The Best Fitness Gifts for Holiday 2022

Whether you’re looking for ideas for yourself, or for a fitness-focused loved one, there’s never been a better time to shop for the holidays. Time is running out, so we've rounded up a few of our favorite (easily accessible) last minute gifts for all of the health and fitness lovers still left on your list.

Between clever bits of tech, amazing apps, and longtime staples like running shoes, there’s a little bit of everything on this list, so you’re sure to find something for a relative newcomer, or an experienced gym-goer.

With that in mind, let's get to the gifts:

Resistance Bands

While it’s not always easy to get to the gym, especially as those holiday parties start piling up, resistance bands offer an ideal full-body workout wherever you are.

Whether it’s for strengthening your core, getting into big curls in lieu of weights, or helping with pull-ups in the doorway, there’s plenty to enjoy. These colorful options from WIKDAY are a great place to get started, and there’s a set for heavier workouts, too.

Running Shoes

This is a tough one because there are literally thousands of options out there from all kinds of brands, each with a lineup of men's and women’s options.

One of the things newcomers may not realize when running in shoes that aren’t made for it is just how much damage they could be doing to their feet, ankles, and even hips and spine. Running shoes should be comfortable, but also functional. It’s not a bad thing if they’re good-looking enough to wear out for casual occasions, too.

With that in mind, we’ve picked the Nike Free Run 2 running shoes. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, they’re sure to shave a few seconds off of each split (and look good while doing it).

App Subscriptions

Smartphone users have no shortage of excellent fitness apps, with these three being our top picks. Plus, we love that these subscriptions are available literally instantly, so you don’t have to wait for a gift to arrive, or run to the store to get it. 

Fitbod: We reviewed this excellent all-rounder fitness app, and praised it for its algorithmic weightlifting and cardio selections. At $79.99 per year, it’s not cheap, but it does help you take your workouts to the next level.

Strava: Widely regarded as the best cardio app, Strava is an excellent way to track your runs, walks, and cycles, but it’s also a great social network for like-minded fitness enthusiasts. The premium subscription adds even more powerful training tools, metrics, and custom goals.

MyFitnessPal: This calorie-counting meal tracker is a staple for any keen athlete, and the premium membership adds additional goal options, removes ads, and offers meal plans and recipes.

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TRX All-In-On Suspension Trainer

TRX workouts are a great way to defy gravity with bodyweight workouts that train a variety of muscle groups. In many ways, it’s like a portable gym, whether you’re working on improving your plank or working on push/pull exercises.

This kit on Amazon comes with everything you need to get started, including handles and foot cradles, locking loops for safety, and a strong anchor point. You can also pick it up locally at Best Buy if you don’t have time for shipping. 

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Adjustable Dumbbell Kit

Weight training at home can be tricky, especially when you’ve done as many press-ups and air squats as you can without getting bored.

If you’re looking to blast your biceps or sculpt some shoulders, but don’t have room for a huge rack of weights, this Lusper Adjustable Dumbbell could be just what you’re looking for.

While it does only offer a single dumbbell, users simply need to twist it to lock in a series of different weights (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25lb increments). It’s a huge space saver, while still offering plenty of heft for your curl and press motions.

Apple Watch

We’ve opted against highlighting a specific model of Apple Watch, and that’s down to the recently announced Series 8, SE, and Ultra models.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a relatively minor upgrade, although its improved temperature sensor can help with more detailed cycle tracking. If that’s not of interest, the Series 7 is still an excellent purchase. The SE, on the other hand, is a fantastic first entry into the ecosystem.

Then there’s the Ultra, which packs so many gadgets and gizmos into its chassis that it wouldn’t be out of place in a spy movie but is actually focused on ultra-marathon runners, explorers, and those that climb mountains before breakfast.

What would you use yours for? Check out our best Apple Watch fitness apps guide for inspiration.

Fibit Charge 5

There are plenty of Fitbit options around, but for our money, the best tracker that offers value for money is the Fitbit Charge 5. It offers a bright, colorful display, access to Fitbit Premium (a subscription is included), and a slim design that’s easy to use but packed with sensors.

It can track how stressed you are, your blood-oxygen level, and everything else you’d expect including location (with built-in GPS) and calories burned.

Those are our picks for the best fitness gifts in 2022. What’s on your holiday wish list this year? 

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