Everyday we’ll suggest original stocking fillers for the active person in your life.

Today Last Minute Gifts to Download

Not going to make it to the shops this Christmas Eve, or have you discovered an unexpected person to buy for? How about these retailers for downloadable gifts. From relaxing or adventurous activities, magazine subscriptions to charitable donations, lottery tickets and online gift vouchers.

Groupon

Amazon

Are you looking for that perfect gift but not feeling sure about which colour, features, or model to choose? E-mail an Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificate featuring the item you want to give and let them decide for themselves. They can buy the featured item, choose something similar, or pick from millions of other items at Amazon.co.uk. If you really have no idea what to get someone for a last minute gift buy a gift certificate from Amazon which can either be emailed or printed yourself to give in person.

Virgin Experience Days

Experience days are still available as perfect Christmas gifts whether you are looking for adrenalin junkies or something more relaxing. Buy a Virgin Experience Day and you can also download and print a temporary gift certificate for your recipient to open on Christmas Day.

Activity Superstore

Activity Superstore has just launched its eVoucher! Allowing you to purchase gift experiences throughout Christmas without the worry of not receiving the voucher through the post in time. Beat the Snow! Print your eVoucher for Christmas .

Leisure Vouchers

With over 50 fantastic leisure brands and locations that accept Leisure Vouchers you can be sure you’ll really enjoy spending them.

From great restaurants and brasseries to holidays abroad, weekend breaks and thrilling days out to relaxing and chilling out at spa’s – these are just a few pleasurable ways to enjoy your vouchers with many more besides.

The Leisure Voucher is a great gift or simply a nice extravagance for you to enjoy!

Red Letter Days

Red Letter Days offers a huge selection of experiences for him, her, couples, kids, groups and families to enjoy. Those who enjoy a good dose of luxury will love a pamper spa day or romantic weekend break, while culture vultures can enjoy a theatre evening or sightseeing tour. Gourmets are also well catered for with a host of cookery classes and wine tasting days.

SpaFinder

SpaFinder now has over 5000 spa partners worldwide and 400+ in the UK, each accepting our vouchers for any spa experience offered at their spa. Their vouchers are the most flexible spa vouchers on the market so treat your loved ones or yourself this Christmas.

Running from 24th – 31st December, Buyagift are offering 25% off everything in their Christmas sale. From 1st January the discount will drop to 20%, and will exclude special offers. The code to use is JANSALE25

National Magazine Company

Only£25.99 for a one year subscription to any National Magazines Company magazines plus a bonus gift wrapped issue. Titles include Runner’s World, Men’s Health, Zest, Harper’s Bazzar and Cosmoplitan.

Origin Publishing Magazines

For the all year round gift give a magazine subscription. From now until the 31st December get up to 50% saving on all of  annual magazine subscriptions. 

220 Triathlon Magazine

Give a gift that lasts all year with 40% off a subscription to 220 Triathlon Magazine

Zinio Digital Magazines (Worldwide)

Get instant access with the first ever 24/7 virtual newsstand with the world’s magazines. Zinio offers immediate access to 850+ titles across multiple languages in the Zinio online store – both single issues and subscriptions.Browse and shop by country, language and even purchase in your own currency.

Zinio transforms print magazines into digital format. Same content. Same design. Delivered over the Internet and straight to computers. Get instant access with no download, software installation or plug in required. Customers will be able to access their library online from any computer and from anywhere and have the option to download and read offline, too!

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Guide dogs have been bringing independence and mobility to blind and partially-sighted people for over 75 years, and today there are more than 4,700 guide dog partnerships in the UK. Each year Guide Dogs breeds around 1,000 puppies, which spend their first year in the homes of volunteers, before working with specialist trainers who teach them the skills needed to guide a visually-impaired person. This takes about six months, including several weeks’ training with the new owner. A guide dog has a working life of around six-and-a-half years, and it’s not unusual for someone to have five or more dogs over their lifetime.

You can sponsor a guide dog puppy either for yourself or as a gift for someone you love, choosing to  sponsor either Misty, Julia or Kasper. Guide Dogs will bring the whole sponsor a puppy experience direct to you – through fascinating regular Pupdates at key stages of your puppy’s training and during the early stages of their new life with a blind or partially sighted person, photos and an exclusive calendar featuring shots of our cute puppies. In fact, it’s the next best thing to being right there; sharing in your puppy’s little moments of achievement on their journey to becoming a guide dog.

If you don’t want to commit to regularly sponsoring a dog then you can give a one off donation to the Christmas Puppy Chain Appeal. £15 could buy 2 puppy jackets for guide dogs in training and £45 could buy a harness, handle and lead for a guide dog.

Oxfam Online Shop

Oxfam GB is a leading international NGO (Non-Government Organization) with a worldwide reputation for excellence in the delivery of humanitarian aid and development work. Oxfam GB is part of a global movement of people working diligently with others to fight poverty and overcome suffering & injustice.

Oxfam Unwrapped offers a chance for people to share with their family, friends or loved ones a gift that can make a real difference to someone’s life.

Buying an Unwrapped gift helps overcome poverty and unnecessary suffering. They have a choice of 60 gifts, from our bestselling goat and safe drinking water to building a classroom or Training a farmer. Oxfam Unwrapped has something for everyone! When you buy a gift they will send the recipient a gift card that let’s people know what they’ve been bought. Oxfam will then deliver the real item to the people who need them most.

Present Aid

Present Aid has over 40 fun and unusual gift ideas that will be loved by everybody and also help poor communities around the world. Christian Aid is an international development charity working in over 50 countries to help people in the fight against poverty. Whether it is something sporty for a super fit granddad, a new bike for the green member of the family or an unusual pet for the kids, Present Aid is sure to have the perfect gift. And, not only will it be their loved one who benefits, a Present Aid gift will also help to make a lasting difference to someone else’s life.

Where does the money go? The gifts on sale are virtual. This means that whatever present bought, the money will go directly to a project fund relevant to the gift. For instance, if you buy a goat, ducks or even composting worms, that money goes directly to our agricultural and livestock fund.

Everyday we’ll suggest original stocking fillers for the active person in your life.

Today Relaxation Experiences

Even the most active adrenalin junkie needs to relax. Whether its de-stressing before an important event or recovering after a race or hard training session. Or if your gift recipient is someone who always seems to be wet, muddy or windswept it is occasionally nice to be pampered, have your hair styled and be seen in some glamorous clothes. So check these suggestions of relaxing experiences.

Activity Superstore

Make someone’s special dream come true this Christmas – treat them to an activity they’ll never forget!

Choose Activity Superstore for the largest range of original and exclusive gift experiences including total indulgence pampering experiences from a day at a luxury health spa, to  facials, massages, manicures and body treatments for both men and women.

FREE Special Delivery on orders over £50 and last Christmas posting day is Thursday 23rd December.

Buy a Gift

Buyagift are the leading online gift experience retailer, selling over 2000 different gift ideas.

Share your gift by buying Buy A Gift‘s two for one offer of an Indulgent Pamper Day at one of 18 health spas nationwide, including two 30minute treatments for only £44.95.

Other pampering experiences include makeovers, beauty treatments, salons and beauty products.

Running from 24th – 31st December, Buyagift are offering 25% off everything in their Christmas sale. From 1st January the discount will drop to 20%, and will exclude special offers. The code to use is JANSALE25

Leisure Vouchers

With over 50 fantastic leisure brands and locations that accept Leisure Vouchers you can be sure you’ll really enjoy spending them.

From great restaurants and brasseries to holidays abroad, weekend breaks and thrilling days out to relaxing and chilling out at spa’s – these are just a few pleasurable ways to enjoy your vouchers with many more besides.

The Leisure Voucher is a great gift or simply a nice extravagance for you to enjoy!

Red Letter Days

Created in 1989, Red Letter Days pioneered the concept of giving experiences as unforgettable gifts. Owned by Dragons’ Den entrepreneurs, Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis, Red Letter Days offers a huge selection of experiences for him, her, couples, kids, groups and families to enjoy. 

Those who enjoy a good dose of luxury will love a pamper spa day or romantic weekend break, while culture vultures can enjoy a theatre evening or sightseeing tour. Gourmets are also well catered for with a host of cookery classes and wine tasting days.

Spa Finder

SpaFinder‘s mission is to empower people to find their perfect well-being experiences.
Our Gift Vouchers make the perfect present on any occasion all year round, and can be redeemed at hundreds of spas across the UK and thousands of spas across the world.

Virgin Experience Days

Top Offers from Virgin Experience Days

Personal Shopper (also Deluxe and VIP) from £225.00

Whether it’s a crucial job interview or a hot date, first impressions really count. Project an image of confidence and you are more likely to succeed in business and social relationships. Here’s your opportunity to restyle yourself with expert advice from Personal Shoppers at House of Fraser. Sit back and relax in the privacy of the personal shopping suite with a tea or coffee whilst the store is brought to you.

National Trust Day for Two £49.00
Discover the mystery of an historic house and garden, or the fascination of an English castle or archaeological remains on your day out for two at a National Trust property. Top it off with a cream tea for two and remember your day with a commemorative book!

Theatre and Dinner for Two from £85.00

Discover the magic of London’s famous West End with this Theatre & Dinner package for two. This is a fantastic chance to enjoy a delicious pre-theatre dinner for two at a popular central London restaurant and then see one of the West End shows. The perfect gift for any theatre lover. There’s something to suit every taste with the selected choice of shows. Depending on what is available when you book your choice may include; the star studded hit musical Chicago, the gripping adaptation of best selling novel ‘Woman in Black’ or Willy Russell’s award winning musical ‘Blood Brothers’. Whichever you choose you are sure to be enthralled.

Visit to RHS Garden Wisley & Overnight Stay for Two £235.00

Wisley is undoubtedly one of the greatest gardens of the world and is the flagship of the RHS. This experience will enable you to take time out and explore everything the gardens have to offer. Relax with an afternoon tea in the glasshouse before making your way to the luxury Mandolay Hotel where you can enjoy your overnight stay.

<<<Magazine Subscriptions<<<More Christmas Gift Ideas

Rolling back massagers are OK for relaxing the whole back but I never find they reach my shoulder area. And handheld manual massagers such as the ones supposedly that treat cellulite don’t get deep enough. So I was happy to trial a new massager from HoMedics who identify themselves as ‘an innovative leader in self-care, wellness and personal health products.’

What is Percussion Massage?

The HoMedics Compact Percussion Massager is described as having ‘Percussion action for deep tissue massage’. As I thought percussion was term to describe musical instruments I wasn’t really sure what that means in terms of massage so I did a bit of research, apparently in massage percussion movements are known as tapotement.

The purpose being:

• to vibrate tissues
• trigger reflexes from the skin
• cause widening of the blood vessels (vasodilation).
• disperse fluid and inflammation from an injury
• reduce swelling

Benefits of percussion movements include:

• being very stimulating
• particularly useful to athletes before an event.
• strengthen muscles by stimulating the muscle to contract.
• useful in reducing fatty deposits and flabby muscle areas

Sounded great, although in massage terms as it is described as a cupping action I presumed that this massager was going to work the vibration principle.

HoMedics Compact Percussion Massager is described as compact and light weight. I found that it weighs 850g, around 950g with the plug and cable, and is 33cm long. Not that compact for carrying around, but it is the perfect size for what it is designed for. It is solidly built and if it was lightweight I would feel it wouldn’t be massaging deep enough, just tickling the surface of the skin. It is however not too heavy that you can’t hold it with one hand over your shoulder to massage your trapezius muscle effectively, although after a few minutes held in that position you can feel your hand and arm vibrating on their own. In terms of the length of the handle (25cm) it is ideal for reaching all areas of your body with the appropriate pressure.

It comes with 4 customisable attachments including, soft, medium, firm, although I have to say that I didn’t notice much difference between the various options. Admittedly I didn’t require very deep tissue massage such as after a marathon but I found them effective in easing stiff muscles the following day after a 10k race. There is also a heated attachment, but this requires the vibrating action to be switched on whilst it was heating and I felt I needed a stand whilst it was heating as I didn’t want to just hold it for 5 minutes but if you but it on a table it vibrated off and I was worried about leaving it on a carpet incase it over heated. Luckily it doesn’t heat that much to worry about, just enough to be soothing and whilst it isn’t silent it is no louder than an electric toothbrush.

Whilst I tested the compact massager there is also a version with a width adjustable head. I however was happy with the width of the compact head, it was a perfect size for my arms and what I found most useful was for treating my tarsal tunnel syndrome.  It was the exact width for massaging the base of my calves to relieve my symptoms and especially useful was to use one head with the heat attachment on the base of my heel.

Overall

HoMedics Compact Percussion Massager is easy to use alone, due to the long handle and the solid head allows massaging of deep tissues efficiently.

Has two different speeds offering variable intensity massages for strong and therapeutic relief. The different attachments did not provide obvious differences in massage intensities.

Not particularly lightweight but appropriate for massaging deep muscles effectively.

Soothing heat attachment provides warmth whilst massaging but needs a support whilst heating which takes a while.

HoMedics Compact Percussion Massager RRP £34.99, available from Amazon,  Boots, Sainsbury’s, and Lloyds Pharmacy.

Blistop is described as forming a protective, water-resistant ‘second skin’ which acts as a barrier between the footwear and skin. It has also been awarded the prestigious American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Approval. All you need to do is spray an even layer of Blistop on to clean, dry skin areas of unbroken skin in the areas where blisters may occur and leave it to dry.

Whilst I didn’t have any blister causing trainers to test the spray with, I do suffer when I wear my girly summer shoes with blisters developing on my heels, little toes and across my foot where the straps rub.

In a highly (un) scientific experiment I applied the invisible spray to one foot in the blister susceptible areas and left the other foot. Not wanting to completely suffer for my science I walked for almost 2 miles in my new shoes until they became painful. Looking at my heel the protective layer provided by the spray had broken and my heel was beginning to get red. The instructions did say reapply as necessary and for brand new girly sandals I was quite impressed with a 2 mile walk especially as I imagine for most women they don’t walk more than a 2 miles through the course of a day at work.

Examples of treating heels with Blistop Anti-Blister Spray. Black line on treated heel is the edge of protective layer after wearing shoes.

I admit there are flaws in my road test: I didn’t wear them till skin broke on either foot; one shoe may have been bigger from being stretched in the shop; and a blister may never have developed in the sprayed areas anyway if left untreated. However, I was impressed. Yes Compeed and similar products are probably best for preventing or treating deep multi layered blisters. But they are quite unsightly to be worn with strappy shoes and can be quite expensive to be just worn as a daily prevention.

The spray however was quick to apply, invisible, cheap and convenient to carry around to reapply as necessary. I would not want to recommend it will protect against blisters on a 26.2mile run after all I imagine the layer would dissolve through the damp socks rubbing against it unless you are happy to keep stopping to dry your foot and reapply. However, for small blisters on the toe or back of the heel or rubbing of straps on sandals I would recommend it.

Overall

Blistop is cheap, easy to apply, invisible and protects against blisters and skin breaking. The  spray is also convenient to take it with you if you have missed a vulnerable spot, and to reapply at the first sign of friction.

Whilst it was great for strappy shoes, for runners it may dissolve in wet socks as it was easily removed by rubbing in water. Also it’s probably not so suitable for long events where you can’t easily re-apply.

Flexitol Blistop comes in a 32.5ml CFC-free can giving 50 applications.

It retails at just £5.99 and is available from Boots,  Amazon and other retailers nationwide.

However, exercise should not only be considered as a method to lose weight but also as an essential tool in remaining healthy through treating and preventing illness and diseases. This May’s Exercise is Medicine™ Month, is a time for everyone to recognize, emphasize and celebrate the valuable health benefits of exercise and to May-Kit Happen.

Exercise is Medicine is a program launched in 2007 by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Medical Association (AMA) and is designed to encourage American’s patients to incorporate physical activity and exercise into their daily routine. Whilst this program is being promoted primarily in the US it is a program which is applicable globally. According to the World Health Organization, one of the major challenges in the prevention of non-communicable diseases and in the promotion of physical activity and other healthy lifestyle choices is communicating the importance of action now in return for future benefits.

Exercise should not just be advised to the overweight but promoted to everyone for overall, life-long health. The U.S Physical Activity Guidelines suggest participating in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, whilst the Australian guidelines are to put together at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days. The UK current physical activity guideline for children is to achieve 60 minutes or more activity on 7 days a week. But with modern transport, technology and labour saving devices how many of us actually achieve these guidelines?

Aside from weight loss, exercise also provides the added benefits of:

• better circulation, preventing heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure;
• increases strength by helping to build and maintain bones, muscles and joints to reduce the risk of injury or osteoporosis;
• improves agility and flexibility;
• reduces the risk of diabetes and certain cancers;
• promotes psychological well being and can reduce the risk of alzheimer’s disease.

Don’t forget to check with your doctor first that you are healthy enough to start exercising, they may also be able to provide you with a suitable exercise plan or classes in your area. Exercise is Medicine aims not only to promote exercise to the public but also to encourage doctors to prescribe it to their patients. Network members, including Strenua’s World, have committed to supporting the guiding principles of Exercise is Medicine:

• Exercise and physical activity are important to health and the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases.
• More should be done to address physical activity and exercise in health care settings.
• Encourage ACSM’s efforts to bring a greater focus on physical activity and exercise in health care settings.

If you are interested in learning how you can become more active in your life then sign up for the one-month Exercise is Medicine™ email series for the public. You will receive helpful tips on how to create a life-long exercise plan and stick to it, regardless of your age or current fitness level, easy-to-use resources and plenty of motivation to keep you moving.

Robert E. Sallis, MD, the chair of Exercise is Medicine, says ‘We all know exercise is not a magic bullet. It doesn’t guarantee you won’t get cancer or have high blood pressure. But research clearly shows exercise helps treat and prevent many chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, cancer and hypertension. Of all the measures that can be taken to prevent illness and disease, exercise is, by far, the most worthwhile. Whether you’re sick or healthy, young or old, fit or not, exercise makes you feel better almost immediately!  The trick is to sustain a fitness regime. Help is out there. Support is available. Whatever it takes, just get moving!’

Creatine is a natural occurring substance that helps supply energy to muscles. Half of stored creatine comes from food, mainly fresh meat, so as a vegetarian I am likely to have lower levels of muscle creatine.  The enzyme creatine kinase (CK) is responsible for the reversible reaction whereby creatine is converted along with ATP to create phosphocreatine and ADP to generate energy.

Whilst creatine has been shown to be beneficial for short high intensity exercises such as weight lifting, it has not shown to have any benefit to endurance activity performance. In fact as creatine is also responsible for weight gain of around 1kg when taking the ‘loading dose’ of 20g a day it may even slow an endurance athlete down without providing any benefit to performance. A study has however, looked at the benefits of creatine on muscle recovery following endurance running

In the study published in Life Sciences journal, subjects were given 4 doses a day of 5g of creatine and 15g of maltodextrine, while the control group received just maltodextrine for 5 days, before a 30km race. The runners were experienced marathon runners with personal best (PB) times of 2.5 -3 hours.

Blood CK levels can be raised from damage of the muscle tissue as a result of intense training and it is often used as a marker of muscle injury. In this study by the University of São Paulo, it was found that athletes from the control group had increased CK levels suggesting a high level of cell injury and inflammation while Creatine supplementation reduced these increases.

In short term studies of less than two weeks there have not been reported side effects of taking creatine supplements. Dr Santos, the papers author reported that ‘the runners finished in times equivalent to their PB, without any side effects such as cramping, dehydration or diarrhoea whilst taking the supplements or during the race.’ However athletes who have taken it long term have reported muscle cramping and kidney damage.

In 2007 International Society of Sports Nutrition published its position on the use of creatine supplementation and exercise. Amongst some of their statements they concluded that ‘there is no scientific evidence that the short- or long-term use of creatine monohydrate has any detrimental effects on otherwise healthy individuals. Creatine monohydrate supplementation is not only safe, but possibly beneficial in regard to preventing injury and/or management of select medical conditions when taken within recommended guidelines.’

Recovering from endurance exercise is important for the long distance runner, but is it worth taking creatine supplements in the days leading up to a marathon to prevent damage and aid recovery. Is it worth possible muscle cramps and other side effects during the race after all you don’t know how your individual body will react?

What’s your view? Are you an endurance athlete who has tried creatine supplements, or do you think we shouldn’t use any type of ergogenic aids? Let us know you experiences or opinions.

Also read related post Can creatine supplements enhance muscle recovery?