Fathers Day Gifts: For The Couch Potato Dad

Day 2: Father's Day Gift Guide
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Almost three out of every four men is overweight or obese in the United States -- with more than 30 percent falling into the obese category. The health consequences of obesity are sobering -- the CDC has linked the condition to coronary heart diseases, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, reproductive problems and mental health conditions, to name just a few.

But according to CDC statistics, a whopping 50 percent of men report that they never engage in vigorous activity during their leisure time for more than 10 minutes -- a key component of keeping weight under control, especially as men get older.

So, as part of our series on healthy Father's Day gifts, here's your guide to presents that will get dad moving -- and hopefully healthier by the next Father's Day. Check them out and share your own ideas, as well.

PLUS: Feeling lucky? Enter for a chance to win the ultimate Healthy Dad Gift Package -- which includes sneakers, athletic clothing, a Tupperware lunchbox and a massage gift certificate -- here.

Sneakers And Workout Gear(01 of06)
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No one wants to hit the gym with ill-fitting workout clothes and sneakers. Even if Dad isn't a fashionista, he'll appreciate having the right gear to fit him now -- not 10 pounds ago. If you're not sure on a style, let him pick out his own pair this Sunday, and then go for a family run -- several studies have identified a link between social support and weight loss goals.(And enter for a chance to win our Father's Day Giveaway here -- it includes a pair of sneakers and cool workout gear).
Personal Training Sessions(02 of06)
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Like an impulsive New Year's resolution, a Father's Day promise to get in shape can be forgotten by lunchtime on Monday. Help your dad to keep his commitments by signing him up for personal training sessions at your local gym. Trainers can provide the accountability, encouragement and knowledge to make weight loss happen -- a study in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that 57 percent of participants showed progress toward their fitness goals after working with a trainer. Several organizations offer fitness certifications -- try the American Council On Exercise's search tool, or call your local gym as a starting point.
Fitness Classes With A Gym Membership(03 of06)
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Physical fitness doesn't have to mean 45 monotonous minutes running on a treadmill belt -- and many gym memberships include free classes at all times of the day (meaning busy schedules won't register as an excuse). If you and Dad live in different cities, sign up for classes in the same genre to compare notes about the moves, instructor and burn factor.
An MP3 Player(04 of06)
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Sure, listening to music may make 30 minutes on a cardio machine fly by faster than silently watching the sweaty back of the person in front of you, but now a growing body of research is finding that your go-to workout playlist may actually boost your fitness results. One study last year, for instance, found that participants ramped up their workout exertion when they were listening to songs with a faster tempo, particularly when it was music they enjoyed.Help dad gear up for a more effective workout, then, with a new MP3 player. If he already has one -- or if it's not in the budget this year -- try a gift card to the iTunes store instead (but make him promise he'll spend the money on upbeat workout music, not reruns of his favorite couch potato comedies).
Workout Gadgets(05 of06)
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For the dad who loves gadgets, try giving him a heart rate monitor, Wii Fit or a new DVD player loaded with workout DVDs.The right heart rate (calculate your dad's here) can help him to get maximum benefits from a workout. And who doesn't love getting up off the couch for a father-daughter or father-son game of competitive simulated tennis. Even better, head to the courts for a real match afterward.
Out-Of-Gym Experiences(06 of06)
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If indoor workouts don't hold your dad's interest, try encouraging a love for a new kind of outdoor activity. A recent scientific review published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that there are both physical and mental benefits to taking fitness into the great outdoors.Try biking (you can splurge on a new bicycle or or opt for new reflective clothing and a helmet) or signing up for and paying the membership fee to join an adult sporting team.If you live in a colder climate, try other non-gym activities, such as a family visit to a rock climbing wall.

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