Health

30 Fitness Gifts for Your Favorite Gym Rat

Including plush recovery slides, a cult-fave belt bag, and wearable weights.

30 Fitness Gifts for Your Favorite Gym Rat in 2023

Courtesy of the brands / Soleil Summer

Since we’re regularly testing the latest fitness and wellness products, it probably comes as no surprise that we have plenty of gift ideas in this realm—you’ll find SELF Certified equipment, editor-approved activewear, workout apps, plus plenty of other favorites we’ve covered over the years. These presents can help everyone on your list streamline their workouts, round out their home gyms, and add fun, new accessories to their routines. Below, check out our wide selection of fitness gifts, including purely practical picks and exciting splurges.

For more present picks, check out all of the best gift ideas of 2023.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • 1

    Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

    Lululemon’s SELF Outdoor Award–winning fanny pack is just the right size to store all of your friend’s essentials while they’re on a hike or long stroll. Plus it’s water-repellent, in case they run into rain.

  • 2

    Theragun Mini

    You can’t go wrong with a massage gun that loosens up and eases sore muscles after a challenging workout. The Theragun Mini is not only a SELF Home Fitness Award winner, but it’s also small enough to pack away in a tote or backpack.

  • 3

    Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3

    Made with Hoka’s signature impact-absorbing foam, these chunky recovery slides are a relief to slip on after an intense run or workout.

  • 4

    Athleta All About Tote

    This low-key gym bag has a sleek, not-too-sporty look that makes it equally suitable for your friend’s commute and overnight trips.

  • 5

    Apple Watch Ultra

    The SELF Certified Apple Watch Ultra is an obvious choice for the fitness lover who appreciates a good gadget. This water-resistant smartwatch tracks sleep and heart rate, and it has location-orienting technology that’s especially great for hikers and backpackers (since it works without cell signal).

  • 6

    Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle (32 fluid ounces)

    Help your loved one stay hydrated on the trail with this lightweight update of Hydro Flask’s classic stainless-steel water bottle.

  • 7

    Bowflex Selecttech Adjustable Weight

  • 8

    Alo Accolade Crew Neck Pullover

    With its roomy cut and light, supersoft terry lining, this SELF Activewear Award–winning crewneck will become their go-to layer for chilly mornings and post-gym brunches.

  • 9

    Bala Bangles (1 lb.)

    If your loved one is ready to mix up their strength-training and Pilates sessions, Bala’s wrist and ankle weights will add a new challenge (and a cute touch of pastel).

  • 10

    Beats Powerbeats Pro

    The hooked, sweat-resistant design of these SELF Home Fitness Award–winning Beats earbuds prevents them from slipping out during higher-intensity workouts.

  • 11

    The Wave Tool

    Designed by physical therapists, this palm-size, low-tech SELF Fave massager could help relieve muscle tension with one the nine different massage surfaces on its body.

  • 13

    Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel

    If they tend to sweat a lot or attend heated classes, they’ll love this expert-recommended yoga mat towel from Manduka. It’s super absorbent and grippy, so your giftee won’t have to worry about any slipping or sliding.

  • 14

    Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness & Health Tracker

    This SELF Certified wearable from Fitbit is a user-friendly, all-around excellent fitness tracker. Programmed to log straightforward metrics like GPS location, sleep, and steps, it’s perfect for your friend who’s curious about their activity but doesn’t want to be inundated with data.

  • 15

    Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3 Running Shoes

    If your favorite jogger prefers a more plush feeling underfoot when they log miles, give them this SELF Sneaker Award–winning pair of running shoes. Under Armour’s HOVR Phantom 3 won the title of most comfortable runner for its ample, shock-absorbing cushioning. “I have shin splints and I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of sneakers I can run in without pain. These are the ones,” wrote one tester.

  • 16

    Mobot Grace Foam Roller Water Bottle (27 oz.)

    Your giftee can fill this unique foam roller/bottle combo with chilled water for an icepack effect, or warm water for a more soothing sensation.

  • 17

    Vuori Daily Legging

    It’s hard to go wrong with a pair of buttery-soft leggings, and these are a cut above the rest. Winner of a 2023 SELF Activewear Award, the Vuori Daily Leggings earned rave reviews from our judges, one of whom noted that she felt “confident and comfortable” while wearing them.

  • 18

    Therabody Wave Solo

    Perfectly portable, this vibrating massage ball can help target hard-to-reach areas and soothe post-workout aches.

  • 19

    Merrell Moab Hiking Crew Sock

    For hikers, socks are anything but a boring gift. This pair from Merrell won a SELF Activewear Award thanks to its lightweight cushioning, which testers said prevented blisters and chafing, even on miles-long treks.

  • 20

    Kettle Gryp

    This handy tool turns any dumbbell into a kettlebell, saving your giftee space in their home gym (and workout equipment funds to boot).

  • 21

    Committed HP The Better Band

    For the giftee who likes to work out when they travel, a packable, portable resistance band is a gamechanger. We like this expert-approved option from Committed HP for its easy-to-loop hook attachment and soft fabric material.

  • 22

    Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Cargo Sweatpants

    Here’s a pair of cozy sweats they can wear for warm-ups or cooldowns. It has a loose fit and plenty of pockets for their keys, phone, and cards.

  • 23

    Tangram Smart Jump Rope Rookie

    Already a cardio staple, this smart jump rope takes its abilities one step further: It has an app that tracks performance metrics and offers guided workouts.

  • 24

    Alo Moves Membership

    A subscription to Alo Moves (a SELF Home Fitness Award–winning app) gives your friend access to a wide range of virtual fitness classes (from yoga to HIIT) that they can access from the comfort of their home.

    Cost: $13 per month or $130 for an annual subscription.

  • 25

    Lululemon Release and Recover Ball Set

    Ideal for anyone who’s always dealing with a new knot, these foam roller balls come in three different sizes, each designed to relax muscles in the shoulders, feet, and legs.

  • 26

    Joola Essentials Pickleball Paddles

    Experts recommend this beginner-friendly paddle for the pickleball-curious. It’s durable but lightweight and has a nice, wide surface.

  • 27

    Supergoop Mineral Sunscreen Starter Set

    If you know anyone who likes to exercise and catch some rays at the same time, give them the gift of reliable (and non-greasy) sun protection. This Supergoop gift set comes with three of the brand’s most-loved sunscreens, including the SELF Fave Play formula.

  • 28

    Jade Cork Yoga Block

    A good yoga block is highly useful during, well, yoga, making it a great gift for anyone who logs a lot of time on their mat. It can really come in handy and provide extra support during stretch sessions (think: place it beneath your tailbone during a bridge pose or under your seat to help with forward folds). Experts often recommend cork options, like this one from Jade, for its firm, sturdy material.

  • 29

    Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation Slim Treadmill

    A stowable, under-desk treadmill like Sunny Health & Fitness’s Walkstation is perfect for the person on your lift who can’t sit still and isn’t content to just have a standing desk.

  • 30

    Girlfriend Collective Compressive Flare Legging

    The athleisure fanatic in your life will want to live in these bottoms, which are stretchy, squat-proof, and stylish.

Sarah joined the SELF team in November 2019 as the editorial assistant, and is now the team’s commerce writer. When she’s not working, she’s a part-time cycling instructor and full-time Plant Person. She’s also passionate about environmental justice, sustainability, nutrition, the internet, and fiction. Sarah lives in Brooklyn with her… Read more

Sara Coughlin is a writer and editor with ample experience covering health and wellness trends. As SELF’s senior commerce writer, she’s taken a special interest in skin care, outdoor recreation, sleep, fitness gear and apparel, and more.

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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