This year, think beyond cookies and restaurant gift cards, and help your friends and family reach their fitness goals by giving these non-food gifts.

Special Exercise Gear

Take note of the exercise interests of friends and family, and give a gift that will help them take on a new goal or try a new activity. Trail running shoes, rock climbing gear, maps and guides for National Parks, hydration packs, and water sports equipment might be what they need to leave their comfort zones and face exciting exercise challenges in the new year.

A Month of Membership Fees

Support healthy habits and pick up the tab for a month of membership fees at a local gym or specialty fitness studio. Also, consider online options. Memberships for access to everything from yoga to group exercise videos can be found online, making it easy for friends and family to fit exercise into their daily routines.

A Race Entry

You might know someone who wants to take on a distance run or a triathlon but is holding back due to the entrance fee for the event. Help cover the cost to kickstart their training and motivate them to accomplish their goal.

A Learning Course

Help those just starting their fitness journey get off on the right foot. Community and online courses about healthy eating, cooking, reducing stress, and setting goals will help set them in the right direction.

Spa Treatments

Everyone can use some rest and relaxation, especially if they’ve been sticking to a challenging training program. Give the gift of spa treatments like a sports massage, a facial, or a body wrap. Help them start the new year relaxed and refreshed.

Babysitting Services

Some of us have the best intentions to try a new fitness class, train for an event, or learn new cooking skills, but getting time away from family commitments is challenging. Consider covering the cost of child care so that friends and family can participate in new fitness activities, or offer to watch the kids yourself while they get in their training run for an upcoming race.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.