Gifts for Gym Lovers

People who lift already own a gym bag and a shaker, usually a battered one. The good gifts are the small upgrades they keep meaning to buy, recovery gear for the day after leg day, and a couple of things that make training at home possible.

Under $25 6 ideas

  1. BlenderBottle Classic V2 Shaker Bottle, 28 oz

    Everyone who lifts has a shaker that smells faintly of old protein. A fresh one with the wire whisk ball is a real kindness.

    BlenderBottleStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  2. Gymreapers Lifting Straps

    Padded straps that let them hold heavy deadlifts and rows when grip gives out before the back does.

    GymreapersStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  3. Gymreapers Weightlifting Wrist Wraps

    Stiff wraps that support the wrists on heavy pressing. A cheap upgrade for anyone benching or overhead pressing seriously.

    GymreapersStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  4. Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands

    Five mini-bands for warmups, glute work and travel workouts. They fit in a pocket of the gym bag.

    Fit SimplifyStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  5. WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope

    A fast, adjustable cable rope for conditioning and double-unders. A big improvement over the beaded rope from school.

    WOD Nation

    See it on Amazon

  6. Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews

    A straightforward, evidence-minded guide to lifting and eating. Good for the newer lifter who is piecing it together from videos.

    Michael MatthewsBook

    See it on Amazon

Under $50 7 ideas

  1. Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 3rd Edition

    The standard text on the squat, deadlift and press, with detailed form cues. A reference serious lifters keep returning to.

    Mark RippetoeBook

    See it on Amazon

  2. TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller

    A firm, durable roller for tight hips and quads. Holds its shape far longer than cheap foam ones.

    TriggerPoint

    See it on Amazon

  3. Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw Cap

    Keeps water cold through a long session and survives being dropped on rubber floors. The straw cap makes sipping between sets easy.

    Hydro Flask

    See it on Amazon

  4. Under Armour Undeniable 5.0 Duffle Bag, Medium

    A water-resistant gym bag with a vented shoe pocket so sweaty gear stays separate. Replaces the worn-out backpack.

    Under Armour

    See it on Amazon

  5. Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

    A no-screw pull-up bar that hangs on a door frame. Lets a gym regular train on days they cannot get there.

    Iron Gym

    See it on Amazon

  6. RENPHO Smart Scale for Body Weight

    Syncs weight trends to their phone so they can track a cut or bulk without a notebook. Pairs with Apple Health and Google Fit.

    RENPHO

    See it on Amazon

  7. Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller

    An ab wheel with a spring that helps on the way back. A tougher, sturdier version of the basic wheel.

    Perfect Fitness

    See it on Amazon

Under $100 3 ideas

  1. Soundcore by Anker Sport X10 Wireless Earbuds

    Rotating ear hooks keep them in during burpees and box jumps, and they are sweat resistant. Cheaper to lose than premium buds.

    Soundcore

    See it on Amazon

  2. Fitbit Inspire 3 Health and Fitness Tracker

    A slim tracker for steps, sleep and heart rate with a long battery life. Suits someone who wants data without a full smartwatch.

    Fitbit

    See it on Amazon

  3. Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell, 25 lb

    One kettlebell covers swings, goblet squats and carries at home. Vinyl coating is kinder to floors than bare iron.

    Yes4All

    See it on Amazon

$100 and up 3 ideas

  1. TRX All-in-One Suspension Trainer

    Straps that anchor to a door or tree for a full bodyweight workout. Great for travel and for lifters who want more core work.

    TRX

    See it on Amazon

  2. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

    Replaces fifteen pairs of dumbbells with a dial. The centerpiece of a home gym that fits in a corner.

    Bowflex

    See it on Amazon

  3. Theragun Prime Massage Gun

    A strong percussion massager for sore muscles after heavy sessions. The recovery tool most lifters want but hesitate to buy.

    Therabody

    See it on Amazon