The joy of the holiday season is sometimes overshadowed by the worry of not yet having found the perfect gift for someone you care about. And, it's never fun to push through the chaos and commotion of the mall during its busiest month--especially when you don't know what you're looking for.

It's important not to forget about good health while doing your holiday shopping - and remember that those you're buying for are likely going through the same festive frenzy and neglecting their health. Here are some gift ideas to help those you love take care of their bodies as the Christmas chaos winds down, and all year long:

- Resistance bands, an exercise mat, dumbbells, or DVDs: Why not help someone you love set up a home gym? You can purchase any combination of items to fit any budget, and there's no shortage of how-to information for your giftee to find online. You could even make it a themed gift: a yoga mat, pants and beginner's yoga DVD is one example. You can find resistance bands for less than $20, an exercise mat is about $15, and dumbbells vary greatly depending on their weight but begin at around $5.

- A one-month gym membership: Many gyms offer a one-month trial membership, and they often offer special discounts for the new year.

For many, signing up for a membership is the hardest part - so why not take that difficult first step for someone on your Christmas list this year?

- Wii Fit Plus: While a Wii Fit isn't likely to bring someone from out-of-shape to marathon-ready on its own, it is a fun addition to any exercise program. It's a particularly great gift for a family; the games are challenging and effective enough to keep adults interested, and kids will love that they're not getting in trouble for playing a video game.

This year's version, the Wii Fit Plus, is about $100.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer. For further information, call 604-420-7800 or see www.karpfitness.com.