to top 25 table

25 Fitness Gifts for Men Who Love to Workout

last updated: Feb 04, 2020

Need to buy a birthday, holiday, or special occasion gift for a guy who loves working out? It can be more challenging than it sounds. Say your gift recipient is a powerlifter. You know they need weight plates, but he probably already has a set. If you aren't versed in the different brands, you may not know how to make sure a new plate is compatible. The last thing you want is to purchase something that your loved one won't be able to use.

This is where we come in. We rounded up 25 products that can be used across a wide variety of athletic pursuits. Some are general-purpose, but some are pursuit specific. We think you'll find some ideas here. In the end, our professional staff will offer some gift alternatives that you may not have thought of. You'll find something to make your guy smile!

In a Hurry? The test winner after 4 hrs of research

Emerge Wooden Gymnastic Rings
Emerge Wooden Gymnastic Rings
Why is it better?

Strap/ring weight capacity is 800 pounds

Buckles, straps are durable and will not snap

Portable and versatile, as long as you can find a rafter, tree branch, pull up bar, etc to hang from

Our #1 rated proteinDon't miss this...
top product fixed image
Our #1 rated protein

25 Best Fitness Gifts for Him

1. Emerge Wooden Gymnastic Rings

$$
Emerge Wooden Gymnastic Rings
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Strap/ring weight capacity is 800 pounds

Buckles, straps are durable and will not snap

Portable and versatile, as long as you can find a rafter, tree branch, pull up bar, etc to hang from

This is a premium workout ring set that includes two 11” wooden rings, two 1.5” by 15’ trainers and 1.5” military-grade webbing straps. Everything you need for a great workout on the go!

2. Emerge Speed Jump Rope

$
Emerge Speed Jump Rope
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Ergonomic handles cut down on wrist pain/fatigue

The cable can be shortened or lengthened quickly

Comes with a stylish carrying case

A fully adjustable cardio training tool, this is a 10-foot long cable exercise training rope. High precision cartridge ball bearings provide seamless revolutions and are easy to tweak to his liking.

3. Fit Simplify Resistance Bands

$
Fit Simplify Resistance Bands
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$10.95
Features

Five bands, carry bag, online workouts, and eBook to download/print

Color-coded by the level of resistance

Bands are closed loops--easy to attach to hands, but no annoying handles

The company offers a lifetime guarantee with each purchase

Compact and lightweight fitness bands made of tough, tear-resistant material complete with non-slip grips. Suitable for any type of strength workout.
If you choose to buy a workout band as a gift for the significant man in your life, take a look at the resistance bands we reviewed.

4. Rip Toned Lifting Wrist Straps

$
Rip Toned Lifting Wrist Straps
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$13.97
Features

Padded neoprene wrist cuffs

Straps made of durable, sweat-resistant cotton

Wrist straps are good for injury recovery, too

Can wash in the machine

Fray-free double machine stitching

Improve your grip and lift more weight with these high-performance no-slip grip straps. Rip Toned is so confident you'll be pleased with the results, they offer a lifetime guarantee.

5. Ergodyne Chill-Its Cooling Towel

$
Ergodyne Chill-Its Cooling Towel
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$5.51
Features

After soaking and wringing, cool relief lasts four hours

Can wash by hand or in machine

Effective for outdoor heat relief, migraine cold compress, night sweat therapy, cooling off overheated pets

Doesn't need cold water to function

When you get this towel wet, it creates an amazing cooling effect that is quite a bit lighter than the air around you. The towel evaporates quickly, making it a great relief from the heat and helps fight fatigue.

6. Stack 52 Bodyweight Exercise Cards

$$
Stack 52 Bodyweight Exercise Cards
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Created by a professional military trainer

Each exercise is thoroughly illustrated

Exercises ranked by level of difficulty

This set includes 114 different exercises--get a full workout, don't repeat anything

Planning your workouts is vital, and bodyweight workouts are timeless. But have you ever tried just having fun and taking a gamble? These slick full-color cards by Strength Stack is a bodyweight exercise workout game that challenges every fitness level. Video/written instructions are included.

7. Diet and Fitness Journal/Diary

$$
Diet and Fitness Journal/Diary
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$6.08
Features

Created by professional author/publisher Claudine Gandolfi

Line item entries, overviews by day/week

Slots for cardio, strength, meals, stretching and more

Can be customized however you want to

Have you ever seen a bullet journal? They are compact, but chock full of ways to customize how you track your goals and tasks. This is a bullet journal made just for workouts and nutrition tracking, in a flexible and durable format.

8. Blender Bottle ProStak System

$
Blender Bottle ProStak System
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Contains a stash area for supplements

Comes in a whole spectrum of colors

The leakproof lid and sip straw

22-ounce liquid storage

Can wash in dishwasher (top rack)

This nifty and stylish blender bottle includes a storage compartment for powders, pills, and supplements. It includes a 22-ounce capacity blender bottle along with patented blender ball and patented wire whisk.

9. Clever Yoga Mat Strap/Carry Strap

$
Clever Yoga Mat Strap/Carry Strap
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Adjustable to fit any yoga mat

Comes in standard and extra long lengths

Wide enough not to ever dig into your shoulder

Eco-friendly, machine washable cotton fabric

This natural cotton strap lets you carry your yoga mat without needing a shoulder bag or any extra equipment. When you get where you are going, the tool doubles as a yoga strap for extra stretching and healing.

10. Yoga EVO Ab Trainer Kit

$$
Yoga EVO Ab Trainer Kit
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Comes with a pamphlet illustrating different exercises

Knee pad prevents sore knees, carpet burns

Handles are also padded--good for grip, less wrist pain

The handle is a single stainless steel rod

The contoured foam handles and nonslip wheel make this fantastic ab exercise device comfortable and stable to allow for an extended time of use. Your purchase includes a knee pad and online video access.

11. Feed Zone Cookbook For Athletes

$$
Feed Zone Cookbook For Athletes
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$19.76
Features

Covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts

Each recipe aimed at energy, recovery, race prep or other specific situations

Feed Zone has a whole series of cookbooks promoting healthy ingredients and delicious meals. This one is aimed at athletes in need of all-day fuel and quick food prep solutions. A fantastic nutritional resource with over 150 delicious recipes, the book includes gluten-free and vegetarian alternatives.

12. Embrava Best Sports Water Bottle

$$
Embrava Best Sports Water Bottle
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$24.95
Features

Plastic contains no BPAs

With side strap, you can take a bottle on outdoor runs/hikes

Curved ergonomic shape fits comfortably in the hand

32-ounce capacity (also comes in 18 and 22 ounces)

Extra vent hole on top lets liquids flow fast

This is a nontoxic plastic water bottle designed for the active user. It allows for one-click opening, a side strap and non-toxic and eco-friendly construction. The premium design and functionality are a bonus.

13. Nacuma Running Belt

$$
Nacuma Running Belt
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

The entire belt is waterproof

Reflective yellow adds to the safety

Includes an earbuds jack for streaming music easily

The buckle closure is secure and won't come loose

This is a snug-fitting, brightly colored utility belt that allows you to go hands-free while running or hiking. Now you can run with your phone, keys, and coins without any hassle. It features an internal pocket system with two openings around the belt.

14. Lillian Paige Sports Dice

$$$
Lillian Paige Sports Dice
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Total of 36 different exercise possibilities

Cardio, bodyweight, plyometrics included

Combination of easy and more intense exercises

Can use for group fitness, too

Great for Crossfit, but anyone can use

These green, yellow, and blue 12 sided dice make each day's workout seem like an adventure. Each one can land on push-ups, crunches, mountain climbers, running in place, burpees or many others. There is always a chance to land on a water break, too, so you don't get too worn out.

15. Insanity 60 Day Program

$$$$$
Insanity 60 Day Program
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$59.99
Features

Includes online support

Durable, slick packaging keeps everything together

Extra perks include calendar, meal planner, online support

Workouts are intense, fast-paced, but include modifications for different levels

Shaun T is legendary for his can-do attitude and painful but positive instructional style. This DVD set will have users running, jumping, crunching, and slaying their way to strength and power in a short amount of time. The complete set includes a nutrition guide, workout tracker, 10 DVDs, and access to online coaching tools.

16. Sport-It Compression Workout Shorts

$$$
Sport-It Compression Workout Shorts
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

3/4 length comes down to just below the knee

Compression keeps the phone from falling out of pocket

Protects vulnerable knees, hip flexors when you lift heavy

Helps prevent, soothe tired muscles

Has a pocket on each side

These 3/4 shorts are like a second skin, helping prevent soreness and stiffness in your hip area whether you are training moderate or heavy. The shorts are made of dry-fit elastic to wick away moisture and sweat. They feature a cell phone pocket to keep your device handy but out of the way while you work out. The shorts are ideal for cardio as well as squats and other classic barbell exercises.

17. CAP Barbell Vinly Kettlebell

$$
CAP Barbell Vinly Kettlebell
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$29.95
Features

Cement center feels solid, stays tight

Different weight increments still priced close to the same

CAP Barbell has great customer service quality, reputation

Vinyl shell is durable, doesn't feel bulky

CAP Barbell makes this sturdy cement-filled, vinyl sealed kettlebell (take a look at the best kettlebells we reviewed). It comes in weights from 5 to 30 pounds, all at surprisingly reasonable prices. The vinyl resists tearing and cracks, and the cement innards won't loosen and get shaky over time.

18. Baleaf Compression Running Shirt

$$$
Baleaf Compression Running Shirt
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Fits a variety of male body types

Comes in black, white, or bright yellow

Mesh panels reduce sweat in armpits

Can order a size up for a looser, less compressive fit

Seams are designed to lay flat, eliminate chafing

This is a comfy, snug, soothing, compression workout top that features breathable moisture-wicking polyester and elasticized fabric to keep you dry and comfortable. It can help improve performance by contouring to your body while permitting movement, as your only top coverage or as a base layer on cold, rainy days. The shirt is tailored and stitched to match shoulder, arm, and chest contours for most male users.

19. Ailun iPhone/Android Sport Armband

$
Ailun iPhone/Android Sport Armband
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Has a concealed side key holder slot

Minimalist design doesn't interfere with tasks

Lightweight, anti-slip, durable

Included extra band fits huskier arms

Designed for most mobile phones, the Ailun armband will accommodate any size phone smaller than the iPhone 7 or 8. The armband has a reinforced opening for your earbud jack. There's also a discreet but noticeable reflective strip around where the phone sits, to help with visibility in dark, foggy, or rainy conditions.

20. Live Infinitely Infusion Bottles

$$
Live Infinitely Infusion Bottles
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$13.99
Features

32-ounce capacity

Longest infuser rod in the industry--super effective

One year no strings attached warranty

Can go in the dishwasher

This ergonomic, eye-catching infuser bottle includes a top lid with a thumb release for speed and convenience. A long infuser rod reaches the very bottom of the chamber. Chunky grips on the sides help you hold on, and every purchase includes an ebook with infusion concoction ideas.

21. Bunny James Protein Snack Box

$$$$
Bunny James Protein Snack Box
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$46.99
Features

Snacks feature natural ingredients

Each snack labeled with nutrition information

Comes in a quirky, fun package with a reusable box

Won't need gift wrapping, in case you ship remotely

This gift box offers 20 servings of various high protein snacks for fitness lovers or foodies on the go. Each snack is low in sugar and GMO-free. Salty, sweet, crunchy offerings include nachos, crackers, granola bites, nuts, Chia bars, and more.

22. Sunny Health And Fitness Barbell

$$
Sunny Health And Fitness Barbell
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$41.51
Features

Spin locks attach quickly to threaded ends

Chrome plated for corrosion resistance

Low priced, excellent starter pack for new lifters

Fits with any standard 1" weight plates

This is a standard one-inch chrome plated bar. It won't fit Olympic plates, but you can get adapter sleeves if you shop around. It has threaded rods on the end to fit the ring collars that come with the purchase.

23. Fitlosophy Fitbook

$$$$
Fitlosophy Fitbook
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$19.98
Features

Includes capstone pages each week to commemorate progress, record memories

5.5 inch square, compact and portable but with ample writing space

Comes with a pen and bookmark strap

Storage slots for receipts, recipes, business cards, etc

Lets you download the Fitbook+ app for enhanced goal tracking

Can also purchase up to a year of Fitbooks at a a time

Each of these durable spiral-bound notebooks covers twelve weeks of your fitness life. The single pack, linked from here, will take your fitness lover through most of a year. Each page lets them record workouts and meals, including calorie information. There is also space for goal setting, planning, and race or competition prep. The user's imagination is really the limit with the Fitbook.

24. Innova ITM5900 Inversion Table

$$$$$
Innova ITM5900 Inversion Table
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$198.87
Features

Heats and massages whole lower back, waist

Heat and massage both have auto or manual settings

Adjustable height, headrest let everyone find the center of gravity

Ergonomic ankle locks take the pressure off the ankle

300 pound/6'6" user capacity

An inversion table is a serious, heavy-duty fitness tool. Users can hang free for spinal traction therapy, or perform inverted squats and crunches. The Innova is a mid-priced offering, great for those who want to give inversion therapy a try. During use, a lumbar pad covers the entire spine to apply healing heat and massage for tired bodies.

25. Spine-Worx Back Realignment Device

$$
Spine-Worx Back Realignment Device
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$56.95
Features

Can be used to maintain alignment after a chiropractor visit

Also for temporary relief while waiting for a doctor visit

Easy to use--just lie down and position back for comfort

FDA approved DIY therapy

This two-pound, comfortable, FDA approved tool will let your fitness buff realign his spine with no chiropractor. To target problem areas, the user simply changes their position on the raised ridges and grooves that form the backrest. The device uses one's own bodyweight to compress the vertebrae for pain and stiffness relief.

expert tips icon
Outside The Box Gifts

Fitness isn't one size fits all. For that reason, it could be that you perused our list and couldn't find anything that will be useful for your gift recipient.

We understand, and we always want to help. Here are a few ideas you may not have considered, which don't mesh easily into a Top 25 guide.

Pay for a gym membership, for your loved one or one of their kids. Places like Planet Fitness have tiered pricing and don't ask for a huge deposit. 15 or 20 dollars a month is less than what many of us spend on coffee.

Donate a sum of money to the person's favorite charity, in their name or anonymously. The charity will be glad for the help, and you can ask for a certificate or receipt that you can present in a gift exchange. You can tailor the gift to the person's values, too. Does heart disease run in their family? You can give to the American Heart Association. Put some thought into it and make the funds count, for your friend and the people who will benefit from the nonprofit group's labor.

Class card. This is similar to a gym membership, but not as expensive. Maybe you have that friend who says "I'd like to try CrossFit/yoga/Zumba/professional run coaching" but keeps putting that dream on the back burner. Most independent, sport-specific studios will offer a no-contract card, good for a number of lessons over a month. For you, it is a one-time investment that can help your friend decide if the activity is right for them.

The Appeal of a Paper Journal

Why spend time lugging around something like the Fitlosophy journal, when you can achieve the same benefits on a mobile app with less effort?

The answer is a matter of personal preference. Some of us like the look, feel, and aesthetic of a notebook. Today's fitness journals are compact and designed to toss into a gym bag. They are also made from tear-proof paper, with tough plastic spiral binding or glue. They won't come apart like a composition book. And for $20 or so, you get up to a year of pages with a uniform layout. They let you record every metric that will fit, and there is plenty of room for writing out details.

Like a bullet journal, a fitness journal will have ways to customize, decorate, and color code the entries. And many contain recipes, healthy eating tips, or motivational messages in addition to the diary pages. We still think mobile apps are effective, and perhaps more convenient, but we wouldn't want to shut the door on the creativity and simple beauty that are part of a paper notebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Aren't some of these gifts just gimmicks?

a:

We don't think so, but it is easy to see where that idea comes from.

For example, many people are skeptical about ab rollers. We've seen the cheesy late-night commercials, just like you--"are you tired of working your abs the old fashioned way?" The ab roller, at first blush, seems like a dinky plastic gadget that promises unrealistic results.

But in reality, ab wheels are just another way of pushing your muscles against resistance. They can strengthen your back, arms, shoulders, and core muscle groups, all in a single movement. Your wrists, too, will get stronger, which is something that doesn't happen when you lie on your back and do crunches.

The ab wheel also saves a lot of strain on your lumbar spine, which can ease and prevent lower back pain. Unassisted crunches, as well as sit-ups, can take a toll on your spine if you don't use a form-fitting ab mat or something similar.

Finally, today's ab rollers or wheels are not made of cheap plastic. They contain polymers that make them both durable and easy to grip. Handles are angled and ergonomic, and can often be removed for easier transport. Far from a gimmick, the ab roller is a tool that can give you the definition and upper body strength that so many of us are after.

q: Are inversion tables effective?

a:

Yes and no. According to our research, inversion tables can provide relief from back pain brought on by spinal misalignment. But there is no evidence that inverted crunches and other exercises are any more effective than their unassisted counterparts. Also, there is documentation that an inversion table can raise blood pressure. It also increases pressure in the eyeballs. This happens almost right away when you go upside down. People with hypertension or glaucoma should either avoid inversion tables or talk to their medical provider about how to use one safely.

q: Are you serious about mounting the wooden rings on a tree branch?

a:

Of course, we are! Have you ever seen the Olympics, CrossFit Games, or (the best one of all) the World's Strongest Man tournament? Huge portions of them take place outside. Having some sun on your face and being with friends is a great way to break out of a gym rut and try new things. While you're at it, bring some food and challenge your friends to a tree-off. Many state and local parks will have the kind of old-growth hardwood trees you need for support. Just make sure you use the main branch, one that's thick enough not to crack, and use a safety spotter/harness if you have to climb a ladder to mount the rings. Follow the mounting instructions in the user's manual, and all will be well.

q: Can a speed rope help me do double unders?

a:

Yes, it can. But if you have never tried double unders, there is a steep learning curve. Check out the video, by Paradiso CrossFit, that you will find in our Sources section. It is a step by step primer on double unders, perfect for a beginner.

We'd go as far as to say that you don't want to do double unders without a rope-like the Emerge (number one on our list). Forget about cheap jump ropes that actually use rope or beaded plastic ropes. They don't have the balance, speed, missed swing recovery, or smooth ball bearing rotation that is essential for double unders.

q: How do cooling towels work?

a:

Well, according to reviews we looked at, they work pretty well. Any more questions?

We're just kidding. There's no special science behind a cooling tower. You can get similar effects by soaking a T-Shirt or old scarf in water and putting it on ice for an hour or so. The only difference is in the material. Cooling towels use fabric that acts like a sponge, soaking up water that will then take longer to evaporate.

Actually, we suppose there is some science, since evaporation is a natural process that happens any time a wet surface is cooler than the air surrounding it, and the rate of condensation (water vapor turning into liquid) is too slow to keep up. When water evaporates, it is absorbing the ambient heat around it. If the heat energy is greater than the condensation rate, the water will become vapor and your towel will dry out. This is how a clothes drier works--it uses a motor to distribute the wet clothes, and a heating element to dramatically speed up the natural evaporation cycle.

With the T-Shirt trick, you will get the same relief as you would with a cooling towel. But the evaporation rate is faster because the shirt is not made to absorb or retain water. The quicker evaporation means fewer hours of cooling. If you can find a portable, unwanted throw pillow, it will work as a cooling implement more effectively than a shirt would.

That's because the padding inside the pillow acts like a sponge.

Sure, your friends at the next 5K or soccer game will crack jokes when they see you walking around with a pillow wrapped around your neck or tied to your stomach. But they won't be laughing after the pillow dries enough for you to take an outdoor nap while they're still sweating it out by the water station!

Sources

  1. Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., Inversion therapy: Can it relieve back pain?, Mayo Clinic
  2. Amy Livingston, Are Monthly Subscription Boxes Worth It?, Money Crashers
  3. Does It Really Work Contributors, Do Cooling Towels Really Work?, Crowdsourced Education Site
  4. Paradiso Crossfit Staff, How to Learn Double Unders Step By Step, Training Video