performance audio. $169.95

4. Balega socks - these make a great stocking stuffer and are a personal favorite in our household. Balega has many models to pick from and the comfort and durability of these babies can’t be beat. They are not quitters either. You never have to worry about them slipping down into your shoes while working out. $8.00-15.00

5. Gift certificates - I know it’s not as personal! But if someone on your list likes to weight train, do pilates or take yoga then a few one-on-one sessions with a personal trainer or instructor can really benefit them with programing, perfecting their technique and eliminating any guess work with how an exercise is done. Or if they are new to the fitness world, this could give them the jumpstart they need to get on a more healthy path in 2016 to energize their mind and body!

Image credit: Gifted Hero by JD Hancock

How many times have you set out to make a change only to come up short? It's not enough to just set goals, spout New Year’s resolutions, or simply hope for the best. If you want to run faster or lift more weight, you have to keep going, especially when the going gets tough.

So how can you bounce back after you set the bar too high, lost patience, planned poorly, or failed to see results?

Don't quit, no matter how hard it gets.

Every day we wake up with the ability to make choices. These choices determine whether or not we will feel positive or negative consequences both short and long term. You can either throw in the towel or keep going. Which choice will you make?

*image by Unsplash.com

2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip | Happy Thanksgiving

Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip | Don't Give Up