While the latest fitness equipment and tech gadgets often feature prominently in holiday shopping lists, it's crucial to consider that gifting such items to loved ones isn't always a guaranteed hit. Although engaging in physical activities can provide numerous mental and physical health advantages, the association of exercise with weight loss has made fitness gifts potentially offensive. Leslie Schilling, a registered dietitian in Las Vegas who focuses on sports nutrition and disordered eating recovery, warns, "Avoid purchasing unsolicited fitness or nutrition-related presents.

These gifts often carry an implicit message of diet culture, whether we're aware of it or not." Schilling further explains that even when given with good intentions, these presents can imply a need for change, which can be detrimental to the recipient's self-esteem.

The risks are amplified when it comes to gifting fitness items to children and teenagers, whose self-image is particularly susceptible. Carolyn Comas, an eating disorder therapist in Los Angeles, points out that subtle nudges towards increased physical activity can negatively impact their mental health. She notes, "When parents suggest that a child's body is problematic, it can lead to a decrease in self-esteem as the child feels the need to alter their appearance, which can escalate into eating disorders, depression, and anxiety."

For parents who feel a responsibility to encourage a less active child to engage in physical activities, a fitness gift might seem like an ideal solution. However, this well-intentioned gesture can have several unintended consequences. Schilling explains that while the giver might think they are providing motivation, an unsolicited fitness gift can hinder the recipient's ability to enjoy exercise. "Exercise is a personal matter," she says. "Supporting autonomy is essential. When someone else gifts us a Fitbit or a personal training session, it inadvertently strips away autonomy, which is a vital component of enjoying and sustaining fitness and health practices."

The paradox is that giving a gift that seems like unsolicited advice can make the recipient less inclined to become more active. When individuals feel pressured, judged, or inadequate, their motivation to engage in physical activities decreases. Schilling states, "Such a loaded gift might actually delay someone from adopting healthy behaviors because they feel hurt by it."

If parents aim to instill a lifelong love for movement, associating exercise with dread or shame is counterproductive. Comas suggests that for children who aren't naturally drawn to sports or other forms of exercise, "the best approach is to introduce it informally because when it's enjoyable, you're more likely to continue. That's what we want all exercise to be—a source of anticipation and joy, not a punishment."

This could involve inviting children to participate in family activities such as nature walks, ice-skating, or sledding, without any mention of calorie burning or dessert "earning," as Comas recommends. But what if a teenager is the one requesting the latest designer yoga pants or trendy wearable technology? Schilling and Comas agree that fashionable athletic attire is generally a safer option since athleisure has become a part of everyday comfort and fashion for many.

However, it's still important to have a conversation with your teen or pre-teen to understand why they desire those items. When it comes to smartwatches, which are increasingly popular, professionals who treat eating disorders strongly advise against giving them to children. Schilling states, "I don't recommend giving children wearables. I think it's very dangerous." Comas adds that because these devices track steps and calories, "what seems innocent can turn into obsessive thinking," likening it to "a little eating disorder brain on your wrist."

Even if children insist they want smartwatches for communication or because they're trendy, it's essential to remember that holiday gift-giving occurs amidst a cultural backdrop of New Year's resolutions and diet plans. Having access to such data while being exposed to increased pressure to be thin can be problematic, especially for developing children. Comas explains, "We know that dieting and weight loss can be a precursor to someone developing an eating disorder."

So, if teens ask for a fitness product because they want to "get in shape," it's worth probing further. There's a significant difference between wanting to enhance athletic performance and feeling the need to alter one's appearance. What they might truly be seeking is the reassurance that they are accepted as they are. Schilling advises that if you're uncertain about how a fitness-related gift will be received, it's better to choose something else: "If you're unsure how it will be perceived, don't do it. I've worked with clients who still remember a parent, spouse, or someone else giving them a fitness or diet-related gift, and they're still discussing it in my office."