31 Best Fitness Gifts for Workout Fanatics in 2019 – Self
From rowers to cyclists to runners.
Images courtesy of the brands
Since we’re always testing the latest in fitness and wellness, it should come as no surprise that we take a certain thrill in curating the best fitness gifts every year. On our list this season, you’ll find lots of our Fitness Award winners from this year sprinkled throughout, as well as some other recent fitness-related favorites, like a super-bendy bike lock, a sturdy cooler that packs up into a small sack when it’s empty, and a candy-striped balaclava for skiing. Ahead, 31 delightful fitness gifts for every kind of workout devotee, from the hardcore runner to the person who practically lives at the climbing gym, to the swimmers and cyclists on your list. And be sure to check out all our holiday gift guides here!
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1
Bala Bangles, $49
Anyone working on building muscle will appreciate these stylish wrist and ankle weights that can be worn to bump up the resistance level on a pilates, aerobics, or cardio workout.
Buy it: $49,
2
Nike Joyride Flyknit Running Shoe, $180
Nike’s buzzy new Joyride running sneakers earned a SELF Fitness Award this year for their clever design: the foam beads in the heel mold to your foot with every stride for a comfortable, cushioned feel. We recommended it for people who are new to running, but with such an eye-catching design it’s likely that the shoe will be a holiday wish list entry for anyone who wants a stylish athleisure look, too.
Buy it: $180,
3
Hydrow the Live Outdoor Reality Rower, $2200
And for that friend who always makes a beeline for the rowing machine at the gym, is the ultimate way to de-stress and work out your entire body from the comfort of your home. This new, ergonomic rowing machine of being in an outdoor setting—cheering on your “teammates” via a community feed and following along with guidance from a world-class athlete— all while climbing the leaderboard. Its 22-inch touchscreen monitor displays hundreds of live and on-demand rowing workouts, and even offers unguided rows through scenic waterways for some athletic escapism.
Buy it: $2200,
Produced in partnership with Hydrow® the Live Outdoor Reality™ Rower.
4
The Laundress Sport Spray, $10
Any fitness fanatic knows that sometimes your fusty gym bag needs a bit of a refresh, which is where this orange-, rose-, and jasmine-scented deodorizer spray comes in handy.
Buy it: $10,
5
Girlfriend Collective Maternity Leggings, $88
One of our favorite sustainable fitness brands, Girlfriend Collective, just launched maternity leggings that are ideal for any mom-to-be who needs some soft, supportive leggings to wear to her pre-natal yoga classes.
Buy it: $88,
6
Lululemon Fast and Free Run Belt, $38
This lightweight belt for runners has room for everything you want to keep out of your way on your morning run (like your keys, cards, and cash), with a low-bounce waistband that will prevent it from flapping up against you while you’re mid-sprint.
Buy it: $38, lululemon.com
7
Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth Sport Waterproof Earbuds, $180
Really good Bluetooth sport earbuds can be surprisingly hard to come by, but these ones from Jaybird excelled in many ways when we tested them for the Fitness Awards this year. Fit is always an issue, but these ones come with three different attachments to help you find the right size, have a water-resistant finish for your sweatiest workouts, and boast a 16-hour battery life, too.
Buy it: $180,
8
Black Diamond Distance 15 Backpack, $150
We were so impressed with this distance pack that we gave it a Fitness Award this year. It’s really got everything, from quiver sleeves for carrying trekking poles to stretch pockets for storing snacks and water bottles. Plus, the shell of the pack is extra breathable and lightweight for long treks: it’s an excellent gift option for any hiker, trail runner, or long distance runner on your list this year.
Buy it: $150,
9
Columbia SH/FT OutDry Mid-Shoe, $130
We deemed these hiking sneakers from Columbia “The Best Hiking Shoe” of the year in our Fitness Awards for their completely waterproof upper and the very comfortable beads in the sole of the shoe that provide cushion. They’re a really nice gift idea for someone who wants a more lightweight, less clunky shoe for day hikes.
Buy it: $130,
10
Darn Tough Micro-Crew Heady Stripe Socks, $21
Normally we’re not huge advocates of giving socks as gifts, but when the socks are this fun (the color-blocking is absolutely chef’s kiss), and when you’re talking Darn Tough (a hiker favorite), we’re sure that they won’t be destined for the re-gift pile.
Buy it: $21,
11
Tory Burch Color-Block Packable Satchel, $248
This color-blocked satchel is one of the most delightful gym bags we had the pleasure of testing this year. From personal experience, I can confirm that it doubles as a very roomy weekender bag, with enough pockets for toiletries and sneakers on the side, plus a certain style that you’ll never have trouble picking out at baggage claim.
Buy it: $248,
12
Therm-a-Rest Neo Air XLite Sleeping Bag Pad, from $97
This sleeping bag pad keeps you elevated from the cold ground and traps warm air to keep you from getting cold at night. It also packs up tightly into a small sack when it’s deflated, which is why it’s a favorite for campers who don’t want to add too much weight to their packs.
Buy it: From $97, backcountry.com
13
UA Rush ColdGear Long Sleeve, from $80
Everything in UnderArmour’s , from bags to hats to tops like this one, can be customized with artwork or a monogram for an extra personal touch.
Buy it: From $80,
14
Theragun G3, $399
The latest version of the the percussive massage device that’s won over trainers and fitness-loving celebrities, got the SELF stamp of approval this year at our . It now comes in white and is much quieter and lighter than the original, though our testers noted that it’s “still just as powerful at delivering that ‘hurts-so-good’ massage after a workout.”
Buy it: $399,
15
Classpass Membership, from $19 per month
A subscription to Classpass is the ultimate gift for the person who wants to work out more but doesn’t want to settle for just one gym or studio year-round. For the best of both worlds, though, Classpass has even teamed up with Blink Fitness for that includes points for classes and an all-access membership to Blink Fitness.
Buy it: From $19 per month,
16
Kule The Gstaad Balaclava, $248
We really can’t think of a more charming balaclava to give a skiier or snowboarder this year.
Buy it: $248,
17
Gonex Swim Bag, $26
This Gonex bag has dedicated “wet” and “dry” compartments to separate out your swimming gear from your regular clothes. It’s an affordable gift option for people who love to swim laps at the gym.
Buy it: $26,
18
BOB Rambler Jogging Stroller, $360
Any new mom who’s finding it tough to make it out to the gym might enjoy a jogging stroller. This one’s compatible with a range of car seats, can be set up in a reclining position to allow your baby to sleep, and has a swiveling front wheel for easy maneuvering around corners.
Buy it: $360,
19
Manduka Pro Travel Mat, $68
Manduka released their most travel-friendly yoga mat this year (it’s just 2.5 millimeters thick and rolls up neatly inside a carry-on), for people who want to take their yoga practice on the road. We liked it so much we named it a winner in our Fitness Awards this year.
Buy it: $68,
20
Fitbit Versa 2, $150
Fitbit released the Versa 2 fitness tracker this year, with 15 different exercise modes and a six-day battery life. It won a this year and we’d recommend it for any casual athlete who wants a stylish, functional fitness tracker (without the added bulk and price point of a heftier smartwatch).
Buy it: $150,
21
Metolius Rock Rings CNC 3D, $23
These crafty-looking rock rings would make a thoughtful gift for any climber building their core- and arm-strength and working on their grip outside of the climbing gym. They’re super lightweight and portable, so they can be used just about anywhere.
Buy it: $23,
22
Sweaty Betty Tech Running Gloves, $45
There are tech gloves and then there are running gloves, but you don’t often find a nice, warm pair for winter that does both. Here’s one set from Sweaty Betty that has reflective details to help with night visibility.
Buy it: $45,
23
One-Year Subscription to Racquet, $80
Get the tennis fanatic on your list a year-long subscription to Racquet, one of our favorite new sports magazines that covers tennis culture and style. The quarterly is more of a coffee table read than just your standard magazine, featuring collectible graphic covers, lush interior spreads, and thoughtful essays.
Buy it: $80,
24
Palomar Lochness Bicycle Lock, $74
This actually stylish bike lock is extra stretchy and pliable for wrapping around the frame of a bicycle, which makes it easy to secure your bike when you’re on-the-go.
Buy it: $74,
25
Madewell x Topo Designs Belt Bag, $49
Madewell partnered with outdoor brand Topo Designs to produce these adorable belt bags. They would look nice slung over your shoulder like a sling bag (or, if you dare, as a fanny pack) for a hip athleisure look.
Buy it: $49,
Best Buy
26
Hyperice Hypersphere Mini, $99
We’ve talked up this mini vibrating ball before (and it just won a Fitness Award this year, too): it’s one of our favorite new recovery devices that’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, with three different speeds for targeting sore muscles.
Buy it: $99,
27
Patagonia Silent Down Jacket, $249
Here’s an actually stylish puffer that’s a great cozy gift idea for anyone who loves to do winter sports. It’s extra warm (and eco-friendly) thanks to the recycled down fill inside it.
Buy it: $249,
28
Forever New Stretch Activewear Liquid Detergent, $24
This biodegradable Forever New detergent is specifically formulated to clean deeply embedded dirt and sweat from activewear, while helping preserve the stretch and shape of your friend’s favorite workout leggings and tops.
Buy it: $24,
29
NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle, $1,999
If you know someone who’s been looking for a luxury studio cycling experience at-home, here’s a gift the family can go in on. This NordicTrack bike is one of the best-rated home bikes you can buy online, and offers a range of features, from on-demand personal training through iFit (the bike comes with a one-year subscription) to a silent body that ensures you won’t be clanking around in your living room.
Buy it: $1,999,
30
Monti Coolers Shasta 16-Liter Packable Cooler, $145
Heavy-duty camping and fishing coolers can be bulky and expensive, but sometimes you just want something you don’t have to lug around. This 16-liter cooler folds up into a small pack when it’s empty, which is ideal for any hikers, fishers, or beach-goers on your list.
Buy it: $145,
31
P.volve P3 Trainer, $70
For anyone working on broadening their home fitness options in a small space, we’d recommend the P.volve P3 toning system that includes resistance bands and a weight to help them work on strengthening their biceps, thighs, and abs. It’s small enough to tuck away in a cupboard when it’s not in use, which is a huge plus.
Buy it: $70,
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