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I’m a Fitness Coach — Here Are My Favorite Gifts to Inspire Movement and Recovery

We all have that one friend or family member who’s obsessed with their workouts — or maybe they’re just starting their fitness journey and could use a little extra motivation. Either way, finding the perfect gift for the fitness enthusiast in your life can feel like a challenge. Lucky for you, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite fitness gifts that are guaranteed to impress.

I’ve been a fitness coach for 10+ years, and I’ve tried it all — the good, the meh, and the “why did I ever buy this?”. So, when I do find a fitness product that truly hits the mark, it becomes a non-negotiable in my routine. I am quite literally obsessed with discovering tools that actually make a difference for both myself and my clients — whether that’s motivating movement, elevating recovery, or just making fitness feel a little more fun.

In this guide, I’m not just sharing gifts that are used once and then forgotten a few weeks later. Nope. These gifts are practical, stylish, and designed to help your loved one crush fitness goals while having fun. Whether it’s chic Bala Bangles for yoga flows, a massage to soothe sore muscles, or even a Brita water bottle to stay hydrated, there’s something here for every budget and every type of fitness lover.

These gifts will show your loved one that you’re paying attention to their health and wellness goals — and they’ll think of you every time they use them (bonus points for being a thoughtful gift-giver!). So, keep scrolling for my top recommendations and all the reasons these fitness and wellness finds are total game-changers. You’re about to slay holiday gifting!

Brita Reusable Water Bottle ($16, originally $23)

You know I couldn’t leave out a hydration essential. This Brita water bottle is such a lifesaver because it filters your water on the go. Whether you’re filling it at the gym, your kitchen sink, or that questionable airport fountain, it makes sure you’re drinking clean, great-tasting water. I love how lightweight and easy it is to carry — it fits perfectly in a gym bag or cup holder. It’s one of those gifts that seems simple, but trust me, your loved one will use it every single day and thank you for it.

Under Armour Infinity Bra ($45)

I’m all about this sports bra because it delivers on both comfort and support. It really keeps the girls in place (if you know, you know). I’ve worn it for everything from strength training to runs, and it doesn’t budge or dig in, no matter how intense the workout gets. I also love that it’s breathable and super easy to take off after my workout. If you’re shopping for a fitness-loving friend who does a lot of high intensity activity, this is a gift they might not think to buy for themselves, but they’ll use it constantly and wonder how they ever lived without it.

Thorne Amino Complex ($46)

This is one of those gifts that’s small but mighty. I am obsessed with Thorne’s Amino Complex supplement because it’s packed with amino acids that help repair my muscles and boost my energy. I love sipping on this after a workout — it’s light, refreshing, and not overly sweet (the berry flavor is my jam!). It’s great for anyone who’s serious about recovery or just wants to feel stronger after their workouts. Bonus: it’s NSF Certified for Sport, so you know it’s high-quality.

Bala Bangles ($55-$79)

Let’s start with a little style, shall we? Bala Bangles are wearable one to three pound weights that you can put on your wrists or ankles. I love them for adding a little extra burn to my walks, yoga, or even chores around the house (yes, vacuuming counts). They’re super comfy, easy to adjust, and come in the cutest colors. I also travel a ton, so I love that I can fit them in my carry-on and rely on them to spice up my low-impact workouts when I don’t have access to equipment.

Renpho Thermacool Massage Gun ($88, originally $140)

If you’re looking for a massage gun that is more affordable than some of the bigger names, but still delivers on quality, this Renpho Massage Gun is a must have. I love how versatile it is — the heat option feels amazing when my muscles are sore after a long day, and the cooling feature is perfect for my post-workout recovery. It’s lightweight, quiet, and easy to use, with five speeds and multiple attachments that let you target exactly what you need. The fast charging is a bonus, too — it’s always ready when I need it. Trust me, it’s a recovery game-changer!

Under Armour Infinite Elite Running Shoes ($145, originally $160)

Every runner (or walker!) deserves a pair of shoes that feel like clouds, and these UA Infinite Elite Running Shoes are exactly that. I’ve taken them on everything from long runs to errands, and they hold up beautifully — they’re lightweight, cushioned, and supportive in all the right ways. And can we talk about how cute they are? They go just as well with leggings as they do with jeans. If you’ve got a runner on your list — or anyone who spends their day on their feet — these shoes are 100 percent worth the splurge.

Hatch Restore Smart Sleep Clock ($170)

We all know sleep is the real MVP, and the Hatch Restore makes it so much easier to get those precious Zs. It really feels like a mini sleep spa in your bedroom, with calming lights, soothing sounds, and a customizable bedtime routine. I love going to sleep to the green noises and waking up to the sunrise simulation — it’s a total game-changer, especially in the winter. If you’ve got someone in your life who’s always burning the candle at both ends (or just loves a good bedtime vibe), this gift is pure magic. Trust me, they’ll thank you every morning.

WeGym Dumbbell Set ($228, originally $240)

This dumbbell set has gone viral on Instagram for a reason: it is the perfect mix of function and style. The anti-slip coating feels super comfortable in your hands, even during longer workouts, and the square shape means they won’t roll away during moves like renegade rows (a personal favorite of mine).

The compact rack is such a game-changer — it keeps everything tidy and is ideal for small spaces, which I’m all about. You can choose from buying individual weights, 4-rack weights, or a full rack of dumbbells. Whether I’m squeezing in a quick upper-body session or adding weights to core exercises, these dumbbells make my workouts feel effortless and organized. Plus, they just look cute (LOVE the colors!).

Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon ($245)

The Oura Ring is definitely a secret weapon for wellness lovers. I love how it tracks everything — sleep, activity, and recovery — without feeling bulky or looking like a traditional fitness tracker. It’s sleek, stylish, water-resistant, and so lightweight that I forget I’m even wearing it. What I appreciate most are the detailed sleep insights through the app — they have helped me make real changes and feel more rested and ready to take on my workouts. This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves tech and wants to optimize their health. Read more in our Oura Ring 3 review.

WalkingPad Z1 Folding Treadmill ($349)

If you’ve got someone on your list who’s always saying, “I wish I had more time to move,” this is the gift for them. The WalkingPad Z1 is a foldable under-desk treadmill that makes it easy to walk while working, watching TV, or even scrolling TikTok. It’s compact, quiet, and simple to store, making it a great option for small spaces. I love how lightweight and easy it is to set up — it even has wheels for moving it around. Whether it’s for a busy professional or someone who just wants to stay active at home, this treadmill is a winner.

Meta Quest 3 ($500)

This isn’t just a fitness gadget — it’s a whole experience. What I love most about the Meta Quest 3 is how it turns workouts into something fun and immersive. I’ve done virtual boxing and explored breathtaking trails, all without leaving my living room. It’s perfect for that friend who gets bored with traditional workouts or loves trying new things. And honestly, the graphics are so good, it feels like you’re really there. It’s a splurge, but one they’ll talk about for months.


Ariel Belgrave (she/her) is the CEO of Gym Hooky and a leading women’s fitness expert specializing in strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), nutrition, and stress management. With over a decade of experience, Ariel is dedicated to making fitness accessible and sustainable for women around the globe. Her signature framework, L.E.A.N., has transformed the lives of millions, empowering women to build healthy habits, get stronger, and overcome burnout. Ariel is a PS Council member.


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