21 Fitness Gifts To Improve Their Performance In 2024
Runner gifts, yoga gifts, Pilates gifts, and weightlifting gifts here!
When I’m feeling stuck mid-gifting brainstorm for a loved one, I think about the things that bring them joy. When that doesn’t work, I think of places that bring them joy and go from there. For example, if their happy place is a bookstore, I’d gift them a book! If their happy place is in the gym or on a mat, I’d set my sights on finding the perfect fitness gifts to help them achieve their wellness goals.
If you have a fitness fanatic or wellness warrior on your list whose main source of self-care is working up a good sweat, this gift guide has a ton of ideas to consider. From runner’s gifts to pilates gifts, yoga gifts, and gifts for weightlifters, I’ve listed 21 personal recs as well as online sensations to serve as inspiration if you’re stuck on what to get your recipient.
Let me know in the comments below which of these items you loved most, and if there are any additional fitness gifts the Beyond My Byline community should know about for holiday 2023! And, if you don’t see an item on this list that would match your recipient’s personality or tastes, shoot me an email. I’ll offer some personalized recs based on your specifications.
(**Please note, prices are subject to change as sales start!**)
A Friendly Disclaimer: Beyond My Byline is reader-supported! When you buy through Amazon links in this post, I may earn an affiliate commission.
Runner Gifts
FlipBelt Classic Running Belt
Photo Courtesy of FlipBelt
$34, amazon.com
When Mark and I first started running, I already had a fanny pack, so he bought this accessory for himself and loved it. It’s pretty impressive just how much stuff this sleek, soft belt holds — everything from your phone to your keys to cash, etc — and the bulk of it all doesn’t disrupt your run.
Foot Routine Mini Gift Set
Photo Courtesy of Bath & Body Works
$26.95, bathandbodyworks.com
Oftentimes when people think of “runner gifts” they don’t know what to buy a runner outside of items that are involved in the run — socks, sneakers, hand warmers, etc. A great alternative is something to soothe their hardworking soles, like this foot-focused gift set from Bath and Body Works that was designed to pamper feet. The set includes a pumice stone to shave off dead skin, shea butter foot cream to soften the sensitive area, and a pair of shea-infused socks to help heels relax deeper.
Acupressure Recovery Socks
Photo Courtesy of Uncommon Goods
$60, uncommongoods.com
While we’re on the subject of socks, this pair is a pretty genius gift for runners. If you’ve ever heard of or seen an acupressure mat, this is the wearable version. The socks are lined with raised silicone to stimulate pressure points along the foot, aiding recovery by enhancing circulation, stimulating the nerves, and soothing muscle soreness.
OS1st KS7 Performance Knee Sleeve
Photo Courtesy of Road Runner Sports
$24.99, roadrunnersports.com
This is a must in my workout bag. I have weak knees (wooo genetics!) and this sleeve supports them by adding a snug compression to the area. I’ve worn them running and also for yoga and pilates.
Theragun Mini 2nd Generation
Photo Courtesy of TheraBody
$199, therabody.com
The Theragun Mini could fit under any of these fitness gift categories, but I especially love it as a gift for runners, probably because I empathize with having sore leg muscles. The best part about the mini is that it’s portable, so treadmill sprinters can take it to the gym and start their recovery even sooner.
Yoga Gifts
Ewedoos Yoga Mat Bag
Photo Courtesy of Ewedoos
$23.99, amazon.com
My yoga mat lives under my bed, and I’m not sure where my block is these days… I’ve been looking into some kind of organizational system to keep my items together, and this mat bag would fit the bill. It comes in a bunch of colors and prints, so you can pick the one that best suits your yogis’ vibe.
Wrist Buddy Yoga Block
Photo Courtesy of Wrist Buddy
$39.99, amazon.com
Wrist pain is to yogis what leg soreness is to runners. These blocks help soften the blow by giving yogis something to grip, taking 60% of the pressure off their wrists.
Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank
Photo Courtesy of Beyond Yoga
$68, beyondyoga.com
I have been loving built-in bra tops for yoga and pilates, and this one from Beyond Yoga tops my list. It’s a beautiful design, by the racerback also just offers incredible support for the chest — a most appreciated bonus. It also comes in seven core colors, and over 12 fun seasonal shades sure to brighten up a workout drawer.
Balancer Short 6”
Photo Courtesy of Lululemon
$88, lululemon.com
I try my best to make most of my gift guides gender-inclusive, and I feel like yoga gifts for men are rarely discussed. That said, Lululemon does have yoga clothes for men, including this tapered-fit pair of shorts, which look super comfortable.
Align™ High-Rise Pant 28"
Photo Courtesy of Lululemon
$98, shop. lululemon.com
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the fan-favorite Lululemon Aligns. These babies have been on my wishlist for a while (I have been stockpiling gift cards so I can treat myself), but while I don’t own this exact pair, I have owned Lululemon leggings before and the rumors are true: They’re high-quality pieces and last for years and years.
Pilates Gifts
Bala Bangles Adjustable Wearable Wrist & Ankle Weights
Photo Courtesy of Bala
from $55, amazon.com
I’m still finding my footing in mat pilates, but when I’m feeling particularly strong and want even more of a challenge, I have these ankle and wrist weights at the ready. They’re adjustable and comfortable, but believe me, they’ll have you feeling the burn.
Barre Bell Shrug
Photo Courtesy of Free People
$58, freepeople.com
When the weather outside gets frightfully cold, I switch up my athleticwear the same way I switch out other pieces in my wardrobe. However, even though I always begin my pilates workout in a long-sleeve top, I’m quick to ditch it once the circuit gets sweaty. A shrug is the best of both worlds. It can be worn as a shell on top of sports bras or tank tops, without adding too much warmth.
Cotton Foldover Flare Legging
Photo Courtesy of Victoria’s Secret
$39.95, victoriassecret.com
While I haven’t officially broken up with traditional workout leggings, I do find myself reaching for OG yoga pants (or, as the kids call them “flare leggings”) these days.
Pilates just has a different ~vibe~ than weightlifting. I’d compare the aesthetic to a dancer’s practice fit. Think Jenna Dewan in Step Up. Yes, tight leggings are still thriving in the space, but I’ve seen flowy bottoms making their mark, too. My faves from VS are no longer available, but these are the next best thing. The best part about this pair is they’re roomy around the middle, so you don’t feel like you’re suffocating.
Pirouette Leg Warmer
Photo Courtesy of Free People
$38, freepeople.com
Leg warmers might not be the first thing to come to mind when you’re brainstorming fitness gifts, but for anyone who practices pilates, these thigh-high, ribbed leg warmers are the perfect pilates gift. Again, it goes back to the dancer aesthetic and is kind of the same concept as the Bell Shrug. Rather than long pants, they can wear a leotard and tights or shorts with leg warmers and feel a little cooler while working out.
Melissa Wood Health Membership
Photo Courtesy of Melissa Wood Health
1 Month or 1 Year, melissawoodhealth.com
I had the pleasure of interviewing Melissa Wood-Tepperberg for Shape earlier this year, and have followed along with a few of her Instagram workouts since. Melissa’s movements are methodical; she has a way of presenting a practice that’s both calming, yet creative, and extremely effective. I highly recommend treating a loved one to the Melissa Wood Health app if you’re looking for a fitness gift that isn’t just an accessory, but rather actually gets them moving.
Weightlifting Gifts
Trainer Duffle
Photo Courtesy of Vooray
$75, taviactive.com
I have so many gym bags, I’ve lost count (ironic, considering I haven’t been to the gym in years), but this one from Vooray makes my top three. It comes in a few different colorways, but I love the black and white because it looks very sleek and goes with everything. Beyond awesome pockets, highlighted features a built-in shoe compartment and an insulated water bottle pocket. If you think the bag is cool, it keeps the water cooler.
UA Hustle Pro Backpack
Photo Courtesy of Under Armour
$65, underarmour.com
While the Vooray bag would work for men as well, I also love this option from Under Armour. It’s a classic gym backpack (available in 8 color options): it has adjustable straps, is waterproof, has a laptop sleeve, and an insulated pocket. It’s the perfect fitness gift for the no-frills man (or woman!) on your list.
Fraction Oversized T-Shirt
Photo Courtesy of Gymshark
$30, gymshark.com
I’m pretty sure I’ve waxed poetic about my love for Gymshark on this little slice of the internet I’ve claimed, but in case you didn’t know, now you do. I have an especially deep affection for the brand’s t-shirts, this design being my current favorite. It’s comfortable, oversized, and breathable. A great fitness gift for weightlifters, especially if they’re lifting in a crowded, warm gym.
Featherweight Freeflo Men's Muscle Tank
Photo Courtesy of Beyond Yoga
$58, beyondyoga.com
Muscle tanks are an easy fitness gift for weightlifters. They’re a basic item that gets a lot of use, but oftentimes those training will opt for cheap options. Treat them to a quality tank, like this one from Beyond Yoga, and they’ll thank you for the upgrade (they won’t, however, thank you for the extra loads of laundry they’ll be doing so they can wear it all the time).
Cloud II™ Pant
Photo Courtesy of Vitality
$85, shopvitality.com
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, the Vitality Cloud Pant is the best legging on the market in terms of comfort, period. The pair is constructed from a blend of 77% recycled nylon and 23% elastane interlock and feels like butter. It’s marshmallow soft, and though it does offer a smidge of compression (2.5 out of 5 factor), it lays smooth across the stomach rather than constricting it. I’m slowly transitioning my leggings collection to only feature these bottoms.
ProsourceFit Multi-Grip Chin-Up and Pull-Up Bar
Photo Courtesy of ProsourceFit
$23.57, amazon.com
If they work out from home, why not add to their home gym equipment collection? The ProsourceFit Pull-Up Bar has over a whopping 27.5 thousand reviews on Amazon, and what’s better than quality home gym equipment? Quality home gym equipment that’s affordable. You can’t lose with this under $25 pick — unless, of course, they already have it. Check their doorways the next time you’re over, just in case.
Gaiam Yoga Knee Pads! They're a life saver for my knees during yoga/weightlifting when my mat is too thin and it's way better than putting a towel underneath!
Gaiam Yoga Knee Pads (Set of 2) - Yoga Props and Accessories for Women / Men Cushions Knees and Elbows for Fitness, Travel, Meditation, Kneeling, Balance, Floor, Pilates Purple https://a.co/d/cVFlBr0