Finding great gifts for the people you love can be a challenging task! Whether it’s a more extravagant gift for a family member or an inexpensive gift for a friend, it’s always a joy to make someone smile by letting them know you were thinking of them.

From gift certificates to sneakers, the options on our Island are plentiful. I’ve had the pleasure of testing out some local fitness wear and other items.

Let’s start with my new favourite tights from Atelerie, which have lovely blue and yellow tribal patterns by Mara Hoffman.

These tights are basically a walking work of art. I decided to wear these to work last week and turned a few heads. Everyone I passed commented on how beautiful they were. I wore them on a very humid day and I stayed cool and comfortable while walking around town. I decided to practise my splits in these. I’m almost there!

I’ve been attending classes at Lucky Elephant Yoga for the past few months. They have a great selection of yoga and athletic wear for ladies and their little girls, and they have opened my eyes to other brands of workout clothing.

I tested out a pair of black and purple floral capris by K Deer for my 90-minute hot vinyasa class. This class makes you sweat, but I didn’t have to worry about sweat stains showing up while in my downward dog!

The pants are made specifically with that in mind. They kept me cool and dried quickly. With the varied patterns and colours, I could easily pair them with boots and a sweater this winter.

It is recommended that we should drink about seven to ten ounces of water for every ten to 20 minutes of exercise.

Normally I don’t like to hold water bottles while running because they get too heavy. However, the SpeedDraw Plus, a lightweight bottle by Nathan that is sold at Sportseller, is fabulous.

You place your keys inside the pouch, slip your hand in the strap and go. To drink, gently press the bottle and spray the water into your mouth or place your lips on the spout.

Lastly, we all have forgotten our sports bras at one point. When you are heavily endowed, sometimes the options are few. Sportseller carries the Shock Absorber sports bra in sizes E-GG. This bra was reviewed by Juliette, my client. It’s a great bra to have as another option in your gym bag. It comes in handy and offers support while working out.

Next month we will talk about some last-minute stocking stuffers and gifts. Stay happy, healthy and B-Active for Life!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Check her out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/B.ActiveForLife