Holiday '09: 5 healthy picks for gifts in Ann Arbor this season

• The gift of motivation: A number of different products on the market are meant to provide that little extra kick of motivation for a workout. This season, Randy Step of Running Fit, 5700 Jackson Road in Ann Arbor, said he’s suggesting the Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS watch. It tracks your every move down to the inch, can tell you how far you’ve run and send it wirelessly back to your computer. The idea isn’t new, but watches with GPS systems in them just keep getting smaller and easier to use for people who love to run, he said.

Retailing at more than $300, it’s not cheap. For those who want to gift motivation but are working with a smaller budget, go low-tech with a runner's log. Running Fit offers versions between $10 and $15. “When people keep a log, they’re much more consistent," Step said. “When they have to keep putting a zero in there, they feel guilty.”

Consider classes at a local gym for your loved ones this season.

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• The gift of a good workout: Try paying the sign-up fee for a local racing event for your loved one who enjoys running. Or consider purchasing a class for him or her. A number of gyms offer the ability to work out or take a class without investing in a big upfront membership fee or bundled classes. For instance, Vie: Fitness and Spa, 209 S Ashley St. in Ann Arbor, offers the ability to purchase a single spinning class for $18 — or purchase a package of eight for about $100.

• The gift of no-excuses about the weather: It’s easy to skip out an the outdoor workout when the weather gets chilly, but new arm sleeves make it easier to head into the elements without needing heavy clothing, said Monica Joyce, store manager at the Tortoise and Hare Running and Fitness Center, 209 E. Liberty in Ann Arbor. The store started selling pairs of the Nike Dri-FIT armwarmers this year for about $20 a piece, she said. You might even throw in a pair of Yaktraks, an over-the-boot or shoe traction device that retails around $30, she said. 

• The gift of slow-food inspiration: The slow food movement’s been gaining big traction across the U.S. and has earned growing interest locally. “It’s healthier, better for the environment and helping local farmers,” said Jack Gillard, a bookseller at Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. in Ann Arbor. When it comes to reading about healthy eating, he’s been suggesting Douglas Gayeton’s “Slow: Life in a Tuscan Town,” a photo-centric look at the slow food culture in a region of Italy. Gayeton will be visiting the store on Dec. 8 and autographing copies of the book, Gillard said.

• The gift of healthy food: Get a gift certificate to a restaurant that specializes in healthy fare. With more people cutting back on their budgets by eating home more often, it’s bound to be highly appreciated. “I think the tone of the area and the country is changing and a lot of people are making different choices,” said Stacy Williams, owner of What’s Cooking! Her business offers meals meant to be brought home and are always free of MSG, hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup, she said. A family of four could easily pick up a healthy just-like-home cooked dinner with a $40 gift certificate, she said. And 5 percent of the profits from all certificates purchased in December will be donated to the charity of the purchaser’s choice.

What are your top picks for health gifts? What's the best health gift you've every given or received? Share your best suggestions here.