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The 55 Best Fitness Gifts for Every Type of Exercise Enthusiast

Resistance bands, water bottles, fitness trackers, and everything in between.

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41 of the Best Fitness Gifts of 2023
Photo:

Real Simple / Marcus Millan

Working on your health and staying in shape is no easy feat—which is why the effort deserves to be celebrated. For the wellness fan in your life, consider a fitness-themed gift that can improve their next workout, speed up recovery, or supercharge their nutrition.

We’ve rounded up the very best options, including high-quality gym bags, pre-workout powders, and supportive sports bras. For expert advice, we tapped Elisabeth Noel Jones, founder and CEO of GiftMeChic. Whether you're shopping for your brother, sister, mom, or dad, we found a fitness gift to support their healthy hobbies.

Relieve your fitness-loving giftee's sore neck or shoulders with this weighted heating pad. It molds right to the body and has six temperature levels to soothe aches and pains. It’s large enough to fit most people comfortably, is made from soft, comfortable micro plush material, and comes in two colors.

With a wider-than-average mouth, this 32-ounce Hydro Flask is ideal for drinking on the go and carrying large amounts of water. The bottle is leakproof, durable, and insulated, keeping beverages cold for up to 24 hours or hot for 12 hours. Additionally, the lid comes with a straw, so drinking during a hike or workout is as easy as possible. Pick from 15 bright, pretty colors, or opt for the bigger, 40-ounce version if you think the recipient would prefer an even larger bottle.

Upgrade their next run with the Filoto Running Belt Fanny Pack. They can finally run hands-free with this belt, which can easily fit their cell phone and keys. The Lycra fabric is waterproof, making this a safe bet even for the inevitable mid-jog downpour. The adjustable waistband is super comfortable, while the reflective strip can improve visibility on late-night runs. This is also a great white elephant gift idea for your next holiday party.

These highly-rated bath salts are designed to help with muscle soreness and aches after a hard workout, making them a solid gift choice for fitness fans. The formula has magnesium flakes, dead sea salts, essential oils, and Vitamin C crystals, which create a relaxing and healing soak in the tub. They come in multiple scents, too, including calming lavender, cooling peppermint, energizing citrus, and eucalyptus tea tree (as well as an unscented alternative).

Whether they're practicing yoga in their living room, lifting weights in their garage, or stretching in the backyard, any fitness fan will want a reliable Bluetooth speaker to blast tunes while they exercise. This model from JBL is sleek, portable, waterproof, and offers 10 hours of battery life. It can stream wirelessly from the user’s phone and has a noise-canceling speakerphone. Choose from a wide range of colors including teal, pink, and white.

If you think Fitbits do little more than count steps, allow us to introduce you to the Inspire 3. The sleek fitness device also tracks sleep, heart rate, exercise regimens, breathing rate, running pace, and more. It comes with a six-month trial of Fitbit Premium, which features exercise suggestions and other perks. The battery lasts up to 10 days, and the user can connect the device to their GPS for real-time distance tracking.

Any workout aficionado is well-versed in the flushed face and sweaty forehead that often accompanies an intense gym session. They can toss the Tower 28 SOS Daily Facial Spray in their gym bag for a quick and effective solution—all they need to do is spritz their face a few times. This hypochlorous acid spray can calm redness, soothe irritation, and defend skin from harmful bacteria (i.e. sweat and gym germs). 

This portable massager from Theragun will be your tech-obsessed giftee’s recovery companion. The compact, lightweight device can help reduce aches, fatigue, and tension after a workout, speed up recovery, and increase mobility. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled, so you can sync it with fitness routines in the Therabody app. It’s available in three colors, comes with three attachments, and has a 120-minute battery life, among other perks.

Your giftee can stash their keys in these handy hidden pocket scrunchies, perfect for the dedicated runner who’s tired of attaching their keys to a shoelace or waistband. Plus, with seven colorways and a cute suede material, they add a pop of color and style to their workout wear. The giftable three-pack is a perfect stocking stuffer.

For the dog lover who loves going on hikes or runs with their pup, this hands-free leash will be a lifesaver. They can pop the adjustable zipper pouch on their waist and attach the leash, giving them free use of their hands during their workout. The padded handles add extra stability, and there’s reflective threading for visibility at night, as well as 19 color options.

These tiny but powerful one-pound weights are ideal for adding resistance to workouts of all types. They can be placed anywhere on the body but are most comfortable when attached to wrists or ankles. With these weights added in, the user can build muscle and look great doing it, thanks to the cute design and pretty color options. They're a great gift for college students who don't have a lot of space to store equipment.

Jumping rope isn’t just for kids—many fitness fans love incorporating jump ropes into their exercise routines, as it's a great form of cardio that also improves balance and coordination. This set of two ropes from Redify has adjustable lengths, soft memory foam handles, and a durable, smooth design that they can use for various workouts. You can pick from three colors, and the ropes are suitable for people of all ages and athletic abilities.

A motivational playlist can make a big difference in the quality of a workout, especially if you’re using a top-notch pair of headphones like Apple’s AirPods. These earbuds have excellent sound quality and up to 30 hours of listening time, fit snugly in users’ ears, and are sweat- and water-resistant. Trust us: any fitness fan will be thrilled to receive a present as helpful and sleek-looking as AirPods.

This foam roller will help anyone soothe their muscles after a hard workout and help their body prepare for the next one. The hard roller is wrapped in firm foam featuring a 3D-surface pattern to provide a solid massage and aid blood flow. They can set up the roller on their yoga mat or gym floor and reap its benefits.

Whether they already love meditation or are picking up a new practice, a subscription to the Headspace app can level up their daily routine. You can opt for a three-month or one-year subscription—both options are packed with hundreds of guided meditations, sleep sounds, wind-down exercises, workouts, yoga, and mindful runs.

Compression socks promote blood flow and help with muscle soreness after workouts. This top-rated pair from Bombas comes in three colors (black, charcoal, and white), features a sweat-wicking design, and is made from super soft merino wool. These socks will leave the wearer feeling supported and comfortable after an intense workout.

This massage wearable provides soothing heat and vibration anywhere on the body, relieving tension and sore muscles. The Venom Go offers nine combinations of heat and vibration for a tailored massage to help them recover before their next workout.

Pickleball is all the rage these days, and your fitness-loving friend will love getting into the game if they’re not already a fan. On Holiday Pickleball offers a luxurious starter set that includes two uniquely designed paddles, a box of balls, and a stylish mesh bag to hold the equipment—all your giftee needs is a court, and they’ll be ready for their first game.

Aid your loved one’s post-workout recovery by gifting them the Lululemon Release and Recover Ball Set. The dense foam and rubber balls relieve muscle tension and heal knots, with each ball designed to target a specific muscle group. They come with a convenient carrying case as a bonus, so the user can take them to and from the gym or the court, leaving their workouts feeling their best.

This long-sleeve Smartwool top is exceptionally warm and comfortable, thanks to its soft merino wool material. At the same time, it’s breathable and light enough to allow for plenty of movement during all kinds of exercise. The midweight top is designed to maintain body temperature, avoid chafing, and prevent odors. You can choose from 14 colors (like charcoal heather gray and twilight blue mountain scape) and sizes from XS to 3X.

An Apple Watch is a great fitness accessory since it can track your workouts, heart rate, sleep quality, and more—all with a durable and waterproof band that can handle even the toughest workouts. Plus, the watch comes with three free months of Apple Fitness+, which your giftee can use to get workout inspiration and stay motivated during their exercises. You can choose from eight colors and two styles and customize it to your loved one’s liking.

Dedicated fitness fans will want to keep track of their health and progress, and the NewMe Fitness Nutrition Planner will help them do just that. The beautifully designed handmade journal features 66 days' worth of tracking pages, including areas for your workout routine, exercise goals, measurements, and more.

Whether your loved one is a yoga enthusiast or likes to stretch before a workout, they’ll surely appreciate this high-quality yoga mat from Lululemon. Available in nine colors, the soft and lightweight mat is designed to absorb moisture, prevent mold, and grip just the right amount for a stable and comfortable hold. It’s also easy to clean and reversible—one side is grippy and the other is cushioned.

Who needs the gym when you have a great weight set right in your home? These popular black dumbbells come in a set of two, and the user can easily adjust the weight from 5 to 50 pounds with just one hand. The handles are contoured and comfortable to grip, and the whole set is compact enough that storage shouldn’t be an issue.

Every fitness fan needs a pair of running sneakers that they can rely on, like this pair from Nike. These stylish shoes have a waterproof and breathable fabric, ample cushioning, and plenty of support and responsiveness. The gift recipient won’t have to worry about losing traction, as these shoes stand out for their durability and grip.

They can workout from anywhere with the TRX GO Suspension Trainer System. Whether they’re fitting in a quick session while traveling or completing a home gym, TRX bands are a fan-favorite for effective training using only your body weight and gravity as resistance.

Fitness meets fashion with this adorable one-piece jumpsuit from Vitality. The fabric is impressively soft, squat-proof, and slightly compressive but not restrictive. Whether your giftee is hitting a heavy leg day or off to Pilates, this jumpsuit is a must-have in her fitness wardrobe. 

For those who want to ditch the sometimes clunky appearance of traditional fitness trackers while still collecting valuable data and insights, opt for the much-loved Oura Ring. The fitness fanatic on your list will love the sleek, barely there design that’s disguised as a regular ring and comes in four finishes to match their existing jewelry collection. It tracks all their key metrics including sleep, heart rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation, and more.


This acupressure mat and pillow set is a fantastic recovery tool, which your loved one can use to relieve muscle tension and back pain, reduce stress, and increase circulation. The large cushioned mat and accompanying pillow contain thousands of acupressure points to reduce pain and stimulate nerves. And while the sensation might be strange at first, once they get used to it, they'll love it for post-workout recovery. The set comes in many different color and size options as well.

Fitness starts with good nutrition, and Bloom’s popular pre-workout powder can be a powerful supplement to kick-start their exercise. The formula is meant to increase energy, endurance, and focus, boosting the user’s performance and mental clarity. It comes in four tasty flavors—they just need to mix it with water and drink it before their workout. The container has enough for 40 servings, so the recipient won’t need to re-up soon.

Amazon Vergali Fabric Resistance Bands for Women, Butt and Legs
PHOTO: Amazon
Orig. $30 $19 at Amazon

This set of four colorful bands can add resistance to a workout with four different levels (light, medium, strong, or heroic) to choose from. They can be placed on the hips or legs and won’t slip off or pinch skin. Plus, the set comes with a carrying case and a guide with tips for using the bands properly, so even fitness fans who’ve never used them can get the hang of it quickly.

Whether the recipient plays tennis, pickleball, or golf, they’ll undoubtedly love wearing this bright, super-soft workout skort from Athleta. Lightweight, cool to the touch, and featuring three sleek pockets, it’s a great piece of clothing that’ll allow plenty of movement while adding to their on-court style. You can pick from four pretty colors (violet, white, black, and sunset glow) and choose from sizes ranging from XXS to 3X.

This three-pack of sports wheels from Chirp is excellent for relieving back or neck pain, decreasing muscle strain and tension, and even improving posture. They can stretch their body against all three wheels or apply different pressure levels with individual wheels.

These training shoes from Hoka can seamlessly transition from an everyday run to a workout at the gym, making them a versatile pick for just about anyone. The stretchy mesh upper and cushioned EVA midsole protect the foot and provide a balanced shape for comfort. Plus, they come in six colorways and offer half sizes.

Amazon Sukeen [4 Pack Cooling Towel (40"x12"), Ice Towel, Soft Breathable Chilly Towel, Microfiber Towel for Yoga, Sport, Running, Gym, Workout,Camping,...
PHOTO: Amazon
Orig. $27 $13 at Amazon Orig. $20 $14 at Walmart

When you’ve finished a tough workout, you want to cool down as quickly as possible, which is where the Sukeen Cooling Towels come in. The lightweight, breathable mesh towels (which come in a set of four) just need to be soaked in water to work, and once you wring them out, they use moisture to pull sweat from your skin and keep you feeling cool. They’re available in 13 color combinations and come with a storage pouch (with an attached carabiner clip) so they can take them on the go.

Staying hydrated is key for overall health, and with the help of this sports-focused water bottle, they’ll never have to wonder if they’re getting enough water. The pretty 32-ounce bottle (which comes in 13 color palettes) features a tracker on the side that reminds users of how much water they should be consuming throughout the day. It also has a leak proof lid, lightweight feel, and a helpful hook at the top of the lanyard so it can be easily attached to a bag and taken on the go.

Grab your loved one a pair of top-quality leggings they'll want to wear for every workout. These Girlfriend Collective leggings are versatile enough for both high-intensity workouts and everyday use, with moisture-wicking and fast-drying fabric, a supportive feel, and a stretchy make. Plus, they come in plenty of colors, sizes, and lengths, so you can customize them to your recipient’s exact taste.

For the fitness lover who wants to stay active even when working, this stepping machine is the present for them. They can place the tiny, portable machine right under a desk, and it comes with a digital monitor that tracks the step count, time, and more. The user can also adjust the height and intensity of the workout.

Anyone who enjoys running or hiking knows how frustrating it can be carrying a bag on your shoulders, which is why a great fanny pack is a favorite among adventurers. The Athleta Crossbody can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder thanks to its convertible strap, which is also adjustable and detachable. It’s soft and water-resistant, too, and comes in several pretty colors, like clover berry red and Madeira purple.

Weighing just 4 pounds, this green-and-black medicine ball is a workout accessory that anyone can use. Whether the gift recipient wants to practice their balance, improve their coordination, or develop their core strength, this ball will help them achieve their goals. It’s easy to grip, durable, and ideal for many types of workouts. You can also opt for lighter or heavier versions.

This isn’t just any other sports bra—the Lululemon Energy Bra is for yoga and other mid-intensity exercise with its sweat-wicking nature, stretchy material, breathable feel, low-friction design, and more. It can fit B to D sizes, has removable cups, and comes in plenty of pretty colors. This is the kind of rare comfortable, stylish, and supportive sports bra the wearer will never want to take off.

These popular bike shorts from Aerie will add style and support to any workout, no matter the type or intensity. They’re made from soft, smooth, and ultra-lightweight nylon, with an attractive fitted crossover waistband and a sweat-wicking, fast-drying design. The gift recipient can wear them on their own or underneath outerwear; either way, the versatile black shorts will help them feel and look great while exercising.

This innovative nylon bag from CamelBak comes with a removable 1.5-liter water reservoir so the wearer can easily stay hydrated during a long hike. Additionally, it’s spacious enough to fit plenty of supplies, is made from breathable and durable materials, and comes in several eye-catching color schemes. Once they receive this backpack, your friend or family member will find it hard to imagine exploring a trail without it.

For the person who’s always complaining about having to sit at a desk all day long, this under-desk treadmill is a game-changer. The easy-to-set-up device can fit under a standard desk and has built-in wheels so they move around without hassle. When they want a midday workout, they can pull out the treadmill and get walking, keeping track of their progress with the handy LED display. It comes in three colors and weighs just 40 pounds.

The Whoop 4.0 is for fitness enthusiasts who want to use detailed insights to improve their routine, whether it's optimizing their bedtime or hitting goals in the gym. This wearable tracks key metrics including blood oxygen levels, skin temperature readings, stress monitoring, heart rate metrics, and more.

Saunas have an impressive range of health benefits, including stress relief, improved cardiovascular health, and soothed joint and muscle tension. Your giftee can skip the expensive visit to the spa and enjoy the sauna whenever they please with this admittedly luxurious gift from Higher Dose. The Infrared Sauna Blanket is low EMF and can be folded into a compact 65-inch circumference, so they can easily tuck it away when not in use. 

Workout newbies and fitness enthusiasts alike will adore the Alo Moves app—it has classes for every level, with everything from beginner yoga to expert HIIT. A renowned trainer leads each class, providing plenty of guidance on form and technique so they can make the most of every session. You can opt for a six-month or year-long membership.

Any fitness enthusiast loves a challenge, and the Elite Sportz Ab Roller Wheel will certainly kick their next workout up a gear. They can add it to their existing ab circuit or crank out a quick home workout with the help of this ab wheel. Plus, it's compact and lightweight enough to toss in a gym bag and take on the go.

Whether they're headed on a long hike, walking to the gym, or running errands, the Skims Classic Zip Up Hoodie is a reliable and cozy layering piece they'll want to have on hand. With three classic neutral shades and limited edition tones, this will be their new favorite jacket for any and every fitness activity.

If they'e sick of their headphones falling out mid workout, get them a pair of Shokz. These wireless earphones go over the ear rather than within, so they won't have to worry about readjusting as they run. Plus, they have high-quality, uninterrupted audio for 10 hours on a single charge.

Blender
PHOTO: NutriBullet
Orig. $160 $126 at Amazon

Nothing hits after a workout quite like fresh juice or a smoothie. With the Nutribullet, they can throw in their favorite fruits, veggies, and protein powders for a delicious beverage in seconds. Thanks to its portable design and sheer power, this device will quickly become a kitchen staple.

Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie 4.0
PHOTO: Dick's Sporting Goods

While other headbands may be too tight or too loose, the Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie ensures the perfect fit every time. Crafted with Dry-Fit Technology, the material is designed to wick moisture and sweat away, keeping their hair out of their face in the process.

Anyone who spends time working out knows the importance of a high-quality and stylish gym bag. This attractive option is big enough to fit sneakers, towels, water bottles, and more, with separate pockets to keep wet or dirty items away from the rest. It also has durable handles and a comfortable shoulder strap for easy carrying and comes in seven colors.

The running fanatic in your life will love this running watch from Garmin. With pace, distance, and interval tracking plus GPS and an impressive seven-hour battery life, this watch will elevate their everyday fitness regimen. We also like that the watch includes free access to Garmin Coach adaptive training, gearing them up for success, whether it be for the next marathon or everyday miles.

Over-the-ear headphones are a must for the gym, and these Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones are the perfect pair. They come in several gorgeous, neutral colors, like Earth, Dune, and Deep Brown, and they last up to 40 hours on a single charge. Not only that, but a 10-minute charge will give four hours of battery life, so they'll never have to worry about not having music during a workout again.

Questions You Might Ask

What are some creative fitness gift ideas?

Fitness trackers are a favorite among wellness enthusiasts and are a creative gift that they can use for everything including sleep data and heart rate monitoring. We like the Fitbit Luxe Fitness and Wellness Tracker and Apple Watch Series 9 for their versatility.

Jones also recommends the Oura ring because it's like a Fitbit for your finger. It may be a bit pricey, but it’s great for someone who really wants to know the details of their health, she says.

What are the best tech gifts for fitness lovers?

In addition to the fitness trackers mentioned above, you can't go wrong with any type of music gadget, like headphones or speakers. We love the Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones for drowning out noise and staying focused in the gym, and the JBL Clip 4 is great for those who want to take their workout outdoors or are working out in their garage.

For recovering after strenuous workout sessions, we also love the Therabody Theragun Mini and the Hyperice Venom Go.

What are the best fitness gifts for beginners?

For beginners, they'll need a kickstart when it comes to building their collection of workout equipment. For this reason, we recommend Bala Bangles, Redify Adjustable Jump Rope, Vergali Booty Bands, or Lululemon The Mat 5mm. Any of these will provide them with the tools they need to get active.

If you think they'd love following along to workouts as they're getting started in the gym, we'd also recommend an Alo Moves subscription.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. It was further updated by Jamie Fischer, commerce writer for Real Simple, and Quinn Gawronski, associate commerce editor for Real Simple. To find the best fitness gifts, they researched a broad range of product categories, including recovery devices, fitness trackers, workout clothes, and more. Rachel also spoke with Elisabeth Noel Jones, the founder and CEO of GiftMeChic, for expert insight.

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