The best fitness gift ideas for Christmas
Updated 19th Nov 2024
Whether there’s someone on your Christmas list who practically lives in the gym or one who’s only just starting out, we’ve made sure this gift guide caters to them all.
From affordable gym gear to chef-cooked meal prep, a fitness app that'll keep them on track and even the luxury of a sports massage at home, you’ll be able to tick their Christmas gift off your list in no time.
13 fitness gifts for gym lovers to newbies
The list at a glance
Scroll down for details
Spin class voucher
Home gym equipment
Fitness app gift card
At-home sports massage gift card
Yumi Nutrition gummies
Breath work training device
CBD muscle recovery balm
Desk walking pad
Portable blender
Infrared sauna blanket
Adjustable kettlebell
Foam roller water bottle
Smart health ring
For those who like to pedal their way to good health, a spin class gift card in the heart of London will always be appreciated. We’d love to give Psycle London a try – an immersive, energetic studio set to make movement moreish.
Having set out as a ride studio, spin is at its core. But they have other options if your giftee prefers, including barre, HIIT, reformer and yoga. It’s also easy to get to with studios dotted around the city – Oxford Circus, Shoreditch, Clapham, Notting Hill and Victoria. So if someone you know is looking for a hub of energy to excite their workouts, Psycle is a great place to start.
London gyms can be pretty pricey, so it’s no surprise if some of your friends would rather get their downward dog on in the comfort of their living room. Anyone come to mind? If so, help set up their perfect home gym with some fresh new equipment.
Depending on your budget, start with some stylish sportswear. Our picks are TALA and Represent for incredible quality combined with styles you’ll want to wear out and about as well as on the mat. And for affordable equipment, take a look at Core Balance Fitness. With everything from pilates balls to dumbbells, rollers to acupressure mats, there’s something for everyone.
For non-slip exercise, we love SweatyBetty for the Supergrip Align mats – ideal for yoga. Or if you’re willing to really splash out (lucky them!) a Peloton bike is about as impressive as a home gym can get.
For the friend who doesn’t have time for the gym and usually has to squeeze in a workout during their lunch break, a fitness app subscription could be exactly what they need.
Like a pocket-sized personal trainer, we love the Shreddy app for making fitness simple. With quick 10 minute workout options and weekly challenges, the app is great for someone who struggles keeping up with fitness plans.
As well as workouts, there are meal plans and a fitness community to keep users motivated. The challenges and progress tracking make it unlike most fitness apps out there, so it’s easier for your mate to keep their fitness up – even with the busiest of schedules.
True fitness fans understand the value of recovery after a big workout. It helps decrease the chances of getting injured, so skipping the gym won’t become a problem.
But it’s easy for this type of self care to slip off the list when life in the city gets in the way. That’s where your Christmas gift comes in – with an Urban gift card, you can send a professional sports massage therapist to their door and ease post-workout aches. The perfect choice for both men and women who hate having to skip leg day.
Alongside working out and eating well, vitamin supplements are a great way to support your body with the nutrients it needs to stay strong. If you’re unsure which to get as a gift, Yumi Nutrition makes it easy with its categorised gummy pots – they have options to support problems like sleep, gut health, energy and more.
They’re only little, so work as a great stocking filler for the fitness-enthusiast in your life who lacks certain vitamins.
Is that special someone into yoga, meditation, or wants to enhance their stamina? Then a breath training device could be the perfect gift. These devices help improve lung capacity, boost athletic performance, and even reduce stress.
We'd suggest the Airofit breathing trainer, which pairs with an app to guide them through tailored exercises, focusing on everything from relaxation to increasing lung power for intense cardio sessions. It's ideal for runners, swimmers, and anyone looking to improve their well-being through the power of breath.
Recovery is key for any fitness enthusiast, and CBD has become a popular solution for muscle soreness and inflammation. A high-quality CBD muscle recovery balm is a great stocking stuffer for someone who’s always pushing their limits in the gym.
Look for balms infused with cooling ingredients like menthol and arnica, which enhance the soothing effect of CBD. Brands like HempWell offer luxurious balms that melt into the skin, making post-workout recovery feel like a spa day.
Know someone working from home? An under-desk walking pad fits neatly under any standing desk, so they can get their steps in while working. It’s quiet, compact, and can be stored easily when they're not using it.
This is a great choice for anyone who struggles to find time to exercise due to a busy work schedule. Brands like WalkingPad offer sleek, foldable designs that let users seamlessly switch between work and walking.
If you know someone who's always on the move, a portable blender is a great idea for a gift. Whether it’s whipping up a protein shake after the gym or making a nutrient-packed smoothie for breakfast, these compact devices are super handy.
We recommend BlendJet, a rechargeable, lightweight, and powerful enough to crush ice and frozen fruits. It’s perfect for health-conscious friends who are always on the move and need their post-workout fuel wherever they are.
For the luxury wellness lover, an infrared sauna blanket is a unique and indulgent gift that provides all the benefits of a sauna without leaving home. Infrared heat penetrates deeper into the body, promoting detoxification, muscle recovery, and even skin health.
We recommend checking out brands like HigherDOSE, their portable blankets wrap you up in warmth while you break a sweat. It’s like giving the gift of a spa experience, perfect for winding down after a tough workout.
A kettlebell is a staple in any fitness enthusiast’s arsenal, but an adjustable one is even better. It saves space and also helps them increase the weight as they progress in their strength training.
We’re fans of brands like Bowflex, who offers adjustable kettlebells that range from light to heavy, all in one compact design. It’s perfect for kettlebell swings, squats, and all the strength training exercises they love.
Now, here’s a two-in-one that your fitness-loving friend didn’t know they needed. A water bottle that doubles up as a foam roller is the kind of gym accessory that’ll save them space and make sure they never forget their recovery tool.
Brands like Mobot are making hydration and recovery convenient. The bottle holds enough water for a workout while its durable exterior works as a roller to ease those muscle knots after a heavy lifting session. It’s a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts who love efficiency.
If you’re looking to splurge a bit, a smart health ring is a practical fitness gift for those serious about tracking their wellness. Unlike bulky fitness watches, these sleek rings track heart rate, sleep, recovery, and activity levels discreetly.
Brands like Oura have led the charge in making stylish yet high-performing rings that make health tracking simple. Perfect for someone who likes to stay on top of their fitness data without feeling like they’re strapped to a device.
How to choose the best fitness gifts – FAQs
If they’re just starting out, the key is to keep it simple and encouraging. A fitness app subscription is a great shout – something like Shreddy gives them workouts, meal plans, and progress tracking without feeling overwhelming. Or, opt for a sleek set of resistance bands – Core Balance makes affordable, beginner-friendly options that’ll let them ease into strength training. Bonus points if the bands are in a cute colour set.
Runners always appreciate thoughtful gifts that make their jogs smoother. How about a lightweight, no-bounce running vest for carrying water, keys, and snacks? Or go for recovery gear like a massage gun or some runner-specific socks – trust us, good socks (hello, Balega!) can make or break a run. Oh, and if you want to splurge, a smart health ring like Oura tracks recovery and performance effortlessly.
Yoga gifts can go beyond the standard mat. Think a gorgeous cork yoga wheel for deep stretches or an eco-friendly weighted eye pillow for savasana – dreamy, right? If they’re into hot yoga, you can’t go wrong with a super-absorbent yoga towel. Or go all-out with an infrared sauna blanket – it’s the perfect post-flow treat.
Consider a smart skipping rope that tracks jumps and calories, or a wearable like Whoop for detailed recovery insights. And don’t sleep on smart water bottles that remind them to hydrate – fitness and tech combined!
Recovery is everything, and it sounds like they need a gentle nudge. Get them a sports massage gift card from Urban, or a cold therapy kit – it’s a lifesaver for sore muscles. A massage gun or even a set of recovery balls could also do the trick. They'll thank you once they feel the difference!
How about an adjustable kettlebell – it saves space and grows with their strength. If they’ve got the basics covered, go niche with liquid chalk or wrist wraps that match their gym vibe. And for recovery after heavy lifts, a portable ice bath kit is a game-changer.
Know someone who hates the gym but loves outdoor adventures? A durable fitness tracker for hiking or a balance board to improve stability while having fun at home could be great. A set of trekking poles for their next trail adventure is a unique pick, or even a Tai Chi class voucher for something slower-paced but just as impactful.
New to Urban? Make yourself at home
With 1 million bookings delivered and counting, we're the UK's leading on-demand massage app, serving London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Browse treatments, read reviews or learn how it works to get started, or download the Urban app.