Nota bene: If you buy through the links in this article, we may earn a small share of the profits.
Please note: If you buy through the links in this article, we may earn a small share of the profits.
From hobbies as simple as pounding pavement and throwing weights to the complex practices of biohacking and age-proofing, the ever expanding field of “health and wellness” touches virtually everyone in some way.
With these hobbies, proclavities and efforts has come a bevy of fitness products that help us meet goals and overcome obstacles. While it’s true that gear has a tendency to follow fads, there exists a number of products that have significant, lasting and tangible benefits. They don’t cater solely to gym rats or fitness diehards, either, nor will they wind up in your garage collecting dust before you shamefully list them for sale online.
We’ve assembled a list of the best fitness gifts for the person in your life who’s invested in their health in any number of forms. Some of our picks focus on improving sleep, others on elevating a workout, but everything here speaks to the person that’s investing in self-care this year. Below, the best fitness gifts for all of the health-conscious people in your life.
The latest iteration of Nike’s Metcon line opts for a lighter, more breathable upper, a welcome change for those asthma-inducing hill springs or certifiably insane EMOM lifts. From the serious crossfitter to the casual gym-goer, there’s something in these shoes for everyone.
Not all workout shirts are created equal, and Lululemon’s Metal Vent 2.0 is our unequivocal favorite. Shaped slim and utilizing Silverescent technology, the seamless, anti-stink shirt moves with you with zero resistance.
Want to gift something that they’ll actually wear? VRST’s Half-Zip has calculated moisture-wicking technology that pulls sweat away from the skin to keep you dry and comfortable, and with versatile features like 4-way stretch construction, reflective detailing and an invisible zipper chest pocket, it’s bound to see some serious usage.
Give the gift of toned muscles this holiday, with a solid, sensible Cast Iron Kettle Bell. Amazon Basic’s version is as good as any, and at a Secret Santa-friendly price point, to boot.
Foam rollers are able to help you apply pressure to tight or sore muscles. You can use it after a workout or during a lazy day on the couch. The bumps on the TriggerPoint have some give but are firm enough to get in there and move stuff around.
The latest Apple Watch might have the same design as the years before but its updated battery life and faster processing make it fitness lovers’ perfect companion. With water and dust resistance, crash and fall detection plus GPS and cellular capability you’ll have a hard time finding a better smartwatch on the market.
As it turns out, our favorite summer short is just as good year-round, and just as good a gift to give to virtually any guy in your life. Boyfriend, dad, brother — any guy who enjoys some thigh-forward fitness wear (see: all guys) will dig these stretchy, comfy shorts.
Plush and lightning quick, the latest iteration of Saucony’s Endorphin Speed makes a perfect gift for the seasoned marathoner and enthusiastic amateur alike.
As we proclaimed in last year’s review, Hyperice’s nifty little massage ball has an uncanny knack for working out those tight, uncomfortable aches and cramps in hard-to-reach places. It is great for runners, great for lifters….great for you, too.
Every gym rat and speed demon needs a good bag to tote their gear — lifting belts, BCAAs, lots and lots of deodorants — from point A to point B, and Gymshark’s Small Duffle Bag has all the necessary nooks and crannies, with none of the excess bulk, of a kick-ass carry-all.
The pickleball craze is undeniably sweeping the nation, and for that seasoned pro — or someone whose stroke needs a little work — Recess’ easy-to-use gear is made with a high-quality industry-standard honeycomb interior and patented edge guard…aka, it’s the real deal.
Therabody’s best-selling percussive device may be small, but the Theragun Mini packs a serious rejuvenating punch, with up to 2,400 percussions per minute and “QuietForce” technology.
With an exceptional (9 hour) battery life and the same H1 chip that powers all of Apple’s AirPods, the Beats PowerBeats Pro is a quality workout earbud. It also has an IPX4 sweat- and water-resistance and adjustable rubber ear-hooks that are sturdy and comfortable even after long workouts.
Whether you’re looking for a yoga studio or a fitness class, the Mirror system can do it all. Somewhere between a full-length mirror and a personal, holographic instructor, the Mirror beams premium workouts into the comfort of your home, with expert instructors, real-time optimization and custom playlists that let you set the tempo.
Slip these on if your dogs are barking after a long marathon or a quick walk around the block with the dog. You can thank the dual-layer construction and oversized midsole for the added comfort.
Haven’t heard of District Vision? The Los Angeles-based boutique specializes in performance sunglasses, with an eye to designs and custom-made Japanese frames that are shock-resistant, anti-scratch and look generally fantastic.
The E310 might be Vitamix’s base-level blender, but it’s really all you need to whip up healthy smoothies, protein shakes and meals at home. The 48-ounce container is ideal for medium to large batches and variable speed controls to dial in the perfect texture. The blender also comes with a 5-year warranty, which is Vitamix’s way of saying this thing works now and it will for a long time to come.
Hydration is the most sensible gift of all, and the keep-it-cool Hydro Flask has your water bottle needs on lock. It’s made with indestructible stainless steel and finished with a powder coating to improve grip, plus it comes with Hydro Flask’s well-known insulative properties that keep beverages cold or hot for up to 24 hours.
Before you get all up in arms over the (admittedly sky-high) price point of Falke’s engineered running socks, take a moment to consider the engineered precision and unmatched comfort of the cotton/polyamide plush sole these bad boy sport.
Manduka happens to make a mat that provides great cushioning which is easier on the joints and muscles while transitioning to new poses. People rave about it.
Much like its Cloudmonster cousin, the Cloudgo’s CloudTec cushioning and responsive Speedboard sole offers a suitable balance of comfort and support for most every type of run, from an easy stroll to an all-out sprint. The 85% recycled mesh upper makes for a breathable (and sustainable) ride, as well.
Bodyweight training brand TRX pioneered the concept of using your body’s own weight against itself to train from just about anywhere. Its suspension system, optimized for portability, sets up in seconds to target your upper body, lower body and core through hundreds of different exercises. For the person who can’t make it to the gym every day or prefers to WFH (workout from home), this is as good as it gets.
A tracker with long-lasting battery life (10 days), sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring and much more, the Fitbit Inspire 3 has a slim profile compared to other smartwatches and an affordable price point that’s is hard to beat.
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself of for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.
