Gifts for Fitness Enthusiasts: Fuel Their Passion in 2025

WHOOP 5.0 centers on continuous recovery and strain tracking, and the 5.0 Your Way kit lets you customize bands and clasps to match your style. In our testing, battery life improved over prior models for easier multi-day wear, and higher-tier plans unlock advanced features like ECG and blood-pressure insights. Keep in mind an annual membership is required for full access, adding ongoing cost. Early units saw some reliability hiccups and upgrade-policy confusion, so confirm eligibility and buy direct.

If better sleep is the goal, the Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage delivers some of the clearest long-term insights we’ve used. In our testing, detailed sleep staging and trend charts were helpful, the titanium build wears like jewelry, and battery life landed around five days. Our experience shows workout heart-rate and distance aren’t as accurate as a dedicated sport watch, and full features require a monthly membership. The non-replaceable battery also limits long-term sustainability.

If they want health insights without another wrist gadget, the Samsung Galaxy Ring feels almost weightless and is comfortable for day and night wear in our experience. We like that there’s no monthly subscription to access trends and insights. However, some find‑my‑ring tools and advanced features work best—or only—on Samsung phones, and fitness tracking is limited for many workouts with no manual logging. A few users have reported battery issues, including swelling; at $299.99 we suggest buying from an authorized retailer and monitoring fit.

If accurate HR and run form metrics are on their wish list, the Garmin HRM‑Pro delivered in our testing with rock‑solid dual Bluetooth/ANT+ connections and advanced running dynamics like ground contact time and vertical oscillation. It can even store sessions offline and sync to compatible Garmin watches later, handy for pool or team sports. The $89.99 price is higher than many straps, and older units’ battery doors can be fiddly. Also plan for regular strap cleaning to avoid odor and premature wear.

For runners and triathletes on a budget, the COROS PACE 3 hits a sweet spot of accuracy, battery, and price. In our testing, dual-frequency GPS locked on quickly and stayed precise, and battery life stretched for days—sometimes weeks—between charges. Wrist-based heart rate can wobble during hard intervals, and smartwatch features are basic with fewer third-party apps. We’ve also seen occasional sync quirks that firmware updates addressed, so expect the odd bit of troubleshooting.

Home lifters love the Bowflex SelectTech 552 for replacing a rack of weights with fast dial adjustments. In our testing, mid-set weight changes were effortless, the grippy ergonomic handles felt secure, and the 5-52.5 lb range covered most strength work. Trade-offs include a bulky shape that can pinch ROM on curls or presses and plastic internals that shouldn’t be dropped. You also need them seated correctly in the base to adjust, which can be finicky.

For lifters who want one bar to do it all, the Rogue Ohio Bar pairs Made-in-USA craftsmanship with high-tensile steel for serious durability. In our testing, its balanced whip and smooth sleeves handled Olympic and power lifts well, and the stainless finish adds helpful corrosion resistance for garage gyms. Be aware there’s no center knurl for extra squat grip, and any finish can scuff or oxidize with time. It costs more than many multipurpose bars, but the feel and longevity stand out.

Serious strength training in small spaces is where the PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP shines. We liked the compact footprint and expandable design—start lighter and grow to 100 lbs with kits—and the optional knurled grip and urethane plates feel durable. The block-style cage can limit range on movements like curls or kickbacks, and hitting the full 100 lbs requires buying multiple expansions. Weight changes are solid but not the fastest, especially when adding or removing micro-weights.

Rowers that last a decade of daily use are rare, and the Concept2 Model D with PM5 is the benchmark we recommend. During our review, the PM5 delivered consistent splits, ANT+/Bluetooth connectivity, and easy workout tracking, while the machine separates and wheels away for simple storage. Expect a noticeable whoosh at high intensities and no built-in touchscreen classes—this is a pure performance tool. The price is higher than many consumer options, but its durability and resale value make it a smart investment.

Built for chasing PRs, the Nike Alphafly 3 delivered explosive snap in our testing thanks to ZoomX foam and the forefoot Air Zoom units. The airy Atomknit upper kept things breathable and locked in, and the shoe feels remarkably light for such a high‑stack racer, flying on straightaways. That stack can feel awkward on tight turns and it’s too specialized for easy runs, so it’s not an everyday trainer. At $243.99, it’s a premium gift best suited for serious racers who want every advantage.

Open‑ear headphones that actually sound good? In our review, the Shokz OpenRun Pro offered noticeably richer bass than earlier bone‑conduction models, with a lightweight titanium wraparound fit that stayed comfy on long runs. Quick‑charge saved us more than once, giving meaningful playback after just minutes plugged in. Just know you’ll feel some vibration at higher volumes and there’s sound leakage, plus no active noise canceling—by design, ambient sound stays audible for road safety. At $109.95, they’re a smart, run‑safe gift.

The Manduka PRO is the mat we reach for when joint comfort and longevity matter most. In our testing, its dense cushioning spared our wrists and knees during long flows, and the durable build is made to last. Out of the box it can feel slick until broken in, and the closed-cell surface won’t absorb sweat—hot yoga folks may need a towel. Heavier and pricier than entry-level mats, but the support and lifespan justify the upgrade.

Looking to add gentle resistance to walks, yoga, or Pilates, we found Bala Bangles to be stylish and simple to grab-and-go, with a sleek, modern look and a handy zip case. During our review, the unpadded exterior sometimes dug into ankles on longer sessions, and several users report the Velcro fastening can wear out after a few months. They also feel pricey at $65 given the build. Great as a gift for low-impact training, but comfort and durability may vary with heavier use.

When sore muscles need serious attention, the Theragun PRO Plus is among the most capable devices we’ve used. The 16 mm amplitude hits deep tissue, while built-in heat, vibration, and near-infrared LED expand recovery options, all guided by an OLED screen with force meter and app routines. At roughly 3.6 pounds it can tire your arm, and the cold-therapy head is sold separately. We’ve also seen some reliability and support complaints, so register and keep your receipt.

Nothing spoils training like sore legs, and the Hyperice Normatec 3 made a real difference in our recovery, reducing next‑day heaviness after hard sessions. With seven compression levels and ZoneBoost, we could tailor pressure where it mattered most, and the improved battery let us run multiple sessions per charge. The downsides: at $899 it’s a serious investment, the boots and hoses are bulky to set up and store, and you’re parked in place during use. Best for athletes who prioritize recovery.

For the recovery-obsessed sleeper, the Eight Sleep Pod 5 Core impressed us with dual‑zone cooling and heating that kept both sides comfortable all night. Built‑in speakers with curated audio and morning health reports (heart rate and breathing) turned bedtime into a routine we could actually stick with. The catch is the steep $2,848 price and a required subscription to unlock full features, which adds ongoing cost. Our experience shows the cloud dependence can hiccup during internet outages, so offline controls are limited.

For long efforts when fueling can make or break a workout, Maurten 320 Caf 100 was gentle on our stomachs thanks to its hydrogel technology. Each packet packs 80 g of carbs plus 100 mg caffeine, using just a few simple ingredients with no artificial flavors—a tidy option for race day. The trade‑offs: at $4.95 per serving it’s pricey, mixes best in lukewarm water, and the taste skews very sweet with a slight bitter finish from the caffeine. Plan accordingly during training.

On long rides and sweaty classes, we found Skratch Labs Hydration Mix easy to sip thanks to subtle, real‑fruit flavors and a straightforward ingredient list—no artificial sweeteners. The electrolyte profile feels well‑balanced for endurance work, helping stave off cramps without a syrupy taste. Keep in mind it’s higher in sugar than some powders and needs 12–16 oz of water per serving. If you buy the bulk bag, handle the resealable closure gently—ours struggled after opening and can spill if overstuffed.

Compact but surprisingly capable, the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is our go-to for hands-free errands, hikes, and travel. We found the lightweight build comfy all day, the water-repellent fabric shrugged off drizzle, and interior mesh pockets plus an exterior zip kept keys, cards, and gels sorted. The strap can be short for cross-body over bulky coats, and fine adjustments are fiddly. It’s spot-clean only—lighter colors may stain—so consider a darker shade if you’re rough on gear.

For the data‑driven runner, the Garmin Forerunner 965 stood out in our testing with a sharp AMOLED touchscreen that makes maps and metrics pop, plus battery life that still lasts days. Training readiness, load, and performance metrics are among the best we’ve used for serious runners and triathletes. You’ll want a screen protector—the lens can scuff—and smartwatch apps aren’t as deep as an Apple Watch. At $599.99, it’s pricier than many midrange options, but the training tools justify it for committed athletes.