Fitness is a way of life for some people. Whether a weightlifter, yogi or home-workout devotee, there’s bound to be an exercise lover you need to buy a gift for this Christmas.
We’ve made the job of getting them something they’ll love that little bit easier by tracking down the best gifts for the chronically active. Our top picks cover everything from yoga bolsters and resistance bands to sports bras and even an ice bath for the garden.
And, if you’re among the rare folk who don’t know a fitness fanatic, worry not. The gorgeous warming salve or cork massage balls we’ve found are equally perfect for people who’ve never darkened the doors of a gym.
Seamless gym wear
T-shirt, £22
marksandspencer.com
Moisture-wicking and the perfect relaxed shape for any activity.
Pastel pillow
Yoga Matters bolster, £44
yogamatters.com
Great for yoga at home, I love this eco-friendly buckwheat bolster with a 100% organically grown cotton cover.
Heel-saving socks
Sealskinz anti-blister running socks, £18
sealskinz.com
£15
amazon.co.uk
These socks use double layers to prevent blisters, and they’ll jazz up your running kit, too.
Stylish hydration
Nalgene water bottle, £25
finisterre.com
This water bottle is big, bold and ideal for the gym, plus it’s BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free.
A cool down …
Lumi recovery pod, £59.95
johnlewis.com
Give the gift of cold water plunging this year. The Lumi recovery pod is just the right size to sit in the garden.
… and a warm-up
Neal’s Yard Remedies warming salve, £16
nealsyardremedies.com
Massage this into your legs before a run to warm yourself up, or use it afterwards on aching muscles.
Comfy pants
Howies seam-free knickers, £25 for three pairs
howies.co.uk
Naturally antibacterial, seam-free modal briefs that are super-comfortable for workouts.
Breathable headgear
Ciele running hat, £40
cieleathletics.com
johnlewis.com
A cap that is the stylish choice for running or casual biking, its small brim makes sure visibility isn’t impaired.
Pulsing massager
Pulsio Air massage gun, £69.99
pulsio.co.uk
decathlon.co.uk
The Pulsio Air massager claims 12 hours of battery life and is only the size of a phone.
The best vest
Alo Yoga workout vest, £58
aloyoga.com
£44
net-a-porter.com
This Alo Aspire vest will work for pilates and your post-workout coffee.
Sculpting leggings
Tala leggings, £59
selfridges.com
wearetala.com
Yoga bunnies will love these stretchy, recycled nylon high-rise leggings from Tala.
Goody bag
Adanola pouch, £14.99
adanola.com
Store your keys and phone in this great-looking puffy Adanola pouch.
Folding safety gear
Foldable cycle helmet, £135
closca.com
A design award winner, the Closca cycling hat will collapse down to fit in a bag.
Long sleeve tee
Performance top, £70
vuoriclothing.co.uk
This Vuori top is super versatile. It’s as ideal for morning runs as it is for layering over gym gear.
Home workout weights
Weighted triangles, £65
ampwellbeing.co.uk
Easier to grip than a kettlebell, these weighted triangles will add resistance to any pilates practice or lower body workout.
Stylish support
Energy bra, £38
lululemon.co.uk
This stylish Lululemon bra offers medium support, so is best for yoga and training.
Tension relievers
Cork massage balls, £15
fableyoga.com
Sustainably made from the bark of the cork oak tree, these massage balls can be rolled over trigger points to loosen tight knots.
Up the resistance
Sweaty Betty resistance training bands, £20 for three
johnlewis.com
Resistance loops, £10 for four
argos.co.uk
Resistance bands are highly recommended by PTs. “You can incorporate a resistance band into almost any exercise,” says Kira Mahal, personal trainer and founder of Motivate PT.
For more workout gear chosen by personal trainers, see our guide to the best home exercise equipment
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