- If they’re looking to jumpstart a new fitness routine or want to upgrade what they’re already using, there’s plenty of useful workout gear that’ll help them get closer to their goals.
- Whether they’re into running and need a new pair of sneakers or they want to get their steps in while working from home with a Cubii under-desk elliptical, they’ll love these 25 thoughtful fitness gifts.
- Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all Insider Reviews gift guides here.
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Everyone has a fitness goal whether it’s to gain muscle, improve their cardio endurance, or increase their flexibility. No matter what goal they have for 2020, we’ve got a gift that’ll help them get there.
From our favorite mask for working out to a single-ingredient whey protein powder, there are plenty of gift ideas that work within your budget and their fitness level. Since everyone’s fitness experience looks a bit different from the next, we made our best effort to include a wide variety of apparel, gear, and accessories that can accommodate any and all fitness goals.
The top 5 best fitness gifts:
- An impact-absorbant foam roller ($34.95)
- Grippy yoga socks to avoid slippage (from $9.39)
- A headband that will actually stay on ($17.99)
- Running gear suited for cold weather (from $18)
- Additive-free whey protein powder (from $19.99)
Here are 25 gift ideas for the fitness enthusiast:
A resistance band set
TB12 At-Home Looped Band Kit, $95, available at TB12
The TB12 At-Home Looped Band Kit is known for its versatility, which is why Insider Reviews has deemed it the best resistance band set for multiple exercises. With a selection of both long and short looped bands, an included carabiner, and a door anchor, this kit is well-equipped for all the variety that comes with your fitness routine.
An N95 filter-compatible active mask
Oura Active Mask, $65, available at Oura
The Oura Active Mask is one of Insider Reviews’ best masks for working out, and we were especially impressed by its compatibility with an added filter. Oura’s Active Mask allows for use of an N95 filter for extra protection, and along with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and a comfortable, adjustable nose clamp, it has everything they’re looking for in activewear masks.
Training shoes fit for at-home workouts
Under Armour Men’s and Women’s UA Project Rock 3 Training Shoes, $140, available at Under Armour
These training shoes are an excellent option for at-home workouts, complete with a compression mesh Energy Web that’s designed to give back the energy that they’ll exert throughout the workout. This pair is also included in the Project Rock collection, so it comes with a stamp of approval from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson himself.
A pair of running shoes they’ll make ample use of
Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 Running Shoes, $130, available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 1080 v10 Running Shoes, $150, available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
The Brooks Ghost 13 and the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10 are our best overall picks for women’s and men’s running shoes, respectively. The Brooks Ghost 13 shoes are durable enough for distance yet light enough for speedwork, while the Fresh Foam 1080v10 is a solid, consistent choice for a variety of runners.
A grid-textured foam roller
TriggerPoint Foam Roller, $34.95, available at Amazon
The TriggerPoint Foam Roller is an excellent gift for those who’ll need to massage out knots or trigger points with several different surfaces during recovery. This foam roller is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which absorbs impact, is resistant to water and other elements, and is also easy to clean.
An elliptical machine they can use at their desk
Cubii Pro Seated Under-Desk Elliptical, $349, available at Amazon
This little elliptical machine easily tucks under a desk so even the busiest among us can remain active from home. From personal experience, it’s really quiet and actually kind of fun. It also syncs with Apple and Android phones, Apple Health, and Fitbit to track ongoing performance.
Grippy socks perfect for pilates or barre
Gaiam Grippy Yoga Socks, from $9.39, available at Amazon
These socks have durable grips along the bottom for stability during pilates or lounging around the apartment. They’re especially great for the transition between working from home and working out from home.
Delicious and lean nutrition powder
Huel Black Edition, from $75, available at Huel
If they’re not switching up their diet along with their workout regimen, all that cardio and weightlifting might just be going to waste. Encourage them to eat healthier with a single purchase or membership to Huel for delicious powder, which they can add to smoothies, harvest bowls, chia bowls, and more.
A machine-washable yoga mat
Yogi Bare Teddy Yoga Mat, $69.95, available at Amazon
The Teddy Yoga Mat is our favorite washable yoga mat, and the machine-washable aspect is a true game-changer. In addition to easy cleaning, the Teddy is quite grippy, provides a soft surface for landing, and has a natural rubber bottom to avoid mid-workout slips.
A relaxed fit workout shirt
Saxx Aerator Workout Shirt, $50, available at Saxx
The Aerator is built for both high and low-intensity workouts, and its relaxed fit allows for a full range of motion regardless of their fitness routine. Plus, as the cold weather approaches, they can never have too many long sleeve workout shirts.
A colorful water bottle
Purist Maker Vacuum Water Bottle with Element Top, $40, available at REI
This insulated water bottle keeps their drink hot for up to 12 hours and cool for up to 24 hours while they work up a sweat, and the leakproof design means there are no stains or spills in their future.
Wireless headphones
Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless In-Ear Headphones, $199.99, available at Best Buy
This pair of wireless earbuds are noise-canceling, water- and sweatproof, and are able to hold a 28-hour charge. Whether for working out or simply listening to music on the go, they’ll appreciate this addition to their day-to-day.
A sweat-wicking headband
Treadbands All Terrain Headband, $17.99, available at Amazon
No one really thinks about fitness headbands — that is, until their hair starts getting into their eyes and mouth as they’re doing burpees. This non-slip style from Treadbands is an easy way to combat that annoyance, and it comes in a variety of lovely pastel and neutral colors.
Our best overall biker shorts
Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket Short, $59, available at Athleta
The versatility of Athleta’s Ultimate Stash Pocket bike short is what landed it the best overall slot in our buying guide, and they’re just as reliable while spinning or biking as they are while running or training. These shorts are highly comfortable and come with a few thoughtful features that make it one of our go-tos for breaking a sweat.
Versatile workout shorts
Ten Thousand Workout Shorts, from $58, available at Ten Thousand
Ten Thousand describes its workout shorts as “the only training shorts you’ll ever need,” and we agree. Ten Thousand’s fitness gear has been put to the test by various athletes and exercises worldwide, so you can be confident your gift will be durable and long-lasting.
An upgraded jump rope
Crossrope Get Lean Set, $99, available at Amazon
The Crossrope Get Lean Set elevates the average jump rope by including weighted ropes and ergonomic handles. Crossrope also has a companion app full of workout guidance, so it’s an especially useful gift if they’re looking to switch up their workout routine.
A smartwatch
Garmin Venu Sq Smartwatch, $199.99, available at Best Buy
A smartwatch is a worthy investment that they’ll appreciate for years, and to find one at $200 is certainly rare. This model from Garmin comes complete with health, heart rate, sleep, and stress monitoring.
A health and fitness app subscription
Centr App Subscription, from $10 per month, available at Centr
Centr was designed to be a one-stop-shop health and fitness app that’s made for nutrition, training, and overall lifestyle. They’ll be able to find meal prep and training materials from real coaches and dieticians right at their fingertips.
A shaker bottle for easy protein drinks
BlenderBottle Radian Insulated Stainless Steel Shaker Bottle, from $19.99, available at Amazon
If they make a protein shake after working out, they need a shaker bottle like this in their workout kit. The stainless steel whisk is great for mixing smooth drinks, and the copper shade is a style upgrade from the plastic one they’ve been using for years.
Their own boxing gloves so they can stop renting sweaty ones at the gym
Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Kickboxing Training Gloves, from $21.48, available at Amazon
Sorry, but using boxing gloves that many, many other people have used before isn’t hygienic at all. Get your favorite boxer their own pair of gloves and choose from eight different colors for the one that matches their personal style best. If they’re looking to track their punches, we also recommend Hykso Wearable Punch Trackers.
A cult-favorite heavy bag
Everlast 40 lb. Heavy Bag, $54.99, available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Everlast has a legacy in the fitness world for a reason, and its Heavy Bag lives up to the hype. The 40 lb. version is fit for lighter, more cardio-intensive workouts.
Additive-free protein powder
Naked Whey Protein Powder, from $19.99, available at Amazon
Insider Reviews chose Naked Whey as the best additive-free protein powder, most notably because whey protein is the only ingredient in the formula. If they’re looking for grass-fed, additive-free protein powder, they’re likely not going to find anything more “naked” than this.
A mini massage gun
Theragun Mini, $199, available at Amazon
For quick pre- and post-workout muscle relief, the Theragun Mini is a handy, easy-to-use option that provides quite the punch in such a little package. This is Theragun’s most affordable model, so it’s a great starting point for anyone looking for their first massage gun.
Running gear fit for cold weather
Janji Cold Pack Gear, $18-$154, available at Janji
Cold weather running doesn’t have to be a pain point and Janji designed a line of winter-ready running materials built for the task. The apparel prioritizes features like softness, odor resistance, and moisture-wicking fabrics, making sure that you’re ready to pound the pavement even as temperatures start to drop.
Exercise resistance bands for arms
P.volve Exercise Bands, $29.99, available at Amazon
These resistance bands are great for at-home or on-the-go toning workouts. They’re lightweight so they’ll travel well, and because the stretchy bands are attached to fingerless gloves, they won’t dig into your skin like with the traditional ones that look more like giant rubber bands.