The Best Fitness Gifts for Everyday Athletes

One of the fastest racing shoes ever designed. It’s preposterously light, at just 218 grams, and built specifically for marathon PBs. After selling out nonstop throughout 2024, they’ve been in solid stock throughout this year; the Swoosh has also added some sweet colorways. 

The running boom meets the late ’90s. Despite the name, the shades’ non-slip nosepad will make sure they stay fixed on your face. Also great for biking, skiing and partying. 

The brand makes lord-knows how many shoes, but people are sleeping on their apparel. These are the best technical hiking pants we’ve ever owned; they’re also great for lounging, travel days, you name it.

Your favorite runner’s favorite running headphones. They’re safer and sturdier than AirPods, and the bone conduction tech delivers a crisper sound than you’d expect. 

Why do NBA players keep tearing their ACLs? Why does the average American’s back hurt so much? How on earth are those two things related? Veteran sportswriter Henry Abbott explains how “ballistic movements” provide a bulwark to aches and injuries — for elites and amateurs alike.  

Analog beats Apple Watch. The iconic Timex IRONMAN — prized by athletes, pilots and first responders — was reissued earlier this fall in an exclusive update. 

Compression boots for your hips. Hip boots! They’re the latest release from Hyperice sub-label Normatec, and as people who A) sit for long periods and B) work out several days a week, we are extremely excited.

This gym bag checks every box. It has different compartments for your clothes, your sneakers and your catch-all items; its strap actually feels nice when slung across the shoulder, and it fits easily in a standard gym locker. Put it to good use on weekenders, too. 

This stationary bike delivers a fat-burning workout in just five minutes — and promises a 12% increase in fitness over your first two months of use.

Start a brand-new wellness routine with the gold standard in cold therapy. Plunge comes with a filtration and sanitation system to make sure your baths stay cool and clean. And not for nothing, the tub is large enough to fit LeBron James.

Paper tablets are an absolute revelation. This Oslo-based electronics company makes the best one on the market. It catalogs every note you ever take; it allows you to choose between blank pages, lined paper and spreadsheets; and it’s all syncable to cloud servers, if that’s your thing.

Probably this year’s favorite everyday running trainer. Bouncy, responsive and available in 15 different colorways.

From an underrated Scottish cycling brand, this long-sleeve is lightweight, quick-drying and ideal for lounging around at a cafe or pub after your ride.

A profound meditation on running, father-son dynamics and the outer boundaries of endurance sport, from the CEO of The Atlantic. 

We sleep with this thing on every single night. It’s comfy and provides a complete blackout. There’s also a vibration setting, which comes in handy if your cortisol is still pumping come bedtime. 

The Swiss brand makes excellent apparel, in case you weren’t aware. This is their single best running tee. It’s for the trail, allegedly, but we run it on the roads at least twice a week. 

Meal prep, humble as it may seem, is one of the healthiest habits you can add to your weekly routine. This bowl is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, collapses down when you’re done and has none of those nasty forever plastics you’ve been hearing about. 

The Land Rover of kitchen counter blenders. Its automatic, “stop and go” tech ensures optimal smoothie texture in a minute or less. 

These are an excellent failsafe if you sometimes struggle to fall (or stay) asleep. Wacky dreams are on the menu, but you’ll definitely sleep through the night. 

Some yoga mats just keep you from slipping in your sweat. This one uses built-in sensors to track your alignment and form, offering real-time feedback through the companion app.

The GOAT of adjustable dumbbells. Just twist the dial and you’ve got anywhere from a five-pounder to a 52.5-pounder at your disposal. Invaluable for days where you can’t get to the gym.

A fledgling tennis label built on clean lines and casual cotton. Their stuff is perfect if you’re just getting into the sport (or padel, or pickleball). Don’t sleep on the Sport Boxer!

The award-winning wearable isn’t just for tracking sleep scores anymore. Its “symptom radar” can literally predict when you’re going to be sick.

A portable device that locks the apps of your choice with a physical tap. We keep ours on the kitchen fridge. When you leave the house, you can’t access XYZ apps until you return and tap your Brick once again.

Get the phone out of the bedroom! We sleep to this little machine’s brown noise each night — and wake up to its gentle gongs each morning. Domestic bliss.

This one’s a winner. Built from iconic Polartec fleece and cut in Tracksmith’s timeless style, this jacket’s a great go-to for months of moody running weather. Choose from quarter- or full-zip.

If you exercise regularly, you need to replenish your salt intake at least once a day. LMNT’s cachets are tasty without artificial sweeteners, and priced well compared to the buzzy electrolyte market.

A monthly mobility membership that’ll teach you a brand-new move every morning. Essential if you’re waking up with a sore low back.

The heritage outdoor brand made a windbreaker out of spectra, which is stronger than steel. Perfect outer shell for your next adventure.

Everyone talks about how important it is to apply sunscreen day in and day out, rain or shine. Well, it’s easier to honor that rule if you have this stick handy. It lasts forever, leaves zero residue and handles its solitary job with aplomb.