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<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge) Wii fit   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Is that Eau de Penn State you're wearing? 12/2/08   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, December 2, 2008 4-to-be-fit gift guide Most families have either a clean freak, a health nut or both, and we at Good Life understand they need gifts too. With that in mind, Part 2 in our holiday gift guide tackles the healthy and the hypochondriacs alike. This short series continues in Good Life through Saturday. Check back in the coming days for suggestions of culinary treats, toys and outdoor extravaganzas. Herald writer Andy Rathbun Sensor Soap Pump by Simplehuman ($40) What: Pumping soap can be gross. After all, you know the hands that touched the dispenser last weren't clean. This sensor-activated pump helps avoid even the whiff of cross-contamination. Upside: A timer lets you know how long you're washing your hands, in case you have a problem with that, and four different settings determine how much hand soap -- or lotion, or dish soap -- comes out of the pump. Downside: It needs four AA batteries, which aren't included. Also, while we haven't tested this device, we suspect you can accidentally trigger the dispenser, causing a glob of soap to fall out as you reach for your toothbrush. Wii Fit ($90) What: Wii Fit turns the video game experience into a workout by using a computerized balance board, which monitors your weight, and exercise programs, such as yoga and strength training. Upside: Odd as it sounds, this system makes working out fun. Seriously. It tracks your weight over time, provides exercises that can bulk up your muscles or improve your balance, and helps you set reasonable goals. It also comes with games that simulate skiing and soccer, for those times when you're sick of push-ups and yoga poses. Downside: This isn't a stand-alone item. You need a Nintendo Wii ($250) to use it. Speedo Speed Socket goggles ($25) What: Michael Phelps' record-breaking performance at the 2008 Olympics led to a swimming boom, and these goggles, worn by the Olympian, are bound to be a hit with any swimmer. Upside: A low-profile design gives you good peripheral vision, while the shatter-resistant anti-fog lens also provide UV protection. Downside: As Phelps proved during one race, even goggles like this can leak. "You: The Owners Manual" ($27) What: Slowly but surely, this guide to the human body is becoming like "The Joy of Cooking" -- a must-have book that explains it all in simple terms. The newly updated edition of "You" includes a chapter on everyone's favorite organs, the liver and the pancreas. Upside: Co-written by Dr. Michael Roizen and frequent Oprah guest and Esquire contributor Dr. Mehmet Oz, the book explains how the body works from head to toe, and then delves into topics including diet, cancer and exercise. Downside: Like Oprah, the authors' message can be empowering ("YOU control your healthy destiny," "YOU can choose your age") to the point of irritation. Andy Rathbun, arathbun@heraldnet.com, 425-339-3455 READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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