43 best fitness gifts for the active person in your life, selected by an exercise physiologist

I’m currently testing gym bags to update our best gym bags list (still in progress!), and I have to say, this duffel bag from KNKG is a next-level find for the athlete who loves to stay organized. It’s made from super-durable nylon with powder-coated steel buckles, it has what seems like a million different pockets and organizer sleeves, including padded options for toting a tablet or laptop. There are two side pockets large enough to tote a couple of water bottles (or shaker bottles) and there’s even an external weightlifting belt attachment so you never have to throw a sweaty belt in with your clothes. The large, 51-liter size is big enough for everything your fittest friend could need — shoes, a change of clothes, a massage gun, a day’s worth of supplements, small fitness equipment like bands and jump ropes, headphones, a Dopp case or makeup bag and a laptop. But if your friend is a bit more minimalist, the brand offers mini and medium-sized bags too. 

A lot of sweat + a lot of activity (i.e. friction) often = painful skin ailments like blisters and chafing. This is particularly true for the runner or cyclist who spends hours training in hot or humid environments. And there’s little that can stop a good workout faster than a bad blister. That’s why I love this gift set from Body Glide. The Skin Glide helps prevent rubbing around bra straps, waist bands and between the thighs — those spots most prone to chafing — while the Foot Glide is easy to apply along the ball of the foot and behind the ankle to help prevent blisters. I especially appreciate the easy-to-pack containers that you can just throw in a gym bag or store in a cosmetic case. Plus, who wants to buy these for themselves? The set is a great gift because you know it’ll be put to use and is sure to be appreciated. 

The deodorant and antiperspirant aisles have become overwhelming — it’s not just about choosing between a solid or a roll-on, it’s deciding on ingredients and scents and formulas and whether you need deodorant or antiperspirant or both. Well, if you have a dude in your life who could use an update in this department, I’m here to back Mando. Their deodorant plus sweat control products actually do the trick (I’m not a man, but I’ve put them to the test on my husband and my my own armpits), plus they actually smell good and are free of common allergens like benzene, baking soda, dyes, phthalates and parabens. This 3-pack lets your recipient try different scents to determine their favorite, plus, they can keep one at home, one in their gym bag and one in the car or office for those days when they need a quick touch-up. 

If your sporty friend lives their life in ponytails and messy buns, a quality hair tie is probably the most important accessory they own. These Buckle Hair Ties are a new option they’re sure to enjoy, especially if they sometimes complain about getting hair torn out or tangled in a traditional elastic. They go on like a normal hair tie, but when it’s time to take it off? just unclip the buckle and the hair tumbles down — no breakage or tangling to be found. They can even be clipped around the strap of a gym bag so they’re always at-the-ready. 

What goes hand-in-hand with sweaty workouts? Extra laundry. And if your friend travels frequently for races or competitions, they’re going to love these innovative laundry sheets. Not only are they travel-friendly (no liquid packs or pods or messy powders to contend with), the sheets smell nice (never hurts to have something that smells good stored inside of a gym bag) and they’re 100% plastic-free. That means if your gym lover is also eco-conscious or trying to cut down on plastic consumption, these are a no-brainer pick to throw in a stocking for Christmas. You can even pair them with the brand’s stain remover too. 

Busy gym-goers who fit in workouts before work, during lunch breaks or between work and their evening plans have to keep their toiletries and beauty tools in their bag. But if your friend’s tools haven’t been upgraded since 1999 and the hairdryer they pull out of their bag weighs about 27 pounds and sounds like a muscle car revving up before a race, do everyone a favor and gift them something better. This Laifen blow dryer is compact and lightweight — ideal for throwing in a gym bag. It’s also much quieter than my previous dryer (which, admittedly, had seen better days) and dries my long, but fine, hair in about 2-3 minutes

Across many of Yahoo’s in-house sunscreen testing protocols, Elta MD comes out a winner, including as the pick for best sports sunscreen, best sunscreen for sensitive skin and best tinted sunscreen for dry skin. So if your favorite fitness fanatic gets their kicks by exercising outside, help keep their skin protected with a tube (or two or three) of the brand’s UV Sport sunscreen. It offers SPF 50+ protection against UVA and UVB rays and our tester notes that it rubs in easily, dries quickly and offers water and sweat resistance for up to 80 minutes. Even better? It doesn’t run, even during extra-sweaty workouts. 

You may think a water bottle is a water bottle is a water bottle, but there are surprising differences in functionality when it comes to the best water bottles for exercise. Runners want a water bottle that’s lightweight and easy to carry with them. People who do high-intensity training outside likely want a larger insulated bottle that will keep their liquids cold. And someone who spends lots of time on a treadmill or elliptical? They’re going to want a bottle that fits into the machine’s bottle holder and is easy to sip from while managing the machine’s moving parts. 

This Taneka water bottle was dubbed the “best sports water bottle” and the best water bottle for “cardio machine workouts” according to two separate in-house testing trials. While we can’t say it’s a one-size-fits-all solution for every single workout (the insulated bottle is a bit heavy to carry along during marathon-distance runs), it’s a solid choice if you’re looking to give your friend a high-quality gift they’re sure to put to use. 

Sore muscles go part-and-parcel with tough workouts, so chances are your buddy has a container or two of muscle relief cream sitting around. What they may not have? A soothing cream featuring magnesium, lavender and arnica to help support post-workout recovery without the overwhelming scents of menthol, camphor or evergreen. As someone who can’t stomach the medicinal smell of most of these products, I’ve become a big fan of this newer-to-the-market option from KT Health. I especially love applying it to sore muscles before I lie down for the night, as lavender shows promising evidence of supporting a good night’s rest — something that can be particularly challenging when your muscles are screaming after a hard exercise routine. 

Another great way to help massage and sooth sore muscles? A massage gun. In our most recent testing of nine popular devices, this version from Rally came out on top due to its unique orbital motion that’s easier on the muscles while still offering a deep massage. Our tester called this “the most comfortable device by far, with no harsh pounding, just smooth, effective relief.” She also called out the quiet operation as a standout feature. I can concur on both counts, as I switched to this option during my pregnancy to avoid some of the more pronounced pounding my other massage gun supplied. I’ve found the Rally to be particularly helpful for leg cramps during pregnancy — a symptom I skipped during my first two pregnancies, but have been plagued with in this final go-round. 

If your best workout buddy doesn’t already own a foam roller? Well, it’s time for you to be their Fairy Godmother and bring them a tool they’re going to love. While I’ve personally tried almost all of the products we tested in our roundup of the best foam rollers, and I concur with the writer’s assessment that the TriggerPoint Performance Grid is hard to beat as an all-around pick, my absolute favorite foam roller is the Rollga, specifically because it does such a killer job of massaging the back — an area that’s often challenging to hit, but also prone to knots and soreness. 

Sometimes what a tired body needs after exercise is a hot shower and a bit of aromatherapy to help ease any lingering tension. I’ve tested a range of shower steamers from different brands, but many of them have the aforementioned medicinal scents that don’t sit well with me. Old Whaling Co. offers a range of options that can turn your shower into a relaxing spa without making you feel like you’re bathing inside of a melting cough drop. Seaweed & Sea Salt is one of my favorite scents, but I’m also a fan of the Seaside Citrine and Oatmeal Milk & Honey options. 

For anyone looking to improve speed, hand-eye coordination and reaction time, these Forza Reaction Training Lights offer a fun, gamified solution for enhancing athletic performance. You can use them in conjunction with the product’s app to run through a series of games to help test and improve your agility and timing. Thanks to their magnetic backing, you can use existing equipment (like a squat rack or goal post) to arrange them in a variety of positions or formations, depending on whether you’re working on hand speed, foot speed or changes of direction. 

Maybe you remember the slide boards from the ’90s? The Brrrn Board+ is the upgraded version offering a fun and functional way to cross-train from the comfort of home. While most cardio workouts (running and cycling, specifically) take place in the sagittal plane, targeting the muscles on the front and back of your body (the quads and hamstrings, for instance), the lateral skating motion performed on a Brrrn Board+ takes place in the frontal plane, targeting the muscles responsible for side-to-side motion (for instance, the abductors and adductors in your legs). This helps round out a workout routine, balance musculature and prevent overuse injuries. Plus, it’s just fun to do and the Brrrn Board+ even comes with free, on-demand workouts and can be paid with FSA/HSA funds (who knew?!). 

Your friend doesn’t have to be a skater, snowboarder or regular slackliner to enjoy the balance training benefits of the Gibbon SlackBoard Plus (but hey, bonus points if they do fall into any of those categories). This compact board is good for anyone who wants to work on balance, stability and coordination in a manner that’s more accessible than using one of the brand’s slacklines (although, I have two of them, and I think they’re great for gifting too). This board features two nylon slacklines stretching across the board, making it possible to use them while standing parallel or perpendicular to the line while performing exercises like lunges or squats. And if your recipient has a standing desk, they can use the board as a balance tool while working — a way to add functional training to day-to-day life. 

For the serious home lifter, buying a set of adjustable dumbbells can be a true gift. These compact weights take up considerably less space than a full set of traditional dumbbells, and it’s often much cheaper to grab an adjustable pair (especially when purchasing heavier weights) than buying individual sets. Shoot, to buy a single set of Nike’s 90-pound dumbbells, you’ll spend almost $500. Here, Bowflex’s Results Series 1090 SelectTech Dumbbells offer adjustability from 10 to 90 pounds (replacing 17 sets of dumbbells) and will cost you roughly $800. Granted, it’s not a price to scoff at, but it ends up being much cheaper than the alternative. After Bowflex’s previous SelectTech model was recalled due to safety concerns, we took them off our list of best adjustable dumbbells (they had been our top overall pick), but after receiving their updated version and putting them to the test, we’re ready to add them back to the top spot. If you don’t think your recipient will ever need dumbbells that weigh 90 pounds? Save some cash and pick up the brand’s 552 model which costs $400 and offers weights ranging from 5 to 52.5 pounds. 

One of the most essential pieces of home gym equipment you can have is a solid power rack. Paired with the right barbell, plate weights and bench, it opens up a wide range of strength training exercises from squats and chest presses to deadlifts and resistance band-assisted pull-ups. I recently installed this residential rack in my house and found it reasonably easy to put together (I did it without assistance) and incredibly sturdy — no need to bolt it to a wall or the floor. Also, compared to many other brands, it’s an affordable option that doesn’t leave you feeling like you made a “budget” choice. As someone who used to manage gyms for a living, I have a tendency to prefer the durability of professional equipment, but I feel like this rack will hold up just as well (especially given its more limited residential use) as the products I used to buy for the gyms I managed. 

If you have a diehard yogi on your hands, chances are they’ll always be thrilled with the gift of a new mat. Our Wellness Editor, Kelli McGrane, put 16 popular mats to the test, and JadeYoga’s Harmony mat won out as the best of the bunch. During testing, she said that this mat “was the one I kept coming back to. Thanks to its fir, grippy surface, I was able to sink deeper into poses and didn’t have to worry about slipping and sliding, even during sweatier sessions.” We also appreciate that you can grab it in a range of colors, all for under $100. 

As handy as adjustable dumbbells are, I have to admit that I’m a sucker for having individual pairs, especially for the go-to weights I always use, or when I’m trying to switch quickly between exercises during a circuit workout (repeatedly changing the weight on an adjustable set from 20 pounds to 35 pounds, then back to 20 pounds, then down to 10 pounds isn’t hard, but it’s an added step when it’s just easier to grab a different set). If you know someone who just wants a couple sets of dumbbells to start out with, I love the Nike Grind option. They’re durable and comfortable to hold, and the rubber coating is actually made from at least 20% Nike Grind rubber, a byproduct of Nike’s footwear manufacturing (that’s what accounts for the fun, colored speckles). They’re a little more expensive than some other dumbbells on the market, but again, if you’re only buying a couple pairs (especially lighter ones), they’re unlikely to break the bank. 

If your fit friend needs a bench to upgrade their home gym, or if the bench they’ve had for years is showing signs of wear and tear, chances are they’ll appreciate this functional (and attractive!) adjustable bench from WeGym. The cushioning is extra plush (seriously, the first time I sat down on the test unit I said, “Oh! How nice!”) and the seat is wider than standard. It’s fully adjustable for incline, flat and decline exercises and the bench can even be folded up and stored away between workouts. I also appreciated how easy it was to put together — I put together three different benches from three different brands, all on the same day, and this was by far the easiest to assemble. The only downside? No integrated wheels to help move it around. But with an 800-pound weight capacity, it’s more than functional and sturdy enough for standard workout routines. 

Every home gym needs a set of resistance bands. While we suggest adding a few different options to your home gym (like longer, looped bands for full-body exercises and heavy bands for assisted pull-ups), these affordable, small looped bands are ideal for targeting the glutes and hips. If your friend doesn’t already have a set, this $10 set of five different bands makes for a great stocking stuffer. 

For anyone looking to fit in a full-body workout — strengthening the back, shoulders, legs, glutes and core — all while fitting in their cardio, a rowing machine is an excellent choice. Our team tested 13 rowers, and while there are eight different options that are worth close consideration, our tester raved about the beauty, durability and functionality of the Ergatta Luxe. It also happens to support users up to 6’8″ tall and 500 pounds, so it’s a good gift if your favorite athlete is tall and strong or if you’re looking for a gift that will work for multiple users. 

Yoga blocks are typically designed for stability — they’re intended to “extend the floor” to your hands (or vice versa) to make poses more accessible. These patent-pending semi-circular blocks from Bala are a bit different. They can certainly be used in the same way as more traditional yoga blocks, but their rounded design inherently lends themselves to a wider range of exercises and possibilities, making it possible to turn them into balance training tools. Use them under your hands when doing pushups to engage your stabilizing muscles, or place one foot on the flat side (so the curved side is rocking on the floor) to perform a balance-focused split squat or a more balance-challenging lunge. For the fitness fanatic who “has everything,” they probably don’t have this handy tool. 

Sure, there are lots of sports headphones and earbuds on the market, but how many of them are actually waterproof and safe to use while swimming in depths up to 12 feet? (Here’s your clue: Not that many.) For anyone who loves to swim or who competes in triathlons, these wraparound headphones from H2O Audio ensure your giftee can tune into their favorite playlists or podcasts while racking up their laps. The headphones provide dual-mode listening options to ensure high-quality sound whether on land or in the water — WiFi and Bluetooth technology for streaming while on land and MP3 technology with 8 gigs of storage capacity for use under water. 

Has someone in your life been talking about getting on the weighted vest bandwagon? Working out while wearing a weighted vest is trending, and our team tested 12 weighted vests (with more currently being tested) to gauge their pros and cons. This Zelus option is one of the more affordable picks to make our best list (it was our top choice for walking and hiking workouts) and it’s frequently on sale. 

Runners who prefer hitting the trails rather than the pavement know that they should always be prepared — it’s ultra-important to keep water, a phone, nutrition gels and even things like sunscreen and an extra layer at the ready. As a trail runner who has been caught a time or two without the essentials, I can tell you that I personally would love this running vest from On. Despite its ultra-light weight, it has impressive capacity to hold extra supplies. It also comes with two, 500-milliliter water flasks for on-the-go hydration and has a 10-liter dry pack where you can store a lightweight layer or a change of socks without worrying about them getting soaked with sweat or rain. The closure system is especially nice — the elastic bands and toggles can be cinched exactly how you want them, making sure you get the right, bounce-free fit. 

For runners or walkers who tend to stay closer to home, but still need to be able to carry their must-haves while exercising (phone, keys and a credit card are all pretty important), the FlipBelt Air Belt is an excellent choice. It stays put without shifting and easily accommodates larger phones, a couple gels and any other small necessities you might need. We also love the Day-Glo color for added visibility and the fact that you can add accessories to your purchase that are specifically designed to fit inside the belt. For a walker or runner who needs to carry water with them? You can add the Arc Water Bottle which allows for a hands-free way to carry water on a jaunt. And for the exerciser who prefers to fit in workouts at dusk or dawn? The Running Light slips inside the belt easily and makes it safer to run when it’s dark outside. 

You’ll be hitting at least two birds with one stone when you buy your favorite outdoor exerciser these Music Shield sunglasses from Chamelo. Not only do they have Bluetooth speakers built in, allowing your friend to stream their favorite playlists or podcasts, no headphones required, but they also offer stay-put sun protection with adjustable lenses that provide customizable darkness levels. Even with all these added features, they’re just solid workout sunglasses — they’re lightweight, sweat-proof and impact-resistant, and it only requires 30 minutes to charge them to an 80% charge. Our only complaint? They’re not available with prescription lenses. 

As someone who lives in leggings and owns roughly 50 pairs (I’m guessing), I’m here to say this pair of Saluda Compression Tights from Carve Designs is worth gifting. Not only are they soft and comfortable, they stay put without slipping, hold up to a range of workouts and activities and even offer UPF 50+ compression and are suitable to wear during water workouts. Plus, they just look nice. 

As important as it is for outdoor athletes to slather up the sunscreen at regular intervals, the reality is it can be hard to carry a tube of lotion with you (and remember to reapply it according to the instructions) when you’re constantly on the go. These UV Arm Sleeves are an excellent option for helping maintain sun protection, anytime, anywhere. They’re even lightweight and packable — easy to fit inside a waist pack — to provide an extra layer, as needed. 

If you’re looking to offer your giftee a bit more added sun protection, check out our list of best sun protective clothing for more ideas. 

The Feetures sock brand has turned me into an athletic sock snob. They just get their socks right. They offer compression in all the right places, they dry quickly, they’re lightweight and comfortable and they don’t rub. I think I own seven or eight pairs of these light cushion ankle socks, and I can attest to their durability. I still own the first pair I ever received eight years ago (as a gift, no less) and while they certainly show some signs of wear, they’re comfortable and haven’t lost their fit. While I’m a sucker for the ankle socks (I don’t like higher-cut socks and I need that tab on the back of the ankle for blister protection), the brand offers all weights and lengths so you’re sure to be able to find something for everyone. 

I should add that my affinity for these socks isn’t isolated — we had a running coach test a range of brands and styles, and she also selected Feetures as the best overall option for runners. 

Oofos are another one of those brands that have taken over my closet. I got my first pair about nine or 10 years ago, and while they got lost in a move, I currently have at least five different pairs in rotation, with the OOriginal Recovery Sandal ranking as my all-time favorite. These sandals are soft, cushiony and offer tired feet a nice sense of relief. With a slightly curved bottom and a springy foam construction, they make walking feel easier on the joints — especially nice after a tough workout. They’re also ideal for throwing in a gym bag and using as a shower shoe since they dry quickly and offer some traction on the bottom to help prevent slipping. They’re even safe to throw in the washer if they start getting dirty!

Colder temps don’t need to put outdoor workouts on pause, but your favorite athlete does need high-quality layers and outdoor gear to make cold weather workouts more comfortable. These lightweight gloves from Nathan are surprisingly feature-packed. They offer reflective striping on the back for added visibility, they have a soft chamois fabric on the thumb to make it more comfortable to wipe your nose (a semi-gross but really important feature), they’re compatible to use with a cell phone — no need to take them off to change your playlist or answer a text — and there’s a pocket on the back where you can add a small light or tuck a hand warmer. While they’re not quite warm enough for truly cold days, they’re good for workouts between about 30 and 50 F. 

If you want to give your friend a set, try pairing them with the Nathan Hypernight Reflective Beanie — it’s warm and makes the wearer much easier to see when exercising in the dark. 

Where women’s must-have athletic attire includes leggings and sports bras, guys deserve a really nice pair of sweats. Reprimo is a UK men’s athletic wear brand that’s debuting in the U.S., and I have to say I’m impressed. My husband is testing this hoodie and jogger set, and he reports that they’re incredibly comfortable. As the person (mostly) doing the laundry, I can also report that they’re durable and show no signs of wear after a few washes. I can also report as the person looking at my husband that they fit well and look great. They work for workouts in cooler weather, but they’re also ideal for lounging around the house on recovery days. 

Long gone are the days when it was expected that you take off all your jewelry before hitting the gym. While there are still instances where it’s probably best to leave your rings in your locker (boxing comes to mind), if you’re a fan of statement jewelry, there are brands making options specifically designed to hold up to sweaty sessions. Ezra Gems is one such brand, and all of its pieces, from statement necklaces to oversized earrings, are plated in 14K/18K gold and are waterproof, tarnish-resistant and are made from materials that are less likely to irritate the skin. 

Our team has tested a lot of fitness trackers. And while there are great options for every workout and need, I have personally fallen in love with the Amazfit Balance 2. This is a solid all-around smartwatch that integrates easily with Apple and Android devices. It provides extensive data on activity, workouts, stress level and sleep, and even features scuba diving-level water resistance and offline GPS maps. But the reason I don’t want to take it off (and almost never have to) is its stellar battery life. Even with all its features fully functioning, it only has to be charge roughly every three weeks. It also charges quickly (in about two hours if the battery is fully drained), so you don’t have to forfeit much data or connectivity when it does finally need a charge. If you know someone who has been jonesing’ for a high-quality fitness wearable, this one won’t disappoint. 

Hats are another one of those workout accessories that don’t get enough credit, and they almost always make a great gift. For anyone with longer hair who exercises outside, TrailHeads Ponytail Hats are particularly helpful, as each version, whether a beanie, cap or headband, features an opening to allow a ponytail through. And for colder outdoor workouts, we love that many of their caps are made of thicker and softer material and provide ear coverage to help keep the wind and cold from ruining a good workout. 

Outdoor winter activities require outdoor apparel for the whole family. As a mom of two (with a third on the way) who prefers outdoor exercise to indoor activities and who happens to live on 17 acres that need upkeep all year long, lightweight, durable and sufficiently warm jackets are an absolute requirement. This is the second year in a row I’ve turned to Vineyard Vines to get my family’s jackets. I love that these puffers (men’s, women’s, boys’ and girls’ options) are all water-resistant and quick-drying. They also pack down into their own pocket, which means its easy for me to throw my kids’ jackets in my bag when the weather is questionable and pull them out as soon as we need an extra layer. They’re not going to be warm enough for extremely cold temperatures, but as an outer layer on family hikes or short stints of playing in the snow, they’re the perfect solution. 

Protein and creatine are two of the most-studied supplements to help support muscle growth and recovery — a fact that was pounded into me as I completed my master’s degree in exercise and sport science. But the benefits go beyond workouts, with creatine, in particular, showing a lot of promise as a health-supporting boon for women. We’ve had a team of registered dietitans thoroughly vet a range of protein and creatine products, including the best vegan options and those best suited for women, but supplements that offer a 2-in-1 formula for protein and creatine are relatively new to the market. I’ve personally tested this one from Vega, and I have to say I’m a big fan. Each serving includes 30 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of creatine. The supplement is also third-party tested, Informed Sport certified and non-GMO verified. Plus, it mixes easily and tastes good. 

When it comes to whipping up smoothies and protein shakes, it’s nice to have a blender you can take on the go. This Beast GO Cordless makes it easy to whip up clump-free drinks (no matter the supplement) wherever you are. We also like that it makes it easier to portion-control your smoothies. As someone who regularly makes entirely-too-large smoothies in my full-size blender, it’s nice to have something more compact that clearly just whips up a drink sized for one. 

Tough, sweaty workouts can contribute to dehydration and electrolyte loss. While its often possible to rehydrate and rebalance with water and a healthy diet, some workouts (or illnesses) may leave your favorite athlete dehydrated enough to benefit from electrolyte supplementation. We had a functional nutritionist test 16 different electrolyte powders, and she found that this version from Redmond came out on top thanks to its balance of five different electrolytes, its good flavor and its inclusion of coconut powder and sea salt as more natural sources of electrolytes. 

Sometimes noshing on a protein bar is an easier way to get a boost of the nutrient than whipping up a shake. We had a personal trainer test 26 different bars and this Aloha Organic Plant-Based bar was her hands-down favorite. Not only did she rave about the flavor, she pointed out that it stands out nutritionally with 14 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber per bar.