Shape up
Brilliant gift ideas for the fitness fanatic in your life
Searching for the perfect pressie isn’t easy, but if you’ve got a runner, cyclist or gym bunny in your life, the task is made marginally easier by the fact that they’ll probably love unwrapping a gift that feeds their fitness obsession.
From posture-aligning yoga mats and speedy running shoes, to progress-tracking wearables, we’ve whittled down the countless options out there to find genuinely useful gifts for fitness buffs, across a range of prices.
1) Adidas Believe This Highrise Wanderlust Tights, £84.95, Adidas.com
We all know there’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable in your gym gear, and this is especially true when you’re bending and stretching in a yoga session. Thankfully, these figure-hugging leggings have a moisture-wicking fabric that works to keep the body cool and dry during power work, while the stretchy material can handle even the most challenging inversions.
2) Nike Lean Armband, £18, Johnlewis.com
Whether you know a seasoned marathon runner or just casual park jogger, no runner’s kit is truly complete without a decent armband for their smartphone. This one fits snug and securely on the arm, so it won’t slip down during a furious sprint session. A clear panel on the front allows for picking the right tunes while on-the-go, and there’s a rip-tape closure to keep devices protected from any sudden rainy spells.
3) Sony WH-1000XM3 Headband Style Highresolution Audio Wireless Noise-cancelling Headphones, £329, Sony.co.uk
Finding a quiet spot to sit and meditate isn’t easy, especially if youliveina busy, urban environment. This pair of noisecancelling headphones from Sony can block out any irritating background sounds such as street noise, chatter and crowds, making them ideal for anyone who wants to zone out on their train ride to work. Handily, they also have a nifty ‘Quick Attention’ mode that allows you to easily tap off your music, so you can place your coffee order without having to pull off your cans.
4) Fabletics Ellery Bra, £26, Fabletics.co.uk
If you’ve got a friend or loved one that’s a fan of lowimpact sports, this supremely soft sports bra will keep her comfortable and supported during a Sunday stretch. It’s made from a soft loungewear material that’s comfortable enough to snooze on the sofa in, while the seamless design will eliminate any uncomfortable underarm chafing.
5) Phantai Yoga Mat, £80, Phantai.co.uk
Anyone who’s ever done a downward dog on a mat with poor grip will know how annoying it is to slide down it. Phantai mats (which also feature 4mm of cushioning) have far more grip than a lot of varieties out there. They’re also a great option for beginners looking to start their practice next year, as the design features alignment guidance to help place feet correctly and stay balanced in difficult poses like Warrior II.
6) Lululemon Men’s Pack It Down Jacket, £198, Lululemon.co.uk
Trudging to the gym in January is notoriously grim; the mornings are dark, it’s cold outside and it’s pretty much guaranteed to be raining. Make sure he stays warm and dry with this travel-ready down jacket that nips in closely at the neck and wrists to insulate body heat. Best of all, it folds into its own pocket, so can easily be rolled up and packed away when the sun comes out.
7) Opti Skipping Rope with Counter and Calorie Burn
Display, £11.99, Argos.co.uk
Skipping is a full-body workout that you can do pretty much anywhere, so this easy to carry rope is a great gift for anyone who travels a lot or struggles to get to the gym regularly. It’s height adjustable and has a handy digital counter that clocks up how many rotations they’ve done. It’ll also show how many calories they’ve burned in a single session too.
8) Asics Gel Nimbus 20 Men’s Running Shoes, from £150, Asics.co.uk
If the guy in your life is going for a personal best next year, set him up for success with the right running footwear. These lightweight trainers have had a cult following for over 20 years – and for good reason too: The bouncy internal cushioning provides a responsive ride that will power any runner through those difficult final miles.
9) Garmin Vivosmart 4, £119, Garmin.com
Sleek and slim, the great thing about this unisex fitness bracelet is that it doesn’t look as imposing as other fitness trackers on the market. But despite being small, it’s still mighty, delivering all the metrics that any gym fan might geek over; from heart rate and step count, to sleep analysis and stress tracking. There’s no need to worry about taking it off before showering (it’s completely waterproof ) and it can be programmed to gently vibrate when the wearer receives a text or a call too.
10) FWE Kennington 2.0 Windproof Glove, currently reduced to £9.99 from £24.99, Evanscycles.com
Is there anything worse than trying to cycle while your hands are being battered by the elements? If you’ve got a rain-or-shine cyclist in your family, help keep their fingers warm and dry with these insulated cycling gloves, which feature a thick Velcro cuff that traps heat at the wrist.