There are still a few days left until the guy in the bright red suit arrives, so if you are still looking for that "perfect gift" for your loved one, pick up any of these fitness items and you might just add years to their life! My top 10 ideas for holiday fitness gifts are:

1. TRX(tm)

Designed by a Navy-Seal, I have written about the TRX for a number of different publications this past year and it still remains at the top of my list for best present under the tree. This portable, bodyweight training system not only builds your muscle strength but also enhances your balance, flexibility and core stability - all great stuff no matter what your fitness level is. You can also purchase DVD workouts to help guide you along. www.fitnessdepot.ca

2. Heart Rate monitor

I love gadgets, so this is why a heart rate monitor is at the top of my Christmas list this year. A heart rate monitor gives you instant feedback about whether you are working out in your designated heart rate zones. You can also purchase monitors that count the calories you burn while you workout.

3. BodyMedia(tm) Calorie Counter

If you want to know the calories you burned in a workout, in a day, or even while you sleep, purchase the same arm band you see the contestants on the Biggest Loser wearing. Using the movement of your arms and your core temperature, this device synchs with your computer to give you a run down on all your calories burned. The BodyMedia(tm) website also asks you to input your food intake daily, acting like your own personal nutritionist and weight loss coach. www.bodymedia.com

4. P90X(tm) workout DVD set

This 12-disc DVD set is the next best thing to having a personal trainer. It's a heck of a workout that requires very little equipment and leads you through a 90-day program to get you "ripped." My favourite workouts are the plyometrics and yoga DVD.

5. Wii Fit(tm)

I think it's fantastic there is finally a video game out there that isn't going to make us fat -- now we can actually use them to get fit! The latest and greatest is the Wii Fit which, of course, works with the Wii game console. The kit includes a balance board and a variety of activities that measure your fitness and help you learn the basics of yoga, cardio, strength training and balance training.

6. The Fitness Challenge(tm) board game

The Fitness Challenge board game combines the fun of playing a board game with the benefits of an exercise and fitness program. Designed for two players of any age or ability to compete, The Fitness Challenge uses rewards in the form of star points along with zany coupons as prizes to motivate players to exercise consistently and lose weight for eight weeks. www.fitnesschallenge.com

7. Healthy gift basket

Put together a gift basket filled with fruit and other healthy foods. Get imaginative and leave the bruised apples and bananas on your counter, and instead fill a basket with steel-cut oats, green tea, mixed nuts, smoked salmon, soy chips, quinoa, a healthy recipe book and a pedometer. Think outside the box.

8. Personal training gift sessions

Keep in mind not everyone will be thrilled with receiving a gift certificate under the tree for a session filled with sweat and hard work -- but after the session is over I am positive they will appreciate it. I recommend only purchasing a few sessions and then let them decide whether they want to continue.

9. Pedometers

Long-term research has revealed that an active individual takes about 10,000 steps a day, which equates to about eight kilometres. These 10,000 steps have been proven to lower blood pressure, improve glucose tolerance and increase one's cardiovascular health. Buy your loved one a pedometer so they can see where their step count is for the day, and I guarantee you will see them walking more and more everyday to beat their number from yesterday.

10. Insanity 60 Day Workout Program(tm)

From the makers of P90X, this 10-DVD set is touted as the hardest workout ever put on DVD. I watched the promo DVD and I believe them; this workout set is not for the faint of heart. But, if you have a masochist on your Christmas list, this is the gift for them! www.beachbody.com

PJ Wren is a local personal trainer and fitness writer in the Delta area who can be reached at pwren@dccnet.com.