How much do we love our mothers?  We can show our affection and gratitude to them everyday, but Mother’s Day is a perfect day to spend with them, giving them whatever we can to make them happy and appreciated.  A bouquet of flowers and a greeting card are wonderful gifts, but the gifts of health and wellness will surely touch their hearts and benefit their well-being.

Health check-up

A complete medical check-up (physical exams for weight, breasts, hearing and vision, blood pressure, heart, rectal and pelvic exams, and tests like a mammogram, pap smear, blood glucose and cholesterol tests, etc.) is a very wise gift  so she will be more aware of her health.  Accompany her, and let her feel your concern.

You can check existing promo packages for basic health tests and check-ups of hospitals near you.  Tests should be based on a doctor’s recommendations, her family history, past medical history, and her age.

Weekend stay

If your mom needs to take a break from a busy routine at work or at home, then it’s time to give her an overnight or weekend stay in a hotel or a luxurious villa.  You can get special promos and packages online or from a travel agent.  You don’t even need to spend too much or go too far, because the trip might just add stress due to cancelled flights or travel time. Your mom might just need a change of environment, a place to relax, to get eight hours of   sound sleep, to enjoy a day of her own and with loved ones.

Wellness date with your mom

If your mom loves to shop and go to the parlor, then give your mom a day of wellness by bringing her for a date to her favorite mall.  You can schedule this on a weekday if both of your schedules will allow so you can avoid the expected crowd. On your shopping list, do not forget to include an exercise outfit, a new pair of exercise shoes, a gym bag, a water bottle, and some wellness products of her choice like fitness and healthy eating books and organic food.

Choose a restaurant which serves healthy meals.  Accompany her to the salon for her chosen makeover services, and finally, schedule a spa treatment for two.

A starter home gym

The best gift I ever gave my mom is a home gym, because she loves to stay fit and healthy. I gave her a complete basic set at home when I started my fitness career more than a decade ago, and until now she uses the gym (with more equipment) with her friends.

You can give your mom a basic home gym set consisting of safe exercise videos, basic fitness instructional books,  dumbbells, an exercise bench, exercise mats, stability balls, light toning balls, exercise bands, etc. Consider the size of your exercise area before you buy all the equipment.

Healthy and tasty cooking for her

A Sunday lunch or dinner in a restaurant with the whole family is one of the most common Mother’s Day celebrations.  But if you want to make this unique, then try a new approach.  Cook for your mom, and for the whole family, something different, nutritious and delicious but still considering her taste, of course.

If you are an experienced chef or cook, then this will not be a problem.  But if not, then research online or buy healthy cookbooks ahead of time so you can prepare your own healthy creations.  Your mom, who used to cook your favorite food, will surely appreciate this effort.

Work out with her

If you really want to help your mom commit to healthy living by getting active, then accompany her on her choice of fitness activity. Do not push her to do an exercise she doesn’t like.  If she has been hearing about a popular workout from her friends, like Zumba, yoga or boxing, and she wants to try this workout, then sign her up for one class.

Work out with her, even for this day. If she likes the workout, then get her a package of five to 10 sessions.  Aside from fitness clubs offering various workouts, there are several exercise studios now offering special packages this summer.

Schedule an appointment with a fitness/lifestyle coach

Right now, your mom might be having a hard time with her weight and lifestyle issues, and is in need of sound and safe fitness and lifestyle advice but doesn’t know how to start.

If you are a fitness coach, then you have all the opportunities to lead your family to a healthy lifestyle, but if you are not, then it’s time to give your mom a gift of fitness by setting her up for an appointment with a lifestyle and fitness coach or a nutritionist.  You can check websites, visit health clubs and medical facilities.

Being in your best health

All mothers are concerned about the physical and emotional health of their family, and they automatically get stressed out when one gets sick.  One of the best gifts you can give your mom is to be happy, strong and healthy. So as early as now, start to live a healthy lifestyle by managing your existing health problems (if you have any), engaging in regular physical activities, eating healthy, and getting the right amount of sleep and rest.

E-mail the author at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @mitchfelipe.