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The 40 Best Fitness Gifts for Your Athletic Friends

From recovery tools to home gym additions, these gifts are sure to enhance their routine.

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the best gifts for your fittest friends
Runner's World; Courtesy

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If you’re close to an athlete, be they a runner, yogi, or self-described gym rat, it may feel like finding them a gift is impossible. After all, they seem to have everything they need, right?

While this may be true on a large scale—you don’t need to gift new running shoes to a runner, for example—chances are there are gaps in their rotation of accessories that make each workout a little more tedious than necessary. The real challenge, then, is figuring out what they need.

While we don’t know what kind of equipment your fitness-obsessed friends are rocking already, there’s a good chance one of the gifts below will help them solve some nagging problem they didn’t even know they had. From neat gym accessories, to convenient memberships and comfy recovery gear, these items provide the perfect balance between thoughtfulness, value, and usability—no cheap mugs or tacky t-shirts here!

Why Trust Us Best for Meditation.

1
Best Big City Marathons

Dr Relief Acupressure Mat

Acupressure Mat
1
Best Big City Marathons

Dr Relief Acupressure Mat

$25 at Amazon$22 at Walmart$22 at Walmart

This mat may be uncomfortable at first, but it can help speed up recovery, reduce stress, and improve circulation for that special fitness fanatic in your life. They can lay on different parts of their body, or even stand on it while they work once they’re accustomed to using it.

2
Fresh Footwear for the Gym

Ice Shaker 26-Ounce Shaker Bottle

26-Ounce Shaker Bottle
2
Fresh Footwear for the Gym

Ice Shaker 26-Ounce Shaker Bottle

There’s nothing worse than drinking a warm protein drink—ask your gym-dweller friends if you don’t believe us. This bottle keeps your drink cold all day with double insulation, and it has an attached agitator that keeps your drinks properly mixed. It also won’t rattle around while you drink it.

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Runners World; Courtesy

TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller

GRID Foam Roller
3
Runners World; Courtesy

TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller

A Clutter-Free Weight Set foam rollers available to help soothe your athlete’s sore muscles, but this model from Trigger Point is a proper standout—and has been for years. Its exterior is contoured to provide a balance of targeted firmness and foamy compression, and it’s supported by a strong plastic core that won’t deform under you.

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4
If youre close to an athlete, be they a

RENPHO Foot Massager Machine

On Sale
Foot Massager Machine
4
If youre close to an athlete, be they a

RENPHO Foot Massager Machine

Pamper hard-working feet with this heated foot massager. It has a detachable, washable foot cover, and can fit feet up to a men’s size 12. We love a fitness gift that also promotes self care.

5
For Tired Post-Workout Feet

Kane Revive Recovery Shoe

Revive Recovery Shoe
5
For Tired Post-Workout Feet

Kane Revive Recovery Shoe

A Trusty Hydration Pack recovery shoe from Kane takes the edge off unlike anything else. It also comes in dozens of colors, so you can personalize for your athlete that little bit more.

6
A Clutter-Free Weight Set

TopMade Adjustable Kettlebell Weights Set

Adjustable Kettlebell Weights Set
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A Clutter-Free Weight Set

TopMade Adjustable Kettlebell Weights Set

This adjustable kettlebell is ideal for a home gym that’s running out of space. Despite their low profile, the detachable weights can total up to 40 pounds when you combine them, so even seasoned gym-goers can knock out some high-load reps with one of these versatile tools.

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7
though you might see his byline on

Iron Gym Pull Up Bar

Pull Up Bar
7
though you might see his byline on

Iron Gym Pull Up Bar

This pull up bar fits in any standard doorway, and it’s great for getting in some gains from home. It has three places to grip, which allows you to activate different muscle groups. Plus, its foam grips make this bar more comfortable and easier to hold.

8
Easy, Healthy Meals

The Runner’s World Cookbook

On Sale
The Runner’s World Cookbook
8
Easy, Healthy Meals

The Runner’s World Cookbook

Now 31% Off

Athletes take fueling seriously—it can make or break a workout. But finding fun recipes isn’t quite as easy as counting macronutrients, which is why our cookbook makes a thoughtful gift for any fitness enthusiast who’s growing weary of chicken breasts and rice. It’s packed with 150 recipes, all of which will give your athlete something to look forward to after an intense session.

9
A Clutter-Free Weight Set

Cossac Fitness Journal & Workout Planner

On Sale
Fitness Journal & Workout Planner
9
A Clutter-Free Weight Set

Cossac Fitness Journal & Workout Planner

Now 53% Off

You can always track your workouts digitally, but there is something so satisfying about taking the time to write them out after completion. This one has 140 days of tracking, and it comes in a pack of two, so you can either set someone up for a year, or keep one for yourself.

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10
Best Folding Treadmills

TRX GO Suspension Trainer System

GO Suspension Trainer System
10
Best Folding Treadmills

TRX GO Suspension Trainer System

If you don’t have a lot of space for gym equipment, TRX trainers are a great way to get in an intense full-body workout without the need for heavy, clunky machines—all you need is a fixed tethering point, such as a tree branch or support beam, to use as a counterweight. These bands don’t provide the same resistance that, say, a weighted gym machine would, but it’s plenty for working the underutilized muscles in your core.

11
Other Hearst Subscriptions

Nathan TrailMix Plus Hydration Belt

On Sale
TrailMix Plus Hydration Belt
11
Other Hearst Subscriptions

Nathan TrailMix Plus Hydration Belt

Whether your fit friends like going for jogs around the neighborhood or weekly hikes, this fanny pack holds all the essentials—including water—so they can trek with their hands free. This hydration belt in particular stands out from the pack because, on top of having space for two bottles, it comes stock with two insulated ones.

12
at Dicks Sporting Goods

NutriBullet Pro Blender

Pro Blender
12
at Dicks Sporting Goods

NutriBullet Pro Blender

If you know a nutrition fanatic who loves to start the day with a green smoothie, this blender is a great pick. They’ll love whipping up their concoction in its personal-size cup, and they’ll surely appreciate the 1200-watt motor that can handle ice, frozen fruit, and fibrous veggies with ease.

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13
The 49 Best Gifts for Runners Who Love Gear

Hydro Flask 40 oz. Water Bottle with Straw Lid

40 oz. Water Bottle with Straw Lid
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The 49 Best Gifts for Runners Who Love Gear

Hydro Flask 40 oz. Water Bottle with Straw Lid

Hydration is essential for peak athletic performance, and a cold drink is always more refreshing than a room-temperature one. This Hydro Flask is double insulated, which means it can keep beverages cold up to 24 hours, and it also comes in 14 different colors so you can personalize it even further for your special someone.

14
Running Best for Dog Lovers

Class Pass Gift Card

Gift Card
14
Running Best for Dog Lovers

Class Pass Gift Card

Class Pass is an app that allows members to book workout classes and gym passes all across the US. For someone who travels frequently, this fitness gift can make or break their ability to get in their workout.

15
An Affordable Fitness Tracker

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Tracker

On Sale
Versa 4 Fitness Tracker
15
An Affordable Fitness Tracker

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Tracker

Similar to the doubly priced Apple Watch, this Fitbit has a minimalist design and comes in a few different color options. It tracks heart rate, activities, sleep, and more, and its sleek design will make you want to leave it on all day.

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16
If youre close to an athlete, be they a

Nobull Gum Trainer Shoe

Gum Trainer Shoe
16
If youre close to an athlete, be they a

Nobull Gum Trainer Shoe

Don’t let its cool, casual design fool you—this shoe’s here to work. It’s an all-round gym trainer, so it can lift heavy, sprint fast, and flex comfortably with all of your athlete’s close-training workouts.

17
Best for Meditation

Hyperice Core

Core
17
Best for Meditation

Hyperice Core

This little gadget uses guided meditations and vibrations to help gym-goers find some peace and mindfulness—everything from breathing exercises, to daily meditations, to meditations specifically for athletes. It also tracks stress and progress overtime, which can help make mindfulness a habit instead of a brief relief.

18
Best for Newlyweds

Egnaro Inner Arc Ergonomic Silicone Rings

On Sale
Inner Arc Ergonomic Silicone Rings
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Best for Newlyweds

Egnaro Inner Arc Ergonomic Silicone Rings

Now 37% Off

These silicone wedding rings are great to wear when you don’t want to risk damaging or losing your actual ring. They’re ultra comfortable, and they don’t risk needless injury to your hand from an awkward lift, falling over, or getting caught in machinery.

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Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at

RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness

Front Range Dog Harness
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Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at

RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness

This dog harness is a great choice for your friend who never leaves the house without a furry friend—especially one on the energetic side. It has multiple leash mounting points, all of which allow you to gently redirect any pup without tugging on their neck. It also comes with touches of reflective detailing, which can help keep them visible in low light.

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For Bikers

ROCK BROS Bike Phone Front Frame Bag

On Sale
Bike Phone Front Frame Bag
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For Bikers

ROCK BROS Bike Phone Front Frame Bag

Now 17% Off

Commuters and casual bikers will love this pack. It’s great for storing a few small necessities, and it protects your phone while keeping it on display. It also has a touch-friendly screen guard, so your fit friend can still use their phone as they ride.

Headshot of Adam Schram
Adam Schram

Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at Runner's World, gift new running shoes Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing cocktails, watching Star Wars, Give A Gift.

Headshot of Gabrielle Hondorp

Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track. 

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