One of the most stressful things about the holidays is finding the perfect gift for those that are near and dear to your heart. Leaving it until the last minute usually results in chaos and having to endure the crowded and sweaty mall only to find none of your gift ideas are in stock.

We've got you covered! Leading up to Christmas we'll be bringing you gift guides that involve supporting local businesses as well as a few splurging ideas, too. First up, we've got a guide for the health-conscious friend in your life. Living in Vancouver, we all have them.

Eastwood Cycle Sanctuary

I can't shut up about Eastwood Cycle. I'm probably one of the least naturally athletic people you'll meet and I've never really found my "thing", until I started going to spin classes. For so long I've been wanting a spin studio in Vancouver that combines great energy, space, and music that will get your butt in gear. It's amazing how motivating Katy Perry and Bruno Mars can be on the bike. Having opened just a couple months ago, Eastwood Cycle Sanctuary has filled that gap in my life. I've recruited about six different friends to the studio and they've all raved about it, even if they hated spin classes before.

From now until December 24th, if you buy a gift card for $100 or more you'll receive a free class yourself. They also offer an amazing deal for first time members of $100 unlimited one month membership. Mine is about to run out so if anyone is wondering what to get me for Christmas...

Photo by Malcolm Lam

Distrikt Movement

Distrikt Movement is different from other fitness studios. The minute you walk in feels like you've stepped into a longtime friend's cozy home. You're greeted by smiles and genuine people that make being in a fitness studio a lot less intimidating. They even remember your name. It's like the Cheers of fitness! They also offer unique classes you won't find anywhere else, such as Buti Yoga (my personal favourite), Ugly Sweaters (because you'll sweat ugly), and Crush/Hush which is a blend of  a tough workout and a light yoga practice. I was probably on the edge of throwing up a couple times with that one but again, music can be a motivating factor. When Drake tells you that he's got his eyes on you, then you don't want to let him down.

A two-week intro pass is only $40, 10-class pass is priced at $140 and students also get a 15% discount.

Interval 2 shoe by STR/KE MVMNT

Founded in Vancouver in 2010, STR/KE MVMNT launched their first shoe, The Interval, a couple years later. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, the shoe is incredibly lightweight and designed to promote fore-foot strike and your foot to be in full contact with the ground, which allows it to move more naturally. Let's also take a minute to appreciate the genius design of the Pleasure Pocket - a pouch that lets you tuck in excess shoelaces so they don't come undone during your workout. No more mid-workout pauses to do up your laces!

The Interval 2 is regularly $125.00 but currently on sale in their online store for $99. 

Yeti Yoga Mat

Yeti Yoga is more of a Pacific Northwest local creation, but these mats are way too cool to not include on the list. I first spotted these at Eastwood Cycle and going through the online store, it was incredibly difficult to choose just one mat to feature. The mat can easily double as a decorative piece in the home and there's even one with the Hudson's Bay colours on it that would match the blanket one of your friends probably has in their home.

Mats range in price from $40 (samples) to $70 on Etsy. 

Urban Body Organics Saucha Yoga Mat Spray

Have you ever had that moment when your nose is right up to the yoga mat during class and you realize you probably went too long without giving it a good clean?  This spray by Urban Body Organics is a must. The organic spray leaves your mat clean and removes any bacteria and toxins and the Orange Spearmint scent is wonderful. The smell will make those yoga classes that much more pleasant and relaxing.

Saucha Yoga Mat Spray is available at various retailers and online for $14.99.

Fitbit Charge

What the heck is a Fitbit and why is everyone talking about it? Turns out it's pretty impressive. This wristband tracks activity like steps taken, calories burned and active minutes, as well as sleep duration and quality. It's that extra piece to keep you motivated after you set those New Year goals. You can also set up an online account that will assist in setting goals, check your progress in chart and graph format, and the chance to earn achievements.

Available online and in store at Best Buy. Retails for $139.99.

SAHN Bicycle Helmet

For the style conscious, avid cyclist in your life, this helmet from Vancouver-based company Sahn combines function and design. The minimalist design has internal cooling channels and keeps safety in mind with a tough outer ABS plastic shell and shock absorbing polystyrene inner layer, meeting all standards for road safety.

Available at WALRUS for $129.99.

The Book of Kale & Friends

Yes, there is a cookbook dedicated to kale. Vancouver author, Sharon Hanna has followed up her national bestseller The Book of Kale and this time has teamed up with gardening editor, Carol Pope to give tips on gardening a variety of leafy greens and herbs. Recipes include Kale Cilantro Chimichurri, Smoked Salmon Tart, and Kalelicious Chocolate Cake.

Available at Chapters and online for $26.95; currently on sale for $17.

The Juice Truck Cleanse

Doing your own juice cleanse is a pain. I've done it before and the amount of preparation and mess accumulated for just a few juices is enough to make you give up after just one day. The beauty of the Juice Truck's Cleanse is that all of their juices taste great, no mess and no fuss, and they deliver straight to your door. They also use ingredients that support local and organic farming practices, so you know you're getting the good stuff.

Cleanses start at $195 and are available to order online. 

Holiday Gift Guide for the Health Nut in Your Life

By Vancouver Is Awesome

• Eastwood Cycle Sanctuary Gift Card

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• Distrikt Movement Fitness Gift Card

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• Interval 2 shoe by STR/KE MVMNT

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• Yeti Yoga Mat

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• Urban Body Organics Saucha Yoga Mat Spray

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• Fitbit Charge

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• SAHN Bicycle Helmet

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• The Book of Kale and Friends

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• The Juice Truck Cleanse

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