By Sarah Madaus and Sara Coughlin
Since we’re regularly testing the latest fitness and wellness products, it probably comes as no surprise that we have plenty of gift ideas in this realm—you’ll find SELF Certified equipment, editor-approved activewear, workout apps, plus plenty of other favorites we’ve covered over the years. These presents can help everyone on your list streamline their workouts, round out their home gyms, and add fun, new accessories to their routines. Below, check out our wide selection of fitness gifts, including purely practical picks and exciting splurges. Weight Machine For Gym
For more present picks, check out all of the best gift ideas of 2023.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Lululemon’s SELF Outdoor Award–winning fanny pack is just the right size to store all of your friend’s essentials while they’re on a hike or long stroll. Plus it’s water-repellent, in case they run into rain.
You can’t go wrong with a massage gun that loosens up and eases sore muscles after a challenging workout. The Theragun Mini is not only a SELF Home Fitness Award winner, but it’s also small enough to pack away in a tote or backpack.
Made with Hoka’s signature impact-absorbing foam, these chunky recovery slides are a relief to slip on after an intense run or workout.
This low-key gym bag has a sleek, not-too-sporty look that makes it equally suitable for your friend’s commute and overnight trips.
The SELF Certified Apple Watch Ultra is an obvious choice for the fitness lover who appreciates a good gadget. This water-resistant smartwatch tracks sleep and heart rate, and it has location-orienting technology that’s especially great for hikers and backpackers (since it works without cell signal).
Help your loved one stay hydrated on the trail with this lightweight update of Hydro Flask’s classic stainless-steel water bottle.
Clear the clutter of any home gym with this SELF Home Fitness Award–winning adjustable kettlebell that transitions from 8 to 40 pounds with the twist of a dial.
With its roomy cut and light, supersoft terry lining, this SELF Activewear Award–winning crewneck will become their go-to layer for chilly mornings and post-gym brunches.
If your loved one is ready to mix up their strength-training and Pilates sessions, Bala’s wrist and ankle weights will add a new challenge (and a cute touch of pastel).
The hooked, sweat-resistant design of these SELF Home Fitness Award–winning Beats earbuds prevents them from slipping out during higher-intensity workouts.
Designed by physical therapists, this palm-size, low-tech SELF Fave massager could help relieve muscle tension with one the nine different massage surfaces on its body.
SELF Activewear Award–winning and editor-tested, the OV exercise dress is a breezy, throw-it-on-and-go piece of workout clothing that features built-in shorts and pockets. Your giftee can wear it to the gym, trail, court, and more.
If they tend to sweat a lot or attend heated classes, they’ll love this expert-recommended yoga mat towel from Manduka. It’s super absorbent and grippy, so your giftee won’t have to worry about any slipping or sliding.
This SELF Certified wearable from Fitbit is a user-friendly, all-around excellent fitness tracker. Programmed to log straightforward metrics like GPS location, sleep, and steps, it’s perfect for your friend who’s curious about their activity but doesn’t want to be inundated with data.
If your favorite jogger prefers a more plush feeling underfoot when they log miles, give them this SELF Sneaker Award–winning pair of running shoes. Under Armour’s HOVR Phantom 3 won the title of most comfortable runner for its ample, shock-absorbing cushioning. “I have shin splints and I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of sneakers I can run in without pain. These are the ones,” wrote one tester.
Your giftee can fill this unique foam roller/bottle combo with chilled water for an icepack effect, or warm water for a more soothing sensation.
It’s hard to go wrong with a pair of buttery-soft leggings, and these are a cut above the rest. Winner of a 2023 SELF Activewear Award, the Vuori Daily Leggings earned rave reviews from our judges, one of whom noted that she felt “confident and comfortable” while wearing them.
Perfectly portable, this vibrating massage ball can help target hard-to-reach areas and soothe post-workout aches.
For hikers, socks are anything but a boring gift. This pair from Merrell won a SELF Activewear Award thanks to its lightweight cushioning, which testers said prevented blisters and chafing, even on miles-long treks.
This handy tool turns any dumbbell into a kettlebell, saving your giftee space in their home gym (and workout equipment funds to boot).
For the giftee who likes to work out when they travel, a packable, portable resistance band is a gamechanger. We like this expert-approved option from Committed HP for its easy-to-loop hook attachment and soft fabric material.
Here’s a pair of cozy sweats they can wear for warm-ups or cooldowns. It has a loose fit and plenty of pockets for their keys, phone, and cards.
Already a cardio staple, this smart jump rope takes its abilities one step further: It has an app that tracks performance metrics and offers guided workouts.
A subscription to Alo Moves (a SELF Home Fitness Award–winning app) gives your friend access to a wide range of virtual fitness classes (from yoga to HIIT) that they can access from the comfort of their home.
Cost: $13 per month or $130 for an annual subscription.
Ideal for anyone who’s always dealing with a new knot, these foam roller balls come in three different sizes, each designed to relax muscles in the shoulders, feet, and legs.
Experts recommend this beginner-friendly paddle for the pickleball-curious. It’s durable but lightweight and has a nice, wide surface.
If you know anyone who likes to exercise and catch some rays at the same time, give them the gift of reliable (and non-greasy) sun protection. This Supergoop gift set comes with three of the brand’s most-loved sunscreens, including the SELF Fave Play formula.
A good yoga block is highly useful during, well, yoga, making it a great gift for anyone who logs a lot of time on their mat. It can really come in handy and provide extra support during stretch sessions (think: place it beneath your tailbone during a bridge pose or under your seat to help with forward folds). Experts often recommend cork options, like this one from Jade, for its firm, sturdy material.
A stowable, under-desk treadmill like Sunny Health & Fitness’s Walkstation is perfect for the person on your lift who can’t sit still and isn’t content to just have a standing desk.
Functional Training Equipment The athleisure fanatic in your life will want to live in these bottoms, which are stretchy, squat-proof, and stylish.