Anytime you are looking for a gift, your main focus should be providing something useful. Think of a time you received a gift given with good intention that you just didn’t use. It’s in your sock drawer or laying around on a shelf providing no benefit. This is something you obviously want to avoid. To avoid this, it’s best to know the person, but also to focus on functional gifts. When considering gifts for fitness lovers, you should focus exactly on what interest them. This is why we are separating this guide into sections that will cover various interests.
Best Gifts for Runners
$200-$300:
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 knows what it is. It’s a runner’s watch. Made for and loved by runners. This is important because it provides advantages where it’s most important for runners. To start, let’s talk about why it beats normal fitness trackers for runners. All around fitness trackers work great for the average person who wants to track steps and heart rate. Unfortunately, they typically run into trouble handing more niche activities like weight training or sprinting. For runners specifically, GPS tracking is really important. Runners repeatedly run known and unknown paths. Accurate tracking is important in both instances, as a means to track stats and plan future routes. Many have felt the pain of finishing a new route only to find your fitness tracker thinks you zig zagged for a mile during your route. This can obscure your actual path, miscalculate distance and wreak havoc on your split measurements.
Unlike normal fitness trackers, The Garmin Forerunner 235 doesn’t fall short here. Equipped with GPS and Glonass (additional satellite tech), establishes your location faster than most trackers on the market. The low level Fitbit options do not come with this technology. The Garmin Foreruner 235 provides a large back lit color screen, per second tracking, smart notifications (with vibration), customized training, weather and waterproofing up to 50 meters. Additional features geared toward runners include our VO2 Max Score, race time predictor, interval running, auto pause during tracked runs and recovery advisor. It really is built for runners and serves a important functional need similar products won’t. It’s exactly what should look for in gifts for fitness lovers.
$50-$100:
Tracer360 Illuminated & Reflective Safety Vest
Have you ever known of something simple that you needed and should have, but just continued to neglect it? Hint. These type of things make great gifts and they often revolve around safety and well being. Reflective vest aren’t the sexiest things in the world, but they are functional and necessary. Hardcore runners are often out at all times and in varying conditions. In certain circumstances, such as in low light or in a wooded area, a reflective vest is a must. Chances are that the runner you know doesn’t have one or has one that makes them look like a crossing guard. The Tracer360 Vest doesn’t have that problem.
The Tracer360 Vest comes with fiber optic cables that can change between 6 bright colors (Red, Blue, Purple, Pink and Orange), but also includes 5 multi-color flashing modes. With 360 degree coverage, this multi-color functionality and accompanying fluorescent 3M reflector chest belt allow for optimal visibility in any terrain or lighting conditions. The vest is also lightweight, highly adjustable, rainproof and has a battery life of 40 hours. This isn’t your parent’s safety vest. But maybe it should be.
$25-$50:
VAVA MOOV 28 Wireless Headphones
Functionality aside, the VAVA MOOV 28 headphones pack a punch sonically. It comes with the latest aptX Bluetooth technology which promises CD-like audio quality. Wireless doesn’t mean you have to skimp on sound. Count on a richer and more robust sound quality with support for A2DP, AVRCP, HSP and HFP. Don’t worry. You’re future proof with the VAVA MOOV 28. These headphones have a durable aluminum build and will last. They’ll last on long runs (9 hour playtime), in the rain (IPX6 Waterproof), for a quick call (noise cancelling mic) and through a jam session (in-line controls). The lightweight and ergonomic design provides a snug fit that won’t budge which running. The VAVA MOOV 28 headphones are not just a feature-packed, affordable option for runners. It makes a affordable option for those in search of gifts for fitness lovers, no matter their interests.
On a Budget:
Sports2People Running Belt
Not all great gifts are shiny new toys. Some are just practical. Every serious runner can use a running belt and some have/need multiple. This one in particular is waterproof, adjustable, has reflective strip and has two large pockets that will fit most phones. There’s also the unique addition of a hole that allows you to plug your headphones in your phone through the belt pocket. The Sports2People Running Belt is a great budget option that will help store your phones, keys and money while you can focus on your running. See more.
Best Gifts for Weightlifters
$200-$300:
Fitness Reality 810XLT Power Cage
If the gym is a weightlifters toolbox, then the power cage is somewhat of a swiss-army knife. Whether beginner or advanced, any weightlifter will rack up mileage on a power rack. Well built and versatile, the Fitness Reality Power Cage can serve as temporary gym replacement or the perfect cornerstone to a home gym. It’s steel construction allows for a weight capacity of 800 pounds and includes dual adjustable (19 levels) chrome safety bars. Add the multi-position chin up/pull up bars affixed to the top and the included adjustable bench and what more could any weightlifter want?
So what does all this mean? First off all, the adjustable safety bars are key for young or new lifters.They allow you to do several exercises where the bars will prevent weights from falling if dropped. Not only does this prevent injury, but it does it in a way that doesn’t restrict range of motion (like weight machines). This leaves you with a productive workout with reduced risk from injury. What kind of workouts? The Fitness Reality Power Cage and a barbell will allow lifters to do squats, bench Press (flat and incline), shrugs, curls, deadlifts, calf raises, rows, pull ups, chin ups and supersets. That’s a full body workout and a comprehensive one. This versatility is key and it’s all in a footprint small enough for a rec room or garage. While the price point is a little steep, you won’t find many comparable sets at a cheaper price.
$50-$100:
Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells (105 lbs Total)
Dumbbells are another important staple of a weightlifters workout regime. Even the most casual among us likely has dumbbells of some sort laying around. That being said, the Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells are different. With a total of 105 pounds in individual plates, this set allows you to adjust the weight on the fly. Want to shoulder press with two 45 pound dumbbells then curl one 35 pound dumbbell? No problem. These adjustable dumbbells allow for that, include other weight options (40-200 pounds), and save a ton of space.
Full disclosure, there are other options for adjustable dumbbells. I’ve tried them and still prefer the Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells. Why? First of all some popular options cost more than 4 times as much as this model. Some do provide for a less manual adjustment process, but it’s really not worth the additional cost. In addition, these adjustable sets often have a wider footprint than normal dumbbells to accommodate more weight. The more expensive models have dial or pin-like technology when to adjust weight. They result in uneven weight distribution at times, which is awkward for any lifter. This doesn’t come with these quirks and cost 1/4 of the price. It’s a no-brainer and should be on your radar of gifts for fitness lovers looking to start a home gym.
$25-$50:
Fat Gripz – Ultimate Arm Builder
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are great arms. Anyone whose been on a weightlifting journey knows the amazing feeling of watching your body change and grow. It’s a feeling that you continue to chase and it takes more work the longer you’ve been at it. Tools like the Fat Gripz make this easier. When attached to a dumbbell or barbell, they work your biceps harder due to the unfamiliar wide grip. This will allow you to diversify your workout and replicate training aspects of pro athletes. As a bonus, they can hook up to many common gym attachments and provide a boost to your arm workout. Experiment away! You never want to let you workout get stale and the Fat Gripz won’t allow it!
On a Budget:
As the most important nutrient for muscle building, protein is a constant need in a weightlifters life. Whether working to gain or maintain muscle, it’s importance can’t be overstated. This is why it will always be of use. A weightlifter can never have too much. Muscle Milk’s popular blend provides the protein along with it’s famous taste. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. See More.
Gifts for Cyclists
$300+:
Garmin Edge 520 GPS Bike Computer
Just like many athletes, cyclists need specialized tools, as mainstream options often fall short. The Garmin Edge 520 is a perfect example. To start, a traditional fitness tracker presents issues. A runner can easily look down to check their stats/progress. This isn’t as easy of a maneuver on a bike, especially at higher speeds with rough terrain. The Garmin Edge 520 presents a aerodynamic form factor that affixes to center of bike handles. This places important metrics right in the rider’s line of sight. A waterproof rating of IPX7 and a 2.3″ high resolution color display will allow you to do it in all conditions too. So exactly what type of metrics does the Garmin Edge 520 track? The 520 touts advanced performance and power analysis. How does it stack up?
It tracks specialized metrics well known to bikers like functional threshold power (FTP), watts/kg, VO2, grade, total ascent and more. It also tracks the standard fare (heart rate, cadence, speed, distance etc). Packed with GPS/GLONASS satellite, ANT+ compatibility and 15 hour battery life, the 520 really helps brings it connected features to life. That includes live tracking, automatic course, sending/receiving courses, weather and smart notifications (text and calling). It is also the first bike computer compatible with Strava, which allows users to sync routes and participate in custom challenges. The Garmin Edge 520 delivers in so many way that it’s impossible to fit everything it can do here. Despite the steep price tag, it sells itself and will be a godsend for hardcore cyclists.
$50-$100:
Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 Heavy Duty Lock
It’s probably not a good idea to buy a cyclist an actual bike as a gift, which is why you won’t see us suggest it. Unless you’re intimately aware of their routes and the type of terrain they typically ride, it’s easy to get it wrong. But no matter what type of bike(s) a cyclist has, protecting it is an important task. With some top tier bikes creeping well above the $1,000 mark, you really should skimp on security. Do them a favor and provide some peace of mind. It’s absolutely necessary and with some cyclists having multiple bike, it will rarely go to waste. Enter the Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 Heavy Duty Bike Lock.
14mm thick with high quality steel and, this Bike lock is resistant to bolt cutters and leverage attacks. The Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 Heavy Duty Bike Lock is not your run of the mill gym locker padlock. Neither should it be with higher stakes involved. It’s double deadbolt design and patented oval crossbar add additional protection on similar competitors. It features a high security disc-style cylinder with more than 1 million key variations. This reinforced cylinder is equipped with an anti-drill/pull protection system. The provided 3 stainless steel keys (one lighted with a high intensity bulb-includes replaceable battery) alone allow entry. Buy piece of mind and protect an important investment with The Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 Heavy Duty Bike Lock.
$25-$50:
Allen Sports 2-Bike Trunk Mounted Rack
As cyclist start to ride more an more, they often look for more challenges. The laps around the neighborhood or the trails at the regional park don’t always provide the same excitement. For this reason, cyclists start to travel in search of new adventures and harder trails. Without a bike rack for transporting bikes, this becomes extremely tricky or impossible. Mounted bike racks are often the easiest solution and the Allen Sports 2-Bike Trunk Mounted Rack is a great option. Safe and easy to use, it’s patented design fits sedans, hatchback, minivans and SUVs. Once each bike is places, there is also a patented individual tie-down system to secure and protect your bike. This system also adjust to fit a variety of bicycle frames. There is no need to postpone the road trip with the Allen Sports 2-Bike Trunk Mounted Rack.
On a Budget:
Blitzu Gator Rechargeable Bike Light
Functional with a cool factor, the Blitzu Gator Rechargeable Bike Light has obvious benefits. It will protect the cyclists and other when maneuvering in low-light conditions. The ultra-bright light has a 320 lumen output, can be mounted on a bike frame and can swivel 360 degrees. With adjustable brightness, IPX5 water resistance, it has the versatility to be useful on more than a bike. Slide the light of the mounting bracket and store it in your car/house for emergencies or take it outdoors (camping, hiking etc). Best of all, it can be recharged via USB. No batteries needed. The Blitzu Gator Rechargeable Bike Light is a great option when looking for gifts for fitness lovers of all kinds, but especially cyclists. See More.
Gifts for Fitness Lovers (General)
$100-$150:
Fitbit Charge 2
Fitbit gained it’s reputation largely off of the original Fitbit Charge and for good reason. It was ahead of his time and executed well enough on the software side to set themselves apart from any competitors. While Fitbit very much capitalized on it’s lead, it also nailed a user experience many didn’t even know they wanted. All that being said, the product still had it’s flaws. Extremely shoddy build quality being the biggest. The Fitbit Charge 2 addressed those concerns and packed on even more features. It’s now been 2 years since it’s release and the Fitbit Charge 2 is still a cornerstone of their product line.
How did Fitbit accomplish this? To start, the Fitbit Charge 2 represents a good value at just over $100. This value includes an incredible app and ecosystem. Fitbit syncs with a plethora of apps and has an online community that takes the experience to another level. As for the hardware, build quality is much improved and it’s 1.5″ OLED screen is a worthwhile upgrade. It’s new continuous, automatic heart rate monitoring (PurePulse) fixed another one of the original’s shortcomings. Add up to 5 day battery life, connected GPS (through phone), automatic exercise tracking (SmartTrack) and improved notifications all in a sleeker, more customizable design. What’s not to like? Two year’s later and the answer is still the same. Not much.
$50-$100:
Weight Gurus Bluetooth BodyFat Scale
The Weight Gurus Body Fat Scale handles one very important aspect of fitness (tracking progress) and it does it well. This is also a need of anyone who works out, no matter what part of the journey their own. Everyone needs it, making it a great gift for fitness lovers because it won’t go to waste. We all move at a faster pace these days and this scale get it. It sends your data (via Bluetooth) to it’s companion app. The app can then sync your data with popular fitness apps (Fitbit, Google Fit, Apple Health etc) taking the manual labor out of tracking your data and progress.
Thanks to the hardware on board the Weight Gurus Body Fat Scale, you’ll be receiving quality data. 4 precise weighing sensors ensure accurate weight measurements (+/- 0.2 lb). The scale also captures/tracks BMI, body fat, muscle mass, water weight and bone bass. This allows people with completely different goals to track progress. Not just in theory either. The 400 lb capacity scale can auto-detect up to 8 users and store/track that data individually. All of this comes in a low profile, black tempered glass design that features a large back lit display. The Weight Gurus Body Fat Scale takes the hard work out of tracking progress and does it in style. See our full review.
$25-$50:
Perfect Pushup Elite
Everyone has their preferred type of exercise. Some enjoy running marathons, while others are more comfortable pumping iron. When looking for functional gifts for fitness lovers of all kinds, a good option can benefit both groups. The Perfect Pushup fits the bill at relatively low price. First of all, who DOESN’T want toned arms? The truth is strength training is an important part of any fitness routine, but not everyone wants to prioritize it. The Perfect Pushup addresses this dilemma.
By mimicking a familiar movement, it presents a very minimal learning curve to most users. It’s rotating handles do more than provide a twist on a classic movement. They allow for increased muscle engagement and come bundled with workouts that target certain muscles and/or incorporate the entire body. The workouts also include modifications for beginners and advanced users. This provides a useful, time saving solution for those who don’t want to focus too much on strength training. It also provides a solid back up solution for the weightlifter who can’t make it to the gym that day. The Perfect Pushup is versatile enough to fit several needs.
On a Budget:
How Not to Die by Michael Greger, MD
Most people put a lot of thought and energy into their physical efforts to stay healthy and in shape. What we can’t forget is how integral our food intake is to that equation. How it can not only physically harm us, but heal us also. It’s important to recognize that diet has the same power (or more) to impact our lives in a powerful and positive way. How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease” is a practical and well researched book that outlines this in a profound way. It’s an important read and well worth the money. See more.