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There’s no gift more valuable than health. Today, there are more tools than ever to help us live healthier lives while adding a little fun to the process. But good fitness gifts should also perform well. Whether it’s lacing up, lifting weights, or recovering from an intense workout, the best fitness gifts should stand the test of time.
The team of Fitness editors and certified personal trainers at Men’s Health knows that fitness is more than just going to the gym—it’s a lifestyle. Fitness isn’t just about the home—it’s about city parks, trails, mountains—the list goes on. Fitness encompasses a variety of rewarding physical activities, from weightlifting and rowing to running and cross-training, so the best fitness gifts should be versatile and practical.
Below is a selection of health and fitness products, from dynamic wellness technologies to modern recovery methods, that are perfect for anyone looking to improve their physique. Whether you are looking for Christmas gifts, a gift for that special man or something for yourself, these options have something for everyone.
Good home gym equipment should be versatile since you have limited space to work out. These adjustable dumbbells are perfect for home use and come in weights from 10 to 90 pounds each, with a comfortable stand and a smooth weight adjustment mechanism. We’ve been using these dumbbells for years, and for the price, they’re a great piece of equipment. If you’re feeling especially generous, you can gift a pair of stands, which are currently $200 off on Amazon.
When we say the Eight Sleep can change your life, we’re not exaggerating. Some of our editors tend to overheat and have trouble finding a comfortable sleep environment, which can have a major impact on recovery. The Pod Cover 4 lets you customize your bed’s climate to create the optimal, calming environment—whether that’s a cool camping ambiance or a cozy nest. The newly released Pod Cover 4 has a few new updates and is an amazing feat of engineering. But if you’re looking to save a few hundred bucks, we’ve been using the Pod Cover 3 for years and have no complaints.
Looking for a great Christmas gift for a friend or family member who is into fitness? Or maybe find one for yourself? This stylish jump rope is the perfect piece of equipment, it can be easily rolled up or put in a bag. Jump rope exercises are fun and effective. This simple and durable piece of equipment will not let you down.
Not everyone has the space or resources to set up a real infrared sauna at home, and despite its many benefits, going to the gym can be tiring. This sauna comes in the form of a sleeping bag, making it the perfect gift for fitness enthusiasts who love to deeply relax between workouts. This infrared sauna blanket is soothing to the mind and body, good for the skin, and helps the body rejuvenate completely and effectively. Thanks to the brand’s December sale, you can buy a complete sauna kit, including a pad, cleaner, and travel bag, for less than the cost of the sauna blanket itself.
We love these low-profile, sleek-looking cross-training shoes from Nobull, a favorite brand among athletes of all kinds. These shoes deliver consistent results and are durable enough to withstand the most intense workouts. These shoes offer great support and have a stylish rubber sole.
This is one of those little things that changes the game, but many people don’t have anything like it. This timer allows you to calibrate your sets and rest times, helping you maintain a good pace. Being able to attach it to your clothes instead of your phone keeps you focused and focused, allowing you to make the most of your time in the gym.
This heavy-duty weighted vest distributes weight evenly, making it ideal for wearing before strength and endurance training or for adding resistance during your core workout. It’s one of our favorites, combining functionality and effectiveness, as recognized in our recent Home Gym Awards.
This isn’t a traditional scale, which is why it earned a spot on our list of the best smart scales. This cutting-edge creation from HumeHealth takes fitness tracking to a whole new level, tracking 17 different health metrics to give you a clear picture of your current body composition. With 98% accuracy compared to DEXA scans (which sports doctors use), it’s a great gift for anyone looking to build muscle and lose fat.
Walking is all the rage these days. But not everyone has the time to go for a leisurely stroll every day. This under-desk walking mat requires no assembly and tracks key metrics like elapsed time, distance traveled, speed, and calories burned, ensuring your loved one never misses a beat at work and stays on track while achieving their fitness goals.
For active people who love going to the gym but don’t like workout playlists, these workout headphones can be a great companion. They are comfortable to wear and can withstand all the movements of a workout while still delivering top-notch sound quality. That’s enough to wow anyone.
A fitness tracker should be as comfortable as a good pair of sneakers or your favorite hoodie. Whoop puts comfort first while giving you all the fitness information you need to make the most of your workouts. According to fitness director Ebenezer Samuel of CSCS, Whoop can track the intensity of your workouts in detail, letting you know when you’re ready to push yourself and when it’s time to consider (but not necessarily) a rest. For under $250, you can gift the device, band, and 12-month subscription to anyone (including yourself).
Some headphones are great for listening to a playlist or podcast while you work out. Here’s a great example of a pair of headphones that are comfortable, sound great, and are sweat-resistant. The connectivity of Apple devices is second to none, making them ideal for listening to music, podcasts, and chatting with friends on the phone while you work out.
Recovery can be done in a variety of ways, and for those looking for the most reliable approach, the Nomatec3 is the best choice. With its custom compression capabilities, the device is trusted by some of the country’s top athletes to help rebuild tired joints and muscles.
This great product from Yeti makes drinking water easier and more enjoyable. It’s super lightweight, indestructible, and 100% leak-proof (the lid actually snaps shut).
Fitness requires fuel, and with everyone’s active lifestyle, it can be difficult to get all the nutrients they need. This is a great gift to help those with an active lifestyle feel great: a green elixir filled with minerals, nutrients, and vitamins. You can help them develop new healthy habits.
Nutribullet blenders have been revolutionizing the industry for years. This new model is a significant improvement over the previous version, meaning that no matter what your friends or family have, this model is a step up. For those without a smoothie maker, you’ll be giving them the ability to whip up healthy, fresh smoothies in just minutes.
This is a fitness rack that is a must have for fitness enthusiasts. This is a fitness rack that is suitable for all types of fitness exercises, equipped with a pull-up bar and J-hooks. It has the necessary weight without causing boredom. It is ideal for those who are just starting out with big basic lifts, it is very affordable and very durable.
Feeling good while you exercise is part of a successful workout. This cozy sweatshirt from Alo Yoga makes it easy. The sweatshirt-like cut is form-fitting and perfect for your body’s movements. It’s also comfortable enough to roll around in outside of the gym.
Designed for active lifestyles, this fitness smartwatch features solar charging and a natural strap. It will track your fitness and give you directions during your hikes and runs on rough terrain, as well as provide you with great navigation technology and all your favorite music to inspire you wherever you go.
Ebenezer Samuel, CSCS, is the Fitness Director at Men’s Health and a certified trainer with over 10 years of training experience. He has trained with NFL players and track and field athletes, and his current workout regimen includes strength training, high-intensity interval training, and yoga. Before joining Men’s Health, he worked as a sports and technology writer for the New York Daily News.