These gift ideas are sure to delight fitness fans

Clear toy candy keeps Pa. Dutch traditions alive

The fitness industry is booming and attracting new devotees every day. Research from the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association says 2017 was a strong year for the health and fitness industry, and several health clubs have built on that success in 2018.

The growth of the fitness industry has included a surge in boutique fitness regimens. While major clubs offer classes, separate boutique clubs also are thriving. Clubs focusing on ballet barre, CrossFit and Orangetheory are just some examples of the booming boutique fitness industry.

Holiday shoppers with fitness fans on their list can look to their loved ones’ love of physical activity when seeking inspiration for holiday gifts. Purchasing gifts for someone with a specific hobby or interest can often be daunting because enthusiasts may have firm ideas of what they like and want to use. While the same can be said for athletes and people who live active lifestyles, there are plenty of gifts that will appeal to those who embrace

On a cold winter day, many walk by The Peppermint Stick Candy Store just to get a glimpse of the many treats, from warm beverages to the finest sweet candy. As the store lights glow through the fitness as part of their lifestyle.

• Bluetooth headphones: Music can inspire and get fitness buffs motivated. Bluetooth headphones connect wirelessly to most devices, and such headphones won’t get tangled up while running or hitting the elliptical at the gym. Select a pair that are lightweight and comfortable and securely fit in the ears for ultimate convenience.

• Reversible yoga mat: Active yogis know just how much a stretch session can work up a sweat. Throw in an hour of hot yoga, and perspiration will certainly be flowing. Everyone recognizes Lululemon for their comfortable workout attire, but the company also has a reversible yoga mat that wicks away moisture during yoga sessions. When gifting yoga mats, throw in a yoga mat carrier as well.

• Fitness tracker: Active people often like to track their progress during a workout or to see just how much they’ve been moving during the day. Fitness trackers are ideal for this. Different brands come at various price points to window, one particular candy shines.

Dating back to 1772, German immigrants brought this delicious clear toy candy to America, specifically Pennsylvania. The candy is made out of sugar, water, corn syrup and food coloring. The colors consist of red, yellow and green, and the candy has the bursting flavor of caramelized sugar,which is molded into an animal like shaped figure. Most of the molds were made by Thomas Mills & Brothers and V. Clad & Sons. The molds were made out of cast iron and aluminum but are rarely made. Since some of the recent clear toy candies are made out of the machines, they lack the detailing of the original candies.

The sugar used by the Pennsylvanian Dutch to

PHOTO COURTESY OF METROCREATIVE make giving easier on the budget.• Personal blender: Diet plays a big role in fitness, and many fitness enthusiasts enjoy protein shakes and smoothies as part of their daily regimen. A personal blender makes enough for a single bottle at a time. Some are designed so the blender tube is actually the receptacle that can be carried on the go.• Suspension training kit: Many workouts are based on counterbalancing body weight to drive up resistance. Suspension training, like the workouts from TRX, utilize a network of straps so athletes can put their body weight to use in a variety of exercises. A portable kit can be set up wherever it’s needed.• Dumbbell set: Weight training can boost metabolism and strengthen bones and muscles. When athletes can’t make it to the gym, a home set of dumbbells can ensure they still get their strength training sessions in.• Workout bag: A durable duffel bag that can tote a change of clothes, towel, equipment and more to and from workouts is a gift any fitness enthusiast can enjoy.Outfitting fitness enthusiasts with the tools of the trade is a surefire way to purchase a holiday gift hit.

make these amazing toy candies was barley sugar because it was sufficient and inexpensive at the time. Hence why this candy used to be called “Barley Candy.” In 1818, when less expensive cane sugar was imported to Pennsylvania, candy makers chose to make a change that day. Barley Candy, losing