With Father's Day approaching this weekend Libby Norris has some ideas for gifts and activities to do with your father on the day.
Father's Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer Research
This Father's Day, do it for Dad
Price - $35, early bird registration: $30, children: free
For more information call: 416-441-2131 ext. 301, 1-888-255-0333 ext. 301
Official Site: http://www.fathersdayrun.ca
Grab your sneakers, stretch out your calves and get ready for the seventh annual Father's Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer Research at the Distillery District. This Father's Day, prostate cancer survivors, supporters, friends and families will walk or run for the men in their lives, in support of the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada. The five-kilometre walk/run is ideal for families and running enthusiasts alike. It will be a fantastic morning of fitness, community involvement and some exciting prizes.
Proceeds from the walk/run will support research into the prevention, detection, and treatment of prostate cancer, a disease that affects one in every seven men in their lifetimes.
Participants who raise more than $2,000 in donations will be entered to win a trip for two to anywhere that Air Canada flies in North America. Registration is free for those who submit $100 or more in donations before June 17.
Fitness Gifts for Dad
The Polar F6, shown in Pink Coral and Black Coal, is the optimal choice for group exercisers. The coded transmission prevents interference from other monitors ensuring that you get a personalized workout, even in a class environment. More than just a stylish model with colour options, the F6 is an excellent exercise motivator. It includes all the features of Polar's basic heart rate monitors, plus guidance with OwnZone�, which automatically establishes your personal target heart rate zones and feedback with OwnCal� to track your calories and percentage of fat burned, making the F6 a perfect exercise companion. The manufacturer suggested retail price is $149.99.
For more information call 1.888.918.5043 (www.polarca.com)
The Polar M61 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (www.polarusa.com) is a steal at amazon.com. At only $87.95 you save $92 from the original price. It allows Dad to monitor his heart rate whether on land or in the water. It has a special Wearlink coded function which keeps other monitors from interfering. The display also includes the time of day, a stopwatch and an alarm. It also features a calorie counter, manual and automatic heart rate settings, backlighting and split screen, and a 2 year limited warranty. An excellent gift for the fitness focused father.
Gofit Ultimate Progym with DVD is a perfect present. It's lightweight and comes in a small pouch with seven levels of resistance. The three resistance bands have a 5, 10, and 15 pound tension. The Progym also includes handles, ankle straps, a wall poster, door anchor, and a 25 minute workout on DVD. It's a great way to stay in shape on the road. It's only $23.76 at amazon.com.
The 4 Flask Fuel Belt (www.fuelbelt.com) is a hip idea for the Dad who runs. It's a wide elastic belt containing 4 water flasks strategically positioned for balance. It velcros together in the front and also has a small pocket for keys, ID, or money. It's only $29.95 at
The Ogio 2007 35 Liter Duffel Bag (www.ogio.com) is lightweight and fits into most lockers. It has a top flap sleeve pocket, dual side pockets, and an adjustable padded shoulder sleeve. It's $29.99 at amazon.com.
The ultimate fitness gadget is the Garmin Forerunner 101 GPS Unit/Training Device. It calculates, speed, distance, and pace and allows Dad to train against a pace or time he selects for himself. There are tons of extra features, such as an automatic pause when you stop and navigational abilities that let you record where you've started and finished. It's $99.99 at dickssportinggoods.com.
Dad can also track his progress with the Oregon Scientific Fitness/Health Scale (GA101) (http://www2.oregonscientific.com) . It has 4 user settings with a profile memory and 1 guest setting. It measures and records body fat, weight, and BMI (body mass index.) It's $59.95 at amazon.com. I have a BF scale at home we can use for this.
Wellness Gear Digital Jump Rope with Calorie Burn Computer: Jumping rope is a great way to stay fit--plus it is fun! This jump rope has a built-in computer that calculates how many calories you have burned based on your weight, workout time, and number of jumps. It also has an alarm that will sound when your workout is done--you can preprogram it for the number of minutes you want to jump. This great Father's Day gift will only cost you $21.99.
Everlast Desktop Speedbag: Even if boxing is your guy's sport of choice, I'm sure he will get use out of this speedbag. It is fairly small--about 15 inches tall, 7 inches in diameter--and it is designed to stick to any smooth table, desk, or wall with its super-strong suction cup bottom. This personal punching bag will come in handy not only to burn a few calories, but it is also a great stress reliever. The price of this is $19.95.
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productdetails/sku__EV450
--Nautilus 20 lb Dumbbell Set: Weight training is a good way to increase muscle and bone strength, and exercise experts are recommending that people do strength training in addition to a cardio workout. This set is a great way to do that at home--it includes a variety of weights and it comes in its own case which will keep everything organized. This would make a great Father's Day gift at only $14.99.
http://www.fogdog.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2505125
--Nike Brasilia Small Duffle: This tote bag is perfect for taking extra clothes and gear to the gym. It comes in several guy-friendly colors, such as black, light graphite, varsity red, and varsity blue. It measures 21.5 inches x 11.5 inches x 11 inches, so it is just the right size for a set of gym clothes and shoes, along with a few other odds and ends. Inside there is a hanging zippered pouch, and on the outside there are two zippered end compartments. A Nike gym bag for a Father's Day gift would be a great idea for any guy, and this one costs just $22.49.
Fitness Fun with Dad
5 Great Ways To include Fitness and Father's Day
Traditions for holidays make them so special and it always has to start with that first annual! It's a great way to create your own customs, focus on family and the gift of time!
Set a tee time. Discover the fun and fitness benefits of golfing with Dad and skip the golf cart. Golfing can burn up to 370 calories an hour (6.2 calories/minute) if you carry your own clubs throughout the course.
Grab a racquet. Get the whole family together for a tennis game or two. Playing tennis burns roughly 8 calories/minute playing tennis, that's almost 500 calories for one hour of play.
Take a hike. Find a nearby mountain or trail to hike with dad. It's estimated you can burn 6.7 calories/minute or over 400 calories hiking for one hour. Check out the trails in your area. Make it an annual event and choose a new and different trail each year.
Father's Day Adventure Challenge - pick 5 activities that are age appropriate and set up your own obstacle course...take it to a park and spread out! Check out the website for activity ideas and ways to make it fun and interesting!
Father's Day 4-Week Fitness Challenge - do your own home fitness test - strength, cardio, flexibility and balance (see the website for the outline); take the next 4 weeks and think of ways to add activity in to your days. At the end of the challenge, everyone wins for health, but also check who improved the most for the MVFF Award - most valuable family fitness award
Running out of time to plan...here are some quick fit and fun ideas:
- Take a traditional walk - just you and dad!
- Plan a park day...and pack a lunch
- Roll with it - get on your bikes or blades to a Father's Day Roll
- Get campy - camping out doesn't have to be a trip to the mountains...camp out in your own back yard...or living room!
- Invite the neighbours - make it a night
Key Concepts:
- Tie in Traditions - makes it special, memorable and specific to your family
- Start early - start these traditions when you're the ones making the plans and activity will become the norm! "We always do something active on family holidays!"
- Get excited - you may have some hesitation at the start, but enthusiasm is contagious!
