The holidays are usually the time of year when we say goodbye to the gym, but for others, they’re just getting started.
You know who we’re talking about—the ones already plotting their New Year’s resolutions and who aren’t about to let a few measly below-freezing days, family commitments or sweet treats get in their way. They’ve got gains to make.
If someone you love falls into this category, this gift guide is about to make your life a whole lot easier. Between fashionable workout apparel, innovative accessories and the coolest fitness gear, your gym rat will be so happy they might just reward you by taking a few days off…maybe.
Running | Cycling | Triathlon | Outdoors | Kids | Tech | Gear | Stocking Stuffers
Nike Free TR Focus Flyknit Women's Training Shoe
$110 1 of 23
While these Nikes aren't ideal for long cardio sessions, they're the perfect group fitness class or strength-training shoe. Made out of Nike's signature lightweight flyknit material, that's meant to feel as natural as going barefoot. The outsole expands and contracts with every step to help keep your foot flexing naturally and to help you feel completely grounded throughout your workout.
Brooks Men's Spartan Pant
$75 2 of 23
The Brooks Spartan Pant is perfect for a gym day or a walk around the park. Semi-fitted, but not too snug, the pants are relaxed through the leg and tapered at the ankle, allowing for free range of motion. The zip ankles are especially handy for when it's time to hit the showers.
The Spartan Pant is engineered with Brooks' Drilayer Fabric, which effectively manages your sweat to prevent the pants from hindering your comfort or performance levels throughout your workout.
Manduka Meditation Cushion
$68 3 of 23
Help your loved one discover their inner zen with this cozy meditation cushion. Not only does it provide great support with its buckwheat hull filling, it also promotes proper alignment, specifically in the hips, so you won't lean back or slouch as you lose yourself in your own breath.
The cushion comes with a handle for easy transport, but it's a little heavy, so hauling it around every day may not be an option. But if you can do most of your meditating at home (or mainly in one place), this cushion could be just what you need to find a new level of calm.
lululemon All Day Duffel
$148-168 4 of 23
The All-Day Duffle is the holy grail of gym bags. It's designed to be a 24-hour bag that can hold everything you need for the gym, work or travel. The abundance of convenient pockets includes a 15-inch laptop pocket, a sweaty unmentionables pocket, a removable shoe/laundry bag and ever-handy outside pockets for easy access to your phone, keys, wallet or water bottle.
Yogis, take note: the bag also comes with stowable mat straps. The bag is available in plain black, white or the reflective fabric shown above; all are durable and easy to wipe off.
Under Armour Crossback
$34.99 5 of 23
This Under Armour Crossback fits like a second skin. With a tight, compressive feel, plus a wide elastic band that keeps the bra from inching upwards, the fit lady in your life will feel secure and supported during her next workout.
The Crossback also comes with built-in cups for extra coverage, but if you're looking for an even tighter fit, they are removable. True to its name, the reverse also features a racerback detail.
For those looking for an extra dose of color, this bra is available in an impressive 15 shades, so you'll never get bored.
Booty Belt System
$99.99 6 of 23
Behind the silly name is a serious resistance tool intended to lift and firm your backside while recruiting your core muscles to burn off fat. Developed by women's personal trainer and fitness guru Dominic Banks, the portable nature of the resistance band system makes it easy to use at home or the gym, and the deluxe package includes an instructional DVD and plenty of workout ideas.
Be prepared for some serious burn—the Booty Belt can burn up to 200 calories in just 20 minutes.
Stance Fusion Athletic Socks
$12-$20 7 of 23
Stance socks come in a number of colors and cuts, but aside from their appealing aesthetics, they are an especially breathable option for anyone who suffers from sweaty feet. All socks are made from a blend of sweat-wicking fibers that will keep your toes nice and dry through any strenuous workout. Specialized mesh panels in the socks wrap from the top of the foot to the arch for breathability, and the brand's Air-Channel Cushioning add a layer of protection while enhancing airflow.
Stance also prides itself on thoughtful design touches; for instance, the left and right sock are made to anatomically match your foot's structure.
Nike Therma Sphere Element Running Top
$80 8 of 23
If someone you love is planning on hitting the pavement during especially cold weather, we can't recommend this Nike Therma running top enough. Made with the brand's Sphere fabric, it's a warmer alternative to most long-sleeves and feels similar to a thermal (hence the name) when you first throw it on.
Though the material is thick and warm, Nike kept the design streamlined, eliminating any unnecessary bulk. And with the tighter fit, it'll not only lock in your natural body heat but also stay close enough to your skin for the sweat-wicking technology to work its magic. If that's not enough, the top also has fold-over mittens with thumbholes for max functionality and a side-zipper pocket so you can throw your keys in and go.
Running Bare League of Her Own Cardio Jacket
$106.62 9 of 23
Move aside little black dress, because here comes the little black jacket that every woman is going to want this season. Running Bare is an athletic line based in Australia and, despite being known for vivid prints and patterns, this League of Her Own jacket is stylish just the way it is.
The fabric feels like a second skin with light compression and the sleeves are made out of performance mesh, so you can expect to feel a breeze on your morning runs. It's the perfect second layer for getting in and out of the gym—or let's be honest, the grocery store, too.
FlipBelt Zipper
$34.99 10 of 23
If you've run or exercised with a belt before, then you're familiar with how annoying it is when they start riding up—but not FlipBelt. It's the only belt we've ever run with that actually stays on our hips, thanks to its wide construction. The new model even features more storage than the original, thanks to a larger, zippered pocket that's big enough to fit the iPhone 6. There's also three access points around the belt to slip in other essentials like your keys, credit cards and energy chews.
The belt is moisture-wicking and machine washable and has a reflective safety logo, should you venture out after dark.
Under Armour Threadborne Run True 1/2 Zip
$64.99 11 of 23
This Under Armour half zip is one of those go-to basics that gets the job done without all the unnecessary bells and whistles. Though it doesn't pack enough warmth for blustery cold days, it's the perfect transition piece for mild winter climates—light, versatile and with just enough coverage to ward off chill.
The material is even waterproof, so getting stuck in a drizzle won't ruin your run. As far as construction, the top fits close to the body but flares the smallest bit at the bottom, thanks to its scalloped hem.
Last but not least? It's reflective, so you don't need to worry about cars as you sprint towards your new PR.
New Balance Tenderly Obsessive
$41.99 12 of 23
New Balance delivers serious style points with the Tenderly Obsessive and backs it with maximum support features. Though the straps on this bra are thin, they're surprisingly non-slip, and we love that you can adjust them to your preference, unlike thicker straps.
The bra's shapely fit may be its most notable feature, however. From the padded cups to the wrap-around outside shell, we felt especially covered. The cups themselves are also moisture wicking, while the mesh on the side still keeps the padding breathable.
Oakley Next Level Stripe Training Tee
$50 13 of 23
The Oakley Next Level Stripe Training Tee checks all the boxes. Much more than just a T-shirt, the garment is made from Oakley's super light Hydrolix fabric. But unlike a lot of moisture-wicking fabric, Hydrolix won't stick to your skin, even with heavy perspiration.
Of equal importance, the Stripe Training Tee just looks awesome, complete with a feathered pattern and a curved hem that will ensure you look especially good while you do those dumbbell flies.
Lucy Performance Jogger
$79 14 of 23
If ever there was a brand that mastered the mix of functional fitness and fashion, it's Lucy, and this jogger is the perfect example. When we first tried it on, we were pleasantly surprised with the thicker fabric (perfect for colder days) and how structured the pant is compared to other joggers.
But what really sold us is when we did a quick 20-minute weight circuit in them. Though most joggers are for lounging, these can withstand a workout. The pants are moisture-wicking, so you won't be soaked in sweat when you're finished, and the powermesh waistband provides a flattering, lightly compressive fit around your stomach. There's even an internal pocket to store your essentials.
Mizuno Women's Elite Phoenix Print 4.0 Short
$50.00 15 of 23
If your loved one needs a basic, dependable short for their gym routine, we recommend the Mizuno Elite Phoenix.
Made with the brand's DryLite shell, these shorts won't hold on to moisture no matter how sweaty you get, and they even have built-in antibacterial briefs to cut back on unpleasant odors. The front of the short has a flattering wide waistband, and the back features a small, zippered pocket so you can throw in your key or credit card before heading out the door.
Lucy Workout Racerback Tank
$35-$45 16 of 23
A basic racerback tank is essential to any gym rat's fitness wardrobe, and we have a feeling your loved one will want to order this one in every color. For starters, the fit of the tank is hard to beat. The top fits tighter around the bust, so you feel all tucked in, but the bottom flares out around the stomach and hips for ease of motion. There's even a slight drop tail in the back for extra coverage over leggings.
The tank also features LucyTech, the brand's moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric, and flatlock seams that reduce chafing around your shoulders, back and arms.
Electric Knoxville XL Sunglasses
$120 17 of 23
Electric is garnering a lot of attention for their sunglasses, made for the cool outdoorsman (or woman) that loves to take the long path home or hit the slopes on the weekend. All of Electric's standard sunglasses have OHM or optical health through melanin, which blocks 98 percent of harmful UV and HEV blue light, while relaxing your eyes to increase how you view the world. These lenses will let you take in sights with increased clarity, contrast and depth.
lululemon Men's License to Train Hoodie
$168 18 of 23
The lululemon License to Train hoodie is the perfect outer layer for any man on his way to the gym or going for a cool, winter run. Your first thought might be that it's overpriced for a hoodie, but when you feel the material you'll understand why. It's made of a very durable, almost neoprene-like material that is abrasion resistant and thermo regulating. The hoodie has microfiber patches on each sleeve for wiping sweat off your hands during a tough training session, and hidden zipper pockets to hold your gear.
Mizuno Wave Rider 20
$119.99 19 of 23
The Mizuno Wave Rider is a runner's dream, so if your loved one is planning on logging some serious miles as part of their New Year's resolution, we highly recommend investing in this shoe.
With 20 iterations under its belt, Mizuno took what was already working in this classic shoe, first introduced in 1998, and made it even better. Most notably, the brand introduced new Wave plate technology that absorbs your foot impact, specifically in the heel, for a softer ride. Combine the cushioned heel with a midsole foam, and you'll be injury-free all winter long.
Manduka Men's Ribu Zip Neck
$98 20 of 23
Every yogi needs a sweater—that's right, even the guys. Make your man feel good and look good with this Manduka quarter zip sweater. It's stylish, it's soft, and all Manduka fabric is environmentally friendly so you can feel good about what you're buying. Its also got thumbholes and a very thoughtful utility pocket on the left sleeve.
New Balance Fresh Foam Gobi Trail Shoes
$95 21 of 23
For every activity there is a shoe, and when it comes to the Tough Mudders and Spartan Racers of the world, these New Balances are it. The perfect shoes for battling varied terrain, the Gobi is built with the comfort and safety of the wearer in mind. We got great traction out on the trail, and the Fresh Foam midsole made running over rocks and sticks feel like nothing. These shoes even have a rubber toe protector should a stray rock cross your path unannounced—no stubbed toes in sight.
lululemon Women's Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Crew
$78 22 of 23
The lululemon Swiftly Tech long sleeve is a staple item every fitness-minded woman should have in her closet. It's perfect for an outdoor run or an indoor gym session, and it'll become your favorite bottom layer this winter. It's made out of a very light and breathable material that fights odor-causing bacteria, and comes in an array of colors.
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