Shopping for the perfect gifts for a coach or personal trainer can feel like a real challenge. Coaches are always on the go, often focused on helping others reach their goals, and sometimes, they’re so busy that their own needs get put on the back burner. So, when it comes time to treat them with a thoughtful gift, you might find yourself stumped. What do you get someone who spends their days lifting others up — literally and figuratively?
Don’t worry, though — we’ve got you covered with this gift guide, which is packed full of items that any coach, personal trainer, or fitness instructor will actually love and use. From high-tech sports wearables to gym equipment essentials, these products are practical, thoughtful, and tailored to their fitness-driven lifestyle.
As a certified strength and conditioning specialist who coaches athletes myself, I have plenty of firsthand experience regarding which gifts fitness professionals would find the most useful. But to supplement my firsthand experience, I’ve chatted with other experts, including athletes, coaches, and fitness professionals, to bring you top product suggestions and recommendations from their own wishlists.
Whether they’re training athletes or clients, getting in their own workouts, or giving their sore muscles some TLC, the right gift can make their busy days a little bit easier and a lot more enjoyable. So, let’s dive into a roundup of the best gifts for coaches that will earn you major “gift-giver” status. Whether for their birthday, holiday, or just to say thanks, we’ve got something here for every coach or personal trainer on your list.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Mattie Rogers competed for Team USA Weightlifting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and is a four-time silver medalist at the World Weightlifting Championships. She has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from University of Central Florida, and she is the founder of Viicaya.
Tara De Leon, MS, RSCC, CSCS*D, USAW, NASM-PES, FMSC, GGS CPPC, is a weight-neutral personal trainer and 2024 National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Personal Trainer of the Year. She helps clients feel confident by teaching them to lift weights, take up space, and stop apologizing for their bodies. She is the author of “Hot Mess to Hot Mom” and host of her podcast, “Wellness: Rebranded.”
Madison Kurish, MS, CSCS, is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Holton-Arms School.
Louise Valentine, MPH, CHES, ACSM-EP, CSCS, is the 2023 American College of Sports Medicine Practitioner of the Year and a world-leading perimenopause integrative women’s health, fitness, and running expert at Breaking Through Wellness.
Sharif Tabbah, MPH, CHES, ACSM-EP, CSCS, is a doctor of physical therapy, a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA, and the co-founder of Alkemē Sports Rx.
Alysha Flynn is the founder and coach for What Runs You, LLC, and Every Woman’s Marathon run coach.
Melody L. Schoenfeld, MA, CSCS, was the 2019 NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year, a 2020 Personal Fitness Professional’s Personal Trainer of Year finalist, and author of several books, including “Strength Training For All Body Types: The Science of Lifting and Levers.”
Viicaya Boundless Singlet ($74, originally $98)
The Boundless Singlet from Viicaya is a stylish and functional gift for any coach, personal trainer, or fitness instructor who values performance and comfort in their workout gear. Made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, this singlet keeps the wearer cool and dry during intense training sessions, weightlifting practice, or classes. Its sleek, athletic design ensures maximum mobility while offering a flattering fit, making it an ideal piece for athletes, coaches, or fitness professionals who need both style and flexibility in their everyday wardrobe.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: “The Boundless Singlet is our no-frills, all-function singlet made to meet the standards of weightlifting and powerlifting competitions,” says Mattie Rogers, a 2020 Team USA Weightlifting Olympian. “It is available in two different inseam lengths (5.5″ and 8″) and perfect for adding your team logos/branding. It is currently our best-selling item and has been battle-tested in and out of competition.”
Zella Restore Soft Zip-Up Hoodie ($79)
The Nordstrom Zella Restore Soft Zip-Up Hoodie is a cozy and versatile layering piece perfect for post-workout relaxation or casual everyday wear in the gym. Made from a super-soft, breathable fabric, it offers a relaxed fit with a flattering silhouette, making it comfortable without sacrificing style. Featuring a full zip, adjustable drawstrings, and a slightly cropped length, this hoodie is a chic and functional addition to any active wardrobe.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: “This hoodie is so soft and comfy, and yet looks ‘strength coach professional,’ especially when paired with a fresh pair of Lululemon Align leggings. I firmly believe that your appearance is the least interesting thing about you, but I also believe in wearing what makes you feel confident, powerful, and comfortable,” says Tara De Leon, MS, RSCC, CSCS*D, and 2024 Personal Trainer of the Year per the National Strength and Conditioning Association. “When you feel good in your body and your clothes, it’s easier to focus on things that truly matter — like strength, resilience, and self-respect.”
Chalkless Grip Enhancer for Weightlifting ($25)
Chalkless is a convenient gift for any coach, offering a mess-free alternative to traditional chalk for weightlifting or other training sessions. This easy-to-apply formula helps athletes maintain a secure grip without leaving chalk residue on their hands, equipment, or the floor.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: “The product I would like to recommend is Chalkless. It’s a grip enhancer that I use myself and with my high school teams. In my experience, Chalkless has performed better than traditional chalk, and with just a small amount of Chalkless, my athletes can confidently try challenging exercises because they are gripping the bar better,” Madison Kurish, MS, CSCS, head strength and conditioning coach at Holton-Arms School, says. “Chalkless is also less messy than traditional chalk, which is great when trying to keep a busy weight room clean. Chalkless really helps with pull ups, chin ups, deadlifts, power clean high pulls, and hang cleans.”
Smart Cuffs Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) 4.0 ($499)
Blood-flow-restriction training is based on the idea that restricting blood flow to your arms or legs during training stresses your muscle fibers, tricking them into thinking you’re working harder than you are. That lets you build more strength using light weights — perfect for people coming back from injury, who want to build fitness without having to lift heavy. These Smart Tools Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Cuffs help trainers and coaches safely guide clients through BFR training, and are a great addition to any fitness professional’s toolkit.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: Louise Valentine, MPH, CHES, ACSM-EP, CSCS, recommends these cuffs. “Great for maximizing training sessions for injured athletes and clients, BFR is an evidence-based way to expedite muscle recovery and strength building when traditional exercise programming needs modification. BFR training is a simple, safe and effective way to do it,” she says. “This is again an innovative tool that a coach can use for themselves and their clients for years to come.”
Dr Teal’s Epsom Salts, Pre & Post Workout and Relax & Relief ($19)
Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salts make a perfect gift for any coach, personal trainer, or fitness instructor who needs a little post-workout relaxation. Packed with magnesium, these soothing salts help ease muscle tension and promote recovery after intense sessions. Whether used in a bath or as part of a self-care routine, they’re a thoughtful, affordable way to help fitness professionals unwind and recharge.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: “With the holiday season in full swing, what better gift is there for the coach or trainer in your life than the gift of relaxation? Properly resting and recovering is equally as important as training hard,” says Sharif Tabbah, DPT, CSCS. “Award-winning Dr Teal’s Epsom Salts are powered by magnesium and essential oils to help speed recovery and recharge sore muscles. They will feel the difference after just one bath and thank you for it!”
Stakt Weights ($98)
The Stakt Adjustable Hand Weights are an ideal gift for any coach, personal trainer, or fitness instructor looking for versatile home gym equipment and space-saving gear. The adjustable hand weights allow for easy customization of resistance, depending on the exercise. This helps professionals tailor workouts to their athletes’ needs, all while saving space and boosting performance.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: I had a chance to try the Stakt Hand Weights, and they’ve proven to be simple and easy to use. I especially love using them for mobility work, like Y-T-Ws, open books, or shoulder CARS from functional range conditioning. I love the neutral beige color option, Dune, and how it matches with the foldable Stakt Mat, too. Read our review of the Stakt Hand Weights here.
Feetures High Performance Max Cushion Ankle Sock ($19)
Feetures High-Performance Socks are the perfect gift for any coach, personal trainer, or fitness instructor who’s on their feet all day. Designed for maximum comfort, these socks offer targeted compression and moisture-wicking fabric to keep feet dry and blister-free during intense workouts or long training sessions. With their durable, snug fit and seamless construction, they’re a must have for anyone who values both performance and comfort in their athletic gear.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: “Known for their seamless design and durability, these socks are a staple for any athlete who values comfort and longevity,” says Alysha Flynn, founder and coach of What Runs You, LLC, and an Every Woman’s Marathon run coach. “They’re an excellent gift to keep feet blister-free and supported during long workouts.”
Whoop 4.0 with SuperKnit Band ($199-239)
This wearable fitness tracker provides detailed insights into sleep, strain, recovery, and overall health, helping fitness professionals fine-tune their own training and lifestyle. Plus, the SuperKnit band is known for its durability and comfort.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: I’ve been a big fan and user of WHOOP, and I’m especially into the 4.0 version, which makes it easy and seamless for tracking weekly training volume with workouts. Whether it’s measuring strain, heart rate variability, or reminding me to be a bit better about my sleep patterns, the data from my WHOOP 4.0 is so helpful from a sports science perspective. I love that I can keep wearing it during training sessions. The band doesn’t dig into my skin, and I honestly forget that it’s even there. The auto-detect feature also captures some of my favorite activities, like dance and stand-up paddleboarding, no additional taps required. If your coach or trainer isn’t already wearing one, I bet they’d love to receive it as a gift.
Therabody Theragun Prime Plus ($399)
The Therabody Prime Plus Massage Gun is an excellent gift for any coach, personal trainer, or fitness instructor who’s always on the move. Some of the head attachments heat up, which makes it even easier to use to help warm up the muscles or relieve muscle soreness after a workout. Read our Therabody Theragun Prime Plus review for more.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: I’ve used other massage guns, but I love the warmer temperature options of the Theragun Prime Plus, especially when using it to warm-up or to ease post-workout pain. I can see friends and family members that workout and train or love being outdoors — hiking, stand up paddle boarding, surfing — enjoying having this type of device to help reduce feelings of pain-related soreness after strenuous activity.
Merrell Women’s Agility Peak 5 Trail Running Shoes ($140)
The Merrell Agility Peak 5 Trail Running Shoes are an excellent gift for any coach, personal trainer, or fitness instructor who loves outdoor workouts or trail running. Designed for maximum comfort and support, these shoes feature a rugged sole for traction, a cushioned midsole for impact protection, and a breathable upper to keep feet cool during intense activity. Durable and versatile, they’re perfect for navigating diverse terrain while offering the stability and performance needed for high-energy training sessions. Read our review of the shoes here.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: I tried out the “House of the Dragon” x Merrell collab version of this shoe, and I haven’t stopped singing its praises since. I’ll let a quote from my review speak for itself: “The Agility Peak 5 almost felt like a Cinderella-style fit: the shoe slipped on seamlessly and didn’t irritate or dig into my skin or crunch up my toes. The material is solid and good quality, with a flexible, almost stretchy mesh material that easily forms to the foot and a lightweight, comfortable midsole that offers support while still letting you feel connected to the ground.”
Adidas Ultraboost 5X ($135, originally $180)
The Adidas Ultraboost 5X is known for its responsive cushioning and energy-returning Boost technology. With a sleek design and breathable upper, the Ultraboost 5X delivers style, comfort, and durability — making it an essential addition to any fitness professional’s footwear collection.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: Coaches who also lead active lifestyles themselves need a shoe that can transition between different types of exercises easily, and I’ve found that these are a great option. They provide all-day support whether you’re leading a training session or class, running drills, or getting in a workout yourself. I also geeked out a little bit seeing them so prominently at the Olympics.
EliteFTS Pro Resistance Band Pack ($150)
EliteFTS resistance bands are versatile and durable. Whether you’re using them for workout sessions, mobility work, or personal training, these resistance bands are an effective and portable tool to target various muscle groups, making them a must have for any fitness professional.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: “A set of high quality resistance bands would be a great gift for a coach or personal trainer,” says Melody L. Schoenfeld, MA, CSCS, the 2019 NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year. “They have the tendency to get brittle and lose elasticity over time, so it’s nice to have replacements!”
Fellow Carter Move Mug ($35)
The Fellow Carter Move Mug is designed with a sleek, spill-proof lid and double-walled insulation to keep drinks hot or cold for hours — perfect for those busy, back-to-back training sessions.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: I have a tendency to spill things, so a splash guard is pretty awesome. I can also forget about my coffee or tea when I’m on the go, about to workout, or between coaching sessions. I like how this mug keeps things cool or hot, depending on what you’re drinking.
AllTrails+ Subscription ($36)
Across the board, it’s hard to find a coach or fitness professional that doesn’t see the benefits of nature. With access to thousands of detailed trail maps, expert reviews, and offline features, this app helps fitness professionals plan hiking, running, or walking routes for themselves or their clients. Whether they’re training for an adventure race or simply looking to mix up their routine, they’ll love AllTrails+ as a valuable tool for discovering new trails, tracking progress, and staying motivated.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: When you’re constantly in the gym or coaching, you start to realize how important it is to adventure outside and spend quality time with loved ones. I love the AllTrails+ app to find hidden gems, including new trails that I’ve never heard of, and find fun ways to get outside and explore. Add in a National Parks pass as a gift that’s sure to create joy.
Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells Set 5-80 lbs ($745)
The Nuobell 80lb Adjustable Dumbbell Set with Stand is a space-saving option for those who need versatile equipment for their workouts or client sessions. These dumbbells offer easy weight adjustments, allowing for quick transitions between exercises and varying resistance levels. The sleek design and included stand keep the dumbbells organized and accessible, while the 80-lb range ensures they’re suitable for a variety of fitness levels and training styles.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: These are essential to my home gym setup. They’re super easy to adjust and use, and the wide range of weight options allows for tons of different possibilities with training. While these might seem like a splurge, this could be a gift idea for a team of athletes looking to pitch in together for a gift for a coach. I also recommend investing in the stand holder, just to keep things organized and off the floor.
Togethxr “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” Hoodie ($85)
The Togethxr “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” Hoodie is an empowering gift idea for everyone who has a passion for supporting women in sports. Made from soft, comfortable fabric, this hoodie offers a relaxed fit that’s perfect for lounging or layering after a tough workout — and its message is one we’d hope all fitness professionals can get behind.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: I actually have two of the “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” t-shirts as well, but the hoodie is so comfortable, it’s constantly something I reach for. To say that women’s sports is having a major moment is almost an understatement, and if you know your coach or trainer is a fan, I guarantee they’ll love this sweatshirt. It’s perfect to throw on before training, after a workout, or to your next WNBA or NWSL game.
SPIbelt Running Belt ($27)
The SPIbelt Original Running Belt is a practical bag, offering a hands-free solution for carrying essentials during workouts or runs. Designed with an adjustable, secure fit, this lightweight belt holds items like phones, keys, and cards without bouncing or shifting, making it perfect for long runs or outdoor training sessions. Its sleek, low-profile design ensures comfort and convenience, helping fitness professionals stay focused on their training without worrying about their gear.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: This is a must-have accessory for any active individual. “It doesn’t bounce and stays snug,” Flynn says. “And it has the perfect amount of expandable space to hold a large smartphone and other essentials.”
MoveActive Bottle Bag ($47)
Designed to hold a water bottle securely, this bag frees up your hands to train or demonstrate exercises without hindering your hydration — so convenient.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: If you’re skeptical, I get it — I was too. I admit to fully underestimating the need for a bottle bag. Grab-and-go is more my style. But I’m a convert. You can stash your keys, wallet, and phone in the bag along with a water bottle, so it makes it that much harder to forget your essentials when you’re running out the door to a training session.
Strava Subscription ($80)
Strava lets you track your runs and other workouts, and people who love the app are super passionate about it. Coaches and trainers can use it themselves or sync up with clients to delve into data and help keep them accountable.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: With features like detailed performance analytics, personalized training plans, and advanced metrics, Strava helps you optimize training, monitor progress and data tracking over time, and stay connected with a sense of community.
WNBA x Round21 “We Are One” T-shirt ($55)
The WNBA x Round21 “We Are One” T-shirt is powerful and meaningful for everyone who supports the WNBA or women’s sports in general. Made from soft, high-quality cotton, this shirt offers all-day comfort and a stylish, relaxed fit perfect for both workouts and casual wear. With its bold message of unity and empowerment, it’s a thoughtful gift that lets fitness professionals show their support for women athletes while rocking a sporty and inspiring look.
Why Fitness Experts Love It: From the eye-catching graphic to the empowering message, this design from Shema Love is awesome. This WNBA x Round21 “We Are One” T-shirt is definitely on my own wishlist, and also my gift list. Plus, it looks so fresh to rock to a game.
Jade Esmeralda (she/her), MS, CSCS, is a health and fitness staff writer and a strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise science and strength and conditioning from George Washington University.
