Gifts That Are Nothing Less Than Moving

Dance Hoop

In Depth About the Crew | Ask the Crew Susan Morse Health section assistant editor, hiker, kayaker, swimmer and dabbler in a variety of exercise regimens. » VISIT THE ARCHIVES Browse the Archives Recent Columns Discussion Transcripts Save & Share Article What's This? Digg Google del.icio.us Yahoo! Reddit Facebook

For Whom: Your sister; your mother

Price: $30

Sweat Factor: Variable

Test Drive: If you thought the hula hoop was a thing of your past, think again. This foam-covered hoop is adjustable, not so much to fit girths of varying circumference but because a bigger hoop allows for slower, gentler workouts. Composed of either five or six detachable sections (yes, you can pack it and take it for a whirl when you're visiting your in-laws over the holidays), Gaiam's Dance Hoop makes it surprisingly easy to get back into the spin of things. (And it comes complete with an instructional high-energy exercise DVD.) Available from the company's Web site, http://www.gaiam.com.