Did you know that there are only eight weekends until Christmas? It’s time to start thinking about those special people in your life — including yourself! Are you wearing the right gear for your fitness lifestyle? Do you have friends and family that are just getting into fitness and wearing baggy T-shirts and their husband’s or boyfriend’s shorts? Are they trying to eat healthier? Check out some options below:

• Having the right shoes, fitness wear and food options are an essential part of being ready to exercise and feel comfortable working out around others. The shoes you choose depend mainly on your exercise routine because certain activities require more lightweight options, while others more ankle support. Find the right shoe that supports your foot (arch, lack of arch, pronation, supination).

Having multiple pairs of shoes for various activities such as running, walking and gym activity is most effective for your feet, something I am working to get better at. My absolute favourite running shoes are Asics because they have the best arch support for my flat feet. I am pleased that I can buy Asics locally at Sportseller. The Kayano 22, that Sharon Fenn and her staff helped me to choose, was great for my 10k run on Sunday. My feet felt fully supported and comfortable.

• Having the right workout apparel that you feel comfortable in — something you can wear without pulling and tugging — is also important. You want to feel supported in your clothing but still be able to breathe. There are a few fashionable and functional capris at Sportseller. I loved the pattern on the Nux printed capri tights. They feel like a second skin and are breathable, too.

• My absolute favourite wash for stinky workout clothing is Nathan Sport-Wash, also sold at Sportseller. My marathon-running friend Ali told me about it. Originally I was washing my clothing with a store-bought detergent, but was still noticing a smelly ammonia scent. Once I started using Nathan Sport-Wash, I was amazed that the scent was gone. Definitely worth buying for your sporty clothing.

• Lastly, when I worked near Better Health I’d always stop for a shake after my workout. Kathy and Gerhard explained in detail the contents of their shakes. My favourite is ProEnergy, because it is from grass-fed cows and does not contain hormones or antibiotics.

Stay tuned for more local health-related gift options next month, and B-Active For Life!

Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Check her out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/B.ActiveForLife