Do you have a personal trainer or fitness instructor that deserves to be rewarded for all the guidance and inspiration they’ve provided? No matter your budget, there are countless ways to show your favorite fitness mentor you care.
1. Daily Planner with Address Book and Note Pad – Clients and classes are constantly being scheduled and re-scheduled throughout a trainer’s day. A planner will help your trainer keep organized and stay on top of appointments. The notepad provides a place for them to brainstorm new moves and record their clients’ progress.
2. Music – Trainers, instructors, even fitness class participants can get tired of the same old tunes. Do you have a collection of fast-paced, fired-up music that you think your fitness master would enjoy? If so, burn your own fitness compilation or purchase a professionally mixed CD.
3. Food – No matter how tempted you are to bake candy or cookies for you trainer or fitness instructor, don’t do it. These people may love cookies and candy, but they try very hard to set an example and keep their bodies toned and trimmed. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives. Consider mixing your own trail mix or making granola bars. If you’re not much of a cook, but like to give food for gifts, assemble a fruit basket or spice collection. Tea and coffee are generally crowd-pleasing gifts, too.
Think about things like athletic socks, hair bands, t-shirts, warm-up jackets, etc.. Obviously, items like tennis shoes and sports bra are wee too personal-but if you’re the personal trainer’s spouse or mother, go for it! And, consider your fitness friend’s personality-are they practical or fashionable? A pair of white athletic socks would be great for you practical trainer, while a sequined head band might make your trendier trainer go goo-goo for the gaudy goodie.
5. Workout paraphernalia – Hopefully, your fitness master practices what he or she teaches… If so, a new water bottle, a stopwatch, a shaker bottle for protein or meal replacement shakes, a new set of headphones, a sweat towel, hand sanitizer, any of these things would be a useful addition to their workout kit.
6. Magazines or journal subscriptions – The gift that keeps giving! Most fitness professionals read fitness-related or trade journals and can’t get enough. If you don’t feel comfortable choosing a fitness-related magazine or are concerned they do get enough, consider subscribing to a magazine that they’d enjoy anyway. What are their hobbies outside of work? Cars, gardening, photography, celebrity gossip…?
7. Showering supplies – If your trainer breaks a sweat often, he or she probably showers often. A package of travel-sized shampoo, face soap, conditioner and lotions are practical little goodies for the hard-working instructor.
8. Soothers – Even trainers and instructors get sore and achy. Any kind of ointment, essential oil or other spa treatment is a real (and often rare) treat for the person who pushes his or her body to the limits.
9. Bags and mini-coolers – Trainers and instructors have to carry a lot with them throughout the day; they’re often loaded down like pack mules. Compact coolers or insulated lunch bags make packing healthy snacks easy, and any extra bags that fit within a bigger bag can help them better manage all of their equipment, personal items and paper work.
Last, but certainly not least…
10. Testimonies and referrals – Whether or not you’re on a tight budget, one of the best gifts is a testimonial of the trainer or instructor’s worth. This can be done several ways. E-mail their supervisor or boss and tell them how much and why you appreciate your trainer or fitness instructor. Maybe your trainer has a website or brochure? Offer to write a rave review for those marketing materials. Or, start promoting their business to your family and friends. Referral is a definite sign of flattery and says “Thank You” loud and clear.
