We all have that friend who’s constantly in the gym, trying a new fitness routine and hiking in Nepal… for the second time.
It can be tiring just listening to them about bench pressing weights and counting calories. Equally annoying is when it comes to their birthday or Christmas because you don’t know what to get them. And yet, they’re always gifting you the most precious things.
Our advice? Stay with the active lifestyle theme and lean into their sense of adventure if they are that way inclined. To spark your imagination, we’ve got a few suggestions of our own.
#1. Luxe Gym Wear
Gym clothing has come into its own. No longer the sweats and joggers we’re used to, even fashion designers are diving into the sector and calling workout clothes “elevated gym essentials.”
So, why not jump on board and join your friend on their fitness journey, albeit in a passive capacity?
Depending on their style, locally owned brands offer so much variety in terms of gym wear. If you’re lucky, you could bag a sale item. From functional yoga pants to ergonomically designed leggings, innovation is taking the lead.
Who would have guessed you could get water-repellent training joggers crafted with advanced fabric technologies? For one, ASRV says Aerotex™ is a soft stretch woven fabric with comfort at its core that is lightweight, breathable and water resistant.
#2. Cycling Shoes
If your pal is into spin class, they’ll appreciate the gesture. Personal trainer Keli Roberts tells Livestrong that cycling shoes can improve performance and overall experience.
Is it worth spending money on? According to the publication it is. The biggest benefit of cycling shoes is that they clip onto your bike pedals. You don’t have to worry about your feet flying off the pedals when spinning or biking.
#3. Reformer Pilates Machine
Let’s pretend you’re delusional and can afford this machine. Or, you’re mega-rich and this is chump change to you.
Vogue called reformer Pilates a “celeb-favorite workout for low-impact body sculpting.”
Reformer Pilates is performed on a machine designed by Joseph Pilates, the creator of Pilates. The machine has a low-profile frame with a sliding platform, straps, pulleys, and a spring-based resistance system.
#4. Heating Pad
Time to take it down a notch from the extravagant gift suggestions. Overdoing it in the gym can result in stiff or pulled muscles.
A weighted heating pad is perfect for a sore neck and shoulders. Some are cordless and super comfy, made from plush fabric.
As you know, heating pads aren’t only for muscle aches. When it’s that time of the month and the period cramps set in, your female friend will thank you with tears of joy.
#5. Bluetooth Speaker
Workout inspiration comes in many forms. For some, it’s cranking up the sound of their favorite song.
If your pal has a home gym setup, a Bluetooth speaker is just what they need to blast their workout playlist.
The JBL Clip 4 is sleek, portable, waterproof and has 10 hours of battery life. It streams wirelessly from your phone and comes with a noise-canceling speakerphone.
#6. Pickleball Set
When did people become this obsessive about pickleball? Once a fun pastime, pickleball is now the game of champions, tournaments and clout chasers.
So, chances are, your friend is into as much as Nicholas Galitzine takes bathroom selfies. You’re in luck! Brands cater to the pickleball masses and create everything from cutsie starter sets with matching totes to professional sets for the hardcore pro.
#7. Smoothie Maker
A fresh juice or smoothie is just what the doctor ordered after a hectic workout. Nutritional experts agree that the Nutribullet is the way to go.
The brand has reached Stanley Cup status thanks to its grab-and-go convenience. More powerful than the average personal blender, the Nutribullet can whip up a breakfast smoothie faster than you can recite the alphabet.
#8. Compression Performance Socks
We were today years old when reading about compression socks that improve performance. These socks promote blood flow and help with muscle soreness after workouts.
Ensure you get a pair made from merino wool with a sweat-wicking design.
#9. Nutrition Planner
A nutrition planner is great for tracking your friend’s health and fitness. Keeping tabs on their progress is their biggest motivator.
Some nutrition planners are laid out like journals and have tracking pages, exercise goals and measurements. They can hold themselves accountable and reward themselves when necessary.
Nobody knows your friend better than you. With that being said, these gift ideas are merely suggestions. If they’re not into reformer Pilates, it’s no use splashing out on a machine.
Consider how much use they’ll get from it and if it appeals to their active lifestyle. Then only do you swipe your card. You have no excuses. Shop for a gift that inspires and motivates them to take on the world.
