27 Gifts for the Friend Who Says They're Going to Work Out More Next Year
When it comes to gift giving, my philosophy is I want to give presents that my friends will actually use. Sometimes, I veer toward the more practical gifts than the flashy/trendy/buzzy ones. I'm not one to scoff at the novelty or gag gifts, but I'd rather my loved ones get something that will become a must-have for them. Partly, this is purely selfish because when they use said gift I hope they will think of me. Who doesn't love getting a text that says, "I'm trying the (insert useful gift here), and it's amazing/life changing/so cool"?
One category that I think always comes in handy is the fitness one because there is no doubt that you will have someone in your life who is either a gym rat or is vowing they will work out more starting January 1. So getting that person something that they can use during their workouts is both helpful and thoughtful. I will say that not everyone will love a fitness gift—some might even think it's a not-so-subtle hint that they need to work out more and take offense to it. So I would only go the fitness route with the person who has expressed interest in exercise to avoid any bad feelings. Just trying to save your holiday season and relationships here!
With that in mind, I've compiled a list of some of the coolest fitness gifts out there. Happy shopping and gifting!
Fitness Gear
A good yoga mat will come in handy whether your friend is an avid yogi or not. They can also use it as a workout mat for Pilates, barre, or strength-training exercises. This one has a lot of grip for any sweaty practices. And it's designed with an antimicrobial additive to prevent mold and mildew.
Activewear
Any person who's looking to up their fitness game should invest in some new leggings. This pair from Girlfriend Collective is one of our favorites. They have just the right amount of compression, support, and stretch. Plus, they're made from recycled water bottles.
Workout Accessories
While heading to the gym is a bit iffy right now, it helps to be prepared for when quarantine lifts. This gym duffle bag converts from an over-the-shoulder bag to a backpack. It has plenty of pockets, including exterior and interior zip pockets and some for water bottles.
The Apple Watch really does it all for workouts and everything else. It measures your blood oxygen levels and heart rate and counts your daily activity. It can also track your progress for specific workouts like indoor cycling, yoga, dance, and swimming. Outside of workouts, it syncs up with your phone for messages and calls.
Your friend can drop this effervescent cube into the bath after a grueling workout. It's formulated with Epsom salts, green tea, spirulina, and a blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and clove essential oils.
Next up: 30 Wellness Gift Ideas so Everyone Can Live Their Best Lives Next Year
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work at Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.
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