The elves of INstride asked around to see what was on the holiday gift lists of some people in south-central Indiana who are interested in health and wellness. Maybe you’ll want to add a few of these to yours.

Robin Day, Bedford

“I’d like a BOSU ball. It’s flat on the bottom and a ball on the other side. I use one at the gym. It’s to build core strength and balance. Everything you do on it, you use your core to keep balanced. And it’s an extra benefit if you’re using hand weights while standing on it.” [BOSU stands for “both sides up” because both sides —flat or round—can be used to pump up your workout.]

Margie Kobow, HEARTEAM/Adult Health director, Monroe County YMCA

“Heart rate monitors and GPSs are both good for swimmers, cyclists, and runners. I believe a stability ball and fitness tubing are also essential for functional resistance training and work well with traveling. The ‘stick’ and foam rollers are wonderful for regeneration and recovery from exercise and should be in every active person’s arsenal.”

Amy Cieslik, Bedford

“A set of one-pound hand weights is a nice gift for women. Walking sticks are a good gift for walking or hiking because you can use them to build up your upper body because you plant the stick and move forward. Another gift I’d like are one-pound ankle weights because I do Zumba and I’ve gotten so used to the class it’s become easy, so I put on the ankle weights to give my legs a good workout. I go to Zumba at Kat’s, so a gift certificate for exercise classes would also be nice. I’d love to have one of those.”

Nancy and Grier Werner, Bloomington

If money were no object, they would welcome a home gym with a hot tub. But since that exceeds normal budgets, Nancy would settle for a personal trainer while Grier would settle for a year’s membership to a fitness club.

Peggy Mayfield, clerk of Morgan Circuit and Superior courts, Martinsville

“I think something pampering, like a massage, would be lovely. Now if I could only find the time to schedule one. Similarly, things like my sons making breakfast and coffee, or tackling a project are so thoughtful and appreciated.”

Autumn McCoy, Bloomington

She said she can always use workout clothing. “Something that matches,” she laughed.

Brent Slinkard, Bloomington

“A nutritionist. It has everything to do with what we put into our bodies. With the way they are packaging foods these days, I want to be more conscious of that.”

Angie Thomas, Bedford

She said she’s not into gadgets, but a good pair of shoes would be a nice gift.

“But I can’t do without my Multi-Vite chewable multi-vitamins. I’ve never finished a bottle of vitamins in my life before I tried these: too big, bad taste, stomach upset. Not these.”

Kimberley V. Green, Martinsville

“Fitness stuff on my list—you bet! I’m wanting a Skier’s Edge (used preferably), which is a piece of equipment that works your hips and legs from side to side, simulating ski movements. Bella [her daughter] and I ski (we got skis for Christmas last year, hers from Santa, mine from me!) at Perfect North near Cincinnati and in Utah at Spring Break, and I would love to have this thing to help my ski performance.

“I’m also asking for a radio or some music-playing device for my Cannondale Tandem bike. Bella keeps singing Justin Beiber when we ride, so I’ve got to get her some tunes.

“And of course, anything, anything, from Athleta catalogue. Love their fashion-forward athletic wear.”

Arlene Brim, Bedford

“A three-month membership to Healthy Balance to run me through the winter time is on my Christmas list. I like to change my workout schedule during the winter months for some variety. I will participate in body sculpting, as I did last winter to work on core strength and upper body strength. I would like to improve my flexibility with yoga classes this winter.”

Steve Sonnega, Morgan County prosecutor, Martinsville

“I would like an all-weather jacket. I need something that isn’t too bulky and won’t impede my golf swing.”