Merry Fit-mas

‘Tis the season for packed social calendars, mounting gift-giving pressure, recurring family drama, ubiquitous holiday goodies and the inevitable holiday burnout. It’s no wonder you can feel overwhelmed during this season. And given the past few years we’ve all had, it’s safe to say a little health and wellness is in order.

So, be this year’s holiday hero with wellness and fitness gifts to help your friends and family de-stress after the festivities.

We’ve gathered some top-tier gifts from local gyms, shops and spas to help everyone on your list relax and prioritize their well-being. And maybe get a head start on those ambitious New Year’s resolutions!

Trainers, Gyms and Classes

This holiday season (and beyond), we’re all about supporting local and that goes for fitness too. Whether your list is filled with workout beginners, yogis or gym rats, there’s a fitness haven for everyone.

Shopping for a fitness newbie? Head to Gage Strength Training, a West Chester gym for everyone with a focus on beginners and folks over 40. They offer small and large group personal training, 1-1 private personal training and custom nutrition plans. Gage Strength takes a comprehensive approach to fitness with low impact workouts and safe nutrition plans for those apprehensive about starting a fitness routine.

Help your relatives find their zen space at Now & Zen Yoga Studio in West Chester. The studio offers virtual classes seven days a week for all skill levels. Happily they’re slowly re-incorporating in-person classes. Choose between beginner workshops like Mindful Movement or stretch yourself and join their intermediate classes, including Warm Flow. Be sure to take advantage of their new-student holiday special—3 classes for $39—when gifting.

On the other end, Society Boxing and Fitness in Downingtown is ready for people with more energy than they know what to do with. Get your friends and family ready to shake off the excess holiday stress with boxing, kickboxing or HIIT (high intensity interval training). Boxing has become increasingly popular for men and women looking to let off some steam. There’s a 1-week free trial for those new to the facility along with monthly memberships for classes and access to their full gym.

And finally, for fitness friends always looking to try something new, consider the ever-popular Pilates class. Pilates workouts help with a range of issues from correcting posture to focusing the mind and soothing aching muscles. Balanced-Pilates in Kennett Square has class bundles perfect for gift giving. Purchase a 5-, 10- or 20-session bundle, print out the confirmation, put it in a festive holiday card, and boom, you’re done! And a holiday hero …

Athletic Clothing and Equipment

Help your friends and family look their best while they work on feeling their best. The latest exercise outfit may be that extra incentive needed to get them moving.

Stop by Bryn Mawr Running Company (in West Chester, Media and, of course, Bryn Mawr) for all the walkers, runners or sneakerheads in your life. Talk to one of the staff experts to find the perfect shoe for short distance, long distance, or everyday use. And as always, if you can’t decide on the style or the best fit, a gift card is always a safe choice.

At Trail Creek Outfitters, in Glen Mills and Kennett Square, you’ll find top clothing brands and equipment for all the outdoorsy folks on your list. Shop brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Birkenstock and Yeti, or pick up a gift card if you’re having trouble deciding. Plus, Trail Creek chooses environmentally conscious products featured in their “Brands That Give Back” section, so you can find the perfect present and make a purchase that can make a difference. A win-win!

Another option for those mindful of their carbon footprint is Play It Again Sports in Berwyn, with new and second-hand sporting equipment. Offering everything from simple basketball and soccer equipment to more niche activities like paintball and motorcross, this one-stop shop has a little something for everyone. Gift a new tennis racquet and roller skates or introduce someone on your list to a new sport like boxing or martial arts.

Pampering

There are still plenty of gift options for those who’d rather lie back and relax with a facemask instead of suiting up for an early morning jog. A full pampering session at one of our local spas might be just the ticket.

Avante Salon & Spa in West Chester has a team of dedicated estheticians ready to create a customized spa experience. Purchase one of their packages, like the Mental Health Day complete with a full-body massage, facial, haircut, hand treatment plus manicure and pedicure. Or keep it simple with their Relaxation package for a hand treatment, 30-minute massage, facial and soothing footbath.

Or create a self-care gift box with products from Currie Hair Skin & Nails (in Glen Mills, Wayne and Kennett Square). Bring the salon experience home with a nourishing hair mask, a volumizing lip serum, an exfoliating honey cleanser and a hydrating facemask. Not sure which products to choose? Ask an expert or grab a gift card.

And in Media, head to Serenity Wellness Center—a holistic center focusing on stress and pain reduction, massages and skincare. Give a gift card for one of their Custom Plus Facials, great for antiaging, acne and sensitive skin. The esthetician will analyze the skin type and select a customized treatment to match personal preferences. It takes the guesswork out of choosing which treatment is best!

No matter what you choose, your friends and family will thank you for getting them refreshed and ready to tackle the New Year. And maybe they’ll return the favor!