AWith Peloton Having learned the hard way, no one wants to trek downstairs on Christmas morning to an exercise bike under the tree that they didn't ask for. But give someone a gift that supports a workout they already love, and you'll come across as emotionally driven rather than presumptuous.
I spent nearly a decade as an editor for two fitness magazines, where I tested hundreds of sports bras, running shoes, and protein bars. Now I work out almost every day and train CrossFit. Here's my short list fitness gear that has stood up to the test and made my workouts more fun and comfortable.
Nike Metcon 10 Training Shoe
I've been wearing Metcons since 2018 and am now on my fifth pair. The all-around 10 is my favorite Metcon shoe: it's grippy and stable enough for heavy squats, but also light and springy enough for box jumps. Two tips: order them at least a half size up, and if the recipient likes to run, consider Metcon Free 6which has a little more flex in the forefoot and foam in the heel.
Magic Molecule Hypochlorous Acid Skin Spray
Our white blood cells produce hypochlorous acid to fight infection. it can fight acne, eczema, rosacea and other skin problems. A friend of mine recommended this spray to me, which she spritzes on her breakout-prone breasts after working out. You can use it anywhere on your body, including your face. 2 oz bottle Perfect size for gym bags and Christmas stockings.
Quince Neoprene Casual Duffel Bag
I've received a lot of compliments on this five-pocket duffle bag when I've used it as a duffel bag. The best question came from a very stylish 30-year-old friend who works in fashion merchandising: “Is this a Tribute to Dover?” (brand double Landon travel bag retails for $240.) I've since taken over the gym space, but still use the bag as continuethanks to a padded laptop compartment and a cover that fits over the handle of the suitcase.
Goodr Circle G sunglasses
I have four pairs of sunglasses, but these are the only ones I run in. No matter how sweaty my face gets, the coated frames, which fit very tightly and weigh just over half an ounce, never budge. Unlike most sports sunglasses, these don't make you look like you're wearing a reflective visor over your eyes. And because the flex frames are more durable than my Warby Parkers, the Goodrs are my go-to for backpacking, backpacking, and anything water related.
My favorite Vitamix has been developing since 2013. I have a Pro Series 750 which has since been discontinued. But if and when it ever comes out, I'll buy it 5200. The 750 can make soup and peanut butter, but 85% of the time I use it for post-workout protein shakes (I Promix chocolate whey isolate loyalist). And while the 5200 doesn't have a smoothie button like the 750, it does… does have the same powerful motor, the same hammer mill blades, the same seven-year warranty – and cult following among chefs and smoothie lovers.
Powerbeats Wireless Fitness Headphones
These headphones are sweat and water resistant so you can run or walk in them when it's raining, snowing or wet. They also have a “transparency” mode that allows you to hear music as well as, say, oncoming traffic. At the gym, hold the small button on the outside of any earbud for two seconds to switch to noise-canceling mode, which blocks out anything playing through the speakers. You can also press the same button once to pause or play a song, or press it twice to skip to the next song.
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Lululemon Energy Longline Bra
It's hard to find a sports bra that is supportive but not restrictive, especially if it has thin straps. This one somehow manages to be comfy, cute, and gets the job done with jumping. The neckline is just right—it follows the elastane line—it's low enough to show cleavage, but so high you can't wipe the sweat between your boobs—and the underbust band provides more coverage than a regular sports bra and keeps the bra from riding up.
Variety Pack of LMNT Electrolyte Beverages
Most people don't need this additive with electrolytes unless they sweat heavily for more than an hour. With that said, if you have an endurance athlete in your life, these super salty, sugar-free powders are the electrolytes worth gifting. I'm partial to the citrus and watermelon flavors, both of which are so delicious that I occasionally pour them into my water bottle just for fun.
Bombas Vintage Striped Mid-Calf Socks
For a 5'8″ woman like me, many workout leggings are essentially capri pants. To bridge the gap between hem and ankle, I ditched the no-show socks that, like skinny jeans and the side parts, apparently, outside in any case – instead of these higher ones. They look more interesting than plain white socks, but don't clash with patterned leggings. They feel soft, but they're not so thick that your feet feel hot. And the mid-calf height means you can either squeeze them in or wear them pulled up all the way.
Pso-spine
If you've ever tried foam rolling your back, you know that a little thing called your spine tends to get in the way. You can try two lacrosse or tennis balls in a tube sock, but it's difficult to keep the balls from moving away from the erector spinae muscles, those deep, vertical muscles that run along both sides of the spine. Imagine this Triceratops-style device that hurts so much when I lie on it that I recently took it with me on vacation for self-massage sessions by the fireplace.
Yeti Rambler Water Bottle
Here's what I look for in a gym water bottle: a straw lid to minimize cross-contamination of my dirty fingers where my mouth is. An airtight lid to keep water from spilling when the bottle inevitably tips over in my bag. Dishwasher safe. Double wall vacuum insulated so cold water stays cold. The capacity is large enough that I don't have to refill the bottle when I'm on the go, but not so large that it's bulky. This Yeti, which I have in neon yellow so I can easily find it on a crowded gym floor, fits the bill.
Speed jump rope Surge 3.0
Nothing warms me up faster than jumping rope: two minutes and I'm sweating. The first jump rope I bought was like this training rope from RXSG. But as I became better at double jumps, which require you to spin the rope under your feet twice for each jump, and speed singles, which are essentially fast jumping jacks, I needed something lighter and faster. Someone at my gym let me try their Surge speed rope and I immediately bought one for myself. Smoother ball bearings prevent the ends of the rope from rubbing against the inside of the handles, meaning less friction. Now I can do up to 50 double-unders at once before my lungs scream, uncle.
