JULIE, personal trainer and former athlete and coach: You’ve heard those people who say to you in a scolding tone, "Time is Money!" They don’t fool us. We know that they are really saying: "Hurry Up, you knucklehead."

Well, this is not the Time-Is-Money season. And I say to all those stuck in the time/money parallel universe that it’s about TIME you listened up to some sane holiday advice. Here it comes:

SLOW DOWN!!!

Give yourself some time to work on yourself.

We Gen Xers know that this is hard for you busy, busy Baby Boomers. I watch my friend Ellen struggle to find time to do just about anything. She has two teenage daughters, a husband, a demanding job, an ill father 1,000 miles away and lots of needy friends --- like me. She lives in her head too much and neglects her body.

"Get out of your head," I am always telling her. Give yourself the time to exercise and relax and get stronger.

So many people in our lives could use a hand to find the time to be good to themselves. Maybe your friend needs you to baby-sit her toddler for an hour so she can work out. Or perhaps an older friend needs a couple hours of your time to get her out of the house to walk around the block and take in some winter-brisk sunshine. Or there may be a young person in your life who doesn’t know what to do to get in shape and needs an hour over coffee on how to join a health class or school sports activity.

It will take incredible focus this holiday season to give the gift of time to your loved ones, to slow everything down so you can hear what they may really need. A Wall Street Journal article by Ann Zimmerman last week tracked the fits and starts that even those with good intentions have when they try to downsize Christmas. It cites the near-frantic activity on the website of The Simple Living Network, an environmental group that offers books and pamphlets on how to simplify the holiday. It appears from the article that the most difficult part is managing others' expectations about the overcooking, overwrapping, overspending whoopdeedo that we have all come to know as Christmas. That all takes lots of time.

So in concert with my busy friends here at the Girlfriends’ Guide, we offer you a tool. We’ve made you a beautifully designed (suitable for framing) certificate that you can put in a really big, wrapped box so your loved one can feel really appreciated on Christmas Day. Inside he or she will find this certificate that doesn’t require any cooking or shopping or overspending. It does require some thoughtfulness on your part about what he or she really needs. It will, alas, require some time.

Clicking on the image (or here) will take you to a page with a printable-sized certificate.

As an added incentive, the Girlfriends will award the person who comes up with the best idea on how to waste quality time on another person in the pursuit of fitness a $25 gift certificate for use at a Philadelphia area spa.

So email your nomination to girlfriends@vertexfit.com and we’ll announce next week the best ideas on how to slow down and stay fit!

BARBARA,retired teacher, singer and arts & cultural consultant: This year I am really focused on fitness gifts and I have several to suggest:
Hiking boots- These are at the top of my list. (I wanted them last year and insist on them this year.) Walking is a great overall activity and the boots make you look and feel serious about a long distance walking workout.
A jump rope - Buy a good quality rope at sporting goods store. (under $20) If you have bad knees or other limitations, skip this one (no pun intended). I think this will make a great stocking stuffer.
Aerobic video tapes - This tip was suggested by Arnette Lennon, salon owner and fitness queen. Make your choice from low to high impact.
Weight loss plan gift certificate - This idea came from Fran O'Toole, friend and former coworker, and her husband Pat. They suggested LA Weight Loss. My family is opting for Weight Watchers.
Yoga videotape - This should offer great low-impact movement. Practically anyone can do yoga. The idea is just to move and have a physical workout for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week.
A kitchen timer - This is a great way to time your workout. Select one that can be set for up to 60 minutes. You can start at 20 or 30 minutes at first and increase your workout time as it becomes part of your weekly routine. They come in many styles and are found at kitchen stores as well as bed and bath stores. This is one I need.

ELLEN, journalist and fitness dummy: Topping my list of gifts I want and gifts I plan to give is something called The Invisible Clock. Daily News Colleague Rose DeWolf put me on to this gadget that can help those of us who need a reminder to get up and move from our desks or work stations.

The Invisible Clock, aka The New Personal Timer, is a beeper that you can strap to your belt or waistband. Rather than make a noise, it will vibrate at certain intervals reminding you to get up from your desk and stretch your RSI-endangered arms and too-tight back muscles.

The device is designed for use by speakers who want a silent reminder that their time is almost up or for business people who want to be kept on schedule but don’t want to be rudely looking at their watches. It can also help patients remember their medications. You can even set it to remind you of an affirmation about nonsmoking or addiction recovery or garden variety self-esteem. Time Now Corporation claims it can help those with ADD and ADHD to stay on track.

Rose, who had an injury recently, needs to get up every hour and stretch her legs. The Invisible Clock zaps her every hour.

I need this too. I get too intent at working on the computer and hours can go by without me getting up or adjusting my work station. The result is that my lower back can get very tight and my arms and wrists can ache. This new gizmo can help me take better care of myself.

You can order the Invisible Clock for $39.95 on line at invisibleclock.com or call 888-602-2588. Posted December 11, 2002 10:44 AM