While it’s true that staying fit doesn’t necessarily require all that much in the way of gear, there are a few key items that you won’t want to do without — good running shorts, sweat- and waterproof wireless earbuds and a foam roller all make for a much more enjoyable gym experience. Check out these gift ideas for the athlete in your life.
Ladder Supplements
Price: $40 (per month)
From: Ladder.sport
Unlock your next step with Ladder’s line of safer, more effective supplements. Created for LeBron James by a slew of experts, the brand sources cleaner, higher-quality ingredients to formulate better sports nutrition. Best of all, each of Ladder’s products are NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring that each batch is free of banned substances, contains no dangerous levels of toxins or metals and has accurate label claims
1. Master Lock 1505D Lock
Price: $5+
From: Amazon.com
A lock is essential kit for the gym, and the classic 1505D from Master Lock will do just fine. At less than $6, its stainless steel construction and anti-shim locking mechanism will ensure your stuff stays safe.
2. Youphoria Gym Towel
Price: $10+
From: Amazon.com
If you shower at the gym, a fast-drying towel is a must. Available in three sizes and multiple colors and made from an antimicrobial microfiber material, the Youphoria towel fits the bill perfectly.
3. Darn Tough Tactical No Show Cushion Sock
Price: $17/pair
From: Amazon.com
Ever heard of a sock that’s unconditionally guaranteed for life? First time for everything. Made of merino wool, nylon and lycra, these no-show socks are absurdly comfortable, and Darn Tough will replace them, no questions asked, should they rip, tear or otherwise prove faulty.
4. ShakeSphere Protein Shaker
Price: $20
From: Shakesphere.com
A deceptively simple design, the ShakeSphere (get it?) Protein Shaker is shaped like an oversize pill, and because there are no corners, there’s nowhere for protein to get stuck. You’ll also never lose your mixing ball, because the spherical shaker doesn’t need one.
5. Alcala Deodorizing Body Wipes
Price: $29 for 30 pcs
From: Amazon.com
If you need to squeeze in a quick workout but don’t have time to shower afterwards, Alcala Deodorizing Body Wipes are a good alternative. Enriched with tea tree extract, aloe vera, chamomile and antibacterial oils, they’re also extra large, meaning just one is enough for a post-workout wipedown.
Gear Patrol Magazine Subscription
Price: $39
From: store.gearpatrol.com
Gear Patrol Magazine is a deep dive into product culture. Inside each issue, you’ll find seasonal buying guides, rich maker profiles and long-form dispatches from the front lines of product design. Get four print magazines — delivered quarterly — with an annual subscription.
6. Under Armor Packable Duffle Bag
Price: $35
From: Amazon.com
Machine-washable and made of lightweight nylon, this duffle packs down into a tiny pocket for storage but provides an impressive 20-inch-wide main compartment with two exterior pockets.
7. Mack Weldon Airknitx T-Shirt
Price: $42
From: Mackweldon.com
There are plenty of breathable workout shirts available, but few that are truly engineered for combatting sweat and smell. The Airknitx T-Shirt is made of moisture-wicking, odor-defeating breathable microfiber, and its four-way stretch properties mean it’ll roll with the punches during a tough workout.
8. Foundation Short
Price: $58+
From: Tenthousand.com
Finding an ideal gym short is actually harder than it looks — the material has to be durable, yet flexible, and the fit has to be secure, yet comfortable. Thankfully the Foundation Short, based on the classic board short, is all this and more.
9. Vuori Ponto Performance Pant
Price: $84
From: Vuoriclothing.com
Not cheap, true, but unbelievably soft. The Ponto Performance Pant has a straight-leg, stretchy fit and is made from quick-drying, moisture-wicking polyester and elastane. Perfect for the gym, the plane and lounging around the house.
10. Hill City Train Half-Zip
Price: $88
From: Hillcity.com
Finding the ideal second layer for those outdoor workouts can be tough. The Train ½-Zip from Hill City is constructed from sweat-wicking TENCEL fabric that dries quickly, and reflective details and two pockets further enhance its utility.
11. Trigger Point Grid Vibe Plus Vibrating Foam Roller
Price: $90
From: Amazon.com
A foam roller for the 21st century, the Grid Vibe is made from high-density EVA foam and features a cordless, rechargeable vibrating system for pain relief and recovery. With four vibration sequences and a 2-hour battery charge, it’s perfect for closing out a tough session at the gym.
12. Nike Training Club
Price: $120/annually
From: Nike.com
With workouts for every type of athlete, tailored programs and in-depth wellness advice, it’s worth upgrading to the premium version of the Nike Training Club if you’re serious about your fitness.
13. Adidas Ultraboost 19
Price: $126
From: Adidas.com
An Adidas Primeknit upper makes for a shoe that melds to your foot and stays comfortable throughout long runs, and Torsion Spring provides support in the midsole. Available in tons of colors, the Ultraboost is a performance sneaker that looks sleek rather than technical.
14. Lululemon Surge Run Backpack II
Price: $128
From: Lululemon.com
Your old university backpack probably wasn’t made for running — too bulky, too big, too uncomfortable. The Lululemon Surge Run Backpak II, on the other hand, features an ultra lightweight design, removable sternum straps and space for a hydration reservoir.
15. Reebok Nano 9 Shoes
Price: $130
From: Reebok.com
Constructed with a breathable Flexweave upper, midsole cushioning and a decoupled outsole, the Reebok Nano 9 may have been designed for crossfit, but it’s a sneaker that’s equally at home while climbing, running and more. Oh, and it comes in 14 colors.
16. Fitbit Charge 3
Price: $138+
From: Amazon.com
Not everyone needs Apple Watch-level functionality. The Fitbit Charge 3 gives you goal-based exercises, real-time pace and distance, 50m of water resistance, sleep tracking and more, all for $150.
17. Aer Duffel Pack 2
Price: $170
From: GearPatrol.com
With tough Cordura construction, a front-load main compartment and a dedicated shoe compartment (accommodates up to size 13s), there’s no need to switch bags on your way from work to the gym.
18. Jaybird Vista Earbuds
Price: $180
From: Amazon.com
Fully waterproof and sweatproof, the Jaybird Vista Earbuds give you 16 hours of battery life in an in-ear style bud made for an active lifestyle. Synch it with the Jaybird app for custom EQs, Spotify compatibility and the ability to locate lost headphones.
19. Apple Watch Series 5
Price: $399+
From: Apple.com
Do you really not have one of these yet? What kind of gym rat are you? The Series 5 has advanced workout and heart monitoring capabilities, and it’s water resistant to 50m. Pretty much the ultimate gym watch.
Champion PATROL Sweatshirt
Price: $59
From: store.gearpatrol.com
The Champion Reverse Weave sweatshirt has been around for more than eighty years. With a cut well-suited for active use and a cotton/poly blend ideal for comfort, it’s the gold standard for the casual crew neck. The athletic fit and rib side panels make it a great piece of after-workout wear.
