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That time of year is almost here: the time to start pondering what to buy your loved ones for Christmas.
As the years go by, ideas can run thin, and finding that perfect gift can be a challenge.
If anyone you are shopping for this holiday season loves spending time in the gym, working out at home, playing a sport or training for an athletic event, consider buying them something revolving around their love for fitness this December.
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Check out these 20 gift ideas for the fitness guru in your life.
- Gym bag
- Shaker bottle
- Apple headphones
- Resistance bands
- Barbell shoulder pad
- Workout journal
- Wrist straps
- Weighted jump rope
- Yoga mat
- Workout gloves
- Ankle strap
- Adjustable dumbbells
- Weightlifting belt
- Ice bath
- Hydration pack
- Massage gun
- Walking pad
- Smartwatch
- Smoothie blender
- Liquid I.V.
This gift guide is full of inspiration for what you can buy for those who love fitness this holiday season. (iStock)
1. Gym bag
A frequent gym goer needs a place to carry all of their stuff.
A gym bag will keep everything nice and organized during their workout.
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You could always go classic with a sturdy duffle bag, or you could go for a more unique look and gift a trendy tote bag instead.
Backpacks are also great for taking to the gym.
2. Shaker bottle
Another gym staple is a shaker bottle.
Many have pre-workout drinks before going to the gym, as well as a post-workout protein shake.
A shaker bottle makes it easy to combine powder with water and take drinks on the go.
Shaker bottles are a gym staple. These are great for protein shakes on the go. (iStock)
Plus, it's good to have more than one shaker bottle, so even if this is an item the recipients already have, they'll be grateful to have another.
3. Apple headphones
Every good workout is accompanied by a great playlist full of pump-up songs.
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Gym goers need a good pair of headphones to help them block out any outside distractions and really focus on their workout.
Apple AirPods Max are great for the gym, as they are noise-canceling and wireless.
Beats are another great option. Beats are less expensive, and they provide great sound quality.
Apple headphones come in a ton of different vibrant colors. (iStock)
On-ear Beats headphones are one option, as are Powerbeats.
4. Resistance bands
Resistance bands make the perfect addition to an at-home workout.
There are many different exercises that can be done with a simple set of bands.
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Many people also opt to bring their resistance bands with them to the gym to use during their workout.
5. Barbell shoulder pad
Barbell squats can become even harder than they need to be, with the bar digging into your shoulders as you're trying to focus on strengthening your legs.
Shoulder pads can help solve this problem.
These pads slip right around the barbell and provide comfort to your shoulders while you are completing your set.
Barbells pads can provide an extra layer of shoulder support during workouts. (iStock)
You can also use the barbell pad when doing hip thrusts for an extra layer of cushioning.
6. Workout journal
A workout journal is a great gift for those who want to keep track of their progress at the gym.
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There are all different types of workout journals that are set up uniquely from one another.
Overall, a workout journal keeps a record of all fitness improvements. This can be put right into a gym bag and taken along for each workout.
A workout journal makes it easy to keep track of all the different exercises done with each gym visit. (iStock)
7. Wrist straps
Wrist straps are extremely helpful at the gym in order to aid in lifting heavier weights.
Wrist straps provide more support and also help with grip strength. These can be used for lifting dumbbells, kettlebells or a barbell.
These make for a perfect stocking stuffer for the holidays.
8. Weighted jump rope
A weighted jump rope adds a new element to an at-home workout
This is an inexpensive Christmas gift that is sure to bring intensity to any fitness routine.
The most difficult challenge to overcome as the giver of a weighted jump rope is figuring out the best way to wrap it. A festive bag may be the way to go with this item.
A traditional jump rope is a great addition to a workout, and a weighted one adds even more of a challenge. (iStock)
9. Yoga mat
With many free instructional videos available today, it's never been easier to find your center, practice deep breaths and focus on calming your body with a yoga session.
Whether someone in your life practices at home, at a studio or a gym, they need a good yoga mat.
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Another gift idea that can be paired with a mat is a set of yoga blocks.
10. Workout gloves
Workout gloves can help grip strength while at the gym, while also protecting your hands from calluses.
Workout gloves come in all different colors, so you can find ones that best fit the recipients style.
These can be put in a stocking, paired with another gym accessory or gifted on their own.
Workout gloves can help with grip strength when lifting heavy weights. (iStock)
11. Ankle strap
An ankle strap can be attached to a gym cable machine for lower body exercises like cable kickbacks, side raises and more.
Some gyms have these for people to borrow, but many don't.
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For that reason, a lot of gym goers have their own ankle straps that they throw into their gym bag.
12. Adjustable dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are the perfect piece of equipment for someone who likes to work out at home.
Dumbbell sets can be very expensive, especially for a large range of weights. Plus, they can take up a lot of space.
Adjustable dumbbells are a huge space saver, as they include multiple different weights in one.
You can adjust the weight of these dumbbells by easily shifting the dial on the side. (iStock)
The weight of adjustable dumbbells can be changed with the simple twist of a dial.
13. Weightlifting belt
A weightlifting belt provides back support for heavy lifting.
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If you know someone who has been focusing on muscle building exercises, a weightlifting belt is a potentially great gift for that person.
Weightlifting belts feature tons of different colors and even some designs.
14. Ice bath
A chilling ice bath is a popular way to recover from a grueling workout.
An ice bath can be purchased right on Amazon and set up in the backyard, filled up and ready for use.
There are several different shapes and sizes of ice baths you can purchase.
An ice bath can be set up right outside. Don't put the bath too far from the house, though, or the long walk back inside after a chilling dip can be grueling. (iStock)
This product is one that can broadly range in price, depending on the one you decide to buy.
15. Hydration pack
A hydration pack is a must-have for runners.
For those who run long distances, carrying a water bottle is less than ideal.
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Hydration packs can be filled up with water and worn as a backpack throughout a run. To drink from the pack, there is a tube with a valve at the end.
These packs keep runners hydrated for the duration of their workout.
These are also great for those competing in an obstacle course race, like a Spartan, or for long hikes.
Hydration packs are ideal for hikers and runners to stay hydrated on the go. (iStock)
16. Massage gun
A massage gun works out sore muscles after grueling workouts.
Massage guns feature different settings that you can adjust to your preference.
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This is another product that will range in price, depending on the one you purchase; there are many, though, that come at a low cost.
17. Walking pad
If you know someone who works from home, a walking pad is the perfect present.
A walking pad can be placed right under a standing desk, so your loved one can do some cardio while simultaneously getting work done.
Walking pads aren't only for those who work from home. They are also a great alternative to a treadmill, as they cost less and don't take up as much space.
A walking pad is the perfect gift for someone who works from home. (iStock)
18. Smartwatch
A smartwatch easily tracks workouts, sleep data and more.
There are so many different smartwatches on the market that have different capabilities.
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One of the most popular is the Apple Watch. These are great for the gym, because they attach to your phone, so you can switch to music, see text messages, answer phone calls and track workouts without ever taking your phone out of your backpack.
Fitbits are another great option. Many models have similar capabilities to an Apple Watch, while others are simpler in their design and functionality.
The Oura Ring has also grown in popularity. Oura Rings attach to your phone, and provide wearers with a slew of information about their bodies.
The Apple Watch is a popular choice for tracking fitness, as well as its many other capabilities. (Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
19. Smoothie blender
After a difficult workout, there's nothing better than going home and making a refreshing, nutrient-rich smoothie.
A single-serve blender is great for someone who just wants a solo serving after the gym.
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You can pair this with a smoothie recipe cookbook to give inspiration on different fruits and veggies they can blend together.
20. Liquid I.V.
Liquid I.V. is an electrolyte drink mix.
The product comes in all different flavors and can be mixed simply into a bottle of water.
These make great gifts, as they can be thrown into a gym bag and used to stay hydrated during a workout.
Consider buying a pack that is filled with a variety of flavors, so recipients can try all different ones to figure out what they enjoy the most.
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