The 6 Best Gifts For Fitness-Minded Friends

If friends are taking good care of themselves, we want to encourage them to keep doing that — and we also want to choose gifts that are thoughtful and in keeping with who they re, or who they want to become. Whether we have friends who run marathons, take yoga classes, or like other types of activities, finding them a thoughtful gift that’s focused on fitness doesn’t have to be difficult. There are so many great options for gift-giving that may help loved ones reach their health and wellness goals. Here are 6 great ideas.

1.  Wrist and Ankle Weights - $13 to $49

Walking is an excellent exercise, and a lot of people start with walking as they work up to more strenuous programs. One way to burn more calories during a walk, and strengthen muscles faster, is to walk with weights. Adding weights to the wrists and ankles may make a difference in the health benefits of taking a walk. And it's something we may not always think to buy for ourselves so they make a great gift.

2. Cross-Training Gloves - $15 to $35

For anyone who likes boxing, lifting, and other types of sports where the hands are used a lot, good gloves may really matter. They may protect the hands from damage, reduce skin problems and pain, and even make it easier to grip items and strike targets with confidence and precision. They’re a great way for a person to raise their fitness game. And a nice new pair is always welcome since these can wear out.

3. Reversible Yoga Mat - $19 to $35

Yoga is a fantastic way to build both flexibility and strength. And it's one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world. It’s more difficult than many people realize, though and it provides a great workout. It also offers beginner options for people just starting out and focusing more on their overall strength and fitness levels. A reversible mat provides more cushioning for those just getting started or those who need some extra softness in their life.

4. Collapsible Water Bottle - $10 to $30

Nearly everyone who’s into fitness has more than one water bottle. We know we need to stay hydrated. But if a fitness-minded friend doesn’t have enough bottles, or they don’t have one that’s easy to carry with them just about anywhere, a collapsible water bottle may be a great gift. They tuck away easily and scale up and down as needed.

5. Sport-Designed Wireless Headphones - $130 to $180

There are plenty of wireless headphones on the market, but they aren’t all made for things like running and jogging. If our sports-minded friends are doing a lot of active things while listening to music, they need wireless headphones that will stand up to the rigors of strenuous activity. With sport-designed headphones, they may get a great gift they’ll be able to use for their workouts. Headphones also feel like a splurge so what we might give as a gift can remind our friends that we think they're worth the splurge.

6. Indoor Exercise Bike, Treadmill or Rowing Machine - $113 to $1,000+

Sometimes, it’s just not a good day for exercising outdoors. Rather than try to do it anyway and potentially risk injury or other problems, exercising indoors may be the better choice. If a fitness-minded friend likes to cycle and has room in their home for a bike, an indoor exercise bike may be a great option to consider. Or a treadmill could help that runner friend skip fewer days. And a rowing machine has the best potential for building both fitness and muscle without the impact of other options. A solid workout machine is a gift they can use for a long time, and they can get on it anytime they want, eliminating those dark and stormy skip days.

There are plenty of great gifts for friends who have fitness in mind. One of the best things to do when choosing these gifts is to consider what kinds of sports and activities the friend really likes, but also where they are at in terms of pursuing the sport. Helping them level up is thoughtful but over-extending them before they're ready can get them hurt. Taking time to think first can make it easier to choose something that will be right for them, and that they will use and enjoy for a long time to come.

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