The best fitness gifts for gym lovers, according to trainers and coaches

These uber soft joggers are the perfect combination of sporty and style. We love how relaxed the slim fit is — and the extra tapered leg makes them even more comfy. Plus they come in 11 different colors and sizes from XXS to XXL for all types of bodies.

According to Marissa Miller, an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer, you can’t go wrong with this 3-in-1 gym duffel bag. "It’s made with water-repellant fabric (a must around damp clothing and towels) and features separate compartments to help them organize their stuff. Carry it by the top handle or cross-body via its cushioned longer strap that also doubles as a stretching strap. On rest days, it’ll work perfectly as an overnight or weekender bag, allowing your gift to really go the extra mile."

For many of us, pickleball is an excellent way to get our exercise in. So why not give your pickleball fanatic a gift they can use no matter where they decide to play? This set includes two pickleball rackets and a bag of six balls.

"Alo’s Airlift leggings are some of the best I’ve tried, and I can’t see another brand coming close in the flattering or functional department," says Miller. She also think they add compression without suffocating you, yet they are also quick-drying and moisture-wicking. "So, while I love wearing them with an oversized hoodie for every day, they pair perfectly with a matching sports bra during everything from Pilates to resistance training. Your gym buddy is bound to wear these on repeat and feel confident while doing so." They are also one of our best leggings of 2024.

Stacy Orsborn, certified personal trainer and co-founder of Victress MVMT, thinks adjustable dumbbells, like these stylish pair from Stakt, are the best for at-home strength training. "Especially for people starting with limited strength." she says. "They allow you to gradually increase weight as you build power and confidence."

Gym enthusiasts are always looking for ways to stay hydrated — without having to break momentum and hit up the gym’s musty water fountain in between sets, Miller says. "Keep parched lips at bay with a personalized Stanley water bottle. While everyone and their mother owns a Stanley, sweeten the deal by adding text, graphics or a monogram so they don’t get their bottle mixed up with another athlete in the weight room."

A foam roller is one of the best tools for post-workout recovery, according to Orsborn, and she suggests the Trigger Point Grid, which also happens to be our pick for best foam roller. "It helps to release tight muscles and tension, improve mobility, and reduce soreness," she says. "It’s also great for anyone wanting to stay active without feeling stiff the next day. Just a few minutes rolling out your legs, back or shoulders can make a noticeable difference in how your body feels and moves. "

Turn any dumbbell into a kettlebell with this handy Kettle Gryp gadget, perfect for maximizing any at-home gym setup and for taking on the go.

Perfect for the fashionista with a flair for fitness, this beloved exercise dress from Outdoor Voices can handle anything from leisurely walks and tennis games to training runs and intense hikes. It also comes with adjustable straps and a built-in shorts liner with side pockets for extra functionally.

Serious yogis and fitness buffs seeking a legging that will let them focus on their movements and perhaps make them forget they're wearing any leggings at all won't be let down by the Lululemon Align Pant, which we named the best workout leggings of the year. Lightweight yet opaque, the Align's buttery-soft feel and the stretchiness it offered were like no other legging we tested.

Give the yogi in your life a sturdy support tool with these cork yoga blocks, which are also antimicrobial and water-resistant.

There’s no easier way for the egg lovers out there to scramble, hard boil, soft boil or poach eggs than with this Dash egg cooker. It has an auto-shutoff function, so your friend’s go-to breakfast choice will never overcook, and they won’t have to babysit them if they’re short on time. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast or a protein-packed snack, cooking eggs has never been this over easy.

Who doesn’t love a new pair of sneaks? Regardless if your pal is a fan of walking, running or another type of workout, these kicks from New Balance meet their needs, says Megan Roup, a celebrity fitness trainer and the founder of The Sculp Society. “Comfortable and cute, these have been a staple in my closet and perfect for anyone active in your life,” she adds.

Remember: Leading an active life is not about grinding 24/7. It’s also about believing that rest is just as important as burpees, lunges and squats. For improved sleep — crucial for health and well-being — gift this adult weighted blanket to your gym-loving friend. “Add in the cooling factor and sensation on top of the compression from the weight — and it’s a win-win for sleep,” says Cynthia Williams, a nutrition practitioner. “I recommend, use and swear by these blankets. Especially for those who are constantly on the go, have high-stress jobs or lives.”

Certified nutritionist, vegan chef and the founder of Yhorlife, Adylia-Rhenee Gutierrez is obsessed with the weighted, wearable bangles from Bala. Available in a wide range of colors, weights and styles, they make for a unique and creative gift for your pal who is always looking to up their fitness game. She prefers the 1-pound option because you can easily wear them all day on your wrists or ankles. “I love them because they are so lightweight you don’t have to worry about moving wrong and causing injuries,” she says. “Plus, the cute colors motivate you to want to move and bring them with you everywhere!”

We all know that meal prepping is an important part of achieving health and fitness goals, but let’s be real: It can get boring and tedious. If you want to encourage your friend to join you on your health kick, gift them this four-pack of bento box-style containers, recommended by Adrienne Ruhnow, the district fitness manager for Chuze Fitness in Colorado. “Your friend can re-create their favorite protein boxes for a fraction of the cost, create an adult ‘Lunchable’ that’s healthy and fun or simply use the portion-controlled containers to keep their workday lunches on track,” she explains. “The removable compartments mean that your friend can configure their boxes however they want.”

Chances are your friend’s yoga mat needs a refresh. We chose a version of this one from Lululemon as the best yoga mat, due to its non-slip rubber construction, as well as how it provides an ample cushion with a 5mm thickness.

For rowing beginners or pros, it doesn't get much cooler than the Hydrow Wave Rower, which is also our pick for best overall rower. More compact than other at-home rowers (it even folds up vertically), it offers a Peloton-like service where users can row alongside virtual trainers as they pull their way through various rivers and lakes across the world — from the River Thames to streams in Alaska.

While in a dream world, we would be able to give your fitness-lovin’ friend an on-call massage therapist, it’s not quite a reality. Instead, you can provide them with something nearly as therapeutic: release balls. You can use them to work out that crick in your neck, massage the knot between your shoulder blades or roll the bottoms of your feet to help with your plantar fasciitis.

If you ask Kirsten Potenza, the founder of Pound, Theraguns are the gold standard of recovery right now. Its newest product, the TheraFace Pro, is on Potenza’s wish list this holiday since it’s meant to relieve tension but also brighten and tighten skin. “As a mom and an entrepreneur, life can be crazy busy, and it feels like I am always doing something for others. This is a simple treat just for me that I can use at home,” she says.

Gift them this blender that Roser says is not only chic but also a great gift for someone on the go. “The blender makes protein shakes or smoothies, allowing you to unscrew the blender attachment and use it as a bottle afterward,” she shares. “You can also create water infusions, helping your loved one stay more hydrated in style.”

Think of the marathon-running superstar in your life. You may think all they do is log mile after mile, but in reality, they probably alternate cardio with strength training to ensure they are fit from head to toe. Encourage their cross-training practices with this resistance glute band, recommended by Steve Hackett, of

Compass Group food services. “Gone are the days of those slippery, leg-hair-ripping plastic glute bands; these alternative bands in a stretch fabric are anti-slip and easy on the skin,” he says. “Whether beginner or advanced, the resistance band is a versatile, powerful training tool and suitable for anyone on your list.”

Getting up your heart rate is great, no matter how you do it, including turning back to your childhood roots with a pair of skates. These retro roller skates are not only stylish and fun, but they will build strength and endurance for anyone in your life.

What does every avid gym or class goer want? They want a lightweight bag that can carry all of the things they need from morning to night. Make their storage dreams come true with this top pick from Stephanie Butterfield-Richardson, the founder of Activate House. She says you can fit everything — outfit changes, sneakers, work necessities and more. (It's even an Underscored editor favorite.)

“My favorite part of having this bag is not only the soft material, but I love that it has a shoe bag, padded laptop sleeve and a dust bag, making it easy to keep going from one place to the other without having to carry multiple bags in hand,” she raves.

Ask anyone who has achieved physical greatness, and they’ll be quick to tell you it’s not just about grit and grind. It’s also about an unstoppable mind. It's also a great way to take a few minutes each morning and evening to reflect on wellness — water, meals, sleep, mindfulness goals, gratitude and more — with this journal.

Balancing might not seem like a tough act, but it’s killer for building core strength. Plus, if you ask the 700-plus Amazon reviewers, this board is a fun way to work out without thinking about it. Give this gift to your friend who is always looking for new ways to challenge their body and mind.

Once you start cookin’ with an air fryer, you don’t go back! Give your loved one the gift of ease to meet their dietary needs with less cleanup, less oil and more yum. We named this the best air fryer because of its heavy-duty feel, combined with the reasonable price tag, convenient controls and standout cooking results.

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are a great way to tune out distractions when it’s time to zone in on your workout. These compact true wireless buds come with active noise-canceling technology, plus they’re sweat- and water-resistant, so there’s no need to worry when they’re killing it in the gym.

Part of living a well-balanced life is staying active but also eating good-for-you foods. For your brother who has been doubling down on nutrition lately, consider gifting him this sleek NutriBullet that makes smoothies, yes, but also hummus, soups and more. It's versatile, easy to transport and available in different colors and finishes to fit his style.

Want to gift your loved one a new pair of shoes? If you aren’t sure what kind of workouts they’ll be getting into, it’s best to get a shoe that can do a little bit of everything, says Barringer.

“Training shoes can take you from running a few miles to lifting at the gym with their versatile build,” she continues. “If you know they’ll be hitting the gym and lifting weights more, a shoe with a little less give in the sole may be best, and the reverse is true if your person will be racking up the miles. I love these On shoes for shorter runs, bootcamp-style classes, lighter lifting days, walks with my pup or running errands.”

Your friend doesn’t just enjoy meeting their fitness goals, but they track their progress with data too. These first-of-their-kind ankle weights will blow their minds since they feature built-in sensors to measure the rate of turn and acceleration with each movement, a scoring system, a summary of calories burned and exercise accuracy too. They can also download the Sportneer app to choose from 71 fitness videos.

Your pal wishes they could like other types of workouts, but the only one that really gets their heart racing is swimming. Sadly, though, listening to music while doing laps is tough. And a workout app for swimming? Not a thing — until now! This company offers on-demand water-based workouts and has been nicknamed the “Peloton of the pool.” In addition to 200 exercises across various categories, your swimmer friend can also stream music, podcasts and audiobooks.

Sometimes you just feel the need to punch something. Your fitness bestie feels the same way. If they have a boxing bag at home, they need gloves that allow them to cross, hook, jab and uppercut their stress away. These lightweight gloves make an excellent, affordable gift. They also wick moisture, so your friend’s paws won’t feel sticky.

The Normatec 3 Legs compression system makes Hyperice's popular compression boot technology cheaper then they've ever been. And we love that this makes it more accessible to amateur athletes. The boots give you a great customizable massage experience so you can forget the pricey masseuse.