I’m a Fitness Instructor and Coach — and Here’s What I’m Gifting Everyone This Year

If anyone was to peek inside my closet or dresser drawers, they’d be able to guess that I’ve been a yoga and group fitness instructor for the past decade-plus without a second glance. They might not even need to snoop behind closed doors: as soon as you walk into my home, you’re met with a host of fitness equipment I’ve collected over the years. I’ve also coached my son’s soccer team for the past six years, and as you can imagine I’ve collected quite a bit of gear in that regard as well. All that to say, I’m never surprised when people ask me where I got my latest workout set, or what home gym equipment I’d recommend, or when fellow soccer coaches ask for recommendations on training equipment or protective gear for their players. I know my fitness products.

That makes the holiday season particularly fun for me. Of course, not all of my friends and family want a wellness-y gift. But when they do, my expertise comes in super handy. All I have to do is think about my personal favorite products, then consider my recipient — are they a fitness beginner? A gym class queen? A yogi? A runner? A fellow instructor?

Stay with me as I take you on a ride through my must-have products from Alo Yoga, Amazon, and more. These are all things I’ve not only purchased for myself but for family and friends as well. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one who’s looking to stay cute while they workout, develop an exercise habit, add to their home gym collection, or take their training to the next level, you’ll find a gift recommendation that’s sure to elicit an, “I needed this!” And what better reaction could you ask for?

Alo Yoga Airbrush Leggings ($108)

I had to start with these because they’re the best leggings I’ve ever worn, and my forever favorites. I have them in almost every color Alo Yoga has made them in, and will continue to buy them with each passing season. The compression is sturdy enough for you to feel secure whether you’re flowing in your favorite yoga class or doing high-impact cardio like running. However, they don’t hold you so tight that you feel as though you can’t breathe. Everyone I’ve gifted these leggings to has simply adored them and can’t wait to grab another pair for themselves.

Liforme – Zodiac Yoga Mat ($190)

Outside of the beautiful design on this mat, which represents good fortune and celebrates the essence of the Chinese Zodiac, GripForMe technology ensures that your hands and feet stay secure and anchored into your mat regardless of how sweaty you get in your flow. I’ve been using Liforme mats for years and they never let me down. My friends in the yoga space also swear by them. The high price point means your yoga-loving friend may not purchase one for themselves — but the quality means they’ll absolutely love to get one as a gift.

Urevo Walking Pad ($130)

As someone who never returned back to work after COVID, I need something to keep me active and moving throughout my day. This walking pad has adjustable speeds ranging from 0.6 to 4 MPH, making it perfect for walking, jogging, or even light running during your workday. It’s also very quiet, allowing me to take calls while still using it. Lastly, the compact, no-assembly design allows for easy storage under my bed when not in use, and the remote and LED display make tracking progress and adjusting settings effortlessly. It’s truly a must-have for anyone working from home.

Elite Sportz Core Sliders ($6)

These core sliders are perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their core and get in a solid low-impact workout at the same time. I’ve been using sliders in my workouts for years and they’ve helped me tap into my deeper core muscles in a way most workouts don’t. I use them for both cardio and strength workouts and they’re perfect for travel as well. Lastly, because of the dynamics of the sliders, they allow you to get in a full-body workout as you focus on your core. They’re the perfect gift for someone in need of a low-impact high-intensity workout.

Honmein Resistance Bands ($8)

I’m always looking for new and fun ways to intensify my workouts and take them to the next level. These booty bands do just that. They’re perfect for anyone looking to strengthen and define their hips, legs, and booty. I love them because I can use them at home, the park, and I even take them to the gym with me at times to spice up my workout. The pack comes with three resistance bands (light, medium, and heavy), they have nonslip technology so you don’t have to worry about fighting with them your entire workout, and the best part is that they’re cloth, not rubber.

Plunge Pop-Up ($150)

We all know that one person who loves an ice bath, right? For them — or your friend who’s curious about the benefits of the practice, which may include reducing muscle soreness, speeding up recovery, and decreasing inflammation after workouts — the Plunge Pop-Up is the perfect way to bring their practice to their home. They can simply add ice, or if you’re feeling generous you can add a Chiller (bringing the cost to $2,499), which will keep the water icy cold without the extra work.

TheraGun Prime ($299)

After having two knee surgeries in one year, I swear by this TheraGun as a part of my recovery routine. Its percussive massage therapy offers deep tissue muscle treatment to ease discomfort, relieve tightness, and speed up post-workout recovery. Its four foam attachments provide targeted relief for different muscle groups, while its patented triangle handle makes it easy to use with less strain on the wrists and hands. It’s truly ideal for looking to tailor their recovery routines.

Saunabox ($399)

I may be a little bit spoiled, but I’m okay with that. I received my SaunaBox as a gift after my second knee surgery. It has not only aided me in my knee recovery journey, but in my day-to-day recovery as well. It would make the perfect gift for any fitness enthusiast seeking an effective recovery tool at home. It folds up for easy storage, yet provides the benefits of traditional saunas — muscle relaxation, improved circulation, and detoxification. I find that it helps reduce my muscle soreness, speeds up healing, and helps me relax, making it a practical yet luxurious addition to any fitness routine. Oh and did I mention I’m obsessed with it?

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells ($429, originally $549)

These easy-to-use adjustable dumbbells, which are sold as a pair, shift from 5 to 52.5 lbs (per dumbbell!) and can replace 15 sets of weights. As I was building out my home gym I quickly began to notice how expensive individual dumbbells were as the weight increased. I discovered these adjustable weights a few years ago and have never regretted the investment. I use them at least two to three times per week and can get in a full-body workout in 60 minutes or less. Whenever anyone asks me what’s one essential home gym addition, I always recommend these weights first.

Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbell Stand with Media Rack ($179) and/or Bowflex 5.1S Adjustable Weight Bench ($349)

If your giftee has the basics of a home gym, you can help them elevate their routine with either or both of these gifts. Though it may not seem like an essential addition to your home gym, this dumbbell stand is worth its weight in gold. It’s designed to help protect your lower back as you quickly switch out your weights in between sets. Additionally, it can hold any tablet or smartphone, which makes following along with a streaming workout that much easier. It’s designed to hold BowFlex® SelectTech® 1090, 552, and 560 dumbbells. It’s also very compact and great for small spaces. This is one item that I was gifted, and I appreciate it more and more every time I use it.

Another less-obvious pick that your workout-from-home friend will wind up using weekly, this versatile weight bench offers a space-saving design and six adjustable angles (30°, 45°, 60° 90°, flat, and decline -20°), make it ideal for a wide range of exercises. With a 600-pound load capacity, it’s built for heavy lifting, while the adjustable seat ensures comfort and support during every session. Plus, the built-in transport wheels make it easy to move and store. I replaced my former weight bench with this one over a year ago and have enjoyed the growth it’s allowed me to experience in my lifting journey.

Fitdom Extra Large Sports Duffle Bag ($60)

As I mentioned, I’ve collected quite a bit of equipment over the years, and I used to carry it in several separate bags before I had this duffel. Then my life was changed forever. This heavy-duty, extra-large capacity bag is a game-changer for any soccer coach. Measuring 36″x15″x15″, it holds up to 80 lbs of gear — everything from cones to my first aid kit to practice equipment and scrimmage vests — all in one place. With seven compartments, you can easily organize and locate all your essentials quickly. The bag’s scratch-resistant bottom and reinforced seams mean no more worrying about wear and tear from dragging it across the field. Plus, with team lift handles and a padded strap, you can manage heavy loads without risking injury. It even has ventilating holes for airing out damp gear after practice or games, which with U12 teams is a MUST.

Double Decker Wagon ($130)

I’m absolutely in love with this double-decker wagon and look forward to using it every week. Its 54-inch extended lower shelf allows me to easily transport my large 10×10 canopy or soccer goal underneath while carrying my other equipment, water cooler, and balls up top. The heavy-duty frame holds up to 500 lbs, which means I never have to worry about overloading it, and the oversized all-terrain wheels roll smoothly over grass and gravel. Plus, its compact folding design makes packing up after practice and games a breeze. But here’s the best part: there is no assembly needed! This wagon makes my life easier, freeing me up to focus more on coaching and less on hauling gear. It’s absolutely the perfect gift for any coach in your life.

Christa Janine (she/her), a seasoned media professional based in Los Angeles, boasts a diverse educational background encompassing digital cinema, journalism, and anthropology, with a master of arts in journalism from Columbia College Chicago. Christa is a prominent figure in the health and wellness industry, recognized as a 500-hour E-RYT yoga instructor and a trusted influencer in the digital fitness space. She currently instructs for Alo Moves and PS, leveraging her platform to encourage others to lead authentic lives and actively advocating for diversity and inclusion within the yoga and fitness space, spurred by her own experiences navigating the industry’s systemic inequalities. Christa is a PS Council member.