Christmas is coming and you need to buy something for the person in your life who won’t shut up about their training. Fair enough. Here’s the problem: the fitness gift market is full of absolute rubbish. Shake weights, ab rollers that end up under the bed, detox teas that do nothing.
Let’s skip all that. Here are gifts that people who actually train will use, appreciate, and not return on Boxing Day.
Under $50
Resistance Bands (Set of 3-5)
A set of looped resistance bands is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can own. We use them in almost every session. They’re great for warm-ups, activation work, assisted stretching, and adding resistance to bodyweight exercises. Get a set with different tensions (light, medium, heavy). Brands like Power Bands Australia do quality ones that won’t snap.
Foam Roller
A basic high-density foam roller costs about $30 and it’s a recovery game-changer. Five minutes of rolling after a session or before bed makes a noticeable difference to soreness and mobility. Get a standard 90cm one, not a tiny travel roller.
Grip Strengtheners
A pair of adjustable grip trainers (like Captains of Crush or similar) are surprisingly useful. Grip strength is the limiting factor in a lot of exercises. Plus they’re small enough to keep on a desk and use during the day.
$50 to $150
Quality Training Shoes
This depends on what they do. For general outdoor training and boot camp, a cross-training shoe with a flat, stable sole is ideal. Avoid thick-soled running shoes for strength work. Nike Metcons, Reebok Nanos, or New Balance Minimus are solid picks. Ask them their size first. Shoes are personal.
A Kettlebell
A single kettlebell is an entire home gym. For most women, 8kg to 12kg is a good starting point. For most men, 12kg to 16kg. Competition-style bells with a consistent handle size are better than the cast iron ones that change shape with weight. This is one of those gifts that looks like you put thought into it because you did.
Massage Gun
The handheld percussion massagers have gotten much better and more affordable. A mid-range one ($80 to $120) does the job. It’s like having a sports massage on demand. Great for post-training recovery, especially for people who sit at a desk all day.
$150 and Up
A Block of Personal Training Sessions
Not just any sessions. Sessions with a good coach who’ll actually teach them something. If they’ve been training on their own, a few coached sessions can transform their technique and programming. It’s an investment in their long-term results.
Quality Wireless Earbuds
If they train outdoors, waterproof and sweat-resistant earbuds are essential. AirPods Pro or Jaybird Vista are popular choices. The ability to listen to music or podcasts during training makes a surprisingly big difference to enjoyment and consistency.
A Gym Bag That Doesn’t Fall Apart
A proper training bag with separate compartments for shoes, wet gear, and clean clothes. Something durable and not too bulky. King Kong bags or similar brands make ones specifically designed for people who train regularly.
The Best Gift of All
Honestly? The best fitness gift you can give someone is to train with them. Sign up for a trial together. Commit to showing up for a month. The shared experience means more than any piece of equipment.
If they’ve been trying to get you to come along, this is your chance. No more excuses. Give it a go.
What to Avoid
Quick list of gifts that seem like good ideas but aren’t:
- Bathroom scales. Nobody wants to unwrap a scale on Christmas morning. Just don’t.
- “Toning” gadgets. Anything that promises results without effort is lying.
- Meal replacement shakes. Unless they specifically asked for a brand, skip it.
- Clothing in the wrong size. If you’re not sure, don’t guess. Get a gift card instead.
- Fitness trackers they didn’t ask for. These are very personal. Some people love them, some find them stressful.
