Gift the Wellness and Fitness Products Our Editors Are Loving This Year
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Somehow, gift giving season is almost upon is. Between every fitness brand running the biggest and best deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and not knowing what your fitness-loving recipient actually needs, picking out the perfect gift isn’t always as simple as it should be.
To help you out, we tapped our fitness-loving team of writers and editors to share their favorite fitness picks to help you pick out the right gift for everyone on your list. The best news? Our favorites are discounted for Black Friday, so you can save big as you shop (and even grab a few things for yourself).
Fitness Equipment Picks
NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells
NordicTrack
- Price: $399
- Recommended by: Rachael Harris, senior nutrition editor
Why we love it: “I live in a really small space that doesn't allow for multiple dumbbell sets, which is why I love this all-in-one adjustable dumbbell set from NordicTrack,” Harris says. “I can slide the dumbbells in their tray under my bed for fast storage, and pull them out when I'm starting a workout. I sit at a desk for eight to nine hours every day, which causes a lot of shoulder tension.” Along with massage and stretching, Harris says strengthening exercises with dumbbells have been a game changer for reducing pain in her shoulders and upper back.
Why we’d gift it: This dumbbell set is great for anyone looking to add small equipment that packs a big punch to their home gym.
RPM Speed Rope
Rogue
- Price: $65
- Recommended by: Rachael Gonzalez, fitness writer, NASM-CPT
Why we love it: “I use the RPM Speed Rope mainly during metcons (metabolic conditioning) workouts to get my heart rate up. It challenges my agility and coordination under fatigue, making it more challenging,” Gonzalez says. “It was the first piece of home gym equipment I purchased because the price is very approachable (as compared to barbells, weights and other large cardio equipment) and it can be used in a variety of workouts several times a week if needed.” Gonzalez likes that the rope is really easy to transport, so when traveling, she can use it in the hotel gym or wherever she’s staying.
“I like this jump rope specifically compared to other speed ropes because it has a good whip and the outer coating helps protect the cable so I don't have to replace it often. The handles are smooth but have a slight knurling so I can hold onto them easily when my upper body is fatigued or if I'm sweating.”
Why we’d gift it: The RPM Rope makes an excellent gift choice for fitness enthusiasts, or those just getting into working out. It's a valuable addition to a home exercise routine due to its affordability, and its versatility allows it to be used frequently in various routines. Additionally, its portability makes it ideal for on-the-go workouts while traveling and it can also be used in a gym setting. The length of the cable is adjustable, so whomever you are gifting it to can personalize it to their height as needed.
Tempo Move
SI Showcase
- Price: $395–$885 (depending on accessories package)
- Recommended by: Jordan Smith, senior fitness editor, NASM-CPT
Why we love it: “The compact design of the Tempo Move allows you to turn the smallest space into a home gym without having to skimp on the equipment you’re using,“ Smith says. “In addition, the Tempo Cabinet allows you to store your weights when they’re not in use without them being an eyesore.“ It’s really worth highlighting Tempo’s adaptable training plans. Smith likes that you can choose to focus on a specific muscle group, and Tempo provides you with a four-week training plan to help you reach your goals, keeping your motivation up when workouts might normally feel like a slog.
Why we’d gift it: The minimal cabinet is a great addition to any space. The weight plates are fun to use and also feel like you’re using professional-grade equipment without leaving your home gym—or breaking the bank.
Fitness Accessory Picks
AllTrails Subscription
AllTrails
- Price: $35.99/year
- Recommended by: Taylor Rojek, senior fitness editor
Why we love it: “AllTrails is so helpful for finding your way in the woods. You can pull up detailed, incredibly useful maps for the area you're in, and download them so they're available if cell service gets sketchy,” Rojek says. You can also view photos of the terrain and read user feedback on the trails for a better sense of what you're getting into, which helps Rojek plan out new routes. “It's indispensable especially for mountain biking in a new place,” she says.
Why we’d gift it: What's better than the gift of adventure? AllTrails is also an excellent present for the giver—if you get nervous knowing that your loved one is heading out on new trails by themself, this can give you some peace of mind that they will be able to navigate out when needed.
Ekrin Bantam Massage Gun (save 25% for Black Friday)
Amazon
- Price: $149.99 (get 25% off for Black Friday)
- Recommended by: Rachael Harris, senior nutrition editor
Why we love it: “My husband's thumbs give out after five minutes of working on my shoulder knots,” Harris says. “This massage gun has been AMAZING, and my muscles feel looser after every use of this travel-sized tool.” The Bantam is small, but it's powerful, and comes with multiple attachments. Harris says her favorite is the bullet, because it gets deep into locked-up muscles.
Why we’d gift it: The Ekrin Bantam is small and quiet, but really powerful. It also comes with a zip-up storage case that holds the massage gun and all the attachments. The small size fits easily into tight spaces, so it's great for people who travel often or have really limited storage space.
Alo Yoga Warrior Mat (save 30% for Black Friday)
aloyoga.com
- Price: $128 (30% off for Black Friday)
- Recommended by: Joana Neziri, nutrition editor
Why we love it: “The Warrior Mat is one of the best yoga mats I've tried in terms of quality, durability and design,” Neziri says. “Being a remote worker, I often find myself in uncomfortable postures that require a 15-minute stretch every couple of hours, and yes—I make the time.” Laying the mat in the living room makes it easy for Neziri to jump right into a session, and she says the non-slip surface helps her maintain balance and stability. It's super easy to clean using only a damp cloth, and it's durable enough to last several years of yoga practice. To make it even better, its made from eco-friendly and non-toxic materials.
Why we’d gift it: The Warrior Mat's eco-friendliness, non-slip surface, durability and stylish design make it a desirable choice for wellness enthusiasts.
Skullcandy Rail ANC Earbuds
Skullcandy
- Price: $79.99
- Recommended by: Emma Witman, fitness and gear writer
Why we love it: Witman has tried countless wireless earbuds—check out her review of the best headphones for sleeping, making her the right person to recommend earbuds to gift. “These were actually sent to me after the fact by the brand, who wanted to boost its newest release,” Witman says. “Turns out, they have become my favorite earbuds by a mile, excelling in every category for sound quality, comfort and Bluetooth range, which can actually become a problem when I'm trying to garden and leave my phone inside.”
Why we’d gift it: If you have a friend who's perpetually dissatisfied with AirPods, yet not adventurous enough to step outside the Apple bubble, these are great earbuds that don't break the budget.
Apollo Wearable (get $70 off for Black Friday)
SI Showcase
- Price: $299.99 (get $70 off for Black Friday)
- Recommended by: Pete Nastasi, certified sports nutrition coach
Why we love it: “Health and fitness wearables are no longer just fashion accessories, they are tools that empower individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their physical and mental well-being,” Nastasi says. In Nastasi’s opinion, the Apollo wearable is the next step in the evolution of wearable devices from complex biometric trackers to instruments that deliver real therapeutic outcomes.
Why we’d gift it: The Apollo wearable is a therapeutic wearable designed to promote stress resilience, sleep, focus, recovery, and more. This concept truly places the Apollo wearable in a league of its own as it paves the way for an entirely new genre of wearable devices that will directly interact with how we live.
Shoe and Gear Picks
Lululemon Align Leggings and Scuba Funnel Neck Zip
Lululemon
- Price: Align Leggings: $98, Scuba Funnel Neck Zip: $118
- Recommended by: Colleen Quigley, fitness instructor, fitness editor
Why we love them: “I live in these leggings! The Lululemon Aligns were my go-to workout leggings when I was pregnant, and I only sized up one size,” Quigley says. “I still wear them regularly post-pregnancy. Not only are they comfortable, but the material has held up through intense workouts and lots of washes. And, this hoodie is so cozy.” Quigley says she loves throwing the hoodie on for running errands after teaching a barre class. It makes her feel put together, while still being comfortable. This material is heavy, but breathable.
Why we’d gift them: The Aligns are a great gift for a fitness enthusiast or for an expecting mom who doesn't want to spend a lot of money on maternity leggings that she'll only wear for a few months. “The Scuba Funnel Neck Zip is so cozy, and I know it’s a hit gift—I gave one to my mother-in-law to wear on a vacation and she loved it,” Quigley says.
adidas by Stella McCartney Cropped Hoodie
adidas
- Price: $110
- Recommended by: Emma Witman, fitness and gear writer
Why we love it: “I love designer collaborations, as someone obsessed with fashion but too frugal to splurge on designer clothes,” Witman says. “The Stella McCartney adidas hoodie is a clothing item I bought before a trip to Buenos Aires, wanting to look city sleek but feel swaddled. I wear it almost every day, regardless of the weather. It's really breathable and I don’t overheat.” Whitman loves that the cords are reinforced with rubber and the logo, so there's no chance of them slipping into the hood. One warning: There aren't pockets, but Whitman typically wears this with adidas sweatpants (naturally) so it doesn't bother her.
Why we’d gift it: If you have a friend or family you can confidently clothing shop for, this hoodie is a chic but practical gift for someone sporty.
Girlfriend Collective Gear: Save 30% sitewide during Black Friday Sales
SI Showcase
- Price: High-Rise Pocket Bike Short ($58, on sale for $40.60); Dylan Tank Bra ($46, on sale for $32.20)
- Recommended by: Smith
Why we love it: ”This compressive set is amazing for workouts. The shorts are snug and supportive, and don’t ride up like shorts I’ve tried from other brands,” Smith said. “The bra is supportive in the right way and I felt super confident wearing the set on its own, without a tank over it during class.”
Why we’d gift it: The set is sure to make anyone feel confident going into their workouts and we love how size-inclusive Girlfriend Collective is. Plus, Smith has worn other things from the brand, such as the Joggers and 50/50 Cropped Sweatshirt, so if the person on your list isn’t into compressive gear, you really can’t go wrong with anything.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
Lululemon
- Price: $38
- Recommended by: Rachael Gonzalez, fitness writer, NASM-CPT
Why we love it: “I'm not a purse or wallet person, which has been a huge challenge since a lot of my shorts and leggings don't have pockets,” Gonzalez says. “I really like the belt bag because it's not overly large but I can carry my phone, sunglasses, keys, cards and any other essentials hands-free.” Gonzalez also likes the adjustability of the strap—saying that on rare occasions where she needs to wear a fanny pack, it’s easy to put it around her waist. “I also like that it’s a neutral color with minimal branding, because I prefer a more minimalistic look,” she says.
Why we’d gift it: The Everywhere Belt Bag is a great gift choice because it can be used while traveling, hiking, bike riding and more, and it's a convenient bag to take on the go while running errands. The outside material is water-repellent so it doesn't get dirty easily, and there are eight color options to choose from.
Nike InfinityRN (select colorways on sale plus an extra 25% off for Black Friday)
SI Showcase
- Price: $160 (select colorways on sale, plus an extra 25% off during Black Friday)
- Recommended by: Dylan Van Duyne, licensed personal trainer and marathoner
Why we love it: “This shoe is unbelievably comfortable. I find that the upper hugs your foot just right, the ReactX foam in the midsole is both cushioned and responsive and the outsole provides the traction and durability I want for a shoe I’ll log lots of miles in,” Van Duyne says.
Why we’d gift it: This shoe has it all—comfort, support, responsiveness, breathability and versatility. Whether wearing it for a walk around the neighborhood or lacing up for marathon training, you’ll be comfortable every step of the way.
Hoka Clifton 9
Hoka
- Price: $145
- Recommended by: Rachael Harris, senior nutrition editor
Why we love it: “These shoes are like clouds on my feet,” Harris says. “I have tall feet and high arches, so the tall upper and cushioned arch keep my feet comfortable on long distance runs.”
Why we’d gift it: "These are the most comfortable running shoes I have tried in over 20 years of distance running," Harris says. They are versatile, and can be worn during runs or long periods of standing.
adidas Gazelle Bold
Adidas
- Price: $110
- Recommended by: Gabrielle Hondorp, fitness writer
Why we love it: “If you are looking for a casual and versatile lifestyle shoe, the Gazelle Bold is it,” Hondorp says. “This shoe is an update of the classic adidas Gazelle, thanks to an on-trend platform that is three layers high.” Hondorp likes that this shoe is comfortable enough for all day wear, and has a low-profile fit that goes well with everything from jeans to athletic wear to a casual dress.
Why we’d gift it: This stylish shoe is a great investment for any wardrobe and can be either a classic everyday shoe, or add a fun pop of color (there are 15 to choose from) to a dull outfit.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Hoka
- Price: $155
- Recommended by: Rachel Pasche, fitness and gear editor
Why we love it: “The Hoka Speedgoats are incredible for shoes for trail running,” Pasche says. “They’re also really great for hiking—literally any off-road walking or running. When I wear these, I don’t experience any foot pain or knee pain, I find them super stable and don't feel any rocks or anything underfoot.”
Why we’d gift it: Anyone who doesn't want hardcore hiking shoes or enjoys trail running or walks in the woods needs these shoes, Pasche says. "They're just the best shoes to get out in nature in."
Xero Scrambler Mids (get up to 70% off for Black Friday)
SI Showcase
- Price: $169.99 (Get up to 70% off Xero during Black Friday sales)
- Recommended by: Levi Bettwieser, nutrition director
Why we love it: “I had the opportunity to test out the Scrambler Mid's over the summer across various terrains and distances. As an avid outdoors enthusiast, hiker, backpacker and fly fisher, I've tried out all kinds of footwear, and the Scrambler Mids stand out,” Bettwieser says. “They're the lightest hiking boots I've ever seen, which significantly reduced my leg and ankle fatigue on longer, more grueling hikes.” Bettwieser especially likes that the open toe box and breathable mesh upper keep your feet free to move and cool, which helps eliminate hot spots resulting in blisters.
“On a long backpack trip into the wilderness area of southern Colorado, I even wore these boots while wet wading to fish for native trout,” he says. “Because of the lightweight material, I was able to quickly dry them out next to the campfire at night so I was good to go the next morning to make the trek out with dry feet.”
Why we’d gift it: There are hundreds of shoe options out there to choose from if you just want to get your fit friend or family member a new pair of kicks. But if you have someone on your list who's an outdoors nut, then these boots are a true game changer when it comes to how most people typically think they need to gear up to get outside. The price point isn't the lowest, but a good pair of hiking boots like this should last for years to come.
Nutrition Picks
Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix Lemon + Lime
Skratch Labs
- Price: $17.56
- Recommended by: Taylor Rojek, senior fitness editor
Why we love it: “This is the GOAT of all sports electrolyte mixes. It's light, refreshing and natural-tasting—like a less-sweet homemade lemonade,” Rojek says. “It amps up my hydration on hot, sweaty days and prevents the annoying post-long-run headaches I tend to get.” Rojek also loves that the mix doesn't contain stevia or artificial sweeteners, as her stomach won’t tolerate them on long rides or runs, so the fact that this uses only sugar as a sweetener is ideal.
Why we’d gift it: At under $20, it's an excellent stocking stuffer. Plus, who doesn't love a tasty beverage for their athletic endeavors?
Transparent Labs Creatine
Transparent Labs
- Price: $49.99
- Recommended by: Joana Neziri, nutrition editor
Why we love it: Creatine is one of the few tested-and-true supplements out there that is backed by years of research. While it's mostly popular among weightlifters, studies show that it may help improve endurance, memory and focus. “I believe it's one of the few supplements out there that has a variety of benefits and could help most groups of people” Neziri says. “The HMB features the most effective form of creatine, and even includes a dose of vitamin D for extra health benefits.”
Why we’d gift it: Creatine is generally safe for most groups of people, with virtually no side effects. It's a good choice to support almost any health and fitness journey. Plus, both flavors of this creatine are delicious and easy to drink.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
