We all have one in our lives: an exercise-loving endorphin addict who lives in athletic wear and counts the minutes till their next workout. Bless their (healthy) little hearts. The perfect gift for the athlete in your life, whether they’re a gym junkie, a running enthusiast or yogi, is gear that enhances their performance and gives them an edge. Helping them become faster, stronger and healthier… what better gift is there than that?
Apparel & Shoes
Regardless of their sport of choice, the workout warrior on your list will benefit from clothes that are designed specifically for exercise. The best are light, comfortable and sweat-wicking. High-performance fabric, zips, linings, pockets and breathable mesh inserts are all bonus features to look for. In terms of footwear, you’ll want an all-rounder that’s as appropriate for the gym as for a run. Namely, one that offers good support, cushioning and technical benefits.
Men
ASICS Men’s Woven Jacket, $90
Mechanical stretch woven fabric and active cooling technologies make this jacket a super high performer. Perfect for an outdoor workout or as a cover up to and from the gym. The full length zipper allows for easy on/off ability while the pullover hood and drop tail hem provides extra coverage when needed.
Nike Men’s Court Dry Graphic Short Sleeve Top, $50
This classic, relaxed-fit tee will quickly become his workout go-to, thanks to the super soft doubleknit fabric and Dri-FIT technology which will help him stay dry all workout long.
adidas Men’s 2-in-1 Training Short, $85
This tight-and-short combo piece is ideal for outdoor training sessions. The second-skin compression tight provides warmth, flexibility and comfort, while the 9-inch short, which are detachable, can be worn any time of the year.
ASICS Men’s GEL Nimbus 21, $150
Among the brand’s top running models, these shoes are supportive, stable and performance enhancing. The latest iteration has been re-engineered to improve fit, comfort and shock absorption.
Nike Rafa Aerobill H86 Cap, $28
Nadal fans will love this ultralight hat with its sweat-absorbing terry sweatband, adjustable back closure and Rafa bull logo.
Women
Nike Women’s Miler Tennis Tank, $30
This loose-fitting tank features Nike’s Dri-FIT technology for sweat management and a panel of breathable mesh at the back for additional ventilation. Available in three go-with-anything colors, this is a workout staple she’ll love.
Tail Women’s Mariyah High Rise Legging, $69
This high-rise, compression legging offers a comfortable, next-to-skin fit without the squeeze. The jacquard mesh inserts, sporty racing stripe and convenient side pockets make these leggings both cute and functional.
adidas Women’s Solar Boost 19, $160
This is a high-performing running shoe designed to be long-lasting, comfortable and supportive. The classic black color means they’ll transition easily from a workout to brunch afterwards.
Feetures Elite Ultra Light No Show Tab Socks, $16
Ultra thin construction, iWick fibers for sweat absorption and a no-show tab length make these socks both super comfortable and super performing.
Under Armour Women’s Mini Headbands, $15
These soft, stretchy headbands are a dainty 0.4″ wide and equipped with silicone strips on the underside to keep hair securely in place. They also make for a great workout accessory.
Gadgets
Is your workout warrior also a tech junkie? These gadgets will keep them informed on all their workout stats so they can keep pushing themselves to improve.
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Watch, $350
This GPS smartwatch will take their training to the next level. It’ll not only store their favorite tunes, but advanced performance monitoring features will give them an up-to-the-minute snapshot of how their workout is going. They’ll love having access to the Garmin Connect™ online fitness community too. The watch can also easily sync up to a smartphone, allowing them to receive texts, social media updates and more.
Garmin HRM-Tri, $130
Specifically designed for triathletes, this small and light weight heart rate monitor is waterproof, comfortable and compatible with other Garmin wearables. When running, it measures things like cadence, stride length and ground contact time.
Polar Loop 2 Activity Tracker, $120
This is a great tool for basic input/output tracking of steps, calories, heart rate, sleep and activity, all accessible through the Polar Flow app and website. This model is compatible with Polar H6 and H7 Bluetooth Smart heart rate sensors and is waterproof so it can even be worn while swimming.
Accessories
These training must-haves make great stocking stuffers or budget gifts.
Ame and Lulu Women’s Everyday Pouch, $28
This cute little pouch offers a handy place to store smaller personal items. It comes complete with a 7″ wristlet strap, zip closure and interior zip pockets.
Takeya 32 oz Actives Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle, $35
Insulated, leakproof and BPA-free, this is the ultimate water bottle for athletes. It keeps liquids cold for up to 24 hours, or hot for up to 12 hours, regardless of outside conditions. It’s also available in a range of colors.
Ame and Lulu Yoga Bag, $47
Whether they use their mats for yoga or stretching, they’ll love this handy zippered bag which will keep their mat rolled up tight and easily transportable.
adidas Large Towel, $30
A workout must-have, pure and simple. This adidas towel is soft, absorbent and made from 100% cotton.
Nike Brasilia Training Gym Sack, $10
Lightweight, affordable and highly functional, this is a great bag for transporting shoes and other gym essentials. It’s made with water-resistant fabric to keep gear dry and features interior dividers, a bottom mesh panel for ventilation and a side zip pocket for small valuables.
Recovery and Injury Prevention
Whether your exercise junkie is dealing with an existing injury or is simply proactive about preventing a future one, this health-enhancing gear will keep them strong and healthy so they can keep doing what they love.
Body Glide Body Original Anti-Chafe Anti-Blister Balm, $10
If the athlete on your list suffers from chafing and blisters, they need this product in their lives. This balm forms a dry, invisible barrier that effectively protects the skin wherever it gets rubbed by clothing, footwear, or skin. Best of all, Body Glide products are allergen free, made from plant-derived ingredients.
Pro-Tec Stretch Band, $25
This is the perfect little item to stick in a gym bag for post-workout recovery. 10 grip loops, the flexible yet firm stretch strap and soft fabric make it perfect for static and dynamic stretching exercises alike. There’s even an exercise guide included.
2XU Compression Shorts, $60
These compression shorts will fight muscle fatigue and promote faster recovery through greater oxygenation of blood. The lightweight but powerful fabric provides maximum stretch for easy movement during exercise, as well as sweat-wicking functionality. Check out the whole range of 2XU apparel, which includes compression shorts, shirts, socks and leg and arm sleeves for men and women.
Base Hydro Performance and Recovery, $23
Base Hydro is the ultimate hydration source during long, high-intensity workouts. It combines three types of fast-acting and easily absorbed carbohydrates to reduce gastrointestinal distress, ensure proper absorption of water and reduce muscle cramps.
Pro-Tec Hollow Core Contoured Foam Roller, $38
The ideal post-workout recovery tool, this roller stimulates blood flow through a customized deep tissue massage for both small and large muscle groups.
Normatec Pulse 2.0 Full Body Recovery System, $2,195
No budget restrictions whatsoever? Then invest in this state-of-the-art recovery system beloved by Novak Djokovic himself for its ability to help him bounce back after intense workouts and matches. The secret is the gapless compression which is delivered through two leg attachments, two arm attachments and a hip attachment so the entire body can get back into fighting shape, fast.
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Still unsure of what to give the exercise lover on your holiday list? When in doubt, a Tennis Express Gift Card is the perfect way to ensure they find exactly what they need or want. Amounts range from $10 or $300.
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