Hybrid Training
‘Tis the season of giving! Get ahead of last minute holiday shopping for the fitness lovers in your life with these thoughtful gifts. It’s important to note that your fellow lifters and runners have likely established their favorite brands for clothes and the like, so you may want to consider steering clear of those and focus on equipment, gear, or tools that can make their fitness more accessible and fun.
Just like any other occurrence of gift giving, you want your present to be personable and well received. When you are searching for a fitness gift, consider what your friend or family member has been mentioning lately. Did they lose their favorite water bottle? Is their protein shaker bottle getting a wee bit crusty? Have they been wanting to upgrade their headphones? Are they looking to try a new intra-workout fuel source? Think about what they might be in the market for when shopping around.
Consider what type of movement they enjoy and participate in, too. Are they weightlifters? Runners? Hikers? Did they recently get into pickleball? What about yoga? Giving a gift that focuses on their primary form of exercise shows that you care. For example, a running vest likely won’t be suitable for someone who primarily weight lifts and cycles. Perhaps some new mini resistance bands or similar would be better.
With the yearly influx of fitness must-haves, I created a clear path for you to discover your next gift with this list.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of these brands or products. All suggestions are my own.
1. Therabody Mini Massage Gun
Has your friend mentioned being sore or having tight muscles? Whether they are heading home from a long run in the foothills or recovering from a workout in the comfort of their own home, this handheld mini massage gun is compact and easy to use when on the go. Your fitness loving friend will love to have this recovery tool on hand.
2. Running Vest
Regardless of the daily or weekly mileage your runner friend usually jogs for, you can’t go wrong with a solid running vest. Running vests offer various capacities, storage, and sizing, so be sure to shop around based on your knowledge of their typical distance or duration.
3. Foam Roller
There are a plethora of types of foam rollers to choose from with various textures, densities, and sizes. Some are nobby and hollow, and some are smooth and dense. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with ol’ trusty seen here. If your workout pal is notoriously complaining about soreness or muscle tightness, a foam roller may help provide some relief.
4. Shaker Bottle
Shake it up! Protein and/or creatine are two supplements your fit friends are likely prioritizing day in and day out. Give the gift of a fresh shaker bottle so they can continue achieving their goals of gaining strength and building muscle.
5. Gym bag
Fit friends don’t let fit friends get disorganized. Consider getting them a gym bag so they can easily transport all their gear. One that can easily fit their workout clothes, shoes, post-workout protein shake, barbell pad, mini resistance bands, and snacks (of course).
6. Anker Earbuds
Bluetooth headphones or earbuds are the way to go for gym rats. Over the ear headphones can get clunky when lifting heavy or doing cardio. Opt for some in ear earbuds to pump up the jams!
7. Raide Running Waist Belt
Personally, I’m a running vest girlie through and through, but waist belts are an excellent alternative to keep your back and chest free. Running waist belts allow you to keep all of the important stuff (snacks, water, electrolytes, phone, and keys) close to your body to maintain your center of gravity on your run or hike. You can also store your trekking poles in the back within this waist belt. Bonus: this running waist belt is bounceless! Big fan of storage without the bounce.
8. Mini Resistance Bands
Resistance bands can be a helpful tool for your warm-up or as an added form of resistance to an existing exercise, like Hip Thrusts or Squats. The bands are compact and easy to store, so your fitness loving friend can tote them along even when on the go. If they already have mini bands, you could consider some long loop bands or handle bands, too. Amazon has some great options for all types of resistance bands.
9. Socks
As a kid, you likely weren’t super stoked when you got socks as a holiday gift. But as an adult who also enjoys fitness? Socks are an excellent gift! Gym goers go through socks more than anyone I know.
10. Microfiber Sweat Towel
Whether your fit friend is a lifter, runner, yogi, or something in between, a sweat towel is always necessary. Grab a microfiber towel that's easily kept with them at their home gym, commercial gym, or studio setting.
11. Intra-Workout Fuel
If you have a runner or endurance athlete in your life, you know food is one of the many ways to their heart and that intra-workout fuel will elevate their performance. Sounds like a win-win to me! If you know their favorite snack, be sure to snag it! If you know they are interested in trying something new since we’re entering the off season, I’d recommend checking out BPN Supplements, Honey Stinger, or browse on The Feed.
12. JBL Portable Speaker
A portable speaker is perfect for the fitness fanatic who works out in the comfort of their own home or in their garage gym. Can’t have a workout without some tunes, am I right?!
13. Kane Recovery Shoes
After a heavy lift or a long run, there’s nothing like kicking your shoes off to let your feet breathe. Consider Kane Footwear for some post-workout recovery shoes. They are easy to slip on, lightweight, and breathable.
14. Owala Water Bottle
Hydration plays a large role in your health and fitness. Having a water bottle that you enjoy makes a big difference in your adherence to drinking it. Ensure your friends stay hydrated with a new 40 oz water bottle!
15. Walking Pad
For your remote working corporate friends and family who want to get some extra steps in during the day, a walking pad is where it’s at! This can make hitting your step goal more accessible and achievable. Consider a thin, sleek walking pad that is easy to stow away and move in and out of your home office as needed.
16. Hatch Alarm Clock
Do you or someone you know struggle with waking up or going to bed at similar times each day, or fail to doom scroll when you wake up in the middle of the night? Consider a hatch alarm clock that follows the daylight and doubles as a sound machine to keep your quantity of sleep high and your quality of sleep even higher.
17. Garmin Watch
Can’t go wrong with an upgraded fitness watch! I personally use the Garmin Fenix series, which is great for those who participate in multiple sports and activities. Check out the various styles and features of the watches to suit your fitness loving family member.
18. TRX Suspension Straps
Suspension straps are super helpful for those who are new to fitness, want to manipulate the possibilities of body weight exercises, and are interested in having accessible equipment for their home gym or on the go. The TRX is versatile and can work multiple muscle groups all within one modality. Bring the challenge to your friends with these sturdy and effective suspension straps.
19. Lacrosse Ball
If a foam roller or massage gun isn’t quite doing the trick, lacrosse balls or self myofascial release balls can be a helpful tool for getting into smaller tight muscles. I recommend using a lacrosse ball for those who experience knots in their traps, glutes, etc.
20. Headlamp
The late fall through early spring season makes running outside a bit more challenging when you work a 9-5. You or your running buddies likely find themselves having to run in the dark either before or after work. If you’re someone like me who prefers to run outside all year round over having to spend time on the treadmill, help keep your friends safe and vigilant with a headlamp for those dark morning and evening runs. Bonus: they can use it for early morning hikes or runs in the summer, too!
21. Hands Free Dog Leash
For your friends who run with their furry friends! This leash has been a game changer for me personally when I run with my dog. The ability to keep my hands free while running so I can focus on the terrain, eat snacks, or stay hydrated is a luxury I will never give up. This is a must-have for those who have active pups who want to pace with you.
22. Think Fit Live Fit Lunch Box
If you have some meal preppers in your life, a proper lunch box is a crucial piece of the puzzle. A lunch box that fits your meals, snacks, and utensils and keeps your food cold makes meal prepping more feasible and organized when on the go. Bonus: this lunch box has storage for supplements, too!
If you are not sure what gift would be the perfect fit for the wellness junkies in your life, a gift card is always a good back up. Gift certificates are just as helpful and efficient as a physical gift. Aside from the usual go-to gift cards like Amazon, Lululemon, REI, or Brooks, consider giving them a gift card to a useful service. Here are a few suggestions:
23. Meal Prep Service
Does your friend or family member strive to be a meal prep queen or king? Take the load of their hands and treat them to a meal prep service to introduce them to a convenient way to approach their lunches or dinners. These can also be used as a resource for discovering new meals or food combinations they otherwise would not have considered. Some fan favorites include: Hello Fresh, Home Chef, Purple Carrot, or Factor.
24. Massage Therapist
Whether your fellow workout fan is frequently sore or not, they deserve a massage for their hard work and dedication in (and out of) the gym. Contact your local massage therapist to purchase a gift card and treat them to a sports massage or deep tissue massage.
25. Personal Trainer
Regardless of fitness level, having a reputable personal trainer or running coach manage your training program can be beneficial. Following a structured and effective program takes the guesswork out of their fitness and sets them up for success. Looking to enroll someone in one of our hybrid training programs? Contact us to surprise them with the gift of getting after their 2025 goals!
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