Great fitness gift ideas

HOT CHILLYS

THERESA: We're getting down to the holiday wire now and it's time to get serious about great fitness gifts. Newsday recently ran a good list of cool ideas from columnist Debbe Geiger, including "Workouts for Women," a 120-minute DVD that features 10 interactive total body circuit training routines. Available for $29.95 through workoutsforwomen.com or call 727-391-0251.

She also suggests Hot Chillys Sports bras, capris, tops and winter socks, all laced with antimicrobial Biosilver, designed to make sweaty clothes less stinky. Amazing. I love the company's slogan: "We don't want to change the world... Just your underwear!" Apparel runs from $15 to $50. You can find a store here.

Geiger also recommends giving your favorite fitness buff a subscription to Netlix so she can rent yoga or pilates videos -- and any other movies she might want to see -- through the mail. Girlfriends, as you've been out shopping in recent days, have you seen other products to suggest as holiday gifts? Fitness magazines aren't a bad gift. Are there magazines you especially like?

ELLEN: Every year my husband and daughters get me a gift certificate for massage. It’s the best fitness gift for me because it helps me when I am achy from working out and makes me feel very connected with my body and soul. Theresa: A Spafinders gift certificate is a nice gift for someone who lives far away. Your recipient can choose from hundreds of spas.

LAURIE: Ellen, that was my gift suggestion too - a massage. In the same theme, a facial to soothe weather-ravaged skin might be nice for a runner. Or a gift certificate to Kiehl's, for some of their great skin-care products (like the best lip balm ever!).

On a more active note, how about one-on-one sessions with a personal trainer, yoga, pilates or other teacher? A dance lesson, perhaps? One-on-ones in any discipline are not cheap, but at $60 to $100 or so, they would make a lovely gift.

THERESA: Check the American Council on Exercise site for info on how to find a certified trainer anywhere in the country.

Attention, holiday shoppers: Yoga Journal is offering a new three-part "Yoga Step-By-Step" series of videos. This photo is from Session Three. Order online, and get a discount of $2 if you buy before Dec. 31!

ELLEN: Ooo. Those are great ideas. What is Kiehl’s? Does it have a Web site? I buy my stuff from Neostrata.com.

LAURIE: There's a Kiehl's store near Rittenhouse Square on Walnut Street. It's a great line of skincare stuff. Was until recently a small, private company. There are products for men, too.

YVONNE: As Theresa pointed out before, most of us love to shop for workout clothes. I recommend gift cards to Dick's Sporting Goods (lots of locations and frequent specials), Marshall's, Strawbridge's or wherever else you've found good, inexpensive gear.

ELLEN: That reminds me. I want one of those fleece vests. Any best-buy location?

LAURIE: The REI store out on Ridge Pike in Plymouth Meeting is a great outdoor-wear source. And when you become a member, you get dividends that you can spend at the store. They have serious gear for the serious outdoorsperson, but also very fashionable yoga wear and fun sweaters, comfy shoes.

WENDY: My hubby gave me a wonderful workout suit one year. I loved it because it's really cute, and it's something I wouldn't buy for myself. It's good inspiration!